Posts Tagged ‘Brisbane’
Friday, August 7th, 2009
Hidden away in the beautiful Gold Coast Hinterland (about 50km south of Brisbane) are Cedar Creek Lodges at Thunderbird Park. Situated on the picturesque Tamborine Mountain, this 112 hectares of wilderness retreat (Thunderbird Park) is a geological rich oasis, boasting towering rainforests, beautiful clear rock pools and a host of activities for adults and children alike.
Whether you’re looking for a day trip to experience some of the best natural envorinments that Brisbane and the surrounding areas have to offer, or a longer stay, there are a number of accomodation options available including:
Cedar Lodges (and other specially designed rooms) for a luxury getaway - spacious 2 bedroom lodges spaced along the banks of Cedar Creek, with contemporary decor, cedar shutters, poslished timber floors, high ceilings and private balconies. In winter, the fireplace can be crackling away whilst you cosy up with your loved ones.
Creek Side Camping for the great outdoor experience - is a dog-friendly campsite with powered and unpowered sites available either creek-side or bush-side. There are natural rock fireplaces and wood, ice, gas and a public telephone are all available on-site.
For dining, the Rainforest Restaurant, Gallery, Bar is open for lunch 7 days a week and for dinner Friday and Saturday. The pavilion- style structure offers guests a uninterrupted view of the established gardens, flowering orchids and, at night, illuminated rainforest. Birdlife is prolific and diners can enjoy the passing parade of ducks, colourful king parrots, rosellas, lorikeets, bush turkeys and white cockatoos while enjoying the fresh, seasonal menu. Need a mid-morning snack? Then pop in for a wonderful devonshire tea with oven-fresh scones, home-made strawberry jam, and fresh cream.
If it’s a relax and unwind that youre after then Ripple Massage offers a wide range of massage styles, from the lush KaHuna massage to the deeply relaxing Hot Stone or Russian massages. There’s also a special pregnancy massage for expectant mothers and “Blokes” packages designed specifically for men. All can be enjoyed in the privacy of your own lodge.
Outdoor activities on offer at Cedar Creek Lodges are fossicking in the world’s largest thunderegg mine, ropes and adventure games course (the largest in Australia), horse riding, laser skirmish, mini golf, mountain bike trails, abseiling, swimming and bushwalking. Or change the pace and head indoors to the Gallery Games Room, which offers a pool table, juke box, darts, cards, chess and board games.
A Kids Club suitable for ages 6 to 12 operates during the school holidays and offers a great range of activities such as trust walks, obstacle courses, orienteering, treasure hunts, tie-dyeing, papier mâché and fabric painting.
Budding astronomers take note: according to Australian Stargazing author Gregg Thompson, Thunderbird Park is a stargazer’s paradise! Guests can observe satellites passing overhead, meteor showers, the planets, lunar features, constellations and, occasionally, eclipses and comets.
Cedar Creek Lodges is also a great place to hold your wedding, conference or school camp.
For more information, please visit www.cedarcreeklodges.com.au
Tags: abseil, Australia, bike, birds, Brisbane, bush, camping, cedar creek, children, couple, dog friendly, egg, family, fossick, gallery, games, geology, Gold Coast, golf, hinterland, holiday, horse, kids, massage, orienteering, Queensland, rainforest, restaurant, retreat, ropes, skirmish, tamborine mountain, thunder, vacation, wildlife
Posted in Brisbane - South, Gold Coast | No Comments »
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
Tags: art, Brisbane, city, culture, gallery, impressionism, museum, Queensland, realism, Southbank
Posted in AROUND BRISBANE, Brisbane CBD, Southbank | No Comments »
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
Tags: aboriginal, abseil, adventure, bike, Brisbane, cycle, hire, Kangaroo Point, kayak, mirrabooka, mountain, paddle, parks, pumpabike, Queensland, river, riverlife, rock climbing, rollerblades, yuggera
Posted in Brisbane CBD | No Comments »
Tuesday, July 14th, 2009
Winter is upon us, and while Queensland is best known for beautiful sunny days, that doesn’t stop Jack Frost creeping in around this time of year. As the days get shorter and colder, it becomes harder for everyone to beat those winter blues.
For the best cure, why not take a drive to the Gold Coast and discover Surfers Paradise. It’s only 60 minutes from the Brisbane CBD and there is so much to see and do, that it can’t be condensed in one sentence.
Take leisurely stroll along the golden sands of Surfers Paradise beach, or dip your feet in the cool waters of the ocean if you’re game enough. The beaches are patrolled from 8am to 5pm, 7 days a week, so there is always a safe time to swim.
Splash your cash on a shopping trip. With hundreds of stores to choose from in the shopping precinct, you’ll not go home empty-handed. Boutiques, surf shops, high end fashion and accessories are all part of the Surfers Paradise shopping experience.
