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Soak Up the Sunshine at the Best Parks in Brisbane
Planning a picnic or a little party? Or just looking for somewhere quiet to touch some grass? We’ve found the best parks in Brisbane.
How long has it been since you lay down in a park to read? Or gathered your pals for a game of soccer or finska? If you’re drawing a blank, it might be time to get outside and touch some grass.
Whether it’s a picnic on your mind or something a bit more playful, we’ve found the best parks in Brisbane to suit any occasion, from a Sunday stroll to an athletic sports match.
Roma Street Parklands
The Roma Street Parklands are a gorgeous place to spend your time. Whether you bring some friends for a nature walk, a book for some quiet time, or a picnic to enjoy, this is one of our favourite parks in the city to visit.
The stunning gardens are impeccably maintained, and feature seasonal plants, flowers and food plants for you to explore. You can sometimes find events here for all ages, so be sure to check online to see what’s on!
Keep your eyes peeled for water dragons, they’re often sunbaking on rocks or pathways. If strolling the Parklands’ 16 hectares has you working up an appetite, you’ll find The Garden Room near the centre of the park.
1 Parkland Boulevard, Brisbane City
Sherwood Arboretum
A heritage-listed park containing over one thousand species of almost entirely native flora, the Sherwood Arboretum is a beautiful spot to put down a picnic blanket and relax.
The Arboretum gets our vote as one of the best parks in Brisbane thanks to its gorgeous gardens, dog-spotting opportunities and handy facilities.
You’ll find a variety of self-guided walking trails to explore and plentiful picnic spots under the giant, ancient trees, as well as free barbecues and picnic tables.
Wheelchair-accessible toilets are available, and you can bring your pooch too, as long as they stay on the leash.
87 Jolimont Street, Sherwood
New Farm Park
New Farm Park is the quintessential picnic spot for Brisbanites. This spacious riverside community hub has it all — water views, public transport accessibility, barbecues, shaded areas and amenities.
There’s a huge wooden kids’ playground amongst the fig trees if you need to tucker out any mini-mes, and when the rose garden is in season, it makes for a delightful stroll (and a beautiful backdrop for photos).
If you time it right, you might be able to catch a weekend market or an exhibition at the nearby Powerhouse while you’re here at this Heritage-listed park.
1042 Brunswick Street, New Farm
City Botanic Gardens
The City Botanic Gardens are a must-do when exploring all of the best parks in Brisbane. These riverside gardens officially opened in 1855, and they have watched the city grow and change around them over time.
In the gardens, you’ll find Queensland natives along with exotic plants, ornamental ponds, a bamboo grove and a weeping fig avenue. Despite the hustle and bustle of the city, it’s a serene and cool place to explore and take respite.
147 Alice Street, Brisbane City
Robelle Domain
Robelle Domain might be one of the most diverse parks around Brisbane that we’ve found. Thirty minutes from the CBD, this park next to the Orion Shopping Centre offers a rainforest walk, waterfalls, water play areas, bike tracks, an all-abilities playground and much more.
There are shady spots to unwind, picnic tables and barbecues for get-togethers, and long walkways that provide the perfect place to meander while you listen to a podcast or audiobook.
155 Southern Cross Circuit, Springfield Central
Mt Coot-Tha Botanic Gardens
If you’re craving being amongst nature, head to the Mt Coot-Tha Botanical Gardens. Spanning 56 hectares, this subtropical garden escape is the perfect place to escape. Stroll through Australia’s most extensive collection of rainforest trees, and keep your eyes out for native wildlife.
Stroll through the Japanese-inspired zen garden, and marvel at the beautiful bonsai garden. The Tropical Dome is one of the most iconic natural attractions in Brisbane and a must-do for any locals or tourists.
152 Mount Coot-Tha Road, Mount Coot-Tha
South Bank Parklands
South Bank Parklands is more than a mere park — they make up an entire lifestyle precinct with endless activities to keep you occupied year-round. With 15 hectares of lawns, there is plenty of space to set up for the day. And when it’s hot, it’s straight to Streets Beach. This is Australia’s only inner-city manmade beach and is a great place to cool down on a summer’s day. When you start feeling peckish, go for a wander and enjoy one of the many eateries dotted throughout the parklands.
Clem Jones Promenade, South Brisbane
Frew Park Milton
If you’re looking for somewhere to keep the kids entertained that’s just a stone’s throw from the CBD, head to Frew Park Milton. You’ll find barbecue facilities and picnic shelters, alongside a huge futuristic playground packed with unusual and engaging activities, including angled climbing surfaces and a large climbing wall.
As for the tennis lovers, Frew Park is home to the Roy Emerson Tennis Centre, managed by Tennis Gear Australia. If you’re keen to have a hit, book in for a class or a court here.
315 Milton Road, Milton
Rocks Riverside Park
Located on a bend of the Brisbane River, Rocks Riverside Park is the hostess with the mostess, offering something for every age group. The river flat is perfect for enjoying a scenic picnic or BBQ whilst two playgrounds (with a flying fox, sandpits, climbing nets and more), a water play area and zig-zagging pathways for bikes and scooters cater to the kids.
Counihan Road, Seventeen Mile Rocks
Bradbury Park
Whilst Bradbury Park has plenty of space for picnicking, relaxing, and dog-off-leash space, the highlight of this green expanse is undoubtedly the extensive abstract play structure designed by Alcorn Middleton Architects. Keeping in mind older kids, the structure allows for imaginative play with slides, bridges and tunnels. As for the little ones, an immersive scooter track and magical nature forest can also be found onsite.
91 Kitchener Road, Kedron
Now that you’ve explored all of the best parks in Brisbane, you might want to start picnic planning. Find our favourite picnic spots and walking trails here in our guides.
