Summer just isn’t complete without a barbie in a park.
When the sun is out and the weather is warm, there’s not much that beats a barbie with friends and family. And personally, there’s just that little something extra special about rocking up to a park, finding a free BBQ (hopefully clean), and setting up for the day with your meats and beers. Thankfully, Brisbane has us covered with something like 420 parks to choose from. Here’s our choice of Brisbane parks with BBQs to get your sizzle on. (Featured image: Jirka Matousek)
1. New Farm Park
Sometimes just rocking up to a park and hoping to find a free spot just wont cut it unless you wake up in the early morn’ and get cracking with your packing. So, for those of us that think and plan ahead, booking a spot at one of New Farm Park’s four areas will guarantee you a seat and somewhere chill to eat your snags. However, you will still need to share the electric BBQs but that’s all part of the game.
New Farm Park, aside from the all important BBqs, have also got a half-court basketball court, toilet facilities, lawns, playgrounds, and giant fig trees perfect for climbing as well as more than 100 Jacaranda trees to give you those purple feels in spring. The park has also got wi-fi throughout, if that’s something you need.
Bookings can be made through the Brisbane City Council’s website.
2. JC Slaughter Falls
Some of us like to nap after a big feed while others like to go for a walk, and there’s not too many places like JC Slaughter Falls (and none with such a striking name) where you could do both but in the bush. The shady gorge gives great protection in Brisbane’s summer months so you can escape the heat.
The BBQs, though, are wood fired so you will need to double check restrictions and go prepared. Interestingly as well, there is a bush chapel which can be hired for events. For more information phone Council on 07 3403 8888 and ask to speak to a Regional Parks Officer.
3. Sherwood Arboretum
Care to see how Brisbane might have looked if not for the introduction of exotic plants and trees? Well, a day out at Sherwood Arboretum on the banks of the Brisbane river will give you a pretty good indication since it is home to 1000-plus species of native flora. Visitors to the park can go on an amble through seven distinct planting areas, ranging from rainforest to eucalypt gum forest, and later come across the 1974 flood marker.
Importantly, there are electric BBQs, a playground, a sheltered area in case the weather turns, and accessible toilet access.