Pamper yourself at a day spa, hairdresser or nail salon and finish off with a delectable hot coffee at one of the many welcoming cafes, bistros and restaurants.
After dark, Surfers Paradise transforms into a Vegas-style hotspot with neon lights, music and people of all vintage abuzz for the excitement of the nightlife. Countless nightclubs, bars and pubs line the streets of this central location, making it a perfect way to end your fun-filled day.
If it’s something a little more adrenalin-invoking you’re after, or even just something to make you feel like a kid again, then try one of the many unique attractions Surfers Paradise has to offer, such as the Fly Coaster, Bungee Trampoline, Sling Shot, Vomatron, Infinity, Timezone games arcade, Tenpin Bowling, Putt Putt, the Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, and much much more.
If there is one guarantee that Surfers Paradise can provide, it is that you definately won’t be bored.
How much fun can be had in one day? Well, that depends entirely on you…..how many of these activities do you think you can squeeze into 24 hours? In fact, you may find you’ll want to stay longer just to fit everything in. There is plenty of accomodation to suit every budget at Surfers Paradise, from hostels to hotels and holiday apartments.
For more information on Surfers Paradise visit the Gold Coast Tourism website, www.verygoldcoast.com.au or contact Gold Coast City Council.
Tags: accomodation, adrenalin, apartment, bar, beach, Brisbane, cafe, day spa, dining, Gold Coast, hostel, hotel, lounge, nightclub, ocean, pub, Queensland, restaurant, Ripley's, shopping, Surfers Paradise
Posted in AROUND BRISBANE, Gold Coast | No Comments »
Tuesday, July 7th, 2009
There are many forests and reserves scattered around Brisbane, offering a range of activities. From walking, mountain bike riding, birdwatching, fields and playgrounds for the children, education centres and some guided tours, this natural environment can be enjoyed by anyone and mostly certainly should be on your agenda if you’re holidaying in Brisbane. Most of these forests are within a 30 minute drive of the city centre and therefore make a great day trip, so Brisbane residents can enjoy the local flora and fauna on offer at any time also.
Here are some of the most popular reserves and forests around Brisbane:
Brisbane Forest Park at The Gap offers more than 30kms of walking tracks, 60 kms of tourist roads and 14 separate recereation areas, meaning you won’t always have to share your picnic spot with other people.
Banks Street Reserve on Banks Street, Alderley offers walking tracks, sports fields and playgrounds for the children.
Chermside Hills Reserve can be found at Raven Street and Rode Road, McDowall, and offers well marked trails for walking, the Downfall Creek Bushland Centre, educational centre and barbeque areas so you can enjoy your lunch while you view some of the wonderful wildlife that inhabits this reserve. Environmental activities and events are often hosted by the Chermside Hills Reserve.
Toohey Forest on Toohey Road, Tarragindi is only 10 kilometres south of Brisbane. Toohey Forest and reserve offers extensive walking tracks through open forest and you can take in the fabulous 360 degree views of Brisbane from Mt Gravatt lookout.
Karawatha Forest on Acacia Road, Karawatha offers 9 kilometres of walking tracks ranging in length (from 1km to 2.5km), and a number of threatened and endangered species inhabit this forest.
Brisbane Koala Bushland at Alperton Park, Burbank is a great place to take a family friendly walk, along a trail which is accessible to strollers and wheelchairs, and see many koalas in the wild, as this bushland is home to around 5,000 koalas.
Hemmant Quarry Reserve on Fleming Road, Hemmant is a 24 hectare reserve that boasts beautiful picnic facilities and a number of walking tracks.
Seven Hills Reserve on Latina Avenue, Seven Hills offers a number of good walking tracks through 51 hectares of open eucalyptus forest.
White Hills Reserve on Boundary Road, Camp Hill offers 171 hectares of walking tracks, lookouts, footbridges, playgrounds and picnic areas…a perfect spot to take the family for a relaxing and affordable day out.
Anstead Bushland on Hawkesbury Road, Anstead is 80 hecatres of beautiful bushland.
Mt Coot-tha Forest off Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Mt Coot-tha is 15 minutes from the centre of Brisbane, and offers walking and bike tracks, barbeque and picnic areas, a cafe and restaurant. From the Mt Coot-tha lookout, take in the fabulous views of Brisbane City and beyond. At around 15,000 hectares of open eucalyptus forest, Mt Coot-tha Forest is one of Brisbane’s largest natural areas.
Please note all of these forests and reserves are Brisbane City Council parkland or bushland, where camping is prohibited, so if it’s a great bushland camping spot you’re after, please call the Environmental Protection Agency or visit their website, www.epa.qld.gov.au
For more information on forests and reserves in and around Brisbane, please visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or phone Brisbane City Council on 07 3403 8888.
