What parks in Brisbane Can you drink at?

With further easing of restrictions this week, police are reminding everyone, drinking alcohol in a public place including roads, footpaths, parks and beaches is prohibited in Queensland under the Liquor Act 1992.

Additionally, green spaces around New Farm Park and Southbank where the public was previously permitted to drink while eating, remain closed to help stop the spread of Coronavirus.

Fortitude Valley police have been unhappy about large groups of people congregating in New Farm Park and received numerous complaints at the weekend regarding anti-social behaviour.

Officers responded to groups of people drinking alcohol and disregarding COVID-19 restrictions on social distancing.

Multiple police units were required to move these groups on and to dispose of the alcohol, while intoxicated groups became argumentative with officers.

With restrictions continuing to ease this week throughout Queensland, police will continue to educate and show compassion when engaging with the public, but a visible police presence should also be expected.

Police will use discretion in how they respond to various circumstances however if people blatantly disobey any of the public health directions, officers can issue on the spot fines of $1,334 for individuals under section 362D of the Public Health Act 2005.

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Reclaim the outdoors and gather your closest friends for a picnic. Whether you want to fancy it up with a grazing platter, support a local business with takeaway or simply fill up your basket with some snacks, a picnic is the go-to post isolation activity to catch up with friends, while being able to keep your space.

Note: social distancing rules still apply and to help stop the spread, we encourage you to socialise safely.

What parks in Brisbane Can you drink at?

Photographed by Marlon Trottmann. Image via Shutterstock.

South Bank is arguably the most popular picnic spot in Brisbane; but a little further away from the general hustle lies River Quay Green. Situated along the riverside and boasting a front row view overlooking Brisbane’s skyline, this lush green space gives you the relaxing atmosphere of South Bank without too much competition for space.

What parks in Brisbane Can you drink at?

Photographed by Lenny K Photography. Image via Flickr.

Kangaroo Point’s best kept secret is nestled right under the Story Bridge at Captain Burke Park. At night, the park is lit up by the towering bridge and fairy lights hanging on the surrounding trees, making it the best place to enjoy a late-night picnic without having to handle a flashlight in one hand.

What parks in Brisbane Can you drink at?

Photographed by Visual Collective. Image via Shutterstock.

New Farm Park is an iconic Brisbane spot for a reason. Sprawling over 15 hectares, there’s plenty of room for social distancing, BBQs and dogs to come along. It’s one of the few parks in Brisbane you can bring-your-own alcohol, so crack open a cold one and lay out your picnic blanket and basket at New Farm Park for a classic, no-fuss picnic spot.

What parks in Brisbane Can you drink at?

Image by Brisbane City Council via Flickr.

If you’ve never ventured down to Brisbane’s south-west suburbs, here’s your excuse to finally do so. Tucked away in Seventeen Mile Rocks is the Rocks Riverside Park. With a picturesque view, free WiFi and a vast green space boasting a community garden, the Rocks Riverside Park is the ultimate spot to relax on your next day out. Why invite the family too?

What parks in Brisbane Can you drink at?

Image by Brisbane City Council via Flickr.

Right in the heart of the CBD lies the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens. With various areas to enjoy, you can lay down a blanket anywhere in the bamboo grove, the ornamental pond or the various shady areas on the green. Despite its central location, the City Botanic Gardens are enclosed away from the bustle of the city as a surprisingly peaceful space to sit down and enjoy a picnic.

What parks in Brisbane Can you drink at?

Image by Brisbane City Council via Flickr.

This wouldn’t be a picnic list without Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park. Boasting one of the best views of the city, the Kangaroo Point Cliffs is alive with activity. From rock climbers to fitness enthusiasts and the fellow picnic-goer, this is the spot to be if you’ve been missing the liveliness of the city.

What parks in Brisbane Can you drink at?

Photographed by Lenny K Photography. Image via Flickr.

If you’re after a little bit of adventure, hike to your new favourite picnic spot at Mount Cootha’s J.C. Slaughter Falls. From the summit of Mount Cootha, you can take the four-and-a-half-kilometre scenic route to the J.C. Slaughter picnic area that provides wide open green spaces to relax and recover. A few minutes away from the city, Mount Cootha’s J.C. Slaughter Falls is a short getaway from urban life and one of the most peaceful picnic spots in Brisbane.

