This small and sweet nature center is truly a hidden gem and a peaceful retreat within the city! Built in the 1920s as a residence for Taikoo Sugar staff, the building was renovated in 2012 and Woodside Biodiversity Education Centre was born.
Located a 20-minute walk uphill from Quarry Bay, Woodside’s beautiful setting is well worth the climb, once you arrive and briefly explore the outdoor garden, head indoors! You’ll find three small but well-done galleries that introduce biodiversity in a fun, hands-on way.
Highlights include:
Gallery 1 – Biodiversity facts will surprise you and a short slideshow full of beautiful photos of local plants and animals that even toddlers will find accessible.
Gallery 2 – Live reptiles, other larger animal specimens, plus a giant fish tank that little ones can go “inside” via a plexiglass bubble!
Gallery 3 – Touch-screen computer games, including one where kids guide a mother turtle around trash obstacles to Lamma Island to safely lay her eggs. Don’t miss the fun camera booth where you can take pictures of your pint-sized naturalist and send the pics home via email…a great and free memento of your adventure!
Note: There is no parking at Woodside. If the walk up from King’s Road is too daunting, take a taxi straight to Woodside, and enjoy the easy and shaded walk downhill when you leave. Along the way through the lush greenery, you’ll have nice views of the city and will pass hikers on their way up to Quarry Bay Tree Walk and Hong Pak Country Trail.
