SITE PARTNER:  

Sherwood Arboretum

Sherwood

Updated: Jun 27, 2025

The beautiful, heritage-listed Sherwood Arboretum sprawls along the river, having been officially opened on March 21, 1925. The gardens are unique in that they contain in excess of 1,000 species of almost entirely native flora.

In fact, the Arboretum is probably how Brisbane’s landscape would look had the early parks superintendents not favoured the ornamental and exotic introduced plants such as jacarandas, palms and poincianas that we see in abundance.

Sherwood Aboretum, Brisbane

Many of the 72 mighty Queensland Kauri pines, planted back in 1925, that form the tree-lined avenue that the Arboretum is most remembered for, feature plaques with details of who the tree planter was, so make sure you spend some time learning about the community of Brisbane in that era.

Sherwood Aboretum, Brisbane

The arboretum is made up of seven different planting precincts, with flora pockets ranging from lush rainforest through to the leafy, open eucalypt and gum forest, wetlands and mangroves, and has a number of self-guided trails that you can wander around at your leisure: Tree Trail, Bird Trail, Kauri Heritage Trail and the Environmental Trail.

Sherwood Aboretum, Brisbane

A popular spot is the wetland habitat that is home to turtles and a myriad of birdlife – more than 170 species, in fact, such as dusky moorhens, purple swamphen, Australasian grebe, Pacific black duck, royal spoonbill and the Australian white ibis – it’s a bird lovers' nirvana.

Sherwood Aboretum, Brisbane

If you live on the river or have your own boat, you can visit this remarkable wildlife sanctuary via the Sherwood Aboretum Pontoon, and whilst no mooring is allowed, you can use the pontoon for 10 minutes at a time for passengers to disembark and reboard.

Sherwood Aboretum, Brisbane

The pathways that lead up from the river loop through the gardens, and are great for kids to trundle along on their bikes or scooters at their own pace.

Sherwood Aboretum, Brisbane

The 15 hectares of parkland is a popular spot for picnics, with plenty of grassy spaces to lay on the picnic blanket in the shade of one of the many trees and marvel at how majestically old they are.

Sherwood Aboretum, Brisbane

In addition to the natural wonders, there’s two substantial playgrounds for older and younger children to explore that are well-shaded.

Sherwood Aboretum, Brisbane

As you can imagine with such a vast, open area, it’s the perfect spot to get active and kick a ball, set up a game of backyard cricket or, with plenty of open air, kite flying is a must-do option, too. Otherwise, if an easy amble around the forest precincts is more your cup of tea - or even just stealing a quiet moment together surrounded by nature - there's plenty on offer to explore.

Sherwood Aboretum, Brisbane

Free-to-use barbecues and picnic tables are scattered around the grounds in different locations, and being close to the river, its best to pack some insect spray for when you're sitting idle just in case the critters are hungry.

Don’t miss finding the 1974 ‘flood marker’ sculpture which stands as an eerie reminder at the top of the riverside ridge, located between the playgrounds and the river.

Nice to know – There are wheelchair accessible toilets onsite. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times.

By Danella Perrins

Sherwood Arboretum  

87 Jolimont St

Sherwood

Map

Top Things To Do In Brisbane This Week

Archie Moore's kith and kin makes its Australian premiere at GOMA
A turbo-charged, Olivier and Tony Award-winning comedy smash
Stories and music create the unforgettable - as Camerata has captured
Brisbane Writers Festival has launched its 2025 program
One of Australia’s and Brisbane’s very own great lyric soprano, Leanne Kenneally
Bringing together the best of Australian rodeo, campdrafting & country hospitality
Milton House Spring Social is a four weekend pop-up bar
The Plantapalooza plant festival returns to the Saturday Fresh Market
Step inside the world of Waltzing the Wilarra, a powerful, entertaining and music-filled night
EDITOR'S PICK

Best Picnic Spots Around Brisbane

When it comes to picnic spots, Brisbane offers no shortage of stunning locations to lay out a rug and soak up the spring sunshine. Here's 8 of the best
Best Picnic Spots in Brisbane
MUST DO

Brisbane Writers Festival

Brisbane Writers Festival (BWF) unveils an exciting new chapter with a star-studded program of events, held for the first time at the Brisbane Powerhouse
Brisbane Writers Festival 2025
THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do Oct 3-6

From a 2 day CelticFest, The Veronicas at The Triffid. a stunning art exhibition and Oktoberfest at Eat Street to a mega country music festival, the top things to do this long weekend
This Weekend Oct 3-6
COMING UP

What's on in November in & around Brisbane

From Brisbane's top foodie night feast, Halloween at Eat Street, 2-day chilli festival, Melbourne Cup events and Supanova ComicCon to a free pop up riverside concert, what's on in November
What's On in November 2025
MUST SEE

Recovered Futures Art Exhibition

A huge exhibition showcasing 300 stunning works from more than 217 artists with lived mental health experience is taking over King George Square
Recovered Futures
HOT TICKET

The Long Sunset

After a massive sellout in 2024, The Long Sunset is back - and this year it’s setting up camp in Boonah for 3 unforgettable days
The Long Sunset
THE GUIDE

September School Holiday Guide

Spring into the September school holidays with these fantastic activities, shows and events in and around Brisbane
September School Holidays 2025
BEST OF BRISBANE

50+ Best Restaurants in Brisbane

Looking for the best restaurants in Brisbane? Then check out this guide for the must-do dining experiences from the city to the suburbs
Best Restaurants in Brisbane
A wild ride through love, lust & lunacy!
CONTENT RESUMES ON SCROLL
ADVERTISEMENT