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Brisbane City Botanic Gardens & Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha

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brisbane botanic gardens

With TWO Brisbane Botanic Gardens to choose from, there’s never been a better time to explore beautiful Brisbane’s parks and gardens.

Brisbane Botanic Gardens – A perfect inner-city day-trip

There are TWO Brisbane Botanic Gardens locations to choose from.

  1. Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha
  2. City Botanic Gardens

1. Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha

open Christmas Day brisbane botanic gardens

Covering 52 hectares, these gardens were officially opened in 1976 for Brisbane residents to enjoy. The gardens are open every day of the year (8am-6pm in Sept-March, 8am-5pm in April-Aug) and dogs are NOT permitted.

At these gardens, you’ll spot:

  • Australian Rainforest (including a wide range of Australian Plant communities)
  • Exotic Rainforest
  • Japanese Gardena and Bonsai House (pictured)
  • Lagoon and Bamboo Grove
  • Temperature Garden, Arid Zone, Cactus House and Fern House
  • Fragrant Plant and Herb Garden
  • National Freedom Wall
  • Tropical Display Dome (over 9m high and 28m across)

The garden has a range of playgrounds for children of different ages and abilities. There are plenty of toilets and family-friendly facilities including the Gardens Cafe and access to the famous Planetarium to take in a light show. There is lots of space to spread out a picnic blanket and really enjoy the experience.

There is plenty of parking available on the grounds for families. Arriving early in the day to take advantage of a shaded spot is a good idea.

Brisbane City Botanic Gardens (Brisbane CBD)

The historic City Botanic Gardens is a heritage-listed historic spot found on Alice St that stretches down to Riverstage. This area also takes in the Gardens Point Queensland University of Technology. It’s home to our favourite City of Lights display so make sure you check it out when the sun goes down!

brisbane botanic gardens lights

This beautiful spot is home to:

  • A number of historic artworks, sculptures and pieces (Cannon, Jemmy Morrill sculpture, the Brolgas sculpture)
  • Ornamental ponds
  • Beautiful river views
  • Weeping Fig Avenue (perfect for some photograph)
  • Spectacular All Abilities Playground
  • Fountains
  • Riverstage

There are winding tracks that take you all through the gardens. There’s a cafe (Gardens Club) that’s open from 8am-4pm every day serving food and drink. Again, plenty of picnic areas and space to spread out and enjoy the priceless riverfront views.

There are some disabled car parks available at the gated entrances to the City Botanic Gardens but, for the most part, you’re advised to catch public transport if at all possible.

We recommend joining in a guided walk (about an hour in duration) for the full Botanic Gardens Brisbane experience.

Brisbane Botanic Gardens – Get Amongst It

Planning a half-day (or full day) trip to either of our beautiful Botanic Gardens is a ‘must’ when it comes to authentic Brisbane experiences. Make some memories with your own family!

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Janine Mergler

Janine Mergler is a veteran Queensland teacher, graduating from QUT with a BEd majoring in Social Sciences. After many years in the classroom, Janine moved on to academia. She has proudly trained new generations of teachers in her role as a lecturer at Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Education. She has also worked in the Queensland Government as an education specialist, developing education resources and delivering community awareness programs to help families conserve water. Currently she is the owner and editor of Families Magazine, a publication specifically targeted at parents who value a quality education for children.  Janine leads a team of professionals who write about family lifestyle, early childhood, schools and education information and family-friendly events.

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