New Farm Park, New Farm: Brisbane’s equivalent to New York City’s Central Park, New Farm Park is undoubtedly one of our city’s best green playgrounds. It is up there with Brisbane’s oldest and largest parks (it measures 37 acres) and is a popular spot for picnics by the river, barbecue cook-ups and kick-arounds. Plus, nothing beats a stroll through the gardens and smelling the roses at New Farm Park in spring. Oh, and did we mention the park is licensed?
Newstead Park, Newstead: You’ll find Newstead Park atop a hill overlooking Brisbane River towards Hamilton. This leafy knoll links up with the Newstead Riverwalk, which conveniently goes right past Mica Brasserie (you know, if you’re craving a sneaky coffee and croissant). You can also stroll by Newstead House (currently temporarily closed due to COVID-19 restrictions), Brisbane’s oldest residence dating back to 1846.
City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane City: Located in the heart of The City, the Botanic Gardens is a serene tropical escape from the hustle and bustle of Brisbane’s metropolis. The park is filled with lush greenery, ancient trees and exotic plants that you won’t find anywhere else in Brisbane. This inner-city gem is perfect for a lunch in the sun or an afternoon stroll by the banks of the Brisbane River.
Roma Street Parkland, Spring Hill: A quick ten-minute walk from Brisbane City, Spring Hill’s ever-popular Roma Street Parkland is sprawled across 16 hectares of breathtaking green space. Well known for its gorgeous gardens, the park also has barbecue facilities so you can cook up a snag feast, playgrounds for the rug rats and a jam-packed calendar of events.
South Bank Parklands, South Bank: Located on the southern banks of the Brisbane River, South Bank Parklands offers plenty of sunny picnic spots, dining destinations and gardens to explore. If you’re keen to roll out your rug on the green for a picnic, restaurants like Popolo, Aquitaine, River Quay Fish and The Jetty offer picnic hampers and takeaway eats to enjoy in the lush parklands (many of the greens are licensed, too!). Bring your swimmers and take a dip at Street’s Beach to cool off during the warmer months.
Warril Parkland, Larapinta: Warril Parkland is the perfect location for some family-friendly fun, complete with a bush camp-themed playground, flying foxes (remember those?), walking trails and a lake. Located in Brisbane’s south at 1059 Paradise Road, this nature-based playground has plenty to do, whether you want to let the kids run wild, take a stroll on the lakeside boardwalk, or bring along some snacks for a picnic in the shade.
Bradbury Park, Kedron: Keen to shred it up on your scooter? Make tracks to Kedron’s Bradbury Park at 91 Kitchener Road, which offers Brisbane’s first dedicated scooter track. The park also has a magical forest-inspired playground for the little ones, which promises hours of entertainment.
Guyatt Park, St Lucia: Guyatt Park on Laurence Street in St Lucia is home to the newly opened Park Warrior obstacle course. This out-of-this-world playground will test your strength, endurance, coordination, balance and flexibility with its challenging obstacles. Similar to a jungle gym, these exercise facilities have been specifically designed for warriors 12 and over. Start lacing up those trainers!
Cadogan Street Park, Carindale: Want something really unique to do this weekend? Brisbane’s second disc golf course has recently opened at Cadogan Street Park at 199 Meadowlands Road in Carindale. Gather up your mates and make your way around the 18-hole course, with the aim of throwing frisbee-like discs into the target baskets in the fewest number of throws. Time to test your throwing skills.
Wishart Community Park, Wishart: A park that kids and kids-at-heart would approve of, Wishart Community Park is home to a fun eco-themed playground that includes a fort, climbing equipment, a cubby house and much more. The rest of the park is worthy of a walk around, and offers plenty of shady spots to enjoy lunch under the leafy trees.
Rocks Riverside Park, Seventeen Mile Rocks: This family-friendly locale boasts a water-play area, a collection of picnic and barbecue spots and an 800-m riverside promenade to cycle along. Rocks Riverside Park also has a rich history – it was once the site of coral crushing works and has giant industrial artefacts scattered throughout the green expanse to show for it. You’ll find this park just south-west of Brisbane at 531 Seventeen Mile Rocks Road, Seventeen Mile Rocks.
Grinstead Park, Alderley: Found on Shand Street in Alderley, Grinstead Park is every kids’ (and kids at heart’s) dream. A favourite among northside families, the park includes a huge fort-style playground, plenty of green space and a bicycle-ready track that loops around the park. It’s the perfect place for little ones to learn how to ride as the track has recently been fitted with road markings, pedestrian crossings, traffic lights, speed bumps, road signage and even a petrol pump station – so cute!
Hanlon Park, Stones Corner: Hanlon Park is a large, open green space in the heart of buzzing inner-southern suburb Stones Corner. It’s recently been transformed into a nature-themed play area and boasts plenty of slides and climbing equipment, sand play spots, swings and shaded seating areas. You’ll find this lush beauty between Cornwall Street and O’Keefe Street in Stones Corner.
Kangaroo Gully Park, Bellbowrie: Westside parents will rejoice at Kangaroo Gully Park’s new learn-to-ride track, which makes first-time riding easy with road markings, signs, pedestrian crossings and more – there’s even traffic lights and a mini petrol bowser for kids to refuel their bikes. The park also offers plenty of shady spaces and sheltered tables for picnics. You’ll find this family-friendly destination at 147 Kangaroo Gully Road in Bellbowrie.
Sandgate Foreshores Park: When you haven’t got the time under your belt to drive to the beach, the next best thing is Sandgate Foreshores Park. Boasting an eye-catching ocean theme, the new park has a playground right by the water offering cool breezes and shade from nearby trees. You can discover this gem at Flinders Parade near Fifth Avenue in Sandgate.
Image credits
Image one: Tourism and Events Queensland
Image two: Tourism and Events Queensland
Image three: Brisbane City Council
Image four: Tourism and Events Queensland
Image five: Brisbane City Council
Image six: Tourism and Events Queensland
Image seven: Brisbane City Council
This article was written in partnership with our friends at Brisbane City Council. To discover more of Brisbane’s backyard pop over to the Brisbetter Days Out website.