Tags: barbeque, bike, Brisbane, bush, fauna, flora, forest, holiday, lookout, parks, picnic, playground, Queensland, reserve, walking, wildlife
Posted in AROUND BRISBANE, Brisbane - East, Brisbane - North, Brisbane - South, Brisbane - West | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 1st, 2009
Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island, is only 75 minutes from Brisbane and is situated on the west side of the island, right on the beach front. Stunning, blue water and white, sandy beaches are only a couple of highlights of this fantastic holiday destination. The resort offers accomodation for everyone, whether you’re visiting with the family or a group of friends, check out some of the following accommodation options available:
Hotel Rooms (3.5 stars) sleep up to 4 people
Hotel Deluxe Rooms (4 stars) sleep up to 4 people
Resort Units (3.5 stars) sleep up to 4 people
Resort Suites (3.5 stars) sleep up to 5 people
Villas (4 stars) sleep up to 8 people
Deep Blue Apartments (4.5 stars) sleep up to 8 people
Houses (4.5 stars) sleep 8 - 16 people
A holiday, as everyone knows, means enjoying lots of wonderful meals amongst other things. At Tangalooma you can bring your own food and cook in your room, or choose to dine at one of the resort facilities, including Tursiops Buffet Restaurant, Steakhouse and Chefs’ Restaurant in the beachfront rotunda, the Beach Cafe or Coffee Shop.
Moreton Island boasts acres of untouched National Parks, kilometres of beautiful sandy beaches and more gorgeous ocean views than you could possibly absorb in one day. Tangalooma offers many guided tours and activities so you can make the most out of your holiday. If you wish to see some of the wonderful marine and wildlife this island is home to, or want a little more adventure, try one of the following activities:
Whale Watching Cruise (June to October)
Dugong Eco Cruise
Helicopter Scenic Flights
Jet Ski Tours
4WD Tours
ATV Quad Bike Tours
Desert Safari Tours
Sand Tobogganing
Parasailing
Snorkelling
Feed the Wild Dolphins
Feed the Pelicans
….and much much more
After all this excitement, you’ll probably need to wind down a little. Spend the afternoon lazing by one of the resort pools or soak up some the beautiful Queensland sun on the beach right out front of your room, and later you may wish to visit the resort bar for a quiet drink and daily entertainment.
For more information on Tangalooma or to book your next holiday, please visit www.tangalooma.com
Tags: accomodation, bar, beach, Brisbane, cafe, cruise, dolphins, holiday, hotel, island, ocean, parasailing, pelicans, Queensland, resort, restaurant, safari, sand tobogganing, snorkelling, Tangalooma, tours, vacation, whale watching
Posted in AROUND BRISBANE, Brisbane - East, Moreton Bay | No Comments »
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.
Tags: abseiling, alpaca, Australia, Australia Zoo, beach, Bindi Irwin, Brisbane, climb, Crocodile Hunter, elephant, entertainment, farm, fireworks, General Douglas MacArthur, Gold Coast, Great Dividing Range, kangaroo, Kangaroo Point, koala, Lone Pine, Moreton Bay, Mt Coot-tha, park, Queensland, Rathdowney, river, Riverfire, sail, Sir Thomas Brisbane, Sky Needle, snake, Steve Irwin, Story Bridge, Sunshine Coast, surf, swim, tiger, Windmill, wombat, World Expo 88
Posted in Brisbane - East, Brisbane - North, Brisbane - South, Brisbane - West, Brisbane CBD, Fortitude Valley, Gold Coast, Ipswich & Surrounds, Southbank, Sunshine Coast | No Comments »
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.
Tags: Australia, bargains, books, Brisbane, Brisbane Square, CD, City Farmers Market, clothing, decor, DVD, fruit, jewellery, markets, plants, produce, Queensland, shopping, Sunday, Sunday Discovery Market, vegetables
Posted in Brisbane - South, Brisbane - West, Brisbane CBD | No Comments »
Thursday, May 28th, 2009
Spending time anywhere in Australia can be exciting and it is certainly multicultural but the Fortitude Valley is special. This is where I was able to see Brisbane’s China Town and walk through the absolutely fabulous Brunswick Mall. It is the place to find the best gelato, great museums and the Emporium Hotel where you can get all anyone can ask for in luxury.
I always like to begin a visit anywhere with a guided tour of the main attractions before venturing for more in-depth wanderings on my own. It is through these tours that you get information about the area. Fortitude Valley was first settled in 1849 and was named after the ship, Fortitude, that the immigrants were riding on. I took a bus tour that included 19 different stops among which were historic buildings and China Town. The bus driver gives a running narration of all the sights and the best part was that I could get off at different places, explore on my own, and then reboard the bus and continue on with the tour.
