Contrary to what you may think, Brisbane isn’t all about skyscrapers. This Australian city has various green spaces where various plant species thrive, much to the residents’ delight. Right on the edge of the CBD stands the most popular of them all: the City Botanic Gardens. Listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, these gardens date back to 1828 when they were originally a farm to supply food for the penal colony. However, in 1855, botanist Walter Hill transformed the area into a public park, then called "Queens Park." He introduced native Queensland plants as well as exotic species brought from abroad. Beyond their natural beauty, the City Botanic Gardens are also rich in history, through some of their early architectural elements who remain intact. Among them is Brisbane’s first drinking fountain, designed in 1867. There's also the Curator’s Cottage, once the residence of the park's caretakers, now converted into a kiosk. While strolling through these lush gardens, you’ll be charmed by their exotic nature!