10 Best Parks In Brisbane

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

Imagine a sunny afternoon with a picnic blanket, your favorite book and the chirping of birds in the background. If this sounds like your idea of heaven, then you're about to embark on an exciting journey through some of the best green spaces Brisbane has to offer.

As someone who's been fortunate enough to explore these havens personally, I can assure you that each park stands out for its unique charm and distinctive features. So buckle up as we take an enchanted tour through the best parks in Brisbane - from tranquil oasis filled with native flora and fauna, to vibrant playgrounds bursting with fun-filled activities for all ages. You'll discover why locals treasure these parks and why tourists consider them must-visit spots.

1. Roma Street Parkland

Roma Street Parkland is a beautiful park located right in the heart of Brisbane city. It is a popular destination for both tourists and locals, and for good reason. The park features a range of colorful subtropical gardens, shady picnic areas, and a large Celebration Lawn, which is perfect for flying kites, playing sports, or just relaxing.

It is highly rated for its scenic beauty, natural surroundings, and activities for all ages. Visitors can take a stroll through the park's various gardens, including the Rainforest, Fern Gully, and Spectacle Garden, which feature a variety of native and exotic plants.

The park is also home to a range of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and lizards, making it an ideal location for nature lovers. There are plenty of walking and cycling tracks throughout the park, and visitors can also hire bikes or take a guided Segway tour to explore the area.

Roma Street Parkland is a great spot for a picnic, with plenty of shady areas and BBQ facilities available. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at the park's two bars and cafes, which offer a range of snacks, drinks, and meals.

2. New Farm Park

After visiting this park, I can confidently say that New Farm Park is one of the best Brisbane parks in the city. Situated on the banks of the Brisbane River, this park offers a wide range of activities for people of all ages.

One of the park's most popular features is its playgrounds. The wooden fort-style playground is built among the fig trees and has balancing beams, ladders, bridges, fire poles, slides, and a giant rope climbing frame. There is also a dedicated toddler playground and a dragon-themed section, which is sure to keep the little ones entertained for hours.

For those who love to picnic, New Farm Park has plenty of shady spots to set up a blanket and enjoy a meal. There are also several barbecue facilities available for public use, making it a great spot for a family barbecue.

If you're looking for something a little more active, the park has plenty of space for sports and games. There are several grassy areas perfect for kicking a ball around or playing frisbee. The park also has a cricket pitch and a basketball court.

For those who prefer a more relaxed day out, there are several walking paths throughout the park that offer amazing views of the river. There is also a rose garden that is particularly beautiful during the spring and summer months.

And ff you're feeling peckish, there is a cafe located within the park that serves up delicious food and drinks. The cafe has both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a great spot to sit and relax while taking in the park's beautiful surroundings.

Contact:

Address: 1042 Brunswick St, New Farm QLD 4005, Australia

Phone: +61 7 3403 8888

3. South Bank Parklands

As a visitor to Brisbane, I can confidently say that the South Bank Parklands is one of the top Brisbane parks in the city. Located in the center of Brisbane, South Bank Parklands is a premier lifestyle and cultural destination, offering a range of facilities and activities for visitors of all ages.

One of the highlights of South Bank Parklands is the Streets Beach, a man-made beach that is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is free to use and is patrolled by lifeguards, making it a safe place for children to play.

In addition to the beach, South Bank Parklands also has a range of cafes, bars, and restaurants. Whether you're looking for a quick bite to eat or a sit-down meal, there is something for everyone. The parklands also host a range of markets and cultural events throughout the year, so be sure to check the calendar before you go.

For families with children, the park has a water play area and a range of playgrounds. The parklands also have a lagoon that is perfect for swimming, sailing and kayaking, and there are plenty of grassy areas for picnics and ball games.

If you're interested in culture and exhibitions, South Bank Parklands is home to a range of cultural and exhibition centres, including the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and the Gallery of Modern Art.

Contact:

Address: Clem Jones Promenade, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia

Phone: +61 7 3029 1797

4. Rocks Riverside Park

As a nature enthusiast, I have visited many parks in Brisbane, but Rocks Riverside Park stands out for its unique features and facilities. Located in the city's outer south-west, this expansive parkland alongside the Brisbane River offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities.

This district park features three booking sites - The Entrance, The Green, and The River, each with its own distinct features. The Entrance has a large shaded sandpit with toddler playground equipment, while The Green has a fort-like playground older kids will love, with a rock-climbing structure and circle of swings nearby. The River is a water park that operates in the warmer months and has a huge climbing structure and flying fox.

One of the unique features of Rocks Riverside Park is the industrial artifacts scattered throughout the park, reminding visitors of the park's past as the site of the former Queensland Cement Limited quarry. The park also has a community garden, free Wi-Fi, and a Great Lawn, approximately 8000 square meters of open grassed space, perfect for outdoor activities.

