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Brisbane’s Hidden Garden Gem: A Guide to Roma Street Parkland
Nestled in the heart of Brisbane, Roma Street Parkland is a lush urban sanctuary set amidst the bustling cityscape.
It’s a world-class horticultural gem that spans 16 hectares filled with native subtropical foliage, wide open spaces, perfect picnic spots, and more!
Read on and allow us to guide you through your walk in the Parkland!
Location
Roma Street Parkland is tucked in the suburb of Spring Hill at 1 Parkland Blvd., Brisbane QLD 4000. It’s a 16-hectare patch of greenery in the heart of the city and is just around a 10 to 15-minute walk from central Brisbane.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Roma Street Parkland is open 24/7 but take note that some areas or activities are only open at certain hours.
- The park is open to the public and visitors can also book free guided tours.
- There are 3 public restrooms within the park grounds.
- Roma Street Parkland is wheelchair-friendly with ramps and pathways that are easily accessible across the whole area.
- The Parkland has great amenities for everyone to enjoy such as kids’ playgrounds, barbecue facilities, picnic areas, a cafe, and more.
- Dogs are welcome at the Parkland but they should always be kept on a leash. Just take note that dogs aren’t allowed at The Spectacle Gardens, but assistance dogs can still be permitted.
Best Time to Go
Roma Street Parkland is great to visit any time of the day, and the best time to go would be in the morning from 6am to 9am. You can take a nice stroll while the air is a bit cool and the park would be less crowded, too.
It’s also nice to visit in the afternoon for a walk or a picnic but the park is usually more crowded later in the day as people like to walk by after work hours.
In the evening, parts of the park light up such as the water fountain, so evening strolls are also a good idea.
Brief History
In 1875, the Roma Street railway terminal station, from which the parkland’s name originated, was built to form part of the Main Line Railway. This Main Line connects Ipswich and Toowoomba to Brisbane.
Between 1911 to 1934, the Roma Street terminal served Brisbane as a major goods yard. It then played a vital role during World War II as it became a transport hub for military personnel as well as for dispatching war components.
As the railway station continued to expand, it was then redeveloped to become part of the metropolitan and long-distance rail network. In February 1975, it was announced by Premiere Wayne Goss that the railway goods yard will be transformed into a parkland.
The Parkland’s construction commenced in 2000 and was opened to the public in 2001.
Notably, Roma Street Parkland has been a recipient of the Green Flag Award for nine consecutive years. This is a prestigious international accreditation granted to the world’s best green spaces.
The Parkland is one of five areas in Australia to receive the Green Flag status for 2022/2023.
How to Get Around
Roma Street Parkland can be easily accessed by bus or train and is just a quick 10-minute walk from the city center.
By train, you can get off at Roma Street station where you can find a bus station and the Brisbane Coach Terminal where you can also find the nearest taxi rank. You can plan your journey through the Translink website.
If you’re cycling to the Parkland, you can access it through the Normanby Cycleway Link where you’ll pass by Parkland Boulevard toward Roma Street.
Once inside the parkland area, just remember to be cautious of pedestrians. Also take note that bicycles aren’t allowed in the Spectacle Garden in Colin Campbell Place, but you can park your bike on the bike racks located in The Hub.
If you’re bringing a vehicle, there’s metered street parking and covered parking available around the area. The nearest covered car park is at Cornerstone Parking and you can check out their rates here.
Things to See and Do at Roma Street Parkland
Join a Guided Tour
You can definitely take a self-guided walk through the Roma Street Parkland. But if you wish to learn more about the diverse array of plant species and flowers, you should join a free guided tour!
What’s more, you can choose from different tour themes. This includes the Spectacle Garden in Colin Campbell Place, Bush Tucker and the Rainforest, and 20 Years of Roma Street Parkland.
Take note that it’s required to register for the tour beforehand. To see the tour schedules and book your slot, you can head to this page.
Marvel at the Blooms in the Spectacle Gardens
The Spectacle Gardens is the jewel in the crown of Roma Street Parkland. If you’re visiting the park, this area is the one place you shouldn’t miss!
This garden within the park is a true horticultural spectacle blossoming with vibrant colors and stunning patterns featuring a diverse array of subtropical plants and flowers. This fascinating display of flora is exciting to see as it changes through the seasons.
The Spectacle Gardens was renamed Colin Campbell Place to honor horticulturist Colin Campbell. He was the one who proposed the redevelopment of the railway yards into premiere parklands.
Campbell, originally from New Zealand, was a well-known horticulture personality in Australia. On Australia Day in 2007, he received an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his services in the field of horticulture in the country.
Colin Camplell passed away in 2012 and a plaque was placed in his honor at The Spectacle Gardens.
Stop By for Coffee or Lunch at The Garden Room
Inspired by the lushness of Roma Street Parkland, The Garden Room offers a tranquil dining experience with sumptuous food that pays homage to its stunning surroundings.
You can drop by for coffee after your morning stroll in the parklands, sit down for lunch after touring the gardens, or get some takeaway and have a picnic outside!
One of the guided tours, the Bush Tucker Experience, where you’ll learn about the many uses of native Australian plants, also features high tea at The Garden Room! Keep an eye out for the next Bush Tucker and High Tea event here.
