A peaceful refuge in the city, the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens were established in 1855 and cover approximately 20 hectares. They were once called Queens Park; the 1905 Curator's cottage is now the City Gardens Cafe. Some of the older trees planted in the Gardens were the first of their species to be planted in Australia. The river frontage features a mangrove boardwalk. Many office workers from the nearby business district use the gardens for reading and laying on grass in lunchtimes. It is a popular venue for weddings. At the rear of the gardens is Brisbane River Stage, a popular venue for outdoor concerts, a regular fixture being the annual Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols. Free Admission.

Location: southern ends of George and Albert Streets, Brisbane.

How to get there: walk from the Brisbane CBD via Alice St; by Brisbane City Council's ferries and CityCats, alighting at the Gardens Point or Eagle St wharves.

• Website