Roma Street Brisbane Tours: The Best Way to See the Parkland by Bus Hire

(Roma Street Parkland, Brisbane)

Known to be one of the largest subtropical urban gardens in the world, Roma Street Parkland is set beautifully across an area of 16 hectares with 16 precincts that are a complete treat for the eyes. Once a railway yard, the downtown park was inaugurated in 2001 featuring native vegetation, waterfalls, lookouts, lake and lush greenery. It’s a sort of a labyrinth where you get lost in the beauty of nature.

Next to the parkland is the Queensland’s oldest surviving building of Old Windmill. Although the mill wasn’t really used for the purpose it was designed for, the building was later converted into a meteorological observatory and a TV broadcast site.

For a comfortable trip to Roma Street Parklands, choose our convenient Brisbane bus hire to explore the stunning landscape.

History Behind Roma Street Parklands

The spot was initially used for hundreds of decades by indigenous people who conducted ceremonies and meetings. In the first half of 19th century, the area was a part of Brisbane settlement, and later in 1875, a terminal station was established from Roma Street to Brisbane linking Toowoomba and Ipswich.

Between 1911 and 1934, the terminal was a major goods yard in Brisbane. Extensive excavation was carried out in 1920 to permanently alter the steep terrain in order to create current day escarpment. During World War 2, military personnel and war materials were transported north from this terminal.

Construction for the Roma Street Parkland began in the year 2000, with its opening in 2001. Even before it was opened to public, the project grabbed an award for a unique colourful concrete finish with a random pattern of rough cast concrete, which makes the appearance keep changing throughout the day depending upon the length of shadows cast and the angle of the sun.

Specialized Walks to Suit All Tastes

Roma Street Parklands has got to offer a number of specialized walks available at different times with each walk catering to a particular taste. Given the amount of rush at this beautiful venue, you need to book your spot at least 4 weeks in advance.

Sensory Walk

This has been specially designed for people with brain injury, vision damage or any sort of sense impairment. The guide will make sure to let the visitors feel the parkland attractions by stimulating the senses, mood and memory. Anyone who wants to be a part of it, can make a booking!

Curator’s Walk

If you are a true garden lover looking to explore every nook and corner of this iconic parkland, this is the walk you should opt for. Dig deep into the backdrop of the architectural designs and the floral life that exists in the garden.

Heritage Walk

If you are curious to know the rich history behind the existence of this parkland, go on a heritage walk to know the story behind every piece in the parkland, and how it was incorporated.

Amphitheatre

Before the establishment of Roma Street Parkland, the Albert Park had its own Amphitheatre for a number of decades, which was later turned into an open air theatre for the parkland. The spot has witnessed iconic performances by a number of theatre groups including the Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble and the Queensland Theatre Company, with a number of plays by Shakespeare having been played at the theatre.

Recreation Facilities

Within the parkland, a number of facilities have been provided for the visitors free of cost, throughout the year.

Picnic spots and barbecue facilities

Roma Street Parkland has a number of picnic spots with free barbecue facilities in some of the most scenic locations within the park, including the Spring Hill Corner and Frangipani Court. Although you cannot reserve the barbecue for private use, 15 hotplates are good enough to get started. You’ll be literally spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing your spot for the day, given the huge space available.

Playground

A separate playing space is provided for children along the Weeping Fig Avenue under the shade of massive fig trees, with swings, slides, and climbing frames. It also has a specially designed liberty swing for people with physical disabilities.

Chairs2Share

As a vital part of the Chairs2Share initiative from Brisbane City Council, colorful deckchairs are available for you and your companions to relax along the Lake Precinct and the Banyan Lawn.

Nearby Attractions

ANZAC Square

(ANZAC Square, Brisbane)

Hardly a 10-minute walk from the Roma Street Parkland is the heritage-listed ANZAC Square and the war memorial named in honor of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, remembering those who participated in armed service. The square contains the “Eternal Flame of Remembrance” and the “Shrine of Remembrance” held in a lit bronze pitcher. There’s also a World War 2 Shrine of Memories, and the Women’s War Memorial sculpted by Daphne Mayo. The external wall is dedicated to over 60,000 Queenslanders who battled it out in World War 1. Explore the war-related memorial statues, including the ones for the soldiers who fought during the Vietnam War, Second Boer War, and World War II.

Museum of Brisbane

(Museum of Brisbane)

Sitting nicely on the 3rd level of the Brisbane City Hall, the Museum of Brisbane is a vital part of the living history, reflecting how the city and its people have evolved over a period of time, and enlightening how the collective stories of each individual have contributed to this evolution. The museum holds a significant portion in the hearts of citizens as the People’s Place in one of the premier heritage buildings in Australia. Housing the Dome Lounge, a theatrette, and five galleries on the terrace of City Hall, the iconic symbol of Brisbane continues to provide a spot where people from all backgrounds can explore and discover the stories of Brisbane. Thought-provoking exhibitions are held throughout the year as you get an opportunity to uncover the ordinary people and places of Brisbane to reveal fascinating stories.

Conclusion

With its stunning subtropical gardens, rich history, and diverse attractions, Roma Street Brisbane Parkland offers a fantastic day out for everyone. From specialized walks to nearby attractions like ANZAC Square, there’s so much to explore. Ensure your group can travel in comfort and explore everything this area has to offer with a convenient bus hire.