Escape to this inner-city oasis right in the heart of Brisbane.
Occupying a 16-hectare site in central Brisbane, Roma Street Parkland was used as an important meeting place for Aboriginal ceremonies for thousands of years. Today it is home to a range of spectacular subtropical plant displays, sweeping vistas and unique artwork, making it the escape of choice for nature and art lovers alike.The park consists of five individually designed areas and offers a stunning array of diverse horticultural displays that keep its landscape vibrant and colourful all year round. Meander down the winding pathways of Colin Campbell Place, or take in the wide open lawns and lakeside walkways of the Lake Precinct, a great place for a relaxing walk or friendly encounter with the resident hardhead ducks.Explore the lush ferns and flowing creeks of the Forest and Fern Gully, or follow the gentle slopes of the forest walkway right up to the forest canopy, the perfect vantage point for taking in the magnificent flora and fauna of the subtropical rainforest below.One of the main features of the nearby Sound Garden is a remarkable Japanese water harp. Designed to celebrate cultural ties between Australia and Japan, its flowing waters produce a subtle musical effect that has been likened to the sound of harp strings being elegantly plucked. The motif used for the surrounding pathway reflects the Aboriginal dream mythology of the Rainbow Serpent, so revered by the traditional owners of this land.As an alternative to the many guided walks available, kids can climb on-board the Parkland Explorer, a hop-on, hop-off train with narrated audio tours designed to draw their attention to items of interest along the way.As well as eye-catching flora, the park features an array of reptiles, lizards and fish, and is home to over 35 species of bird. Watch out for water dragons in the rocky areas around the Lakeside Precinct, or the common garden skink lurking in the long grass of many of the garden beds throughout the Parkland. The cacophonous cries of the pink galahs, rainbow-coloured lorikeets and blue-faced honeyeater are sure to delight the younger ones.The park also plays host to many special events and festivals throughout the year. Regular performances are held at the open-air amphitheatre in the Upper Parkland while public artworks including bronze and sandstone sculptures, mosaics, paving and murals dotted throughout the landscape add to the rich tapestry of the park.Roma Street Parkland is located just behind Roma Street Station and is a short walk from the heart of the city. It can be accessed from any of the three main pedestrian entrances around its perimeter and is open all day, every day.
