Roma Street Parklands
FreeThe world's largest subtropical garden in a city centre, hidden on the edge of Brisbane's CBD
Wander through 16 hectares of subtropical gardens, rainforest walks, and flowering displays at the world's largest city-centre subtropical garden. Built on a former railway goods yard, the parklands opened in 2001 and feature distinct microclimates, from arid zones and fern gullies to rainforest canopy and the spectacular Spectacle Garden, an explosion of subtropical colour. Free BBQs, playgrounds, a lake, and an amphitheatre that hosts outdoor cinema and Shakespeare performances. Eastern water dragons bask on the pathways.
Step by step
From start to finish, what to expect.
Walk from Roma Street Station (2 min) into the parklands
Start at the Spectacle Garden for the flowering displays and city skyline views
Walk through the Forest and Fern Gully, a rainforest within the city
Picnic on the Celebration Lawn or lunch at The Garden Room Cafe
Optional: join a free 90-minute guided walk (daily at 10am, bookings required)
Cost breakdown
Estimated per person, in AUD.
How you get there
Your options for the trip.
Public transport
Local tips
Stuff your mates would tell you.
Free guided walks depart daily at 10am from The Hub, book online in advance
Look out for eastern water dragons on the paths, they're harmless but surprisingly large
The Spectacle Garden is the highlight, don't skip it
The Xpress Fun Train loops through the park on weekends (good for kids or tired legs)