Stroll down memory lane in the purple rain
October is just around the corner and the UQ jacarandas are about to be in full bloom. While jacaranda season and exams go hand-in-hand, it's the perfect time of year to pay a visit to campus – perhaps for a picnic.
Lucky for you, Contact is giving away a picnic hamper worth $100 from the Vintage Picnic Company, owned by UQ alum Georgia Kearney (Bachelor of Psychological Science '07).
This competition is now closed – but, for now, here’s a selection of our favourite UQ jacaranda photos from the 1960s to literally yesterday.
An image from Chancellor Mansfield's Christmas Card in 1969. Image: UQ Archives
An image from Chancellor Mansfield's Christmas Card in 1969. Image: UQ Archives
A card from Sir Fred Schonell to students during exam time, circa 1965–1970. Image: UQ Archives
A card from Sir Fred Schonell to students during exam time, circa 1965–1970. Image: UQ Archives
Jacaranda trees in bloom in the Great Court during the 1980s. Image: UQ Archives
Jacaranda trees in bloom in the Great Court during the 1980s. Image: UQ Archives
Students walking under the blooming jacarandas in 1991. Image: UQ Archives
Students walking under the blooming jacarandas in 1991. Image: UQ Archives
The Great Court in full bloom in 2003. Image: UQ Archives
The Great Court in full bloom in 2003. Image: UQ Archives
Australian wood duck ducklings in the Great Court amongst the jacaranda flowers.
Australian wood duck ducklings in the Great Court amongst the jacaranda flowers.
Jacarandas have begun to bloom at UQ. Image: David de Groot on Tuesday 24 September 2024
Jacarandas have begun to bloom at UQ. Image: David de Groot on Tuesday 24 September 2024
One of the first blooms of the season outside the Anthropology Museum at St Lucia earlier this month.
One of the first blooms of the season outside the Anthropology Museum at St Lucia earlier this month.
Rainbow lorikeet enjoying the blooming jacarandas. Image: Blair Knight
Rainbow lorikeet enjoying the blooming jacarandas. Image: Blair Knight
Perfect St Lucia picnic spots
Great Court lawn – picnic loop
Park by Feeney Way (formerly University Drive) and make your way through the entrance of the Forgan Smith building. From here, step out into the iconic Great Court. To avoid stairs, an accessible path can be taken from Mansfield Place (disabled parking is available near the Anthropology Museum). Once inside the Great Court, a quick lap between the cloisters is in order before picking out a spot under a jacaranda to lay out your picnic rug. You can also pop in to Patina Alumni Court to get your caffine fix (coffee and takeaway breakfast, lunch Monday to Friday and Dinner Wednesday to Friday.)
Image: Camille Brandon
Image: Camille Brandon
Stroll by the water
Park on College Road, or catch a bus and hop off at UQ Lakes Station, for a stroll around the rolling lawns. The paths alongside the 2 smaller lakes are lined with jacaranda trees and make for some beautiful photos. Bring the kids for a fun day out. Please note, however, that UQ’s largest lake and amphitheatre are being transformed into a self-sustaining ecosystem and are currently off limits.
River loop – with bonus coffee stop
Begin your walk from Emmanuel College, and follow the river along Sir William MacGregor Drive, which is dotted with colourful jacarandas and other beautiful Australian native trees. This walk follows a smooth gravel path – perfect for a furry friend or a set of wheels, be it bike, pram or scooter. Pass under the Eleanor Schonell Bridge and continue on for a coffee at Saint Lucy caffé e cucina – open from 7am–9pm Tuesday to Sunday, and 7am–3pm Sunday and Monday. Then weave your way back to where you started, past Chancellor’s Place and the Queensland Brain Institute.
Did you know?
Parking at the St Lucia campus is free on the weekend – so pack a hamper and come back to UQ this weekend for a picnic or a coffee.
Where to find these locations at UQ's St Lucia campus.
The Great Court lawn – picnic loop
Stroll by the water
River loop – with bonus coffee
Win a picnic hamper
To celebrate the jacaranda picnic season, Contact is giving away a picnic hamper valued at $100.
