The heritage listed New Farm Park is one of Brisbane’s most popular parks. With its towering maze of magnificent fig trees and huge wooden fortress, it is easy to see why families love spending time here.
The sprawling parklands also boast river views, beautiful rose gardens, a skyscraper backdrop and arguably some of the best picnic spots in the city making it a special destination for locals and a must-see location for visitors.
New Farm Park playground
To call New Farm Park a ‘park’ is a bit of understatement considering it occupies approximately 37 acres of prime inner-city land and welcomes over 18,000 visitors every week.
The New Farm Park playground is bursting with adventure and has seen many iterations since a children’s playground was built on the site back in 1955!
It has become most renowned for its impressive fort like treehouse which winds its way over multiple levels through a forest of stunning banyan fig trees which frame the whole space.
This classic, wooden, nature style playground is full of surprises. From bridges to ladders and balancing beams and slides, it makes for an intriguing play area for the big kids while still being accessible to toddlers.
Every corner of this shady play space reveals a new surprise like the colourful section dedicated to educational games and musical instruments which adds another aspect of interactivity.
There’s also a multiple bay swing set including harnessed adaptive swings plus a huge climbing fort next to the main playground which is sure to delight eager climbers.
A short walk from the playground leads to the Brisbane River where you can enjoy a leisurely riverside stroll or set up a picnic near one of the many electric BBQs (as seen on the Bluey episode “Spy Game”!).
The central lawn is also a spectacular place to bring out the picnic rug, kites and balls with ample space and plenty of shade provided by the leafy branches of ancient fig, jacaranda and poinciana trees.
A small cafe sits right next to the playground providing good takeaway coffee and a range of treats for the kids to help make their day extra sweet.
Imagination Factor at New Farm Park
This playground oozes imagination factor which stems as much from the nooks and crevasses of the fig tree roots as it does from the mythically themed playground.
The way the playground is seamlessly incorporated throughout the trees offers an enchanting and immersive experience for Brisbane Kids which allows for natural exploration and creativity to flow.
There’s also a smaller toddler playground which incorporates the same fantasy elements creating some nice storytelling prompts for parents and an easy set up for pretend play.
The mythical theme is showcased by a large, dragon centrepiece in the middle of the playground which is accompanied by cracked open dragon eggs for children to climb inside. Not only does this encourage engagement but it also provides some super fun photo opportunities too!
Accessibility at New Farm Park
There are accessible toilets located approximately 20 metres to the right side of the playground which also contain baby change table facilities. A solid path network around the playground provides good access for prams and wheelchairs.
As for the playground equipment, there are two harnessed adaptive swings and a tandem toddler/parent swing to help increase inclusivity.
Parking is potentially the biggest hurdle at New Farm Park. Not because there aren’t ample spots available but simply due to its popularity on weekends.
The park can also quite easily be accessed via pubic transport with both bus and ferry terminals nearby.
New Farm Park features
- Unfenced playground
- Accessible toilets
- Soft fall, bark and sand base
- Wooden fort style playground built among fig trees
- Balancing beams, ladder, bridges, fire poles, slides
- Giant rope climbing frame
- Dedicated toddler playground
- Dragon themed section
- Multiple bay swing set
- Harnessed, adaptive swings
- Various spinners
- Interactive and educational games
- Picnic shelters
- Electric BBQs
- Bike and walking paths
- Open grassy spaces
- Rose gardens
- Historic bandstand/rotunda – available for hire
- Free council Wi-Fi
- Dogs on leash friendly
- Off street parking (see above notes in Accessibility)
- Coffee and restaurants nearby
The park opens at 8.30 am and closes at 11pm
Other wonderful central Brisbane playgrounds include the ones at Brisbane City Botanic Gardens and Roma Street Parklands.
What We Thought of New Farm Park
There aren’t many places in Brisbane that stir up more nostalgia than New Farm Park and the many hours spent as a kid exploring the playground and soaking up the great outdoors. The grand wooden playground gives it an authentic, earthy feel that really sets it apart from the mega playgrounds of more modern times.
We know you and your little ones are guaranteed to take home some treasured memories after a visit to New Farm Park whether it’s playing hide and seek between the figs or sharing a picnic lunch with family and friends by the river.
Exploring Nearby
New Farm Park is located next to the Powerhouse Museum. In addition to hosting a number of cultural and arts events throughout year, it also hosts the popular Jan Powers Farmers Markets every Saturday. Within this space you’ll also find a couple of cool, contemporary dining options in Mary Mae’s and Bar Alto.
How to Get to New Farm Park
New Farm Park is located on Brunswick Street at New Farm.
New Farm Park is accessible by public transport (ferry, bus or CityCat). Or better yet hope on the bikes and ride.
There are hundreds of parking spots available on the ring road loop (including several disabled parking spaces directly in front of the playground) however patience and a little bit of luck might be required to nab one.
Brunswick Street, New Farm QLD 4005, Australia
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