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Outdoor Havens: Your Guide to the Best Parks in Brisbane
Did you know that Brisbane is home to a whopping 2,000 parks? That’s a lot more green escapes than there are days in a year!
It’s like Mother Nature decided to go all out in this corner of the world, gifting visitors with endless spots to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.
If you’re ready to explore these lovely parks, pack your picnic basket and read our guide about Brisbane’s diverse landscapes below!
1. Whites Hill Reserve
Address: Boundary Rd, Camp Hill, QLD 4152, Australia
Contact Details: +61 7 3403 8888
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Located in southern Brisbane, Whites Hill Reserve is among the best parks, surrounded by various plants and trees that’s perfect for nature-lovers and families alike.
Here, you’ll find a vibrant playground equipped with swings, diggers, and special play equipment tailored for children with disabilities.
Need to bring your furry friends over? Not to worry – there’s an enclosed area where your four-legged buddies can run, play, and maybe even sniff out some new furry pals!
You might encounter some unique birds here too! The park is known for its rich birdlife, with birdwatchers often spotting species like kookaburras, lorikeets, and kingfishers.
And hey, if you’re in the mood for an outdoor feast, Whites Hill Reserve has a bunch of BBQ spots for you and your friends as well. It’s the ideal recipe for a chilled-out day in the great outdoors!
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to bring your pet’s ID to Whites Hill Reserve. In addition, always have your furry friend on a leash to ensure a safe and secure park experience for all. |
2. New Farm Park
Address: 1042 Brunswick St, New Farm, QLD 4005, Australia
Website: https://newfarmpark.com.au/
Contact Details: +61 7 3403 8888
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
The New Farm Park in the heart of Brisbane is an expansive one, as it covers a vast 349 hectares! Visitors can relax under the shade of huge trees or walk through the lush gardens.
If you’re looking for a city skyline, this farm offers lovely views of the Brisbane cityscape. Additionally, you can enjoy serene river views, where artists can sketch and creative minds can let their imaginations take flight.
On top of that, you can visit the arts centre to get those creative juices flowing! And while you let your kids enjoy jumping around the playground, parents and guardians can have a delightful meal in the adjacent cosy picnic spots.
That’s not all! What’s great about New Farm Park is that they’ve got spacious sporting fields, perfect for a game-day with large groups of friends or families.
Plus, throughout the year, New Farm Park hosts a variety of events. This includes the popular New Farm Park Film Series, where loved ones can enjoy outdoor movie nights under the stars.
| Pro tip: To add some extra fun to your visit to New Farm Park, pack your favourite board or card games. It’s a wonderful opportunity for friendly competitions and quality bonding time with friends and family. |
3. Rocks Riverside Park
Address: 31 Seventeen Mile Rocks Rd, Seventeen Mile Rocks, QLD 4073, Australia
Contact Details: +61 7 3403 8888
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Located along the calm river of Brisbane, Rocks Riverside Park is a playground that’s ideal for folks of all ages. As soon as you arrive, you can easily spot different play areas and peaceful picnic corners.
For the kids, there’s an adventure-packed playground complete with swings, climbing ladders, and slides that will keep them entertained for hours!
And if you’re visiting the park during the summer, you may cool off at the water play area to beat the Brisbane heat!
But it’s not just for the youngsters. If you’re keen on staying active, you’ll find fitness stations scattered around the park for a good workout! You may even take a scenic walk or bring your bike to enjoy the cycling tracks.
And when hunger strikes, make use of the barbeque and picnic areas to set up a delightful al fresco feast at the park!
| Pro tip: For added convenience at Rocks Riverside Park, it’s best to carry a basic bike maintenance kit with essentials. This may include a tyre repair kit and a multi-tool for on-the-go adjustments. |
4. Calamvale District Park
Address: 31 Formby St, Calamvale, QLD, Australia
Contact Details: +61 7 3403 8888
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
In the south of Brisbane, visitors can spend a lovely afternoon in Calamvale District Park. Green open spaces and charming lakes surround this tranquil oasis.
