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The Big Butterfly Count 2025 is coming to the Sunshine Coast this March, offering a chance to explore local habitats and contribute to citizen science.
If you’re passionate about butterflies in Queensland, enjoy outdoor activities, or want to be part of an important eco-friendly initiative, this event is perfect for you.
Running from 7th March to 14th March 2025, this free and low-cost event invites participants to join guided butterfly surveys, learn about these essential pollinators, and play a role in conservation.
Big Butterfly Count Sunshine Coast – How You Can Help Protect Local Butterfly Species
The Big Butterfly Count is a local conservation initiative organised by Sunshine Coast Council to help monitor butterfly populations across the region.
The event takes place across five diverse locations, providing opportunities to observe and identify different butterfly species.
By participating, you’ll track butterfly populations, contribute to citizen science, and learn about butterfly-friendly habitats.
Butterflies are key pollinators and indicators of environmental health. Your involvement helps support conservation efforts while providing a fun, hands-on experience in nature.
Big Butterfly Count 2025 Event Locations – Where to Join a Butterfly Survey on the Sunshine Coast
The Big Butterfly Count 2025 will take place at five key locations across the Sunshine Coast, each offering a unique setting to explore and document butterfly species.
Big Butterfly Count at George Watson Park, Moffat Beach – Spot Coastal Butterfly Species
Date & Time: Friday, 7th March 2025, 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Location: 1 Wellington Parade, Moffat Beach
Cost: Free (registration required)
Start the Big Butterfly Count at George Watson Park, a coastal bushland reserve home to species like the Blue Tiger Butterfly and Common Crow Butterfly.
Butterflies of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland – Big Butterfly Count at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
Date & Time: Monday, 10th March 2025, 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Location: 148 Mountain View Road, Maleny
Cost: $5 plus $1.61 booking fee
Located in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, this subtropical rainforest is home to the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly, one of Queensland’s largest butterfly species.
Explore Native Butterfly Gardens – Big Butterfly Count at Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden
Date & Time: Wednesday, 12th March 2025, 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Location: Arts & Ecology Centre, Palm Creek Road, Tanawha
Cost: $5 plus $1.61 booking fee
Surrounded by native bushland, this botanic garden provides an ideal space to observe butterflies and learn how to create butterfly-friendly gardens.
Wetland Butterflies of Queensland – Join the Big Butterfly Count at Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary
Date & Time: Thursday, 13th March 2025, 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Location: Sports Road, Bli Bli
Cost: $5 plus $1.61 booking fee
This wetland sanctuary offers a diverse habitat for butterflies and birds, with boardwalk trails winding through mangroves, paperbark forests, and open grasslands. A morning tea session will follow the survey.
Discover Coastal Heathland Butterflies at Hardie Buzacott Reserve
Date & Time: Friday, 14th March 2025, 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Location: Corner of Tooway Parade & Roderick Street, Moffat Beach
Cost: Free (registration required)
The final event of the Big Butterfly Count focuses on endangered butterfly species in a coastal heathland setting, highlighting the importance of native vegetation.
Who Can Join the Big Butterfly Count? A Family-Friendly Sunshine Coast Nature Event
This event is open to:
- Families & kids – A fun and educational experience in nature.
- Nature lovers – An opportunity to explore Queensland’s butterfly species.
- Photographers – Capture butterflies in their natural environment.
- Gardeners – Learn how to attract butterflies to your backyard.
- Citizen scientists – Contribute to biodiversity research.
Things to Do Near Big Butterfly Count Locations – Best Sunshine Coast Nature Experiences
Before or after your Big Butterfly Count session, explore these Sunshine Coast attractions:
- Moffat Beach & Shelly Beach – Scenic coastal walks and local cafés.
- Maleny – Visit Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World or enjoy coffee at Mary Cairncross Café.
- Tanawha – Discover the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden.
- Bli Bli – Walk the Maroochy Wetlands boardwalk or visit Bli Bli Castle.
How to Get to Big Butterfly Count Locations – Transport & Parking Options
Each event location is easily accessible by car, public transport, or bike:
- Driving: Parking is available at all sites.
- Public Transport: Check TransLink schedules for bus routes.
- Cycling & Walking: Some locations have bike paths and pedestrian-friendly access.
Register for the Big Butterfly Count 2025 – Secure Your Spot for a Sunshine Coast Wildlife Event
Pre-registration is required for all sessions. Spaces are limited, so book early!
- Visit the event website to register.
- Select your session and confirm your booking.
For full details and registration links, visit the official event page.
Why You Should Join the Big Butterfly Count 2025 – Make a Difference in Butterfly Conservation
Joining the Big Butterfly Count Sunshine Coast supports conservation efforts, promotes biodiversity research, and offers a fun, educational outdoor experience.
Register today and be part of this important citizen science event!
Discover more Sunshine Coast events, nature experiences, and community news by visiting our blog:
Moving to the Sunshine Coast Blog