Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Archives

Brisbane’s Overnight Charity Walk ‘All Night Long’ Supports Sick Kids and Families

On 25 October, the All Night Long event precinct will open at the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, with live entertainment and festivities setting the stage for more than 1,600 participants preparing to walk through the night in support of seriously ill children and their families.

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The inaugural event challenges walkers to cover 42 kilometres from dusk to dawn, raising vital funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities South East Queensland (RMHC SEQ) and the Children’s Hospital Foundation (CHF).

For families staying close to hospitals, every kilometre walked translates into critical support. Funds raised provide accommodation, meals, and emotional care for families during challenging times, while also backing essential medical research, equipment, and services for Queensland’s youngest patients. With more than $900,000 already pledged, All Night Long is fast becoming one of Queensland’s largest new charity initiatives.

Walkers will start their journey at Parliament House at dusk, navigating Brisbane’s streets under the stars. Along the way, participants will pass several iconic landmarks, including New Farm Park, the Botanic Gardens, Captain Burke Park, and Old Parliament House. Pit stops offer live music, refreshments, and community activities, creating a supportive and energising atmosphere throughout the night.

The event is about more than speed or stamina. Organisers encourage solo walkers to join the official All Night Long team, while workplaces, community groups, and friends are invited to form teams. Registration is $60 per person, with all proceeds going directly to RMHC SEQ and CHF, ensuring every step contributes to vital support for Queensland families.

The precinct opens at 5:30pm at the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, with festivities and live entertainment setting the tone before walkers set off at 7:00pm. Participants are expected to cross the finish line in the early hours of 26 October 2025, concluding a night of endurance, community spirit, and generosity.

Organisers hope the success of the inaugural event will establish All Night Long as an annual tradition, bringing Brisbane communities together in support of families doing it tough. Every kilometre walked and every dollar raised reinforces the city’s message of solidarity with Queensland’s sick children.

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Whether walking for a loved one, supporting families who have faced unimaginable challenges, or simply making a difference, the night promises a unique and memorable experience for all involved.

For more information and to register, visit
https://www.allnightlong.org.au/home

Published 20-October-2025

City Botanic Gardens to Host NAIDOC Week Cultural Celebration

Brisbane’s historic City Botanic Gardens will come alive with music, dance, and community spirit this NAIDOC Week (6-13 July 2025) as it plays host to Yaggara Kakka – Walkin’ in the Footsteps of Our Ancestors.

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The one-day gathering, to be held on Sunday 6 July, will transform the gardens’ ceremonial platform into a vibrant space for cultural celebration and connection. From 10:00 am to 5:00 p.m, visitors will be invited to experience the richness of First Nations heritage through storytelling, traditional and contemporary performances, arts, market stalls and children’s rides.

Set against the natural beauty of the gardens, the event offers an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and reflect on this year’s national NAIDOC theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy. Organisers say the location is a fitting stage for honouring the enduring connection between land, people and culture.

The day will showcase a diverse lineup of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers and artists, with a strong focus on cultural education and intergenerational learning. Community members will also be encouraged to engage in open dialogue and share in the stories that have shaped and continue to shape the city now known as Brisbane.

Access to the event is via Garden Point Road, and the area will be an alcohol- and drug-free zone to ensure a safe and inclusive atmosphere.

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Support for the celebration has come from local business sponsors and the National Indigenous Australians Agency, with a sausage sizzle and other offerings available later in the day—at no cost to attendees.

For more details, contact organiser Louisa Bonner on 0418 744 645 or email ngadmin.coord@mail.com.

Published 19-June-2025

Lightscape Dazzles at Brisbane Festival 2024: A Luminous Spectacle in the Botanic Gardens

As part of the highly anticipated Brisbane Festival 2024, Lightscape has opened its doors at the City Botanic Gardens, promising a mesmerising journey through light and sound until this October.

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This globally renowned phenomenon transforms the City Botanic Gardens into a canvas of light, colour, and sound. Visitors can embark on a 1.8km trail featuring 13 dazzling installations, each crafted by acclaimed local and international artists. The experience offers a unique perspective on Brisbane’s iconic green space, bathing familiar landscapes in an extraordinary glow.

First Nations Artistry

A highlight of Brisbane’s Lightscape is the inclusion of two sculptural installations created by Queensland First Nations artists. Paul Bong (aka Bindur Bullin) and Michelle Yeatman bring their cultural heritage and artistic vision to this luminous celebration, adding a deep connection to the land and its stories.

As night falls, the gardens come alive with an array of captivating sights. Visitors will find themselves wandering beneath towering tree canopies illuminated in vibrant hues, strolling past larger-than-life glowing flowers, and marvelling at shimmering neon roots.

The path winds through dynamic, radiant tunnels, offering moments of awe and beauty at every turn. This 1.8km trail is perfect for sharing with friends and family, creating memories that will last long after the lights fade.

More Than Just Lights

Enhancing the visual feast, Lightscape also caters to other senses. As visitors make their way through the illuminated landscape, they’ll encounter pop-up bars along the route offering refreshments. For a touch of warmth and sweetness in the cool evening air, a marshmallow toasting station adds an interactive and delicious element to the experience.

A Global Sensation

Lightscape has captivated audiences in New York, Chicago, and London, consistently selling out across the world. Now, Brisbane has the privilege of hosting this spectacular event, brought to Queensland by award-winning international trail producers Sony Music Entertainment.

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Lightscape runs until 12 October 2024. Don’t miss this chance to see Brisbane Botanic Gardens in a whole new light. Tickets are available now through the Lightscape Australia website. As a sell-out event globally, early booking is recommended to secure your spot in this magical, after-dark journey.

Published 23-September-2024

Community Engagement Event: Sport in the Park at Brisbane City Botanic Gardens

The Brisbane City and Fortitude Valley Crime Prevention Units, along with PCYC, will be hosting Sport in the Park, a special event that brings together local police officers and young members of the community for a fun-filled day of sports and engagement at the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens.

Held on Saturday, 10 February 2024, Sport in the Park is a community engagement initiative aimed at fostering positive relationships between young people and law enforcement.

The event encourages youth to join their local police officers in kicking a ball around and participating in various sports activities.

Beyond just sports, Sport in the Park offers a unique opportunity for members of the public to engage with law enforcement in a relaxed environment. Attendees can discuss any concerns they may have with the police officers present, fostering open dialogue and community trust.

Brisbane City Botanic Gardens — Photo Credit: QPS

Particularly for young people, this event serves as a platform for positive interactions with police, helping to break down barriers and build mutual respect.

If you’re interested in participating, feel free to come down Saturday, between 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and enjoy some sport in the park with your local officers. Whether you’re kicking a ball around or simply engaging in conversation, it promises to be a rewarding experience for all involved.

In addition to the sporting activities, there will be crime prevention resources available onsite, as well as gazebos for shade to ensure everyone’s comfort throughout the day.

Published 9-Feb-2024