Brisbane's Unique Green Spaces Set it Apart from Global Cities

Brisbane has more parks and green spaces per capita than any other major city in the world, with over 2,000 hectares of parkland and more than 2 million trees planted across the city.

This matters now because as cities around the world grapple with the challenges of urbanisation and climate change, Brisbane's unique approach to outdoor living is providing a model for other cities to follow. The city's subtropical climate and innovative park designs are making it a leader in green space development, and its residents are reaping the benefits. From the Brisbane Riverwalk to the South Bank Parklands, the city is filled with vibrant public spaces that are designed to bring people together and promote a healthy, outdoor lifestyle.

In Brisbane, you can walk or cycle along the riverfront at Kangaroo Point, visit the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mount Coot-tha, or explore the vibrant street art scene in the laneways of Fortitude Valley. The city is also home to a number of innovative organisations, such as the Brisbane City Council's Green Spaces program and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, which are working to protect and enhance the city's natural environment. The Green Spaces program, for example, has invested over $10 million in the past year alone to create new parks and green spaces across the city, including the recently opened Victoria Park in Herston.

By the Numbers

According to data from the Brisbane City Council, the city's parks and green spaces attract over 10 million visitors each year, with the South Bank Parklands alone receiving over 5 million visitors in the past 12 months. The council's investment in green spaces is also having a positive impact on the local economy, with a recent study finding that every dollar invested in parks and green spaces generates a return of over $3 in economic benefits. As of June 2026, the city has planted over 1.2 million trees as part of its Urban Forest Strategy, which aims to increase the city's tree cover by 20% by 2030.

So what happens next for Brisbane's green spaces? The city is continuing to invest in new and innovative park designs, such as the upcoming redevelopment of the Wynnum Foreshore, which will feature a new park and green space along the waterfront. Residents can get involved by participating in community tree planting events, such as the annual Brisbane Tree Planting Day, which takes place in August each year. With its unique blend of subtropical climate, innovative park designs, and community engagement, Brisbane is set to remain a leader in green space development for years to come, and its residents will continue to enjoy the many benefits of the city's outdoor living culture.