Brisbane National Parks and Gardens

Providing a lush green haven in the centre of the city, the City Botanic Gardens run the full length of Alice Street and are bordered by Parliament House and the sparkling Brisbane River.

The city's oldest park, the gardens were originally planted in 1825 with food crops intended to feed the prison colony, and later turned into a zoo. Literally a living museum, the gardens now feature early heritage specimens, native plantings and present-day exotics, and are recognised for their natural and historic value.

Join a free guided tour or run, cycle or rollerblade along the winding paths, laze on the expansive lawns, enjoy an exceptional lunch at the quaint Gardens Cafe, or see an open-air concert at the Riverstage.

The Botanic Gardens are open 24 hours each day, and are easily accessible by car, bus, ferry, or on foot.

Pedestrians:
Enter on foot via the Goodwill Bridge (from South Bank), George Street (past the parliament building) or through various points along Alice Street. The gardens are just 10-15 minutes' walk from the city centre.

Car:
Cars are not permitted in the gardens, but nearby street parking is available along Alice Street.

Bus:
The Free Loop bus, which circuits the city centre, stops on Alice and George Streets.

Ferry:
Ferry terminals are situated at the bottom end of Edward Street and behind Parliament House.

Disabled Accessibility:
Disabled access is available at each gate, except for the Parliament House entrance. Disabled parking spaces can be found just inside the Edward Street entrance and behind the Gardens Cafe (entry via Gardens Point Road).