Below the 287-metre peak of Mount Coot-tha lies a real jewel in the crown of Brisbane’s amazing outdoor offerings. Opened in 1976 as a compliment to the existing gardens downtown, the Brisbane Botanic Gardens are larger and more extensive than their city counterpart. 52 hectares of the sprawling nature reserve at the foot of Brisbane’s highest peak are devoted to housing some of the world’s rarest and most unusual plants and flowers within a variety of different habitats.Fragrant herbs, towering trees and prickly cacti are just some of the hundreds of species on show in this beautiful park with walking trails leading you past lush vegetation, murmuring creeks and deep lagoons. The largest of the specially created habitats is the Australian Plant Communities section which contains tropical rainforest, wetlands and eucalyptus woods among its 27 hectares. It’s also home to over 40 rare or threatened species including a whole pond full of Eastern Water Dragons.The Japanese Garden was the last work of leading traditional designer Kenzo Ogata and this beautifully landscaped design, based on the theme of “tsuki-yama-chisen” (mountain-pond-stream), really is a sight to behold. The S-shaped path leads you through tranquil water features and carefully sculpted rocks. Not far from here is the Bamboo Grove where you should look out for turtles, birds and eels among the clumps of rare bamboo and manmade lagoon.The Fragrant Plant and Herb Garden is a real aromatic experience as you take in the sweet smells of a huge variety of aromatic, medicinal and culinary plants. The Fern House contains over eighty different varieties of the ancient and fascinating species and also worth a look is the Bonsai House where you’ll find amazing miniature versions of conifers, figs and azaleas.These are just some of the offerings among these ever-expanding gardens, and a good way to find what you want is to grab a map and try one of the three self-guided walks. There are also two daily guided tours from Monday to Saturday, details of which are on the website. Located 7.2 kilometres north of Brisbane in the suburb of Toowong, you can drive or take one of the bus tours from the city. The gardens are open every day except for major holidays and are free but the Bonsai House has more limited hours.
Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Tours and Activities
Visit Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
Plan a trip to see Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
City Star Lodge
Reviewed on 14 May 2024
Morgan Suites
Reviewed on 12 May 2024
Tours & day trips
See all 38 activitiesOpens in new tabNorth Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) Day Trip from Brisbane
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 8 activitiesOpens in new tabDeluxe Wine Tour to Tamborine Mountain, includes two course lunch
Holiday & seasonal tours
See all 6 activitiesOpens in new tabBrisbane: Illuminated River Night Kayak Tour
Wildlife & nature
See all 5 activitiesOpens in new tabFrom Brisbane: Australia Zoo Ticket and Return Transfer
Classes & workshops
See all 3 activitiesOpens in new tabWine Blending Workshop in Brisbane City
Reviews of Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
5/5 - Excellent
Enjoy a ferry ride from Eagle Street to the Botanic Gardens then walk back. Children's playground is lovely. In Spring, check out the new planting of roses and other flowers.
4/5 - Good
currently having work done
5/5 - Excellent
Absolutely beautiful, make sure you give yourself plently of time to explore the gardens, pack a picnic and rest awhile.
5/5 - Excellent
be aware that in the last week in September there is a huge finale for the Brisbane Festival with light shows and firework. A lot of people are expected to attend.
4/5 - Good
Parkrun Saturday Morning 7am from Southbank, run over goodwill bridge and through Botanic Garden, LOVELY
5/5 - Excellent
Hire a bike for $2 and ride around these parklands. Markets on the weekend
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