Gardens grow in size with opening of new Bonsai House at Tondoon

Published on 13 November 2025

The award-winning Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens has a brand-new attraction following the recent opening of Yūjō Bonsai House.

Yūjō is a Japanese word for friendship, with the new Bonsai House named by the Saiki City Sister City Committee.

The Bonsai House officially opened on Sunday 26 October and will display between 20 to 25 bonsai trees at any time.

The house also contains native plants unique to the Port Curtis Pastoral District.

OFFICIAL OPENING: (L to R) Diane Holzapfel, Chris Moore, Cr Chris Cameron, Leisa Dowling, Cr Glenn Churchill, Stephen Cullum, Barry Meiring, Hugh Grant, Cr Natalia Muszkat, John Holzapfel and Beau Pett.

Event MC and Gladstone Region Councillor Glenn Churchill said bonsai is growing in popularity within the region.

“The opening of the Bonsai House is a significant milestone not only for Gladstone, but the entire state,” Cr Churchill said.

“Gladstone’s Bonsai House is only the second to open its doors in Queensland, with the other house located at Mount Coot-tha in Brisbane.

“The journey towards opening this magnificent facility began 10 years ago when a master plan was developed for the southern bank of Lake Tondoon, and since that time we’ve hosted many bonsai workshops, exhibitions and events that have attracted in excess of 5000 people.

“None of this growing success would be possible without the Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens team, Tondoon Bonsai volunteers, the Saiki City Sister City Committee and the many bonsai enthusiasts who call our region home.”

ELEGANT: Approximately 20 bonsai trees will on display at the new Tondoon Bonsai House.

Keen to visit the new Bonsai House?

Visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/tondoon-botanic-gardens to view the Bonsai House opening hours.