Dutton Park is a small inner-south suburb on the Brisbane River with a riverside playground, a heritage-listed war memorial park and Boggo Road Gaol. It is about 4 km from the CBD, so it works as a quick family outing or an add-on to a day at South Bank or the Gabba.
The suburb takes its name from the large recreation reserve beside the river, named in 1884 after Charles Boydell Dutton, who was Queensland’s Minister for Lands. Today the reserve is the main reason to visit with kids.
Harmony Gardens and the Dutton Park riverside
Harmony Gardens sits at the top of T. J. Doyle Memorial Drive, which runs through the park towards the river. Its Butterfly Magic Playspace has swings (including one with a high back for babies), a slide, a hammock, exercise bars and a large sandpit with diggers. A sound sculpture was designed with blind and vision impaired people and is open to children of all abilities to play.
There are public toilets, a BBQ and a picnic shelter. Large trees and shade sails give shade. The playground is only partly fenced, and the ground is uneven because the park sits on a hill.
Dogs
The fully fenced dog off-leash area is off Gladstone Road, up the hill from the playground. It has no lighting, so plan to use it in daylight.
Walk or ride across the Green Bridge
The Eleanor Schonell Bridge, known as the Green Bridge, opened on 17 December 2006 and links Dutton Park with the University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus. It carries buses, cyclists and pedestrians but no private cars, and it is a short walk from Harmony Gardens. The shaded pedestrian walkway leads across to the UQ lakes.
Boggo Road Gaol
Boggo Road Gaol on Annerley Road opened on 2 July 1883. The women’s section closed in 1989 and the men’s section in 1992, and part of the site is now a museum run by the Boggo Road Gaol Historical Society. For tours, tickets and hours see our Boggo Road Gaol guide.
Gair Park
Gair Park, at 181 Annerley Road, is a small triangular park with a garden of remembrance and a memorial obelisk. It is on the Queensland Heritage Register and has park seats, timber shelters and a picnic area. The obelisk is about 6 metres high and made of Brisbane tuff. It was unveiled on Anzac Day 1951, and Anzac Day ceremonies are held here.
History in Dutton Park
Dutton Park has more history than its size suggests. South Brisbane Cemetery, locally called Dutton Park Cemetery, is at 21 Fairfield Road beside the park. It was reserved in 1866 and is Brisbane’s oldest surviving municipal cemetery.
From 1908 the park hosted open-air “Continentals” movie and variety shows that drew up to 5,000 people a night, and electric trams served the suburb from 1901 to 1969. The former gaol land next to Boggo Road is now the Ecosciences Precinct, a research facility that opened in 2011, so it is a place to see from the street rather than visit.
Put together, the gaol, Gair Park and the cemetery make an easy heritage loop if the kids are happy to walk between stops.
Planning your visit
- How long: 1 to 2 hours for the playground and a picnic; add the gaol museum and Gair Park for a half day.
- Cost: the parks are free. Boggo Road Gaol charges for tours.
- What to bring: water, sunscreen, picnic food and a hat; shoes with grip, as the playground is on a slope.
Getting there and parking in Dutton Park
By car, Dutton Park is about 4 km from the Brisbane CBD, about 10 minutes without traffic. Parking is on the street and in small car parks around Harmony Gardens, so check the signs for time limits on the day.
By train, Dutton Park railway station is on the Beenleigh line. Boggo Road busway station is in the suburb, and several bus routes run along Annerley Road to the city via the busway. Check Translink for current timetables and platforms.
Nearby
- Boggo Road Gaol – tours and history in the same suburb.
- Annerley Junction – cafes and shops a short drive south on Annerley Road.
- South Bank Parklands – the bigger riverside playground and swimming day out across the river.
- Woolloongabba – restaurants and the Gabba just to the east.
- Yeronga – pool and parks a short drive south-west.
- More parks and things to do in Brisbane.
You might also like
- Goodna (Ipswich)
- Moggill (Brisbane)
- Alexandra Hills (Redlands)
Quick answers
What is there to do in Dutton Park?
Take kids to the Harmony Gardens playground, visit Boggo Road Gaol, see the heritage-listed war memorial at Gair Park or walk across the Green Bridge to UQ.
Is there a playground in Dutton Park?
Yes. Harmony Gardens has the Butterfly Magic Playspace, with swings, a slide, a sandpit and a sound sculpture, plus toilets, a BBQ and a picnic shelter.
Where do I park at Harmony Gardens?
Parking is on the street and in small car parks near the playground. Check the signs for time limits, as spaces are limited.
Can I take my dog to Dutton Park?
Yes. There is a fully fenced dog off-leash area off Gladstone Road, up the hill from the Harmony Gardens playground.
How do I get to Dutton Park by train?
Dutton Park railway station is on the Beenleigh line, and Boggo Road busway station is also in the suburb.
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