Home » Things to do » Family Fun Days Out » Free Things to Do

Best Jacaranda Trees Brisbane – Picnic Under Purple Flowering Trees!

Purple flowering trees dot the parks and neighbourhoods of Brisbane (and surrounds) during the spring time. But where to find these beauties? Here are some ideas for making the most of this gorgeous season.

Purple flowering trees – Jacaranda trees Brisbane

Jacaranda Trees aren’t actually native to Australia – despite what many people think! They were introduced from Brazil in the early 1900’s. There was even an old Brisbane City Council initiative where seedlings were distributed to residents to brighten up the cityscape!

Spring can often mean allergies pop up, particularly hay fever. Not all of us might be able to enjoy spreading out a picnic blanket under these purple flowering trees – so if you’re not feeling sneezy, here’s where you can take it easy!

Plan your day out in Brisbane with a picnic under the purple petals at…

New Farm Park

purple flowering trees - new farm park

New Farm Park offers families the chance to really spread their legs and enjoy one of our most beautiful parks. The divine Jacaranda Trees are just one of many delightful sites and activities that await you here. There are often food and coffee trucks, fabulous playgrounds and gorgeous historical gardens.

Did you know?: There are 146 Jacaranda trees in New Farm Park. Don’t believe us? Try counting them!

RELATED: Check out our New Farm Park playground review here.

Princess Street, Fairfield

Head to the south side to access Princess Street Park, Fairfield. This is one of the biggest ‘clusters’ of Jacaranda Trees Brisbane has to offer – it’s simply a delight!

Story Bridge / Kangaroo Point / Captain Burke Park

We LOVE Captain Burke Park – find out why here! 

This particular area is an absolute delight. Watch the world go by on the banks of the Brisbane River while you enjoy the serenity of the purple flowering trees whispering in the wind. Just gorgeous.

University of Queensland campus | St Lucia

Jacaranda Purple flowering trees
image courtesy of ABC Brisbane

UQ is not just for students! There are lots of things here for families to take advantage of – the Jacaranda Trees that abound the St Lucia campus are just one of them! Take the City Cat 

Wilson’s Outlook Reserve (Valley)

Look out over one of the most breath-taking views in Brisbane. City cats glide by, cars chug over the Story Bridge and you’re swept up in the drama of one of the best vantage points around. The purple flowering trees up here are perfect for a romantic (or maybe not…) dusk picnic.

Jacaranda Park (Yeronga)

Jacaranda Park Purple flowering trees

Just what it says on the box! Jacaranda Park in Yeronga is the perfect spot to take the fam.

Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens

Jacaranda Purple flowering trees

Mt Coot-that Botanic Gardens has a WHOLE Jacaranda section! While you’re up there, check out the shows at the Brisbane Planetarium to stay cool and get some space.

Roma Street Parkland

Jacaranda Purple flowering trees

We REALLY love Roma Street Parkland! 

Careful planning and consideration of how plants work together was involved in the creation of Roma Street Parkland. This truly is a special place and it really comes alive in Spring. Not to be missed!

Goodna Street, New Farm

image courtesy of Kaleidoscope Living

There are some of the oldest Jacaranda Trees in Brisbane along this stretch. A beautiful way to cap off your purple flowering trees adventure!

Brisbane Jacaranda facts

  • Jacaranda flowers also come in white. Check out the white Jacarandas at Roma Street Parkland!
  • There are three different species of Jacaranda at City Botanic Garden, and SEVEN at Mt Coot-tha.
  • Brisbane’s City Botanic Garden is the site of Australia’s first jacaranda tree, planted in 1864. It was destroyed by a storm in 1979.

Seeing the Jacaranda trees in bloom is one of our favourite free things to do in Brisbane!

Photo of author

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.

Leave a comment