The Garden Room is also a perfect setting for weddings and other special occasions with its bright and airy atmosphere.
Have a Picnic at the Celebration Lawn
After exploring the parklands, you can find your spot and relax at the Celebration Lawn. You can bring your takeaway from The Garden Room here, or better yet, order one of their picnic hampers to get the full experience!
There are barbecue facilities that can be used as well and alcoholic beverages are welcome as long as the drinks are accompanied by a substantial meal.
There are also lots of free events being held at the Celebration Lawn. Some of these events include live music by The Sound Society, fun activities for kids by Kids Collective, Plant Market by BrisStyle, and more!
For updates on the latest events at the Roma Street Parkland, just visit their Facebook page.
Hop on the Xpress Fun Train
Roma Street Parkland is definitely a place kids would enjoy with its fun playground facilities and lots of open spaces. But another feature kids and kids at heart would love is their Xpress Fun Train!
The trackless train travels around the parkland passing by its key attractions and you’ll also enjoy views of the river as you ride along.
The Xpress Fun Train operates every weekend from 10am to 4pm. You can hop on the train for $6 and it’s suitable for all ages.
Just take note that the availability of the train would also depend on the weather, so stay tuned for updates through their Facebook page.
Where to Eat
Farah Restaurant
Website: https://farahrestaurant.com.au/
Address: 391 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill QLD 4000
Contact: +61731725300
Hours: Wednesday, 5 – 9pm; Thursday & Sunday, 11:30am – 3pm, 5 – 9pm; Friday & Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm, 5 – 9:30pm
Pricing: $$ – $$$
Farah Restaurant is just a short walk from Roma Street Parkland. If you’re in the mood for Persian cuisine, then this is one of the best places to go.
You’ll get to indulge in a unique dining experience amidst a warm and welcoming setting that’s adorned with Iranian-style decor. Have some kebab, lamb shanks, and if it’s your first time trying Persian cuisine, we recommend getting share plates.
Knowhere Brisbane
Website: https://kwbrisbane.com/
Address: 419 Upper, Edward St, Spring Hill QLD 4000
Contact: +61 7 3145 6784
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7am – 9pm; Saturday, 8am – 0pm
Pricing: $$ – $$$
You’ll be happy to be in the middle of Knowhere as they offer sumptuous modern Australian cuisine that will surely satisfy your palate!
You can start off with their pan seared scallops or wagyu beef tataki which you can share. Then indulge in their mouth watering entrees such as dry-aged sirloin or poached salmon and pair them with a drink of your choice from their wide selection of beverages.
Punjabi Rasoi
Website: https://punjabirasoi.qrfood.com/
Address: 401 Edward St, Spring Hill QLD 4000
Contact: +61 7 3832 0494
Hours: Monday – Thursday & Sunday, 11am – 2:30pm; 5 – 11pm; Friday & Saturday, 11am – 2:30pm; 5 – 12pm
Pricing: $ – $$
If you’re itching to try Indian food, Punjabi Rasoi is one of the best places for authentic North Indian cuisine in Brisbane! The restaurant is just less than a 15-minute walk from Roma Street Parkland.
They offer meal deals at budget-friendly price points where you’ll get to choose from 2 or 3 types of curries with rice and side dishes starting from $17. They also have a selection of veggie starters, curries for sharing, naan breads, and desserts.
Where to Stay
Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane
Website: https://www.grandchancellorhotels.com/hotel-grand-chancellor-brisbane
Address: 23 Leichhardt St, Spring Hill QLD 4000
Contact: +61 7 3831 4055
Pricing: $$
The Hotel Grand Chancellor in Brisbane is just a quick 10-minute walk from Roma Street Parkland. You can find Frescos Restaurant, which is another must-try spot for modern Australian cuisine if you’re in the area.
The hotel is equipped with various amenities such as a pool, fitness center, and a courtyard where you can dine al fresco. While they have a selection of rooms and suites with gorgeous views of the city and river.
Selina Brisbane
Website: https://www.selina.com/australia/brisbane/
Address: 466 George St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Contact: +61 483 869 016
Pricing: $ – $$
Selina Hotel is just around a 10-minute walk from Roma Street Parkland. It’s an ideal accommodation for digital nomads as the hotel has a coworking space where you can still be productive while on vacation.
The hotel has a selection of ensuite rooms, private rooms, and community rooms with bunk bed accommodations ideal for backpackers. They have awesome amenities as well such as an outdoor cinema terrace, library nook, and a restaurant and bar.
Meriton Suites, Herschel Street Brisbane
Website: https://www.meritonsuites.com.au/our-hotels/qld/brisbane/herschel-street/
Address: 43 Herschel St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Contact: +61 7 3999 8000
Pricing: $$
Meriton Suites Herschel Street is located by the banks of the Brisbane River. It’s just a 15-minute walk from Roma Street Parkland and has stunning views of the river, cityscape, and beyond.
Guests will be able to enjoy the city scenery from up high as they have premium suites located from levels 65 to 74 of the award-winning Infinity Tower.
The hotel offers luxury accommodations including standard suites, premium suites and penthouse units with up to 3 bedrooms. Its amenities include an indoor pool and spa, sauna, and fitness center.
