Arkarra Tea Gardens is a lovely nature reserve with lagoons set on two acres, complete with walking tracks and a great little cafe.  

The name Arkarra means "place of many ducks" and was given to the lagoons by Butchulla Aboriginal Elder, Aunty Olga Miller.

The lagoons have lots of wildlife including birds, ducks and turtles.  There is a viewing platform on the edge of the main lagoon with seating, making it a perfect picnic spot.

The main lagoon has a water fountain and a large grassy area suitable for kids who need to burn off some energy running around.

We loved the wetlands and were expecting to see a swamp but were instead treated to a beautiful green blanket that gave the impression of soft grass.... but don't be fooled, it is actually water!  We double checked by poking a stick along the edge!

Our Wide Bay Kids loved spotting little fish in the clear shallow areas as well as looking for frogs.

A walking track runs beside the lagoons and through the wetland area.  From the main parking lot near the cafe, take the path to the left over the picturesque wooden bridge to reach the main lagoon.

From the lagoon the walking tracks are mostly hard pressed dirt with a couple of wooden bridges.  Although I didn't take a pram with me one with rubber tyres should manage these paths.  You will need to keep an eye out for tree roots growing on the path and loose rocks.

Both my kids found these tracks easy to walk and we stretched our time out by reading the signage and talking about all the birds we saw.  The kids also had a great time finding interesting things in the bushland like butterflies and lizards.  They also burned off some energy racing each other along the wider paths.

The cafe serves yummy meals that include homemade style sweets as well as gluten free and vegetarian options. A children's menu is also available.

We were really impressed with the cafe.  The menu was appealing to everyone, yeah!. Meals are served on wooden tables under Bali style huts within the manicured gardens.  It was a lovely peaceful place to have a meal.

Walking tracks that meander through lagoons and wetlands, toilets and a lovely cafe.  It's a really enjoyable place to spend a morning or afternoon with the kids.

Not much really.  It's not a huge reserve area and it would be lovely if the walking tracks went a bit further.

Name: Arkarra Tea Gardens

Address: 28 - 34 Panorama Drive, Dundowran Beach, QLD

Parking: There is well signed parking on site near the cafe

Week Day Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 8:30am - 3pm

Weekend Opening Hours: Sat & Sun 8am - 4pm

Public Holidays: Closed