If you are looking for a free, nature-based activity for the kids, then head to Redlands IndigScapes Centre at Capalaba. IndigiScapes is an environmental educational centre boasting a recently renovated Discovery Centre, native nursery, café, gift shop, native botanical gardens, nature trails, and a playground for children.
The Discovery Centre
The Discovery Centre is full of engaging displays, information, and hands-on opportunities to learn more about the natural world. There’s a microscope, magnifying glass stations, and binoculars to try out. Large picture windows overlook the creek below and make an excellent perch for bird spotting.
Indigscapes also hosts a range of child-friendly events and workshops throughout the year in addition to offering opportunities for incursions and excursions for local schools.
The playspace
Firstly, don’t expect your standard plastic playground but rather a nature play space that integrates with its surrounds. Featuring a flying fox, obstacle course, sand play area and a growing hedge maze, this is the perfect area for kids to play while you enjoy the gardens. The playground also features a BBQ and picnic table.
They also have some lovely wings that will transform your child into the vulnerable Richmond Birdwing Butterfly.
The Botanic Gardens
Wander from the café through to the botanic gardens that feature native Australian plants in seven different styles (bush tucker, formal, wetland, wildlife, coastal, rainforest, and wildflower) to provide inspiration for your own backyard. If you visit on a weekday, the native nursery at the far end of these gardens is well worth a visit too — they have a range of native seedlings for $3.00 per plant. The nursery is run by volunteers who can offer advice on what you should plant depending on the type of garden you are looking to achieve.
Nature walks
IndigiScapes features three walking trails of easy grades that are around 20 minutes’ walk, two of which are wheelchair accessible.
Discover the resident fairy-wren family on the popular Tallowwood View Trail also known for its wildflowers in Spring. Wheelchair accessible. (20 minutes return)
The Fairy Wren Walk is a picturesque walk along the banks of Coolynwynpin Creek. Sightings of wallabies are possible. Wheelchair accessible. (10 minutes)
Enjoy the sounds of native birds as you weave your way through scribbly gums on the Wildflower Walk. (20 minutes return)
Café or picnic
The IndigiScapes café has a focus on local cuisine, with a bushtucker twist. Grab a light meal, or pack BYO a picnic and enjoy the outdoors in the gardens. There is also a gift shop that provides an array of local artisan creations and other gifts with a native Australian type focus.
More information
Location: 17 Runnymede Rd, Capalaba
Opening hours: The Redlands IndigiScapes Centre is open 10am – 4pm, 7 days a week
Cost: Free
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