Hearts flutter with excitement for butterfly sanctuary

From May 24 to June 1, there will be up to 60 butterflies fluttering inside the building.

Cr Ayril Paton said the Botanic Gardens was giving residents a rare chance to get up close and personal with some winged wonders.

“There will be six different butterfly species on display,” he said.

“The pupae have been delivered to the Botanic Gardens and will continue emerging and transforming into butterflies over the next week, ready for the official opening on May 24.

“The butterflies that will be on display are all local species that enjoy our warmer climate and can be found in the Mackay region.”

The six species include Cairns Birdwing, Orchard Butterfly, Cruiser, Common Eggfly, Banded Eggfly and Lemon Migrant.

Entry to the display is a gold coin donation. All children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens’ Visitor Information Centre is open on weekdays from 9am to 4pm and on weekends from 10am to 2pm for those who want to view the display.

Or, why not come along to the annual Botanic Gardens Day on June 1 from 9am to 2pm, which will be residents’ last chance to see the butterfly sanctuary and will include plant giveaways, stalls, gardening workshops, kids’ activities, plus more.

Residents are advised that while the butterflies on display have been timed to hatch for the opening, this is a natural occurrence and the exact timing cannot be guaranteed.