With its huge adventure playground, complete with slides, swings, and climbing structures, it’s a paradise for kids (and a sigh of relief for parents too)!
For sports lovers out there, this park is also equipped with basketball and tennis courts, including a cricket pitch, perfect for friendly matches.
And if you’re feeling competitive, why not challenge your companions to a game on the giant outdoor chess board? It’s where strategy and fun roll into one!
Now, let’s talk about picnics. Calamvale District Park is practically an al fresco dining hotspot, with numerous picnic shelters and electric barbeques around. You can sizzle up some sausages or enjoy a feast with friends and family.
| Pro tip: If you plan to use the sports courts and facilities at Calamvale District Park, note that you have to bring your own equipment because the park doesn’t offer rental facilities. |
5. Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
Address: City Botanic Gardens, 147 Alice St, QLD 4000, Australia
Contact Details: +61 7 3403 8888
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Brisbane City Botanic Gardens is a place where exotic trees and shrubs surround the park. This green sanctuary is a quick escape for city folks and nature lovers alike.
The gardens are home to several rare plant species, including the Cannonball Tree, which produces large, heavy fruits resembling cannonballs.
The best part? You can enjoy a lily pond and Japanese garden right here without having to visit the land of the rising sun. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot some sunbathing turtles!
For those looking for a bit of local flavour, it’s good to visit on a Sunday when numerous stalls offer handcrafted goodies and delicious street foods. It’s your chance to enjoy the local community and discover unique finds.
| Pro tip: Why not bring a sketchbook to the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens? Get inspired and explore your artistic side in this calm setting. |
6. Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park
Address: 29 River Terrace, Kangaroo Point, QLD 4169, Australia
Contact Details: +61 7 3403 8888
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Situated on the stunning cliffs overlooking the river, Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park is one of Brisbane’s iconic landmarks. The panoramic views here are breathtaking, offering guests many picture-perfect moments.
If you’re feeling adventurous, this is a nice park to explore! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, the cliffs provide a thrilling challenge and fantastic views.
But that’s not all; you can take a leisurely riverside walk, jog, or cycle along the scenic paths while enjoying the gorgeous skyline views. It’s no wonder this place is so popular among fitness enthusiasts.
On a lucky day, you may even stumble upon a free gentle yoga class in one of the park’s corners, with the cliffs as your serene background.
| Pro tip: Make sure to visit Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park before 6 in the morning if you want to catch random yoga sessions around the park. |
7. Frew Park
Address: Frew St, Milton, QLD 4064, Australia
Contact Details: +61 7 3403 8888
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Conveniently located close to both the train station and ferry terminal, Frew Park in Brisbane provides a large lawn for outdoor fun, ideal for children of all ages.
This park boasts a large and inviting lawn area. This makes it a go-to destination for families and friends looking to unwind in the afternoon with picnics and play.
But there’s more to this park than just the large green space. From colourful, kid-friendly play equipment for the little ones to more challenging structures for older kids, every child can find something to enjoy.
And if you’re up for a tennis match, Frew Park has you covered with its well-maintained tennis courts. Even better, pingpong tables are just around the corner; just don’t forget to bring your own racket and ball.
| Pro tip: If the park’s parking lot is full at Frew Park, it’s advisable to explore nearby residential streets for more options. Just remember to read the signs when you park and follow local parking regulations. |
8. Hidden World Playground
Address: 411 Roghan Rd, Fitzgibbon, QLD 4018, Australia
Contact Details: +61 7 3403 8888
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Hidden World Playground in Brisbane is a dreamy playground for kids of all ages. The park is full of vibrant colours with adequate space for a great party venue for large groups of people.
For the little ones, this park is an adventure waiting to happen. With boardwalks, plenty of slides, and climbing opportunities around, parents can let their children explore their day’s wonderland.
