The 10 best parks in Brisbane

Brisbane’s original public garden (dating back to 1855) remains one of its most beautiful. Wedged between the CBD and the river, the City Botanic Gardens are a lush pocket of subtropical calm where bamboo groves rustle in the breeze, fig trees form cathedral-like canopies and ducks patrol ornamental ponds. Office workers come here to escape the 3pm slump, runners and cyclists cruise the scenic riverfront paths and picnickers sprawl across lawns beneath century-old trees. It’s a reminder that even in the heart of the city, nature still steals the show. Every spring, the gardens also take on a whole new magic, transforming into the backdrop for one of Brisbane’s most enchanting after-dark experiences: a series of immersive light and fire installations as part of the Brisbane Festival.

Time Out tip: Grab a coffee from one of the nearby cafés and follow the Riverwalk into the city for a delightful morning stroll.

Address: 147 Alice St, Brisbane City

In the riverside suburb of Sherwood, this heritage-listed arboretum is one of Brisbane’s best-kept secrets – and one of its most beautiful. Covering 15 hectares, the park is a living library devoted entirely to trees, home to Brisbane’s most extensive collection of native species. More than 1,100 trees and 250 species grow here, from colourful flame trees and towering kauri pines to the ancient Moreton Bay figs. You can wander shady boardwalks along the river, spread a blanket on the grass, or let the kids run wild across wide-open lawns and playgrounds. The arboretum’s tranquil lakes and birdlife-packed wetlands make it a magnet for nature lovers, while photographers and plant nerds will find endless inspiration.

Time Out tip: Bring binoculars – the birdlife here is phenomenal, especially around sunset.

Address: 87 Jolimont St, Sherwood

From dawn to dusk, this picturesque West End park offers a pleasant spot to run, ride, row or relax. Feel the fresh breeze on your face as you lie back on the riverside sun lounges, striped in vibrant shades of green. Want to get your heart pumping? Jog along the riverbank, hit the outdoor fitness gym, stretch out your yoga mat, or launch your canoe from the pontoon. The park also boasts barbecues, shaded picnic tables and a kids’ playground. 

Time Out tip: Pair your visit with a trip to the West End Markets on a Saturday morning.

Address: 60 Kurilpa St, West End 

You could easily spend a whole day dilly-dallying around South Bank Parklands. This riverside paradise is a sprawling paradise for families with leafy walkways, 15 hectares of lush lawns and ingeniously designed playgrounds for active fun – both wet and dry. Grab a pastry from a nearby café and stroll along Clem Jones Promenade, taking in stellar city skyline views. Alternatively, sizzle some sausages on the free barbecues or lay out a picnic on the shaded lawns. For little explorers, the $1.7 million Riverside Green Playground is an absolute dream and is located right near Streets Beach, a huge temptation on a sweltering day.

Time Out tip: Pack swimmers and go for a dip at Streets Beach.

Address: Clem Jones Promenade, South Brisbane 

This nature reserve is all about the views, views, views. Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park serves up jaw-dropping panoramas of the skyline, Story Bridge and beyond, all best enjoyed with a picnic rug. It’s also a magnet for adrenaline-seekers (local climbers scale the sheer rock faces at dawn) and golden-hour romantics. A riverside path winds along the base, perfect for jogs or sunset strolls, while the clifftop lawns are dotted with barbecues and benches. 

Time Out tip: Pack a picnic (and a bottle of vino) and stake out a spot at golden hour.

Address: River Terrace, Kangaroo Point

Roma Street Parklands has no competition – it’s hands down the best place to head in Brisbane if you want to enjoy some outside time. The expansive park is a horticultural gem and welcoming community space, featuring spectacular flower gardens, multiple children's playgrounds, accessible facilities, lakes, cafés and even an amphitheatre. The verdant lawns and plentiful trees provide ample opportunities to relax (be that with a book, picnic basket or yoga mat in hand) while the park hosts events regularly – check its website for what's upcoming. If you've never been to Roma Street Parklands before, make sure you visit the Spectacle Garden and the Rainforest Walk. 

Time Out tip: Bring a soccer ball, there is plenty of open space for a kick around. 

Address: 1 Parkland Blvd, Brisbane City 

Spread across 56 hectares, this living green museum is home to tranquil gardens, beautiful plant displays and more than 5,000 species of flora. Explore the Scented Garden, Bonsai House, Japanese Garden, Cactus House and Rainforest (which has the largest collection of Australian native rainforest trees in the world). There are free guided minibus tours to give you an overview of the gardens, as well as free guided walks daily. Want to adventure on your own? There are also self-guided walks, including an Aboriginal plant trail, which takes you through the Yuggera land and explores the plants used by Indigenous communities.

Time Out tip: Take the trail up the hill, then use the cafe stop or The Summit restaurant as your reward.

Address: 152 Mount Coot-tha Rd, Mt Coot-tha

Located on a bank of the Brisbane River, this former racecourse-turned-park now attracts more than 18,000 visitors each week all coming to pedal, play, relax and socialise. Stretching over 15 hectares, the gardens are filled with fresh sprigs of lavender, rose bushes and mature fig trees, a croquet club and an off-leash area for your four-legged friends. Want to get active? There’s a rental bike station, soccer fields, children’s playground and a wide walking path running along the river’s edge. If you’d prefer to kick back and relax, there are plenty of shaded areas, a coffee kiosk and barbecue facilities.

Time Out tip: Visit in spring (October to November), the park is cloaked in purple with jacarandas in full bloom. 

Address: 137 Sydney St, New Farm 

Spanning 73 hectares, this Chermside park is one of the largest on Brisbane’s north side. Playgrounds are the big drawcard here, with five dotted across the park. The Kidspace Playground is one of the most impressive – the huge timber fort has bridges, ladders, stairs and rope nets throughout and is totally shaded. 7th Brigade Park also has four shaded picnic areas, bathrooms and a fenced off-leash dog park. On the sporting front, you’ll find cricket pitches, sports fields and winding bike paths. You can also challenge a friend (or stranger) to a game of giant chess.

Time Out tip: Bring the dog, bring the kids, stay awhile.

Address: 375 Hamilton Rd, Chermside

Located on the Brisbane River in Seventeen Mile Rocks, this park is popular with families, garden enthusiasts and locals. With more than 8,000 square metres of open grassed space and a half-sized basketball court, it’s also regularly used by local fitness trainers and boot camps. Make sure you visit the community garden. Beyond the towering papaya tree at the entrance, you’ll find a bunch of vibrant planter boxes that are cared for by the local community. Back outside, you’ll find lots of areas for kids to play in, with an extensive playground complete with climbing nets, a flying fox and a water play area. Corrugated shade roofs and picnic tables are located just across from the barbecue facilities, making it a great spot for a family gathering. 

Time Out tip: Bring the scooters and bikes – there’s loads of space for little learners and plenty of paths to explore.

Address: Counihan Rd, Seventeen Mile Rocks