Brisbane's Secret Parks
Updated: Sep 29, 2024
Look hard enough around Brisbane and there's a myriad of secret pocket-sized parks and gardens that make peaceful little retreats secreted in its midst.
From riverfront gardens to secret churchyards, some of these parks are tucked away in neighbourhoods in which even the locals don't know about them.
With so many beguiling little hidden spots to choose from, here are our top 10, in no particular order:
A little scene out of ye old England greets the person who ventures down behind Suncorp Stadium to find the historic Christ Church, its tiny graveyard (the remnant of Brisbane’s first free settler cemetery) and the picture perfect Afghanistan Memorial garden.
Down on the riverfront at Corinda is this tiny pocket park with an old swing set, a tiny boatshed and peaceful views of water, bush and river rocks and not a building in sight.
Yeronga
Take the steps past the grand heritage listed ex-army hospital and wayward girl’s home Rhyndarra to find a little pocket of grass with views across the river to Indooroopilly Golf Course.
Follow the White Rabbit to the magic tree out back of Newstead House and here you’ll find an enchanted little Wonderland-themed garden with chess board and water views.
Only Toowong locals know about this historic little terraced park sandwiched between buildings on the waterfront, with views to West End’s Orleigh Park. Once upon a time it was the collection point for logs which were rafted down the river and collected here for the local timber mill.
It may be privy to the thrum of traffic on the Story Bridge but for headspace in the inner city and the most stunning perspective of the city, bridge and surrounding cliffs this little patch of green is hard to beat.
Merthyr Park
With the lure of Brisbane’s favourite New Farm Park too hard to pass up, many overlook this charming little strip of green dotted with benches and fringed with mangroves on the reach of river further along.
Atop Teneriffe’s highest hill is this gracious park with Federation-style rotundas and city views that was once part of the estate of nearby Teneriffe House. For a real getaway take the bush trail to the top.
A stone’s throw from the Bulimba Ferry terminal is this park which is home to a sailing club, couple of playgrounds and a path along the mangroves that has fantastic views of Hamilton Hill.
OK it’s not a park per se but during the week when the sports and market crowds are not around it’s a peaceful place to wander amongst the chicken coops and vege and herb gardens.
