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Archive for the ‘Brisbane CBD’ Category

Culture in the Heart of Brisbane

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

While you’re in Brisbane between 30 May and 20 September 2009, be sure to take a trip to the Queensland Art Gallery and see ‘American Impressionism and Realism: A Landmark Exhibition from the Met’, curated by Dr Barbara Weinberg, the Alice Pratt Brown Curator of American Paintings and Sculpture (The Metropolitan Museum of Art). 

The exhibition displays a selection of 71 paintings from New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, including many of the Metropolitan’s best examples in the American Impressionist and Realist traditions which have never before been displayed together and are not likely to be lent again as an ensemble. 

This cultural presentation features works by 34 painters, some famous and some lesser-known. Some of the leading figures — such as Impressionists John Singer Sargent, Mary Cassatt, Childe Hassam, and William Merritt Chase, and Realists John Sloan and William Glackens — are represented by several of their works. Also on display throughout this exhibition are 30 iconic Australian paintings, showing how Australian artists responded to key artistic developments of the 1900’s.  Some of these Australian artists include Tom Roberts, Charles Conder, Frederick McCubbin and Rupert Bunny.

‘American Impressionism and Realism’ includes light-filled landscapes and seascapes, magnificent portraiture and images that reflect aspects of modern life — leisure, cities, and intimate depictions of women and children.  Whilst many of these works of art are flooded with light and colour, the paintings are also flooded with connotation.

The exhibition was organised by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, in collaboration with the Queensland Art Gallery and Art Exhibitions Australia.

Queensland Art Gallery is located in Stanley Street, Southbank, and is open 10am to 5pm Monday-Friday, and 9am to 5pm Saturday -Sunday.  Entry to the general gallery area is free but special exhibitions may incur a fee.

For more information about the exhibition or the Queensland Art Gallery, visit www.qag.qld.gov.au

For more information about the Metropolitan, visit www.metmuseum.org

Adventure in the City (Brisbane)

Tuesday, July 21st, 2009

Whether you’re visiting or living in Brisbane, you’ll love what’s on offer at Riverlife.  Situated at the base of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs in the heart of Brisbane, Riverlife provides an adventure experience without having to travel outside of the city.

Looking for a cultural experience….
Meet the local Brisbane Aboriginal Tribe, Riverlife Mirrabooka and experience the rich culture of Aboriginal life by watching or participating in activities such as:

  • Traditional song and dance passed down through generations
  • Primitive fire starting
  • Playing traditional Aboriginal musical instruments, like the didgeridoo
  • Share in the stories of Aboriginal life and the history of this ancient land
  • Learn to throw a boomerang….properly
  • Painting message sticks and clap sticks
  • Traditional aboriginal face painting
  • Taste traditional foods of the Indigenous culture

The Yuggera Aboriginal Dancers are responsible for sharing their culture, and you can be confident that you are embracing a unique experience from world-class performers.  The Yuggera Aboriginal Dancers have performed for audiences both in Australia and around the world, including the UK and Europe, once performing for Queen Elizabeth II.

Climb or drop…..
Experience the Kangaroo Point Cliffs first hand with Rock Climbing sessions, either by day or night.  The 20m high weathered cliff face is the perfect setting for a great outdoor adventure where the term “rock climbing” is literal, so you climb real rocks.  From the top, you can take in the best views of Brisbane city and the river.  Climbs for all levels are available, from beginners right through to the most advanced climbers.

Prefer descent to ascent?  Then opt for Abseiling instead.  The extreme rush of abseiling down the glorious cliffs, will be sure to please any adventure lover.  If it’s your first time, don’t panic!  Qualified, experienced instructors will guide you all the way, and by the time it’s over, the only negative thing you will recall will be the neverending walk to the top of the steps before you began.

**No prior experience is necessary for any of the climbing activities at Riverlife, and you will be guided by qualified and experienced instructors.  All sessions include instruction, a safety briefing and equipment.

For water enthusiasts….
If you prefer water activities, book in for a guided Kayak tour and enjoy the city from a different angle.  Paddle your way up or down the river and see some of Brisbane’s best features from the water.  Kayaking is available both day and night, and Riverlife offer special packages such as Friday Night Paddle & Prawns and Saturday Night Paddle & Riverside BBQ.  If you’ve done all this before and are a confident paddler, then hire a kayak and take it out by yourself or with an experienced group of friends or family.

Have an instructor show you the basics of Pumpabiking, then give it a go yourself.  This South African-designed vessel is a self propelled hydrofoil that glides along the top of the water.  This is something you’ve probably never tried before so get in and experience something different.  The best part of this activity is:  If you manage to stay dry on your very first session, Riverlife will give you your money back.

**No prior experience is necessary for any of the water activities at Riverlife, and you will be guided by qualified and experienced instructors.  All sessions include instruction, a safety briefing and equipment.

Wheeling around….
There are plenty of people who prefer to keep their feet firm on the ground, so if you’re one of these you might like to hire a Mountain Bike or Rollerblades and absorb some of Brisbane’s best parks and tracks, all right by the river.

For more information, including times, prices or bookings, please visit Riverlife

Outdoor Adventure Activities in Brisbane

Sunday, June 7th, 2009

Brisbane is the state capital of Queensland and is Australia’s third largest city with a population of close to 2 million as of 2007. It is located in the southeast corner, and the area used to be called Mian-jin by the locals because that means ‘place shaped as a spike’ since it is on a floodplain between Moreton Bay and the Great Dividing Range. You can take a cruise on the Brisbane River if you like.

There is a spectacular view of the city from Mt. Coot-tha (meaning ‘place of honey’), which is 287 metres above sea level, and became a public park of 1500 acres in 1883.

