New Farm: Park, Art and Brisbane River

Consider whether parks, a cultural program, a market visit or a connection across the water are especially important for your trip.

Park and access across the river

Established in 1914, New Farm Park covers 15 hectares and is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. Its features include rose gardens, a rotunda, open green spaces and an adventure playground for children. The mix of landscaped garden areas, open green space and a play area for children offers different ways to enjoy a visit to the park.

The New Farm Park River Hub provides access to New Farm Park and Brisbane Powerhouse across the Brisbane River. If you want to include both destinations in your plans with a connection to the river, the River Hub is a useful point of reference.

Industrial history and culture at Brisbane Powerhouse

New Farm Powerhouse was built in 1928 to supply electricity to Brisbane’s growing tram network. Brisbane Powerhouse is a former 1920s coal-fired power station that has been repurposed as a riverside arts centre. The shift from a technical utility to a cultural venue gives the site two distinct historical perspectives. Heritage-listed graffiti are also among its features. Brisbane Powerhouse presents more than 1,250 performances throughout the year, including live music, contemporary performance, theatre, dance and cabaret; it also hosts art exhibitions. Individual offerings vary. The park was established before the power station.

The park and Powerhouse have different focuses: landscaped areas and open green spaces shape the park, while industrial history and changing cultural offerings are at the heart of the Powerhouse. When planning, you can weigh up whether to make the park visit your priority or plan around a specific performance.

Saturday market and program planning

Every Saturday from 6 am to 12 pm, Brisbane Powerhouse hosts a market featuring handmade goods, fresh produce and food stalls. It adds a distinct weekly rhythm alongside the performances offered throughout the year. If you’re planning your trip around the market or a particular performance, check the market hours or program in advance. Market hours may change, and individual cultural offerings vary.

Riverwalk between New Farm and the city centre

The elevated Brisbane Riverwalk runs above the water and connects New Farm with the city centre. The River Hub serves a different purpose: it provides access to the park and Powerhouse across the Brisbane River. This means there is a difference between access to two specific destinations and a route connecting New Farm with the city centre. Temporary Riverwalk closures are possible; check whether the route is open before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Boonah, Surat, Home Hill, Goodger, Springfield Lakes, Zilzie, Indooroopilly, Cootharaba.

For the broader travel overview: Queensland.