They get the most of their natural features around here. The cliffs are impressive viewed from…read moreafar. Up close, separated bike and pedestrian paths run across land and occasionally boardwalks over the length of the cliffs, passing picnicking sites and athletic facilities along the way. A couple of sets of stairs scale the cliffs if you want a workout, which the people of Brisbane seem to because there are tons of workout classes on the parklands atop the cliffs, as well as some broad views of the city. Transit access is a little weaker than some other local spots, with only one stop on the slower of the Brisbane boat services (the faster CityCat skips this area completely for some reason), and few buses to be had even on the top side. But if you want to traverse the area on the ground, you'll find nice things.

Things I would prefer to do when visiting the Kangaroo Point Cliffs:…read more1. Lay in a part shade-part sun grassy knoll overlooking the river on a picnic blanket. 2. Sip one of Brisbane's best iced coffees from the Cliffs Cafe 3. Stand at the top of Kangaroo Point Cliffs and look at the beautiful view of the city I call home and think, "You know what? We're pretty lucky." Things I actually did while recently at Kangaroo Point Cliffs and won't admit I may actually have enjoyed: 1. Run the infamous Kangaroo Point Cliff stairs along with other crazy (sorry, FIT) people on a Sunday morning. I only made it twice before my legs became an ad for aeroplane jelly and said, "heck no you're not doing that again." But somehow I find myself craving a visit again this coming Sunday to better my record. INSANITY. Jokes aside my points are this: Kangaroo Point Cliffs is one of our cities best vantage points to take it all in. To appreciate our beautiful city and see the views from Southbank to past the Story Bridge. To take in some outdoor activities including rock climbing if you're with a Riverlife group or to cycle your way along the river front. To gather the weekend papers, a picnic blanket and a take away coffee to lay on the grass and read the day away. It is also a pretty nifty spot to enjoy the NYE fireworks and/or listen to concerts happening at Riverstage.

Took the dog for a walk out to the island. Lots of people out (families and friends) and their…read moredogs. We thought it was an off leash walk out to the island, unfortunately not. But if you take a long leash your furry friends can still enjoy some freedom to sniff. A coffee shop by the park which we were unable to try due to time constraints. A lovely walk. Look for a low tide and enjoy.

On a good day, the point of Wellington Point has the best of everything. Bordered by water on all…read moresides, the point has a park for the kids, a swimming area, a restaurant, take away, a jetty and a boating ramp. All in all, you could have a fantastic family day out. I like to wander down after work on a Saturday and kick back with some fish and chips under one of the huge, Moreton Bay fig trees. You get a nice breeze and a great water view of King Island. You see heaps of wind surfers, jet skis, canoes and boats. There are always couples sitting on benches by the water, kids in the water and groups enjoying a day out in their boat. A fun, holiday atmosphere. On a bad day, you will get a really strong wind and because there is water on all sides, there really isn't anywhere to hide. Best to go on a sunny day unless you are wind surfing.

I used to live in a share house on Hill End Tce, which along with the titular Orleigh St fronts…read moreonto this long and languid riverside recreational area. It was probably the best part of living there, being able to cross the road into a lush shaded hill right on the water. And the renters and homeowners aren't the only ones who can enjoy this feature of their respective abodes, with the area being a favourite hitching spot for scores of backpackers and other wanderers who took advantage on the apparent police amnesty on squatting here in their vans and station wagons. The park is also home to a few friendly (and vehicle-less) local itinerants, like old John, who can be seen wandering shirtless through the suburb with his long Jesus-like locks flapping in the breeze. Apart from the usual barbecue goers, picnicers, parents and children playing, dog walkers, joggers and the like, Orleigh Park also attracts keen anglers, with catches including Rainbow Perch, Catfish and the infamous Brisbane River Bull SHARKS (another reason not to go swimming in the brown water). Last time I visited the park for a friend's birthday picnic, we saw a couple of guys pull in an 80cm baby shark, which they released back into the river. Some of the less discerning fishermen will even eat their catches.

Well done Brisbane City Council - this park has lush green grass, huge spreading trees, shade and…read morewide open spaces for frisbee/cricket, toilets, BBQs, shelter, a well maintained path, plenty of parking, plenty of public transport access and happy people. The park celebrates the river and the good people celebrate it. I love how multicultural the visitors are here. Orleigh is one big beautiful melting pot of West End leisure. Oh and I forgot the Free WiFi!

Looking for a nice, inexpensive, laid-back way to spend an evening? Leave bars and restaurants…read morebehind, take a bottle of wine, some cheese and a picnic blanket up to Highgate Hill Park and enjoy the view of Brisbane's cityscape. With a gazebo perched at the top of the park, this is easily one of the most beautiful spots in Brisbane.

