Soak Up the Sunshine at 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

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.