Brisbane was named for Sir Thomas Brisbane, the Governor of New South Wales at the time Brisbane was established in 1824. It was the South West Pacific headquarters for General Douglas MacArthur during World War II.

Convict labor in 1828 built the oldest surviving buildings: The Windmill (originally used as a place to grind grain, unusual with its wind powered sails, and later became an observatory) and the Old Commissariat Store (presently the home of the Royal Historical Society of Queensland).

The magnificent scenery and waters provide endless outdoor adventures to be enjoyed.

The Crocodile Hunter (Steve Irwin) and his daughter (Bindi) brought much attention to the Australia Zoo, which is on over 70 acres of bush land containing over 1,000 species including koalas, kangaroos, tigers, wombats, snakes, elephants, and much more including magnificent gardens. Would you like to get your picture taken with a baby crocodile? You can! And there are wheelchairs and scooters available for the disabled so they can see the sights along with the rest of the family.

If you want to see, touch and feed more koalas and kangaroos, you can visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, which is the world’s largest with over 130 koalas.

If you are willing to take a leisurely drive 90 minutes away, you can visit the Rathdowney Alpaca Farm, where you can enjoy the feel of their soft fleece after learning about them and visit their Alpaca Shack with handcrafted garments and many other gifts. There is also a 100 year old Queenslander farmhouse with beautiful gardens.

The Story Bridge has 6 lanes of traffic but also a bikeway and footpath and a famous pub under its span!! At the annual Riverfire, there are unbelievable fireworks displays. Fireworks are also featured year-round along with festivals, cinemas, eating places, and free live entertainment at the South Bank.

The Kangaroo Point Cliffs are sheer steep cliffs in the city where climbers can prove their skills even at night when the cliffs are lit up.

The Sky Needle (88 metres high) was part of World Expo 88.

You can venture out a short drive to some of the world’s cleanest and most beautiful beaches, the world-famous Sunshine Coast (44 miles long) and the Gold Coast (22 miles long), where you can swim, sail, surf or sunbake.

Bargain Hunting in Brisbane

Monday, June 1st, 2009

Love bargains and digging for hidden treasures? The Sunday Discovery Market in Brisbane is just what thrifty shoppers are searching for. This bustling market is a weekly local event.

For unique and easy ways to save on items for your lifestyle needs like local produce, gently used clothing and books, and eclectic home décor, this huge marketplace houses over 380 vendor stalls. Over 5,000 avid shoppers arrive at the Sunday Discovery Market every weekend for bargain hunter’s paradise.

What kind of treasures and deals are to be found? Mountains of fresh, local, seasonal fruits and vegetables for winter-starved appetites, and freshly baked artisan breads, pastries, and snacks are ready for purchase. Nibble on a tasty treat while you stroll around the assortment of stalls, choosing from plants, clothing, CDs and DVDs, jewellery and every kind of imaginable home décor item.

For frugal ways to stretch budget dollars there are many merchants offering good quality, previously owned clothing items. Purchasing such items for children is a good investment since they outgrow garments so rapidly.

If the thought of a whirlwind of activity and crowding created by thousands of shoppers makes you feel claustrophobic, the City Farmers Market in Brisbane Square may be preferable. Held every Wednesday, there are bargains and values on everything from local organic produce to taste tantalizing freshly made food items. Eat them right on the spot, or tote them home to enjoy later.

This is just a quick glimpse of the multitude of shops, retailers, and merchants found in Brisbane. Sharp bargain hunters know how to find the best deals – follow the locals.

Brisbane MarketPlace is located on Sherwood Road at Rocklea and there is plenty of on-site and nearby parking available.

Things To See and Do In Brisbane

Thursday, May 14th, 2009

Brisbane, Australia is the capital and most populous city in Queensland. Located on the Brisbane river, the climate is humid and subtropical. Brisbane is home to a thriving classical and contemporary music scene, many theatres and performing arts centres and several world-class museums. Parks, beaches and public gardens are available for outdoor activities and there are a variety of public festivals scheduled year round.

In 2007, Billboard Magazine nominated Brisbane as one of the Top 5 International Music Hotspots and Brisbane lives up to this distinction with its many live musical events.  Throughout the city, there are pubs, clubs and outdoor cafes that offer live entertainment nightly. From classical to contemporary, Brisbane embraces its Hotspot nomination.

The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) is home to the concert hall and several theatres. Ballet, opera, orchestra and other performing arts troupes call this venue home.

Opened in 2006, the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) houses collections from around the world. GoMA is the largest modern art museum in Australia. Its large size allows for large scale exhibitions, including the largest Andy Warhol retrospectives in the country.

There are historic sites in Brisbane that relate to its importance during World War II. Buildings that were used as headquarters for Allied troops have been preserved. The Shrine of Remembrance, a war memorial, is located in Anzac Square.

South Bank Parklands are a popular area for events and celebrations. There are over 17 hectares of lawns and gardens and it is the site of many weddings.

Perfect for walks, weddings, biking and relaxing, the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens is an old and venerable complex. Its central location and lush gardens make it a popular destination for locals.

No trip to Brisbane would be complete without a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Opened in 1927, it is the oldest sanctuary of its kind. Over 130 koalas call the sanctuary home, and there are also kangaroos and other native Australian animals available to meet and feed.

Beautiful and clean, the Gold Coast beaches of Queensland are a short drive from Brisbane. Well protected by the famous Aussie beach patrol (Surf Life Saving Australia), visitors can choose from over 70 kilometres of prime sandy beaches. All popular beach activities are available, including sailing, surfing, wind surfing, swimming and snorkeling.

Brisbane is a vital and exciting city with a wide variety of cultural and recreational opportunities for local residents and tourists alike.

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