| UQ Boyce Gardens Tours |
This magnificent garden, forest and park, covering 6 hectares, was established as a private garden by leading Toowoomba citizens Leslie and Margaret Boyce almost 60 years ago. In 1969, it was given by them in trust to The University of Queensland (UQ), for the enjoyment and education of the people of Australia.
Date: Sunday 21 September 2025
Venue: 6 Range St, Mount Lofty, Toowoomba, QLD 4350
Register by: Friday 5 September 2025
Tour times: from 10:15am–1:30pm (see further information below)
Sound of Symmetry Performance: 12:00–1:00pm
| Introduction to Boyce Gardens Tour Times: - Tour 1: 10:15–11am - Tour 2: 12:15pm–1pm Join long-time caretaker and garden expert Daryl Mears on a tour of Boyce Gardens. With decades of dedication to the gardens, Mr Mears brings a deep knowledge of the site’s history, design, and plant collections. This tour will take you through all the key areas of the gardens – from the formal front garden and rainforest gully to the orchard and native bushland – while sharing the fascinating story of the Boyce family and their enduring legacy. Whether you're a history buff, plant lover, or simply looking for a peaceful and informative outing, this is a rare opportunity to experience one of Queensland’s most treasured gardens through the eyes of someone who knows it best. About Daryl Mears: Daryl Mears has dedicated over 4 decades to preserving Boyce Gardens. Beginning his journey in 1975 as a 15-year-old labourer for Leslie and Margaret Boyce, Mears evolved from a reluctant gardener to the estate's devoted caretaker. The gardens have flourished under his stewardship, maintaining the Boyces' vision of a space for horticultural education and public enjoyment. His unwavering commitment has ensured that Boyce Gardens remains a cherished landmark, reflecting both natural beauty and historical significance. | |
| Toowoomba's last remaining rainforest tract Tour Times: - Tour 1: 10:45–11:30am - Tour 2: 12–12:45pm Join Dr Nick Hudson for a guided walk through one of the last remaining tracts of original native rainforest in Toowoomba, located at Boyce Gardens. This 30-minute tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the ecological richness of this heritage-listed site. As you meander slowly along uneven paths beneath the rainforest canopy, Dr Hudson will share insights into the distinctive features, flora and fauna of this precious remnant ecosystem, helping you see the rainforest not just as a collection of trees, but as a dynamic, interconnected web of life. With a background in animal biology and metabolic physiology, and a deep interest in native Australian species like frogs and butterflies, Dr Hudson brings a rich, interdisciplinary perspective to the tour. About Dr Nick Hudson: Dr Nick Hudson is a metabolic biochemist focused on making animal production more sustainable using cutting-edge genomics technologies. His research spans agriculture and native species like frogs and butterflies, exploring development, metabolism and conservation. Before joining UQ, Dr Hudson worked at CSIRO, where he co-invented a method to identify molecular drivers of complex traits in livestock, which is also applied in cancer research. As a passionate educator, he connects molecular biology to real-world issues, from farming to human health. Originally from the UK, Dr Hudson studied at the University of St Andrews and earned his PhD at UQ on a Northcote Scholarship. | |
| The remarkable ecology and history of Boyce Gardens Tour Times: - Tour 1: 11:15am–12pm - Tour 2: 10–10:45am Join a tour of Boyce Gardens with Professor Victor Galea, a plant scientist and restoration ecology expert with a deep connection to the gardens and their ongoing stewardship. Professor Galea will guide you through all the key areas of the gardens – from the formal gardens and rainforest gully to the orchard and native bushland – while sharing the rich history of the Boyce family and their vision for conservation and education. With his background in plant biotechnology and environmental restoration, Professor Galea brings a unique perspective to the story of this remarkable landscape. About Professor Victor Galea: Professor Victor Galea is a plant pathologist dedicated to tackling Australia’s toughest plant diseases, especially those caused by fungi. His research spans crop diseases, soil health and beneficial microbes. A major achievement includes developing a natural bioherbicide for the invasive weed Parkinsonia, leading to the creation of BioHerbicides Australia. Professor Galea now leads a team focused on managing woody weeds like prickly acacia and rubber vine, working across remote regions of Australia. Since 2013, he has also served as Deputy Head of the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, based at UQ’s Gatton Campus, supporting staff and helping elevate UQ agriculture to global prominence. | |
| Insects, the miniature marvels of the natural world Tour Times: - Tour 1: 11:45am–12:30pm - Tour 2: 10:30–11:15am Join entomologist Dr Kathy Ebert for a tour of Boyce Gardens explored through the lens of entomology—uncovering the fascinating lives of the insects that call this biodiverse haven home! Dr Ebert is a casual academic at UQ and postdoctoral researcher at the Queensland Museum—and an expert in native dung beetle behaviour and taxonomy who brings years of experience in science education and insect studies. Join her to learn more about the vital roles insects play in ecosystems—from pollination to decomposition and beyond. This tour promises to be an enlightening and inspiring exploration of the miniature marvels of the natural world. Dr Kathy Ebert is a postdoctoral research scientist at the Queensland Museum with a primary research focus on the taxonomy and behaviour of dung beetles. Dr Ebert is also a casual academic lecturer at UQ and has been inspiring UQ students in the Insect Science course for the past 15 years. With a background in zoology and science education, Dr Ebert worked as a Ranger Naturalist with the US National Park Service and as a science educator at the Yale-Peabody Museum of Natural History before moving to Australia. After raising four children, her return to science education and a fascination with dung beetles led to studying a PhD at UQ. Dr Ebert is a passionate scientist who loves to share her knowledge about insects with others. | |
| The secret life of weeds Tour Time: 12:45–1:30pm Join Lachlan Fowler, Laboratory Manager of the Plant and Soil Environmental Health Laboratories at UQ Gatton, for a tour focusing on environmental weeds – how they invade, the threats they pose to native biodiversity and the science behind managing them effectively. Whether you're a land manager, gardener, student or nature lover, this is a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of science and conservation in one of Queensland’s most beautiful garden settings. About Lachlan Fowler: Lachlan Fowler manages the Plant and Soil Environmental Health Laboratories at UQ Gatton, supporting research and teaching in plant and soil sciences since 2016. With qualifications in marine and wildlife management, he brings practical expertise and an environmental focus to lab operations. During the 2020 shift to remote learning, Mr Fowler created high-quality instructional videos, helping maintain hands-on learning for students. He’s recognised for his innovation and commitment to enhancing student education. | |
| Sound of Symmetry Performance Performance Time: 12–1pm Join mathematician Artem Pulemotov and musicologist Denis Collins for a captivating exploration of symmetry – a concept that bridges the worlds of science and the creative arts. Discover how symmetry has shaped artistic expression throughout history and how it continues to influence modern scientific thought, from the natural world to the intricate patterns of plant life. The presentation will be brought to life with live musical performances by acclaimed ensemble Topology, culminating in the premiere of a newly commissioned piece inspired by the scientific beauty of symmetry. This project is proudly supported by the Queensland Government's Engaging Science Grants. About Professor Artem Pulemotov: About Associate Professor Denis Collins: About Topology: |
Carla Miladinovic, Senior Community Engagement Officer
Telephone: +61 7 3346 6937
Email: communityengagement@uq.edu.au