7 Best Tree Climbing Spots in Brisbane and Sunshine Coast
Branch out and explore these terrific tree climbing spots on your next seq adventure.
If you’re feeling bored with the local playground, you’re not alone!
I was chatting with a Wildlings mum recently and she shared with me how she finds playgrounds mind-numbingly boring. Yes, the kids love them, but after a while it just feels like the same old same old.
In fact, her kids often shun the playground to climb the trees around it.
Not only are the trees less crowded, but the kids get to use their own creativity to create worlds in the branches while reaping the benefits of connecting with nature.
So in honour of wild creative kids, we’ve put together a list of the best tree climbing spots in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
Pack a picnic and get ready for adventure as your little Tarzan traverses the treetops – or better yet, join the fun and climb a tree yourself!
Ready, set… CLIMB!
1. Wellington Point Reserve
Moreton Bay Figs are perfect for tree climbing, and Wellington Point Reserve is full of them. This spot also has a beautiful playground but the trees are the real showstopper. Their low, thick limbs reach wide to create a beautiful, shaded setting, and they’re just begging to be climbed.
Just 40 minutes from Brisbane city and 90 minutes from the Sunshine Coast, this is one of our top tree-climbing spots in South-East Queensland. The area also has a 270-degree view of the water and at low tide you can even walk over to King Island to explore the marine environment.
2. Brighton Park
Head out to the coast at Brighton and enjoy some Vitamin Sea while the kids climb trees. This park has plenty of tree varieties including Cottonwoods that are wonderful for climbing, and there’s lots to see and do in the area.
Nearby Decker Park has a great playground with a dog off-leash area, and while you’re there explore the picturesque pathways that span the nearby Ted Smout Bridge or cycle along the waterfront to Sandgate and Shorncliffe.
3. Scarborough Park
At Scarborough Park the Cotton Trees are King. Arching over a Pirate Playground, this park will keep the whole family happy for hours. The thick, gnarled branches and abundant foliage create a great space for hide and seek and tree climbing, and there’s plenty of shaded spots for a picnic.
The options are endless here: play in the playground, ride the bikes or scooters along the Moreton Bay Cycleway, build sandcastles, collect shells or paddle on the foreshore.
4. New Farm Park
This sprawling park nestled on the Brisbane River is a tree climbers’ paradise. Full of towering figs with maze-like roots and branches, there’s plenty of space for the kids to run wild and climb to their heart’s content.
New Farm Park occupies approximately 37ha of land and features flower gardens and a huge wooden treehouse playground. It’s a great spot to spend the day, and when it’s time for lunch you can picnic while watching the boats cruise up and down the Brisbane River.
5. Sherwood Arboretum
Located 20min south of Brisbane City, Sherwood Arboretum is home to 1100 trees of over 250 different species. The Cluster Figs in particular are excellent for climbing, and there’s a perfect patch of them over the hill behind the main playground, not too far from the river.
This park extends over 13ha and features two playgrounds, two lakes, and a duck pond. The beautifully maintained park is part of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens collection, and is a heritage-listed site that was established for Australian native trees.
6. Chambers Island
Perched in the Maroochy River, Chambers Island is home to sprawling Cottonwood trees that are a joy to climb in. Pack your swimmers and take a dip in the river after the tree climbing play, grab some fish and chips or bring a fishing rod to catch your own from the footbridge.
There’s plenty of recreational activities on offer so consider combining your Tarzan trip with sailing, paddleboarding, jet skiing, boating, kayaking or canoeing. Chambers Island is located in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, 90min north of Brisbane.
7. Wirrianda Park
Located in Buderim on the Sunshine Coast, Wirrianda Park is a stunning spot to spend some time climbing trees. Featuring a magnificent stand of Weeping Fig trees over 100 years old, this park is worth the 90min drive north from Brisbane.
A favourite location for weddings and events, the park also features a playground and is the perfect place to step out on a limb and marvel at the majesty of old trees.
“If you need a bit of perspective, climb a tree.”
― Pooh Bear
Wherever you roam, we want you to know – there’s plenty of fun beyond the playground!
There are countless benefits of tree climbing (more here) – not only does it encourage physical strength and problem-solving, but it’s a mood-boosting activity and helps to foster an appreciation for the natural world. Plus – it’s free!
3 quick tips for tree climbing:
Hands and arms are for grabbing, guiding, and reaching for tree limbs, while feet and legs are for pushing and climbing.
Practice descending the tree or climbing down before climbing higher. Descending and getting down from a tree is often harder than climbing up!
And our favourite… MAINTAIN THREE POINTS OF CONTACT with the tree while climbing. This simple rule has seen many a Wildling climb safely to the top of a tree and back down again, injury-free.
We hope this inspires you to venture out of the playground and into the wild. If you’ve got your own terrific tree climbing spots that we haven’t covered here, let us know over on our socials @wildlings_forestschool.
And if you need a little encouragement and support on your journey with risky play, book into one of our programs and join a community of like-minded families putting the dirt back into childhood. Spaces are available in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast here https://www.wildlingsforestschool.com/bookings.
Written by Ellen Nesbitt. Ellen is a nature play advocate and creative writer with a passion for helping families connect with the outdoors. She is dedicated to exploring ways to nurture children's creativity, independence, wellbeing and love for nature.