Fairhill marks 50 years with Winter Solstice Festival
Fairhill Botanic Gardens in Ninderry will mark its 50th anniversary with its first-ever Winter Solstice Festival, running Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 June. The free community event begins at 8am daily and promises two days of nature, light, food, music and family fun.
The festival will also coincide with the grand opening of Fairhill’s new Country Store & Farm Shop, officially launching at 10am Saturday.
Fairhill is known for its native plant nursery, award-winning café bar restaurant, and Queensland’s original native botanical gardens that attract locals and visitors alike.
“We’re blending everything people love about Fairhill – plants, produce, play, and happiness in our nature – into one big joyful event,” said CEO Angela Wright MBE.
Festival highlights include the Australian Plants Winter Festival showcasing bushfoods and native plants, a forest fairy trail with prizes for every child, and the Perfect Pups Bandana Parade at 10am daily.
Live music begins from 11am on the Pavilion stage, alongside art, local food, and a bar serving craft beer, hot chocolates with bush spices, and Harry Potter-style butterbeer.
Talks and tastings will feature bush tucker demos and keynote presentations from Fairhill founder Alex Hansa and Angela Wright. Kids can also enjoy FairhillAdventure Sessions including chick cuddles, seed planting and nature-based play (ticketed).
From 3pm daily, guests can gather around the firepit for marshmallow toasting, lantern-making and a twilight lantern parade to close out the day.
Fairhill was originally established in 1975 by Alex and Barbara Hansa and remains one of the Sunshine Coast’s best-known garden destinations. Under new family ownership, the site continues to evolve with a focus on nature-positive gardening for more birdsong and more blooms, the award-winning farm-to-table Cafe Bar Restaurant, and providing family adventures in nature.
Details: www.fairhill.com.au | Fairhill Gardens, 114 Fairhill Road, Ninderry | Entry free | Adventure Sessions ticketed.
Fairhill founder Alex Hansa with Fairhill horticulturist Vanessa Barker.