With a sandy foundation, it’s a haven for mums with little crawlers. If you’re bringing kids of different ages, consider bringing extra play items like diggers, scoops, and buckets to enhance the fun.
The park is ideal for preschoolers too! There’s plenty of room to stretch their legs, equipment to swing on, walls to climb, and slides to race down.
Planning to host a birthday party? This spacious park is also a great party venue to entertain large groups of kids.
For school-aged children, Hidden World Playground transforms into the ultimate hide-and-seek arena. There are countless nooks and crannies to run and hide, creating thrilling games of discovery and endless laughter.
| Pro tip: If you’re bringing your kid’s favourite toys to Hidden World Playground, it’s advisable to label them with your contact information in case they get misplaced during playtime. |
9. Grinstead Park
Address: 130 Shand St, Enoggera, QLD 4051, Australia
Contact Details: +61 7 3403 8888
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Grinstead Park is a haven for grassy fields and bike paths in Brisbane. The park is equipped with picnic tables and benches, strategically placed to offer scenic views and glimpses of the local wildlife.
Speaking of wildlife, striped marsh frogs and bleating tree frogs have made this park their home. This creates a unique opportunity for frog-watchers and nature lovers to spot these hoppers in their natural habitat.
Meanwhile, Grinstead is like a little paradise for the tiny riders who are getting the hang of their scooters and learning the ins and outs of road rules.
You’ll find these super smooth paths, a charming roundabout, and even a few mini bumps where your kids can practise!
And if you’re feeling sporty, there are basketball courts available, perfect for a friendly game with friends or family. You might even come across a group that’s eagerly waiting for additional players to join in the fun.
| Pro tip: To enhance your chances of spotting rare frogs in Brisbane, it’s recommended to visit in the evening when these animals are more active. Also, remember to bring a flashlight to illuminate their vibrant world in the dark! |
10. Sherwood Arboretum
Address: 7 Jolimont St, Sherwood, QLD 4075, Australia
Contact Details: +61 7 3403 8888
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Sherwood Arboretum is one of Brisbane’s top parks. It’s known to be surrounded by eucalyptus trees, lagoons, and mangroves.
As you wander along, be prepared to be serenaded by a symphony of birdlife. Be sure to have your cameras ready to capture this moment, because these creatures might fly fast!
This sanctuary offers a network of self-guided trails as well. You’ll surely enjoy exploring the diverse landscapes in the area while you get to know its rich biodiversity.
Moreover, Sherwood Arboretum is pet-friendly, so feel free to take your furry friends on a day of exploration and outdoor fun!
| Pro tip: Bring along a pair of binoculars at Sherwood Arboretum and a bird guidebook to enhance your bird-watching experience. |
11. Capalaba Regional Park
Address: Pittwin Rd N, Capalaba, QLD 4157, Australia
Website: https://www.redland.qld.gov.au/
Contact Details: +61 7 3829 8999
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Capalaba Regional Park is a vibrant and spacious park in Brisbane with well-maintained grasslands great for picnics and playing games.
The park includes a playground with a flying fox fort, swings, and slides, keeping the kids entertained for hours.
If you want to relax by the water’s edge, you can head over to the lagoon and watch the ducks gliding on the surface. A few lucky ones can also get a chance to feed them!
Here, dog lovers can also make the most of their visit with its generously sized dog off-leash area. This provides plenty of room for their furry friends to romp, play, and socialise.
And great news to those who are on a hunt for sensory-friendly spaces (sensory-friendly places in Brisbane): Capalaba Regional Park offers a relaxed atmosphere for those who may be sensitive to crowded or noisy environments.
The park also often collaborates with local artists for public art installations, adding an artistic touch to the park’s serene surroundings.
| Pro tip: Always carry a basic first-aid kit with essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers at Capalaba Regional Park. This is a handy precaution for unexpected minor mishaps during your outdoor adventure. |
