Yeronga Memorial Park

Few who visit this impressive stately park with its woodlands and memorial paths would realise that it’s one of the oldest in Brisbane. Established as a recreational reserve in 1882, it went on to be designated a Memorial Park after World War I.

This resulted in the building of the ornate memorial gates over Ipswich Road (unique in their commemoration of women), a memorial avenue of fig trees which was one of the first built in Australia and the domed war memorial itself.

The memorials don’t end there, with the adjacent Yeronga Pool itself one, albeit from World War II when no longer did they build war monuments but public utilities such as pools and hospitals instead.

Remnants of the early 20th century recreational pursuits are still present, with a 1936 chequerboard, a 1923 croquet club, a girl guides hall with World War II military connections and the grassed remains of the original tennis courts.

History aside, this is a charming park for a stroll thanks to its woody eucalypt groves and mature trees, especially when accompanied by a dog.

In the midst of one of the groves is doggie heaven - an offleash dog enclosure studded with giant trees where owners too can enjoy a well-shaded sit on one of the benches.