What parks in Brisbane Can you drink at?

Photographed by EQRoy. Image via Shutterstock.

The Gallery of Modern Art or GOMA might be closed right now due to COVID-19 restrictions, but its lawn is still open and free to use. While it’s not a park, it’s definitely a great picnic spot. The lawn extends close to the shoreline of the Brisbane River and provides ample space to stretch your legs and enjoy some snacks. Tucked away in the Cultural Arts Precinct, this is a go-to for a lowkey picnic away from others. For more information on GOMA’s opening, please visit their website.

What parks in Brisbane Can you drink at?

Photographed by EQRoy. Image via Shutterstock.

Roma Street Parkland is an inner-city oasis with 16 hectares of pristine gardens. Whether you want to feast on a cheeseboard on the Celebration Lawn or wander around the Spectacle Garden, this is one of the best places to get some fresh air post-isolation. However, as a major tourist attraction, this spot is no secret so be prepared for a little company. The best part though? Dogs are welcome!

What parks in Brisbane Can you drink at?

Photographed by Matthew Horgan. Image via Shutterstock

Situated about 40-minutes away from the centre of Brisbane, Redcliffe is the spot for those missing the beach. The picturesque Scarborough Beach, is the perfect place to set up your picnic and with an array of cafes nearby, you can combat the winter chills and grab some coffee and hot chips to help take in the ocean view.

Are you ready to get out and about? Why don’t you become one with nature and wander through one of these secluded walking tracks in Brisbane? Or, if you really need a getaway, check out these perfect day trips that are all 150-kilometres from Brisbane!

Use this page to find out about prohibited and restricted activities in Brisbane City Council parks, including bushland reserves.

Prohibited activities

Prohibited activities in parks are activities that are not allowed in any park because they are highly likely to be dangerous or cause significant impact on park assets, park users or adjoining properties.

Some common prohibited activities in parks include:

  • cycling, scootering or skateboarding on motorised vehicles at a speed of more than 25 km/h
  • mountain biking on high-powered motorised mountain bikes (i.e. >250 watts) in natural area parks
  • playing golf, other than at a designated golf facility or with a whiffle ball
  • motorbike or trail bike riding
  • four wheel driving
  • activities generating audible noise before 7am or after 10pm Monday to Saturday, or before 8am or after 6pm on Sundays and public holidays (unless otherwise approved)
  • fireworks, other than unrestricted fireworks (e.g. sparklers) or fireworks authorised under the Explosives Regulation 2017.

Refer to the Community Guidelines - Use of Council Parks (Word - 132kb) for more information about prohibited activities in parks.

Restricted activities 

Restricted activities in parks are activities that could be dangerous or cause impact but can be managed by restricted them to specially designated areas or facilities. Restricted activities can occur without a park use consent in designated areas.

Some common restricted activities in parks include:

  • walking dogs off leash
  • riding bicycles, scooters, skateboards
  • bushwalking, trail running, orienteering
  • mountain biking
  • horse riding
  • launching canoes and kayaks
  • fishing
  • launching drones
  • operating remotely controlled model cars or boats
  • using a personal portable barbecue
  • lighting fires, including campfires.

Some restricted activities undertaken in designated areas by large groups (i.e. 30 or more participants) require a park use consent, as larger groups present increased risk of impact.

Refer to the Community Guidelines - Use of Council Parks (Word - 132kb) for more information about restricted activities in parks.

Restricted activities may be allowed in park areas other than designated areas with a park use consent.

You can apply for Council consent by submitting an online park consent/booking application form.

Mountain bike riding

Mountain bike riding is allowed without a park use consent on designated mountain bike trails in Mt Coot-tha Forest Reserve.

You can use electric mountain bikes on designated mountain bike trails if the pedals are the primary source of power and the motor is a maximum of 250 watts. Remember to take care and give way to others.

Riding bicycles is also permitted on designated tracks in Toohey Forest Park, Boondall Wetlands and Bayside Parklands.

Horse riding

Horse riding is allowed without a park use consent on designated horse riding trails in the following Council natural area parks:

More information

Read our guidelines for using Council parks.

  • Community Guidelines - Use of Council Parks (Word - 132kb)

You can phone Council on 07 3403 8888 to find out if your activity is:

  • prohibited
  • restricted, or 
  • requires an application for Council consent.