With the Gold Coast only being an hour drive from the third largest City in Australia, we thought it time for a staycation in our backyard. What I didn’t realise was that Brisbane has so many green leafy parks, many within a short walk or car ride from the CBD, and the perfect escape from City life. We discovered 3 of the best parks in Brisbane for families to enjoy all year round.
1. Kangaroo Point
Kangaroo point is one of those spots that most locals know about and don’t want to share as it’s just too good. With its location and proximity to the City, it’s all about the views! Take a walk along the pathway and stop at the specially marked look out zones, offering spectacular city and river views.
What you can do at Kangaroo Point
Kangaroo point can be a hive of activity, with those adventurous type abseiling down the 20-metre cliffs to the parklands below. An experience on another level and fun to watch even if you are not participating.
Below the cliffs can be as relaxed or adventurous as you wish. A day of action could include; kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, cycling, rollerblading, rock climbing and segway tours. These can all be booked through Riverlife Adventures on the lower river terrace.
Eating around Kangaroo Point
For something to eat The Cliffs Café rests on top of the Kangaroo Point cliffs and offers alfresco dining with an impressive view of the Brisbane skyline. Open from 7am – 5pm it serves breakfast and lunch, including a kid’s menu.
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Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park
Walking beyond this point right next to the historic St Mary’s Anglican Church, you’ll find the perfect setting for a picnic at the Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park. Toss down a rug on the grassy lawns or make use of the BBQ facilities and tables underneath the vibrant purple vines.
The bike and walking path leading to the park has sculptures dotted along for visual appeal, while the park has vibrant wavy worms that are fun climbing figures for the kids to enjoy.
Parking around Kangaroo Point
Parking is available along River Terrace (fees may apply)
2. Brisbane City Botanical Gardens
These stunning gardens date back to the convict era of 1825 thus making it Brisbane’s oldest park, located close to the heart of the CBD. With Parliament house on one side and the charming Brisbane River on the other, it offers a tranquil oasis for visitors to enjoy.
What you can do at the Brisbane Botanical Gardens
There are many grassy areas perfect for picnics, playing sports, enjoying some fun in the sunshine. The beauty of the park with its facilities makes it a favourite location for many special celebrations and weddings. The park has many pathways perfect for walking or cycling showcasing the Brisbane River and stunning landscaped park.
The Botanical Gardens also has a newly updated playground. It’s a great space for the kids to have fun, burn off some energy and use their imagination on the slides, swings and musical play area.
The Brisbane Botanical Gardens Attractions
The Botanical Gardens are filled with beautiful attractions you can enjoy while visiting the gardens; A collection of bamboo species, historic artefacts and sculptures, ornamental ponds and an assortment of flora and fauna.
Free Guided Walks around the City Botanical Gardens
Volunteers will take you on a free guided walk where you can learn about the plants and features of the City Botanical Gardens. The gentle walk will take around one hour and leaves Monday-Saturday (excluding public holidays) from the Rotunda at 11am and 1pm.
Courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland
3. Roma Street Parklands
Roma Street Parklands Train
For a gold coin donation, the kids will love to hop on board the little open carriage train, known as the Parkland Explorer, that takes you on a scenic drive throughout the parklands. The Parkland Explorer is operated by volunteers and runs at certain times. If this is something, you don’t want to miss it is best to contact Roma Street Parkland before your visit as operating times may have changed due to unforeseen circumstances or the weather.
Free Guided Walks around Roma Street Parklands
Opening in 2001, Roma Street Parkland is one of the World’s largest subtropical gardens in a city centre. They offer free guided walks at 11am and 1pm that showcase why these beautiful gardens are widely considered as one of the best contemporary display gardens in Australia.
Playgrounds for the Kids
Tucked away near the heart of the garden are two playgrounds that can entertain the children all day. Well suited even for younger children and nicely spread throughout the park to offer plenty of room for everyone to enjoy.
The playgrounds have an abundance of equipment and activities such as; climbing ropes and walls, swings, slides, spinning seats, bridges – all on soft rubber matting. They are playgrounds built within nature to coincide and in the middle of both is a children’s interactive garden designed for them to learn, explore and discover nature through the art of play.
What you can do at Roma Street Parklands
That is not all this park has to offer, there are multiple bikes, and walking tracks and the Spectacle Garden in Colin Campbell place is filled with beautiful bright flowers and water features the children will love.
Along the Parkland Boulevard, there are perfect spots to pack a picnic and sit under the giant trees in front of the lake. We enjoyed watching a game of recreational soccer that was occurring on the celebration lawn at the time we visited.
Car Parking at Roma Street Parklands
Car parking is within the parklands (car park fees do apply)
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What are some other parklands in Brisbane that you enjoy?
