New jacarandas set to paint Ipswich purple
12 October 2021
Ipswich’s reputation as a jacaranda hotspot will continue for generations to come with Ipswich City Council planting 100 new trees in Goodna.
The trees were planted at Evan Marginson Park, Kippen Park, Leslie Park, Warren Park and Richardson Park near the Goodna Boat Ramp.
Division 2 Councillor Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic said the new plantings replace trees previously removed due to storm damage and poor health.
“Goodna is well renowned for its jacaranda trees and I’m thrilled to see these trees planted across several of our local parks,” Cr Jonic said.
“As well as replacing removed trees, new trees were planted around the Goodna area to enhance the suburb’s already iconic jacaranda precincts that beautifully announce the arrival of spring.
“Many of these trees have stood the test of time and continue to delight residents across our city each year with their vibrant flowers, turning lucky streets and parks awash with purple blooms.”
Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully said while the Goodna Jacaranda Festival had been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns for a second year, the community spirit and iconic trees are still strong.
“The original trees were planted by work gangs in 1932 during the Great Depression, and many have stood the test of time, enduring three major floods – in 1955, 1974 and 2011,” Cr Tully said.
“It’s hard to imagine the work gangs who planted these trees would have expected at the time that their efforts would still be brightening up our community all these decades on.
“Just as those trees planted in 1932, I’m sure these new trees planted through the Brisbane Terrace precinct will stand as a testament to the resilience and strength of Goodna’s community spirit for many years to come.”
The sub-tropical trees typically reach maturity after 20 years and have an average lifespan of 50 years and can span over 15 metres high and wide. There are reports jacarandas can live up to 200-years-old, and they are known to also blossom white flowers.
Ipswich is dotted with splashes of purple from October through to November thanks to hundreds of jacarandas across the city. Here are some of the best places to see jacaranda blooms.
Timothy Moloney Park
Located directly opposite the majestic heritage listed St Maryʼs Catholic Church, on the corner of Elizabeth, Mary and Ellenborough streets lies Timothy Moloney Park. Fringed with jacaranda trees the purple blooms provide a glorious setting in which to admire St Maryʼs Church.
For a special experience, visit after a rain shower as this is the time when the ground is covered in a purple carpet making the park breathtaking.
Evan Marginson Park and Brisbane Terrace, Goodna
Take the Goodna exit from the M7 and you cannot miss the splashes of purple that will greet you as you drive towards Evan Marginson Park. Head around the park to Brisbane Terrace and be prepared to be in awe as this stretch of road is lined with grand jacaranda trees.
Denmark Hill
Make your way to the water tower and then climb up the ladder to the lookout on top of the water tank where you can enjoy 360-degree views of Ipswich.
Other beloved jacaranda spots include the heritage accommodation and wedding venue Woodlands of Marburg, streets in western suburb Rosewood and dotted throughout Queens Park in the city centre.