Celebrating the impending birth of a baby is exciting times. Quite often, friends and family want to mark the occasion with a baby shower or perhaps a โbaby sprinkle.โ Being in charge of planning such an occasion can leave some feeling overwhelmed, but fear not, we have rounded up a list of our favourite parks across Brisbane where you can celebrate.
Brisbane City Parks
New Farm Park, New Farm
The popular New Farm Park is always a great spot to host a party. This sprawling park features river views, pretty gardens, plenty of shade, large open spaces, a brilliant playground, toilets, parking and even free wi-fi. There are four specific picnic areas which can be booked for small events by heading to the Brisbane City Councilโs website.
Newstead Park, Newstead
Located beside the Brisbane River, Newstead Park is a gorgeous site with manicured lawns, gardens, plenty of shade and is home to the historic heritage-listed Newstead House. Off street parking and the ever-important toilet facilities are also provided. There are plenty of places to lay down a picnic rug, or if you are looking to book one of the two designated sites, head to the Brisbane City Councilโs website.
Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, Toowong
The Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha are picturesque, have manicured gardens, a variety of unique areas to visit, a playground and so much more. Toilets are located at various spots around the Gardens, but you may want to investigate where they are in relation to your site. There are three designated spots to book via the Brisbane City Councilโs website (costs may be involved and there are time restrictions.) Alternatively, you can set up your own picnic rug or chairs.
Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane
Gardens are a gorgeous destination for a baby shower, and the Botanic Gardens in Brisbane City is no exception. There are plenty of grassy open spaces, well-established trees for shade, pretty gardens to peruse, a playground and cafรฉ on site. There are nine designated sites that are available for hire via the Brisbane City Council website (charges may apply.) The Riverside Markets are held at the gardens on Sundays, so you may like to consider this when planning your event.
South Brisbane and Ipswich Parks
Robelle Domain, Springfield Central
If you are after space, you will find plenty at Robelle Domain, with the park situated on 24 hectares, which includes sporting fields, playgrounds, water play, walking tracks and more than 11kms of boardwalks. Picnic tables, shelters and barbecues are available, as are accessible toilet facilities, though it does get busy, so get in early to secure a shady spot.
Rocks Riverside Park, Seventeen Mile Rocks
Rocks Riverside Park has approximately 8000 square meters of open grassy space and is situated by the Brisbane River, making it ideal for picnics, parties and other family events. The park has three major zones; the river flat, the bushland ridge and the green link with three specific areas within these zones which can be booked for small events (The Entrance, The River and The Green.) Several picnic shelters, barbecue facilities and accessible toilets are situated throughout the park and there is even a waterpark in case the kids make the invite list.
Sherwood Arboretum, Sherwood
Part of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens collection, the Sherwood Arboretum, which covers an area of 15 hectares, is a shady and picturesque place to hold a baby shower. With pleasant river breezes, barbecues, picnic shelters, toilets and plenty of trees, guests will be comfortable as they celebrate and relax. A designated site, which is just 200m from the Brisbane River, can be booked for events of short duration via the Brisbane City Councilโs website.
CB Mott Park, Holland Park
Holding an event at CB Mott Park is easy when there are barbecues, picnic shelters, plenty of grassy spaces, playgrounds and pretty gardens. There is even a rotunda which can be booked via Brisbane City Councilโs website. And of course, there are the all-important toilet facilities.
North Brisbane Parks
Decker Park, Brighton
With a backdrop of Bramble Bay, Decker Park at Brighton is an ideal venue for your Baby Shower. There are quite a few large picnic shelters along the foreshore, surrounded by lush green grass, though you may need to get there early to be guaranteed a spot. Other features at Decker Park include toilet facilities, barbecues and a fun kidโs playground.
Scarborough Beach Park, Scarborough
A sea breeze, views of the bay and shade from the avenue of Norfolk Pines makes Scarborough Beach Park the most perfect spot for a Baby Shower. The view is just stunning, but the facilities surrounding the park are perfect for large groups of people. There are several toilet blocks, picnic shelters, barbecues, lots of space for picnic blankets and the most fabulous playground at Scarborough Beach Park (just in case you bring the kids.) A variety of cafรฉs, fish and chip shops and restaurants are close by, just in case you run out of supplies or want to do a coffee run.
Einbunpin Parklands, Sandgate
Nestled in the heart of Sandgate, the Einbunpin Parklands are the most beautiful location for a Baby Shower. Whilst there are a few seats and gazebos around the lagoon, if you are after guaranteed shade, you may like to bring your own gazebo. On and off-street parking is available in the area, as is public transport. Toilet facilities and a small, fenced playground are available. Surrounding streets are jam packed with eateries, supermarkets and shops, should you require them.
Bullocky Rest, Joyner
The picturesque Bullocky Rest, which lies on the banks of Lake Samsonvale, is covered by mature trees, which supplies tonnes of natural shade. Picnic tables and shelters are dotted throughout the recreation area, though there is so much space, it would be very easy to set up a gazebo and your own table and chairs to create your own private party space. There is a small playground, toilet facilities, barbecues and ample off-street parking. Water views can be appreciated from nearly every aspect of the park, but perhaps the most special thing about Bullocky Rest, is the chance to spot a koala in one of the trees.
Things to Consider for your baby shower
Before you go ahead and secure a venue for your up-and-coming baby shower, make sure you plan ahead. Here is a list of things to consider to make for a comfortable and enjoyable occasion:
- Make sure there are toilet facilities – a pregnant lady needs access to a toilet at all times.
- Is there a particular area within the park that can be booked for your event?
- Do you have a back-up plan in case of wet weather or a heatwave?
- Is parking available?
- What seating, tables and shade is available? Will you need extras?
- Consider the environment and dispose of all decorations and litter appropriately.
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