Gardens & Wildlife
The rich volcanic soils, temperate climate and abundant rainfall of the Atherton Tablelands have created a unique natural environment with some of the most diverse flora and fauna in Australia that is also a garden lover’s paradise. With low humidity and cool winters (the average temperature is 5 to 10 degrees cooler than the coastal regions) many plants that usually do not grow in the tropics flourish in climate of the Atherton Tablelands.
“Dear Louise and Chris we enjoyed our holiday so much. We loved the gazebo, the birds, the bandicoots, the garden – everything. Also the tennis. Thanks."
Neil & Mary (Townsville). Linda & Bill (Paluma).
)
)
)
)
)
)
The Grandview Gardens
The Gardens at Grandview are a mixture of native and exotic plantings. Most of the rainforest trees were planted a little over 20 years ago when the property was sub-divided from the original dairy farm next door. All of the smaller trees have been planted during the last few years.
The gardens have been a labour of love for current owner Louise Knol. Louise’s approach to gardening is that a garden should be more than a collection of plants – it needs to stimulate and create a sense of joy. A garden is like a blank canvas – you can create whatever you want and use many different materials to create it. During the creation of the gardens Louise has had considerable help from husband Chris – he has created the large metal sculptures such as the spider web, the butterfly, the solar system and the large tricycle. Their friends now are constantly on the lookout for bits and pieces to add to the gardens so there is a real sense of fun and involvement!
“Loved the garden and all the art work. Thanks for a great stay."
Alison, Carie & Marcia, England.
)
)
)
)
)
)
“Here is wonderful with the gardens, the birds, the beautiful house and also the whirlpool! Thanks for all!."
Cristina & Pino, Michele & Natalina. Switzerland.
We welcome you to Grandview and hope that you take time to enjoy the gardens during your stay.
)
)
)
)
)
)
Wildlife at Grandview
We are blessed with a diversity of birdlife at Grandview. Within the 5 acre boundaries of Grandview we have recorded over 75 bird species. These range from the Rainbow Lorikeet, King Parrot and Crimson Rosella through to the Yellow–bellied sunbird, Emerald Dove and Lewin's Honeyeater. As we continue our rainforest re-planting programme the number of species will continue to grow.
For the novice birdwatcher we offer the use of binoculars and Bird Identification books such as the ‘Simpson & Day Field Guide to the Birds of Australia’ and the ‘Reader's Digest Complete Book of Australian Birds’.
)
)
)
)
)
)
Many other animals visit the Grandview Gardens or are permanent residents. You many encounter any of these creatures during a night walk at Grandview (torches are provided in your suite):
- Coppery Brushtail Possum
- Common Brushtail Possum
- Green Ringtail Possum (occasionally)
- Lumholz Tree Kangaroo (very occasionally seen)
- Long Nosed Bandicoot
- Northern Brown Bandicoot
- Geckos including the spectacular Leaf Tailed Gecko
- Antechninus
- Dunnart
- Various frogs including the Common Green Treefrog, White-lipped Treefrog, and Sharp-snouted Dayfrog.
- Boobook Owl
- Curlews with their mournful and eerie cries
- Bats
- Try and catch a firefly
- Insects and moths including the deafening sounds of the cicadas….
… and whatever other secrets the night will reveal to you …
)
)
)
)
)
Grandview is a Land for Wildlife Property
Land for Wildlife in Queensland is an innovative, established program that delivers on-ground nature conservation outcomes. Land for Wildlife is collectively one of the most effective and active extension services offered to private land-holders.
Land for Wildlife is a voluntary nature conservation program. It supports the maintenance and enhancement of native flora and fauna on private land through cooperative agreements and advisory services. It also aims to encourage land-holders to integrate nature conservation with other land management activities.
)
)
)
)
)
Grandview is part of Australia’s Open Garden Scheme
Australia's Open Garden Scheme is a non-profit organisation that began in Victoria in 1987. Their aim is to promote the knowledge and pleasure of gardens and gardening across Australia. They do this by opening Australia's most inspiring private gardens to the public.
Grandview’s gardens were open to the public in 2007 and again in 2009. Over 1,100 people visited the gardens with all proceeds being returned to the Open Garden Scheme and donated to local not for profit organisations including FNQ Wildlife Rescue and the Tablelands Animal Refuge.
