Highfields: Big Cow and plant diversity

Highfields can be explored through two very different attractions: the large-scale Big Cow at Highfields Pioneer Village and the plant life of Peacehaven Botanic Park. The same park also has a nature-themed adventure playground. This offers a choice of different interests: a single sculpture, botanical diversity and active play.

The Big Cow and its scale

The Big Cow is a concrete sculpture and is seven times the size of the Ayrshire cow it is modelled on. This comparison makes the attraction easy to grasp: it puts the sculpture’s size in context not through an abstract number, but by comparing it with a specific model. Visitors interested in the sculpture can therefore look out for two details—the concrete material and its scale in relation to the Ayrshire cow. This makes the name “Big Cow” a clearly defined attraction, distinguished by its size and model.

Native plants at Peacehaven Botanic Park

More than 400 species of native plants and trees grow at Peacehaven Botanic Park. The number points to a broad botanical theme: it is not about a single plant, but about the many native species that characterise the park. For anyone who enjoys taking a closer look at plants and trees while travelling, this is a reason in its own right to include the park in their plans. The Big Cow offers a clear comparison between an object and its model; at the park, attention instead turns to diversity and different species.

Play and paths in the park

The nature-themed adventure playground at Peacehaven Botanic Park is suitable for all age groups. This adds another element alongside the plants: active play within a nature theme. For families with different age groups to consider, the age guidance can be a helpful point when planning. You can weigh up whether the play facilities are as important to your visit as seeing the native plants and trees. This gives you two specific interests in the park that may together—or separately—help you decide to visit.

Wheelchair-accessible paths run through the gardens at Peacehaven Botanic Park. For travellers who take such paths into account when planning, this is practical information to help choose a destination. Check the current conditions on site before your visit. This lets you factor in access to the paths early in your travel plans.

Which side of Highfields suits your stay

When looking for a holiday apartment in Highfields, these differences can be a useful starting point. Ask yourself whether you’re most interested in a distinctive sculpture, botanical diversity or nature-themed play during your stay. If you have several interests, you can enjoy both the plant diversity and playground at Peacehaven Botanic Park; the Big Cow, by contrast, offers an attraction in its own right.

Discover more destinations: Blackwater, Hayman Island, Zilzie, Lake Eacham, North Tamborine, Traveston, Daguilar, Parramatta Park

For the main travel overview: Queensland.