"Be as true to each other as this dial is to this sun" reads the inscription on the sun dial at…read morethis little patch of green near the apex of Highgate Hill. A nice sentiment for a nice park, which serves as a favourite spot for locals to view the Riverfire spectacular and other fireworks displays throughout the year. It's also a popular spot for couples and groups to populate with a picnic rug and basket to enjoy some food and drink over views of the sunset. Recently they established a community garden here, growing a variety of herbs, chillies and what look like lime trees.

This is a highlight free attraction in the heart of Brisbane. This used to be an industrial area…read morewhich has been transformed into one of the nicest botanical gardens I've ever visited. It's an easy walk from downtown and right next to the main train station, so it's great to spend a lunch or incorporate into exploring the city. At the entrance there are restrooms and water stations, plus maps of the different areas. The entrance areas are all sculpted flower gardens, as you walk around there are more forested areas, jungle, and ponds. We were there at a great time of the year, it wasn't so hot and everything was in bloom. There are ibis and lizards everywhere too! They really care about the maintenance of this area as landscapers were hard at work as well. There's information about the plants all over too. This would be a great place to relax, take a date, or explore with kids.

Lovely parklands, great variety of specimen plantings, water features are nice, reminds me of a…read moretiny version of Central Park. On the hill is a great spot to sun bake in summer.

Wow, this park is pretty huge, but then again it does happen to be a river-side inner-city park so…read moreI probably shouldn't be all that surprised. In fact it makes a pretty nice end to the river-side walk that I took when I was last in Brisbane, and the park itself really does bring that trip to a lovely conclusion. There is quite a lot of shade, and also there is a converted factory to one side, which cafes and a bar. Yeah, this place is pretty good.

Just the best park in the Central Brisbane area. Beautiful gardens, roses, shady trees, great kids…read moreplay area. The Brisbane Powerhouse, Watt Restaurant and Bar Alto right on the park. Plus the beautiful river with a Citycat Terminal and Bus Stop right there. Always busy on weekends and find weather. The Rotunda is used for Weddings and small gatherings. Personal trainers, tai chi instructors use the large grassed areas. And there is a wonderful range of new bbq's and seating down by the river. Visit it often as the roses seem to go all year. The Farmers Market is there every second Saturday and it booms! Take a picnic, a ball, a kite, there is plenty of room. It's flat so easy for the elderly, it's also right there for the Free music or comedy from the Powerhouse. And you can keep walking along from the Park using the fabulous riverwalk all the way to Teneriffe. Just the best spot in Brissie for a weekend.

I know this park is fairly small, but I still like it and it is such a relaxing area…read more The park runs alongside Sturgeon Street as you head towards Ormiston from Wellington Point. I like grabbing some food at the local shops then heading down to Apex park for a picnic. On a hot day, there is plenty of shade plus Hillards Creek runs next to it and provides a great mini water view over lunch. It is like a little oasis away from the main road. I came here not too long ago with a friend. We got a coffee and some cheese and biscuits and had a nice lazy afternoon in the shade. It is a good place for a morning walk too.

I had never heard of this place until my father suggested I join him and his partner for a wander…read morearound this park. This park is a bit of a mission to get to for anyone who does not live in the area but is worth the car mileage as it is a great place to hang out, have a picnic and roam around. I was not expecting much from this park but as soon as I entered the park, I realised how beautiful it was. There is something very serene about it, that instantly puts you at ease (so corny, I know). The park is very spacious too making it perfect for any picnic parties, it would be a lovely place to jog or walk around. When I visited the place, I even noticed people fishing from the deck over the Brisbane River, I doubt they would have caught anything good but they looked like they were having fun and enjoying the views. If it wasn't for its inconvenient location, I would visit this park more often as it really is a beauty.

If you like taking your kids to parks with playgrounds aren't guaranteed to be crawling with kids…read morealready, this is one of the secret parks you can still get a spot in. There are many trees around and 2 main sheltered areas with plenty of tables. There is also a boardwalk type play area and a rather large general swing and tyre play area about 20 meters away from the tables. Mostly under shelter too for those hot days. Bring sunscreen, a picnic blanket and some bug spray for hotter days, but mostly it's quite breezy if you're lucky. What I love about this park is that it's situated in the middle of Sherwood Forest, where Robin Hood lives. Okay... there isn't a Robin Hood living in this forest, but we're still on the lookout for him and his men. Or my single friends are anyway. There are plenty of dads here with kids, and I keep having to tell them, it's not okay because these ones are probably taken. Besides from the nice atmosphere, there are also BBQ facilities, toilets and lots of bins in case you want to orchestrate a kids birthday party here. There is a pretty big carpark and on the weekends there is usually a coffee van parked in one of the slots for your caffeine needs early Saturday morning. I love this park because it's hidden away and not that many people know where it is yet, for those mums and dads out there looking to take their kids outdoors somewhere for free, maybe have a picnic... this is a pretty good hidden gem of a park really close to the city. Not really that super close to public transport, but it's definetely driveable.