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Fresh air, clear skies, balmy days; Brisbane’s spring is made for the outdoors. In the mornings, you’ll see locals running the trails of their favourite parks. In the afternoon, picnic blankets cover the ground like patchwork as wine is sipped at sunset.
Whether you're looking for the perfect picnic spot, a sunbathed space for a birthday bash, or just a simple spot to lay and look at the clouds, these are the best parks in Brisbane to unwind, that are .
New Farm Park: Riverside Relaxation
New Farm is a trending riverside precinct just outside the city and home to the glorious New Farm Park. One of Brisbane’s oldest, largest, and grandest parks, New Farm Park acquires 37 acres of space allowing locals and visitors to spread out and enjoy their own slice of greenery.
Welcoming over 18,000 park-goers a week, New Farm Park touches the Brisbane River to the east and connects to the Brisbane CBD by the riverfront boardwalks or the CityCat ferry. The park is also nestled next to the Brisbane Powerhouse – a repurposed space now used as an edgy arts centre hosting an ever-changing line up of live music, theatre, and comedy plus weekend farmers markets.
Throughout the year, New Farm Park often has free live music and community events as well as other special events. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a marriage proposal. Once you step inside these expansive parklands, you’ll see why they’re regarded as one of the best parks in Brisbane.
City Botanic Gardens: An Oasis in the City
Bring your friends and fur friends for a glorious day out in the original Brisbane City Botanic Gardens. Next to Queensland University of Technology by the river, the City Botanic Gardens are a lush, green oasis a street away from the bustle of the city.
The gardens are home to the Weeping Fig Avenue, ornamental ponds, Bamboo Grove and more. From Monday to Saturday, you can even jump on a free guided tour of the gardens, or join a variety of fitness activities and community events like festivals and markets.
At the back of the City Botanic Gardens, the Riverstage hosts a huge amount of events including festivals, exhibitions, touring musicians, and parties.
From the City Botanic Gardens, you can walk across to South Bank or do the expansive Riverside walk following the river to the city.
South Bank Precinct: Sunbake by the Beach
On the opposite side of Brisbane River, the South Bank lifestyle precinct is a hub of delicious dining options and the famous beach overlooking the river. On one side, you’ll see the glistening river, the Wheel of Brisbane and city skyline, on the other curling columns clad with vibrant purple bougainvillaea flowers.
The South Bank Parklands hug the river for almost 15 hectares and are spotted with free barbecues, licenced picnic areas (that means you can bring your favourite drinks), and playgrounds.
Settle in for a day of fun under the sun and perch yourself under a shady tree by the beach.
Roma Street Parkland: Parkland Paradise
If you’re after a space to explore and enjoy, discover the Roma Street Parkland. One of the newer greenspaces in Brisbane, Roma Street Parkland is known for its world-class horticulture showcasing a variety of unique and colourful subtropical flowering plants and foliage, as well as wildlife.
On a warm Brisbane Spring day, you can expect to see Eastern Water Dragons lounging throughout the pathways and rocks as you stroll through the parklands. If you’d like to learn more about the collection of scenery, register for a free guided tour that runs regularly throughout the year.
Kangaroo Point Parklands: Split-level Scenery
The Kangaroo Point Parklands on the south side of Brisbane are a tale of two halves. At the top of the ancient Kangaroo Point cliffs, watch on (or face your own fears) as adventurers abseil down the cliff face. In the afternoons, perch up at Joey’s Bar with a drink in hand and watch the sun set over the city.
Down some steep steps, a favourite amongst the athletic-type, is the riverside Kangaroo Point parklands. Lined by trees creating the perfect amount of shade any time of day, the walk along the riverside is a secret escape from the hustle and bustle of Brisbane across the river.
Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens: A Natural Wonder
Wonder through the wonderful and majestic Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha – Queensland’s prized cultivated subtropical rainforest spread across 56 hectares.
Home to the world’s most extensive collection of Australian native rainforest trees and natural wildlife, this is officially Brisbane’s best park. Inside, explore the Tropical Dome, Japanese Garden, and even the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.
Before or after your journey, pick up a fresh coffee, a meal, or a small bite to eat at the Garden’s Café.
These glorious Botanic Gardens are free to explore every day, and visitors can also jump into free daily guided tours (except Sunday). Unlike the other Brisbane parks, you’ll need to leave your puppy pal at home for this one.
Embrace Spring in Brisbane
Before or after work, weekend or weekday, Springtime in Brisbane is a natural lover's paradise. Slip your shoes off, walk on the grass and reconnect with your loved ones in the best parks in Brisbane.
Further reading: Need a little pick-me-up before your picnic? Check out the best 5 cafés in Brisbane.