I fell in love with Ann Street. It was on this street that I found Blonde Venus, a truly unique boutique. It did not look like much on the outside, but just like you should not judge a book by its cover, don’t judge boutiques either. It showcases a lot of local talent and also has cutting-edge designs. It is also the street where you can find Ultra Suites, Mod Cons where you can find unique housewares and gifts, and jewellery at Dinosaur Designs.
Just as Hollywood has its walk of fame, so does Fortitude Valley. The plaques that you will see as you stroll down Brunswick Street Mall are dedicated to the bands from Brisbane that have made their way to fame. I read plaques about The Bee Gees, Keith Urban, The Saints and the Go Betweens. There are a many more and it is a great place to learn the history of your favorite bands from Australia.
Fortitude Valley is a melting pot of cultures. You can find food, art, entertainment, gifts and clothes from around the world. Chinatown is like a miniature Asia where you can find all of the outdoor shops and eateries that you could possibly want. The Brunswick Street Mall is open daily and the Brunswick Street Market is open on Saturdays from 8 am to 4 pm.
I can strongly recommend that you enhance your visit to Brisbane and Fortitude Valley with a Balloon Tour. Pick a clear day, there are plenty of these, and you can see all the way to the Gold Coast as you float above the bustle of the city. The tour includes the opportunity to help inflate the balloon, champagne breakfast and sunrise flights which beg to be photographed. For the photographer, there is no better way to get spectacular views and memorable photos.
I can highly recommend the accomodations available from the Emporium, if you wish to be pampered, to the Backpacker Hotel where you receive excellent meals and helpful information for walk-abouts in the area. Go ready to enjoy the Fortitude Valley experience.
Tags: Australia, backpacker, Blonde Venus, Brisbane, Brunswick, champagne breakfast, China Town, Dinosaur Designs, Emporium, Fortitude Valley, gelato, Gold Coast, hot air balloon, hotel, live music, Mod Cons, museum, Queensland, tours, Ultra Suites
Posted in Fortitude Valley | No Comments »
Thursday, May 21st, 2009
For my last vacation I wanted to go somewhere that I had never been, but still be able to understand what was going on and able to communicate well with the local people. I chose to visit Southbank in Brisbane, Australia. This was the site of World Expo 1988. Once Expo closed, this beautiful area, located along the Brisbane River, was retained by the government and redeveloped to be a ‘lifestyle area’ and the result is just spectacular. For a few days I was able to wander through 42 acres of shady walkways to enjoy some really spectacular attractions.
I am a nature lover at heart so I truly enjoyed walking leisurely along the startly white sands of Southbank Beach. The whole world seems to slow down and although cars are allowed along the beach, most people seem to prefer to stroll along at a leisurely pace. There are many must see attractions along Southbank and the first one that I visited was the Energex Arbour. The walkway through is approx 1 km going under and around curved pillars that drip magenta bougainvillea. In the evening these pillars are lit up with mood lights and it is not unusual to see a romantic couple underneath them.
The Goodwill Bridge connects the southern most end of Southbank with the City Botanic Gardens and then on to the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). This is a great walk that loops around and since the City of Brisbane boasts that 50,000 pedestrians and cyclists cross the bridge from one side to the other each week, I think a lot of people besides me find it breathtaking.
I have always been fond of river cruises and on the Brisbane River I had several that I could choose from. I find such decisions difficult so, of course, I had to take all three. There was the MV Neptune which took me on a 90 minute cruise through Breakfast creek. On the weekend I took a tour on the tug Forceful. It is a historic steam tug that took me to Moreton Island. The last river cruise that I took was an absolutley delightful paddle wheel ride on the Kookaburra River Queen.
I am by no means a shopaholic, but I do enjoy exploring the shops wherever I go. In 2001, a new retail district opened up on Southbank. Along a strip called Little Stanley Street you can find shops that will delight even the most ardent shopper. I could see such well-known labels as Baby Doll and Princess Highway. There are many shops along this road that give the visitor a wide range from which to choose that very important souvenir.
Since I am very much an admirer of arts and crafts that are created and usually one of a kind, I was thrilled with the South Bank Arts and Crafts Market that is held Friday evenings from 5-10pm, Saturdays from 11 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 9am to 5 pm. It was wonderful to be able to wander among the bright tents beneath the Energex Arbour and along Stanley Street Plaza. It topped off my trip to Southbank.
Tags: arbour, Australia, Baby Doll, beach, botanic gardens, bougainvillea, Breakfast Creek, Brisbane, Expo 88, Forcefull, Goodwill Bridge, Kookaburra River Queen, Little Stanley Street, markets, Moreton Island, MV Neptune, Princess Highway, Queensland, QUT, shopping, Southbank, souvenir, World Expo
Posted in Southbank | No Comments »
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