Parkinson can be found about 19 kilometres south of Brisbane’s city centre tucked among green parklands, shopping centres and suburban waterways. A visit to Parkinson reveals a multicultural dining scene and places you close to Southeast Queensland’s national parks, offshore islands and glittering Gold Coast.
Things to do in Parkinson
Parkinson delivers a more relaxed suburban vibe compared to Brisbane’s city centre, inviting you to kick back in one of its tranquil parks. The long Endiandra Street Park, which passes through Parkinson, boasts a peaceful pond fed by Sheep Station Creek. You’ll also find numerous playgrounds and picnic areas.
Looking for some quality seafood? Head to Parkinson Plaza for freshly caught fish and generous servings of hot chips. You need only hop over to the neighbouring suburb of Calamvale for coffee, treats and fresh produce at Calamvale Marketplace.
Parkinson is home to a diverse population of people from England, South Africa, New Zealand, India and China. This melting pot of cultures has created a number of international restaurants, shops and festivals, including the Parkinson Multicultural and Dragon Boat Festival, where you can watch traditional dragon boat races on Forest Lake.
Take advantage of Parkinson’s southern position with day trips to nearby islands. You can drive to Redland Bay and Jacob’s Well in about 40 minutes and hire a boat to reach the renowned North Stradbroke Island. If you’re up for a slightly longer trip, drive down the M1 to the Gold Coast and spend a day or more riding roller coasters at theme parks, surfing famous breaks and partying down Cavill Avenue.
Getting around Parkinson
Brisbane’s Logan Motorway runs through Parkinson, making it easy to reach from almost anywhere in the city. If you’re coming from the CBD, expect a 30-minute drive. You can also use a combination of bus routes to reach Parkinson and get around this compact suburb.