A Beautiful Butterfly Inspired Distraction

This tiny pocket of whimsical love in Brisbane saved our sanity, bringing joy in a time of anxiety. It is a small,  free public playground called Harmony Gardens located in a park showered in purple flowering jacarandas down near the Brisbane river in Dutton Park (Queensland, Australia). 

It happens to be close by to one of the major hospitals here.  My trip to this tropical city in Australia is under unfortunate circumstances. We had a whole day to fill with distractions while we awaited the outcome of major surgery on a loved one.   

Hospitals are no place for little toddlers with energy to burn and a joyful innocence that does not need to understand the gravity of illness. So this park was a saving grace. A place to run, explore, play with imagination, be loud and make music using a stick. A glorious mini landscape to discover, far removed from the real reason for our visit to the city. 

Even during spring time the heat and humidity in Brisbane is noticeable. Personally I much prefer the cooler high altitude climate of home. But the tropics bring abundance of plant life and everything seems to grow prolifically and large.   

Harmony Gardens has a cute little interactive playground with a generous sandpit and digging contraptions. The sound sculpture is interesting and fun. You are encouraged to go find a stick in the park and tap away on the pipes or giant xylophone.   

The neighbouring pocket of bushland has been rehabilitated to provide a sanctuary for native butterflies. This is why the park features these beautiful flights of fancy in lots of sweet little details.   

I feel so blessed to live in a country that offers such thoughtfully themed and well kept free public spaces.

Until next time, 

xx Isabella