Picnics, playgrounds and people-watching – the green spaces powering Brisbane’s best precincts
What makes a precinct an ideal neighbourhood? An abundance of food and drink options? Sure. Great public transport services? Absolutely. But if you ask us, parks and green spaces contribute the most to a community’s vibe. From picnic spots and public art to playgrounds and parkruns, Brisbane boasts a bounty of beautiful recreation spaces in close proximity to its liveliest hubs. Your favourite places don’t happen by chance – Brisbane City Council is responsible for some of the city’s best precincts and the green spaces within them. Here are our picks for some of Brisbane’s best …
New Farm Park, New Farm
What more can be said about New Farm Park that hasn’t already been discussed? On a weekend, the sprawling ovals of New Farm Park are dotted with families enjoying picnics, football games in full flight and free community events. Well serviced by bus and CityCat (and accessible via the Riverwalk), New Farm Park is a popular destination for more than just idle relaxation.
The park boasts not one, but two playgrounds for little adventurers to explore, electric barbecues for sizzling snags, a basketball court for some friendly competition, and close proximity to tennis courts, a croquet club and the New Farm Library. The park regularly hosts a number of community and Council events, from outdoor cinema screenings and big band performances at the rotunda to parkruns, weekend farmers markets, free yoga classes and tai chi tutorials. Situated next to cultural hub Brisbane Powerhouse and a host of food and drink outlets – including Bar Alto and Mary Mae’s – within arm’s reach, New Farm Park has everything you need for a phenomenal weekend outing.
Arthur Davis Park, Sandgate
If you’re in the mood to play by the bay, Sandgate’s Arthur Davis Park scores top marks thanks to its prime waterfront position. As the waters of Moreton Bay shimmer and glisten in the distance, families can enjoy unhurried walks or bike rides along the foreshore to Shorncliffe Pier and back, before unfurling a rug and relaxing with a paper-wrapped serve of fish and chips from Flinders Seafood & Bar across the road.
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When it comes to amenities, Arthur Davis Park features a shaded playground, exercise equipment, barbecue facilities and picnic tables. This is also where you’ll find the Sandgate Aquatic Centre, which boasts lap pools, a wading pool, play equipment and slides, and is a dreamy destination when the temperatures are soaring. When the tide is low, the mudflats make for great exploring opportunities – you can even bring the pooch and let it roam off leash!
Bulimba Memorial Park, Bulimba
Not many parks in Brisbane boast heritage-listed status, but Bulimba Memorial Park isn’t your run-of-the-mill green space. Built more than 100 years ago, the former farmland now doubles as the beating heart of Bulimba’s Oxford Street precinct, with a sprawling playing field for ball sports, shaded playgrounds with monkey bars, rope climbs and play shops, and close proximity to the Council-maintained Bulimba heritage trail (including a pair of ANZAC cottages) for history buffs. When it comes to picnic supplies, Bulimba Memorial Park is sandwiched between some incredible cafes, bars and restaurants, with venues like Darvella Patisserie and Bellissimo Coffee offering everything you need to make a sensational picnic spread.
If you haven’t had your fill of parks, Bulimba Riverside Park is also a great spot for waterfront vibes, barbecue facilities, dog parks, access to bike and walking paths, and a playground. With the Bulimba Ferry Terminal frequently serviced by CityCat, access to the area is as easy as it comes.
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Bayside Park, Manly
If there’s a better way to spend a weekend morning than with a visit to Manly, we’d like to hear it. The bayside precinct is thriving, with the waterfront constantly abuzz with marketgoers, family picnics, esplanade joggers and foodies. Bayside Park is the epicentre for much of this weekend action, with Manly Harbour Village, the marina and boat harbour located in close proximity.
Little ones will no doubt be laser focused on the park’s seaside playground (including a ship-themed play zone), while parents will be eager to snag one of the covered picnic areas or barbecues for lunch. If you didn’t pack a hamper or the esky, no stress. If you are there on the first or third Saturday of the month, Jan Powers Farmers Markets will be in full swing. Further along the esplanade sits George Clayton Park, known to locals as The Lighthouse Park. Here you’ll find more barbecue amenities as well as a pirate-themed playground equipped with a tyre swing and flying fox.
When it comes to cafes, you’re spoiled for choice – Groundhog Social, Pier 88 and First Coffee Co. are nearby for a coffee fix, while beloved fish and chip spots like Manly Boathouse and Manly Fish Co. have a bounty of oceanic eats to devour.
Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane City
Okay, so this pick might bend the rules when we talk about parks, but the green areas at Howard Smith Wharves are a great choice.
This precinct packs a lot into its slender footprint, from two nautical-themed playgrounds for tots to beer yoga every Wednesday on the Felons Fish n’ Chip Lawn. On Sundays, Felons Barrel Hall opens its doors for a family-friendly fun day, complete with face painting, balloon twisting, reptile shows and more. As the lights dim, the cliffs overlooking Howard Smith Wharves turn into a Council-operated outdoor gallery displaying work from local artists.
Featuring its own CityCat terminal and sitting close to large bus stops in Fortitude Valley, getting to and from Howard Smith Wharves is a breeze.
This article was written in partnership with our friends at Brisbane City Council, who have helped shape lifestyle precincts like Brisbane Powerhouse, Oxford Street, Sandgate, Manly Village and Howard Smith Wharves.
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