Goodna is an Ipswich suburb on the Brisbane River, about 25 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD, and its best day-out spots are in a row along Brisbane Terrace: a steamboat-themed playground, a public pool and a boat ramp. The town centre has a station, a shopping centre, a heritage-listed church and a war memorial, so it also works as an easy train trip.
Most of what you will want is free, and the pool is the only thing here that asks for an entry fee.
R J Richardson Park: the steamboat playground
R J Richardson Park sits on the river off Brisbane Terrace and is the main reason to bring kids to Goodna. Its big play structure is a paddle steamboat, a nod to the river boats that once worked this stretch of the Brisbane River.
Beside it there is a moored timber canoe set in a recreated rocky riverbank, sandstone rocks with traditional markings for climbing and nature play, and the older flying fox, now with fresh bark underneath. The $1.5 million upgrade, funded with the Queensland Government, also added outdoor calisthenics equipment, open lawn, better lighting and landscaping.
The park has public toilets (the amenities block was refurbished), drinking water, picnic seats, shelters, BBQ areas, a rotunda, open kick-around space and paths. There is car parking at the park.
Goodna Aquatic Centre
The aquatic centre is on Brisbane Terrace beside the park. It has three pools: a 25 metre, eight-lane lap pool, a 16 by 12 metre multi-purpose pool and a children’s play pool. There are wheelchair access ramps at the 25 metre and multi-purpose pools, shade sails over the lap and play pools, and a learn to swim program.
Opening hours
- Summer: Monday to Thursday 5 am to 7.30 pm, Friday 5 am to 6 pm, Saturday 6 am to 5 pm, Sunday 8 am to 5 pm, public holidays 10 am to 4 pm. Closed Christmas Day.
- Winter: Monday to Thursday 5.30 am to 7.30 pm, Friday 5.30 am to 6 pm, Saturday 6 am to 1 pm, Sunday 8 am to 1 pm. Closed public holidays.
In winter the 25 metre pool is kept at 27 to 28 degrees and the multi-purpose pool at 32 degrees. The children’s play pool is not heated. Council does not publish entry prices on its pools page, so ring the pool on 07 3381 8240 for the current fees.
The boat ramp and the river
There is a boat ramp at the park, open from 5 am to 9 pm. It is part of the Brisbane River Canoe Trail, so it is a spot to launch a kayak or canoe.
Goodna’s heritage: church, memorial and a railway first
Wikipedia’s entry on Goodna records that the first sod for the Ipswich to Brisbane rail link was turned here in 1873 and that the railway was finished in 1875.
- St Francis Xavier Church, Church Street, is on the Queensland Heritage Register. Its foundation stone was laid in 1880.
- The Diggers Rest, at Queen and Church Streets, is Goodna’s war memorial, dedicated in September 1921.
Goodna Jacaranda Festival
Each year in late October, when the jacarandas flower, council runs the Goodna Jacaranda Festival at Evan Marginson Park. It has live music, market and community stalls, food trucks, rides and fireworks. The festival has run since 1968. Dates change each year, so check the festival website before you plan around it.
Shops, food and the RSL
Goodna Shopping Centre, also known as St Ives, is about 200 metres from the station. Goodna also has an RSL.
Planning your visit
- How long: about 2 hours for the playground and a picnic, or most of a day with a swim.
- Best time: summer mornings for the pool and the playground. Pool hours are shorter in winter.
- Cost: the park and boat ramp are free. The aquatic centre charges entry.
- What to bring: a hat, sunscreen, swimmers and a towel, and food if you want a picnic.
- Accessibility: the pool has wheelchair ramps. Goodna station is listed as accessible. No pram or wheelchair details are published for the playground.
Getting there and parking
By car, Goodna is about 25 km by road from the Brisbane CBD, about 25 minutes without traffic. R J Richardson Park, at 135 to 137 Brisbane Terrace, has car parking.
By train, Goodna station is on the Ipswich/Rosewood line and zone 2. An all-stops train from Central takes about 36 minutes and the trip from Ipswich takes about 20 minutes. Buses run to the station from surrounding suburbs. Plan your trip on the Translink journey planner or call 13 12 30.
More on the park is on Ipswich City Council’s page and the pool is on its public pools page. Details can change, so check before you go.
Nearby
- Redbank – the next suburb along the Ipswich line.
- Bundamba – another Ipswich stop for parks and shops.
- Orion Lagoon, Springfield – free lagoon swimming and a big play area.
- Robelle Domain – water play and walks at Springfield.
- Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve – river swimming and a playground.
- Ipswich Nature Centre – free animals if the kids want more.
Browse more in Ipswich and parks.
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Quick answers
What is there to do in Goodna?
Play at the steamboat playground at R J Richardson Park, swim at Goodna Aquatic Centre, launch a canoe from the boat ramp, and see St Francis Xavier Church and the war memorial.
Is Goodna Aquatic Centre open in winter?
Yes, with shorter hours. In winter it opens at 5.30 am Monday to Friday and closes at 1 pm on weekends. It is closed on public holidays in winter.
Is R J Richardson Park free?
Yes. Entry is free, and the park has toilets, shelters, BBQ areas and parking.
How far is Goodna from Brisbane?
About 25 km by road, roughly 25 minutes by car without traffic. By train it is about 36 minutes from Central.
When is the Goodna Jacaranda Festival?
It is held in late October at Evan Marginson Park. The dates change each year, so check the festival website.
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