There’s never a bad time to be out and about in Brisbane, but there’s something truly magical about strolling through the city during jacaranda season, when the city seems to be taken over by the dream-like purple hues of these flowering trees.
Jacarandas, which are, in fact, native to Brazil and were brought to Australia via England in the 19th century, have flourished in Brisbane thanks to the subtropical climate and the ability of their seedlings to sprout from falling seeds.
Flowering from October through to the end of November, the swathe of purple throughout the city welcomes the summer months and generally lifts our moods. So if you’re also in need of some flowering beauty, then lace up your shoes and head on out to these locations around town to see the jacarandas in full bloom.
1. New Farm Park
While New Farm Park is one of the best spots for a picnic in Brisbane, it’s also home to plenty of blooming jacarandas in spring. Sit on a rug under a tree and enjoy some cheese and wine paired with pops of purple or, if you’re not too distracted by their beauty, catch a film at Dendy Powerhouse’s outdoor cinema!
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2. Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt. Coot-tha
On a walk through the Botanic Gardens in spring, you’ll notice the flowers channelling their main character energy. This includes the jacarandas, which line the main ring road, although they have tough competition from the many colourful booms you can admire in the area.
3. UQ, St Lucia
UQ gets a purple makeover each spring, with stunning jacarandas dotting the campus. This makes walks around the area particularly pretty for students in need of a pop of colour between classes. The lilac blooms are, in fact, such an integral part of life at the school that exam season, which coincides with their flowering period, is known by some as the purple panic.
4. Jacaranda Park, Yeronga
The name says it all – Jacaranda Park promises a generous dose of purple during the season. Pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it, enjoying the warmer days and jacaranda hues. Or, if you’re feeling active, work out amongst the trees in one of their well-maintained paths or take an outdoor class.
5. Kangaroo Point’s Dockside Walk
For jacaranda spotting with a view, head to Kangaroo Point’s Dockside Walk, where purple blooms frame the dramatic cliffside. From there, it’s only a short stroll to Captain Burke Park, where you can see even more jacarandas by the river’s edge.
6. Wilson Outlook Reserve
Not far from New Farm Park, but a good distance if you’d rather avoid crowds, this peaceful spot overlooking the Story Bridge is packed with purple blossoms and beautiful city views, so you can have the best of both worlds in your jacaranda photos.
7. Goodna
Brisbane’s suburbs are also home to jacaranda-lined streets. Our favourite might just be in Goodna — the town so proud of its purple trees that it hosts a jacaranda festival every year — where lilac blooms form an incredible canopy over the expansive George Street, as well as Evan Marginson Park.
Editorial contribution from: MJ Gayón