Spring in South East Queensland is always a blooming good time. With Winter behind us, we finally get to welcome warmer weather, colourful and fresh landscapes, and an abundance of outdoor activities. You can treat your senses to the blossoming gardens and parks, go for a hike with breathtaking views, or unwind with a picnic with friends. Make the most of this splendid season with our line-up of the best Spring activities across South East Queensland.
Spring in Brisbane
Stroll through the City Botanic Gardens
The City Botanic Gardens are Brisbane’s most mature gardens and home to many native as well as rare botanic species. The prime inner-city and riverside location makes the City Botanic Gardens easy to get to by foot, car, bus, CityCat or ferry. You can easily explore the vast gardens at your own pace and leisure, or you can take a free volunteer guided walk. As well as the beautiful flora and fauna, within the City Botanic Gardens you can also discover ponds, sculptures, a playground and a café.
From 31 August to 8 October, you can experience the City Botanic Gardens by night as the global hit Lightscape lights up Brisbane. This multi-sensory immersive experience showcases the gardens in a whole new way through light, colour and sounds.
Chill out at South Bank Parklands
The riverside parkland precinct, South Bank, has so much to offer this Spring in Brisbane. Bask in the vibrant magenta bougainvillea flowers with a walk through South Bank’s iconic arbour. You can also explore the parklands along the river-front Clem Jones Promenade. On those warmer Spring days, take a dip in Streets Beach – the world’s only city beach. Chill out on the green lawns of the River Quay amphitheatre and enjoy the stunning views of the city across the river.
Picnic in New Farm Park
Beautiful all-year-round, New Farm Park absolutely shines during Spring. Its gardens and facilities make it a great location for a Springtime picnic. You’ll find playgrounds, public facilities, free barbeques, an abundance of green space and plenty of shady trees under which you can set yourself up for a picnic. Go toward the end of Spring to see some of the most impressive jacarandas in full bloom!
Get out on the water
This Spring in Brisbane, explore the iconic Brisbane River from a different perspective. Kayaking is an excellent Brisbane Spring activity that allows you to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the open fresh air. You can hire a kayak to go your own way, or take part in a guided tour during the day or at twilight. Check out Riverlife at the base of the cliffs at Kangaroo Point for convenient kayak hire.
Spring on the Gold Coast
Admire the Regional Botanic Gardens
An inner-city green oasis, the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens are a must-visit during Spring on the Gold Coast. The vast parkland has several gardens, including a rose garden, sensory garden, butterfly garden and native bush foods garden. With a café, playground and off-leash dog area, it makes for an ideal Spring activity.
Frolic in rock pools
Just 15 minutes from Currumbin Beach you’ll find the idyllic Currumbin Rock Pools. This swimming hole is a favourite among locals where you can splash in the shallows, swing or leap into the water, or just lounge on the rocks. With picnic tables and toilets nearby, you can easily spend the whole day here.
Head out on a hike
If you’re after something active this Spring on the Gold Coast, head out for on hike. There are trails and tracks scattered across the Gold Coast with various distances and scenery. If you’re chasing waterfalls, head to Springbrook National Park or Lamington National Park. For a challenging mountain hike with views, check out Mount Warning or Mount Cordeaux.
Catch the sunset at Burleigh Heads Hill
In the warmer months, as the sun goes down Burleigh Heads Hill comes alive. The vantage point offers incredible sunsets over the beach as the lights of Surfers Paradise twinkle in the distance. During Spring on the Gold Coast, Sunday afternoons at Burleigh Head are made extra special with regular entertainment from freelance musicians and small market stalls.
Getting around South East Queensland this Spring
Get around South East Queensland for your Spring activities with Airtrain. With services running every 15 minutes during peak times and every 30 minutes off peak, we’ll help you get to your Spring activity on time and in comfort.
Our services run express from Brisbane Airport and stop at Fortitude Valley, Central, Roma Street and South Brisbane stations. From there, you can continue on to the Gold Coast, and access buses or trams from Helensvale station.
When you’re travelling to your South East Queensland Spring activities you can get around with ease using a go card – the fast and convenient way to travel on all Translink transport, including Airtrain.
On all Brisbane and Gold Coast rail transport you can also use Translink’s Smart Ticketing system for travel or you can purchase a paper ticket.
Check out the Translink Journey Planner to help plan your adventure during Spring in Brisbane and on the Gold Cost.