Contact:

Address: 531 Seventeen Mile Rocks Rd, Seventeen Mile Rocks QLD 4073, Australia

Phone: +61 7 3403 8888

5. Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park

One of the most iconic parks in Brisbane is the Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park. Situtaed just across the river from the CBD, it offers fantastic city views of the skyline, and is a popular spot for outdoor activities such as picnics, bushwalking, and rock climbing.

One of the most popular activities at Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park is rock climbing. The cliffs are a popular spot for climbers of all levels, and there are several companies that offer guided climbs for those who are new to the sport.

If you're not into climbing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy at this cool park. There are several picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy the scenery, and there are also plenty of spots for fishing and wildlife watching. At night, the park comes alive with the city lights, which makes ti a great spot for a romantic evening stroll.

Contact:

Address: 29 River Terrace, Kangaroo Point QLD 4169, Australia

Phone: +61 7 3403 8888

6. Tuckeroo Park

Tuckeroo Park is a beautiful park located in Nudgee Beach, Brisbane. It is a great place to visit with family and friends.

One of the highlights of Tuckeroo Park is its natural beauty. The park is surrounded by trees and greenery, making it a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It's also a great place to take your kids and let them run around and explore nature.

For dog owners, Tuckeroo Park has an off-leash dog area, which is perfect for your furry friends to run around and socialize with other dogs. The area is well-maintained, and there are plenty of waste bins around, so you can easily clean up after your dog.

Tuckeroo Park is also a great spot for picnics. There are plenty of picnic tables and benches throughout the park, and there's even an area for BBQs, so you can cook up a storm and enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends.

7. Brisbane City Botanic Gardens

I recently visited the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, and I must say, it was a breathtaking experience. The gardens are located in the heart of the city, and it's easily accessible by public transport. The garden is home to some of the most stunning gardens, including the Japanese Gardens, which has a beautiful collection of bonsai specimens and cacti.

The botanical garden is home to a wide variety of plants and trees, including temperate gardens, which is a must-see for anyone visiting the garden. This place is also home to a wide range of Australian birdlife, which is a treat for bird watchers.

The park is well-maintained, and the paths are well-laid out, making it easy to explore. It is also wheelchair accessible, making it possible for everyone to enjoy the beauty of the garden.

Contact:

Address: 147 Alice St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia

8. Mowbray Park

Mowbray Park is a beautiful and historic park located in East Brisbane, just a short distance from the city center. It is a rare turn-of-the-century riverside park, established in 1850 by the father of East Brisbane Reverend Thomas Mowbray. The park is heritage-listed and is a remnant of the riverine estate on which his house once stood.

This park is a perfect place for a picnic, with lots of shady spots and seating areas. You can sit by the river and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, or take a stroll along the riverbank. There are also plenty of activities to keep you entertained, including a nice playground for Brisbane kids.

One of the most notable features of Mowbray Park is the East Brisbane War Memorial, which is located within the park. The memorial is a significant historical landmark, built from 1904 to 1974, and is dedicated to the soldiers who fought and died in World War I and II.

Contact:

Address: 78 Lytton Rd, East Brisbane QLD 4169, Australia

9. King Edward Park

King Edward Park is a charming and historic park located on the border of Spring Hill and the CBD in Brisbane. It is a century-old terraced park that features an iconic staircase known as Jacob's Ladder, which leads from the upper to the lower levels of the park.

As a nature lover, I appreciate the lush greenery and shady trees that make King Edward Park a perfect spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. The park is well-maintained, and visitors can enjoy the well-manicured lawns and beautiful gardens that are scattered throughout.

While this lovely little park may not be as large as some of the other parks in Brisbane, it still offers plenty of space for kids to run around and play. The park's central location makes it easily accessible, and there are plenty of benches and picnic tables for visitors to sit and relax.

While it may not be the biggest or most well-known park in the inner city, it is definitely worth a visit for its history, beauty, and central location.

Contact:

Address: 224 Turbot St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia

10. Mount Coot-Tha Forest

One of Brisbane’s best parks is Mount Coot-Tha Forest, which is located just a few kilometers from the city center. The parkland is full of natural beauty, including rainforest, bush, and mountains. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers, and there are plenty of bushwalks and walking tracks to explore around Brisbane.

The Mount Coot-Tha Reserve is home to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, which is a must-visit for anyone interested in botany. The gardens are recognized as Queensland's premier subtropical botanic gardens and are home to a wide range of exotic plants and flowers. Visitors can also enjoy the Instagram-friendly Tropical Dome, which is a geodesic greenhouse with a beautiful tessellated glass roof.

One of the highlights of the Mount Coot-Tha Forest is the lookout, which offers spectacular panoramic views of Brisbane and the surrounding area. There are also boat tours available for those who want to explore the area from the water.

Contact:

Address: Sir Samuel Griffith Dr, Mount Coot-Tha QLD 4066, Australia

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