Welcome to Somewhere to Stay Blog.
This is just somewhere to post all our funny stories and daily grind and what’s happening around us.
Visitors Insider Guide
Categories: What' On Events Calendar
Comments Off
What to Do, what to do……….
ABSEILING down rugged cliffs, soaring through the sky – with or without a plane – or kayaking in the dark are all activities right at your doorstep at Somewhere to Stay.
Backpacker adventure lovers need look no further than our own backyard to get the blood pumping – indeed, many thousands of people head here each year from across Australia and overseas to do likewise.
WHAT A RUSH!
ROCK Climbing
5 minutes from Somewhere to Stay and Brisbane’s great
Kangaroo Point Cliffs.
PADDLE POWER
YOU do not need to be an experienced paddler to enjoy kayaking on the Brisbane River, either during the day or at night when you can enjoy the city lights.
Guided tours leave from the Kangaroo Point cliffs (where abseiling also is available), with landmarks along the way including the Brisbane Botanical Gardens, the Maritime Museum and South Bank Parklands, or you can paddle under the Story Bridge to Mowbray Park.
Prices start from $29. Contact Riverlife at 3891 5766 or riverlife.com.au
ON YOUR BIKE
FOR those with the need for speed, head to Coolangatta on the Gold Coast to hire the newest thing in power sports – the Can-Am Spyder Roadster motorbike.
This unique three-wheeled roadster is powered by a 1000cc Rotax engine. You need to have an R class unrestricted and current motorcycle licence.
Cost: Half-day $185, full day $295.
Contact Can-Am Spyder Roadster motorbike hire on the Gold Coast at 0421 069 196 orspyderryder.com.au.
DIFFERENT WAVELENGTH
STAND-UP paddle boarding – or surfing – has been around in Australia for a few years now but hails from the Pacific Islands, where it was invented generations ago.
Anyone can learn to do it. It basically entails standing on a wide surfboard and paddling around. It is also a fun way to keep fit as it is a good work out. There are options to learn up and down the coast and in Brisbane you can paddle on the river. You may even see a dog joining his owner on a board here and there.
Prices vary. A variety of companies hire or sell paddle boards. One in Brisbane isbriskites.com.au
ROPE TRICKS
THE newest adventurous experience to the myriad activities available in Brisbane is the Story Bridge abseil.
It is the only place in the world where those who like a challenge can climb the bridge and choose the new option of abseiling down, even if you have never abseiled before.
Cost: Adults $119, concessions $101.50.
Contact Story Bridge Adventure Climb and Abseil on 1300 254 627 or atstorybridgeadventureclimb.com.au.
TREETOPS
HEAD to the Gold Coast hinterland hotspot of O’Reilly’s to experience the famous treetop walk. This is something you should do at least once in your lifetime activity and is particularly suited to families.
The experience allows you to walk through a canopy of rainforest trees, orchids and ferns while being surrounded by birds and other creatures which live in the treetops. The first in Australia, the treetop walk is 180m-long over nine suspension bridges. Most of the walkway is 15m above the ground, with one observation deck 30m.
Located in the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park, it’s free. Visit oreillys.com.au or call 1800 688 722.
ON SAFARI
TAKE the kids and jump aboard a four-wheel all-terrain vehicle (ATV) for a few hours. You can go either as a passenger or drive yourself. This way you can do some sightseeing in a unique way while having fun.
ATVs or quad bikes are especially fun to ride through the backroads. One local tour operator takes you through a tour of the Numinbah Valley in the Gold Coast hinterland.
Cost: Prices start at $49. Contact Gold Coast ATV Tours, Nerang-Murwillumbah Rd, Numinbah Valley, on 0424 940 234oratvadventures.com.au.
MOUNTAIN HIGH
SOMETHING every local should do at least once is visit Mt Tibrogargan, whether to hike it or climb it. For the really adventurous, the volcanic plug boasts some of the longest multi-pitch climbs in Australia. If you have never been to the area before, it’s best to start with a guided climb. Experienced guides will be able to discuss your abilities and the best climbs for you. The easiest but longest climb on the mountain is the Caves Route, but it is well worth the trip for the views. If you are a rock climbing beginner, a great practice spot is Brisbane’s Kangaroo Point cliffs.
Contact Pinnacle Sports at Red Hill atpinnaclesports.com.au or call 3368 3335. A guided climb on Mt Tibrogargan costs $175.
WINGING IT
FROM the Sunshine Coast to the Scenic Rim, another adventurous activity on offer by several companies is gliding.
Become a glider pilot for a day (with the help of a gliding instructor, of course). If you’re looking for high-flying adventure, this could be your cup of tea.
On the Sunshine Coast, gliding companies take off from Caboolture and Maroochydore airports.
Prices start at $190 if booked online at Gliding Adventure Flights at comegliding.com.au or phone 1300 667 042.
Categories: What' On Events Calendar
Comments Off
BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE
When you’re looking for something to do, there’s no need to spend a fortune.
Southeast Queensland has so many beautiful places to go and things to see, that a fabulous day out need not cost a bean. Save your pennies for that rainy day and get out and about for free on a sunny one.
1. Southbank Beach
Amid the hustle and bustle of a lively CBD is one of the last places you would expect to discover a vibrant beachside setting. Australia’s only beach in the middle of the city, Streets Beach is one of South Bank’s most popular attractions. A unique, man-made swimming beach, Streets Beach overlooks the brilliant Brisbane River and the expansive city skyline. Explore the spacious Streets Beach and discover a playful world where clever design seamlessly blends with natural beauty.
2. SOUTH BANK
South Bank, Brisbane has something to offer all ages.
Enjoy a stroll from Kangaroo Point past the abseilers and along the river to the South Bank and soak up the great view of Brisbane CBD in the process.
Then explore the Parklands, with its green foliage, public city beach, water play area, lagoons and picnic areas, before moving on to discover Little Stanley’s cosmopolitan strip of restaurants, bars and boutiques.
More info: www.visitsouthbank.com.au
3. CYCLE CITY
Cycling in Brisbane gives you the freedom to explore more than 1000km of high quality bikeways and offers a unique perspective that can’t be found on foot or by car, allowing you to discover Brisbane in a whole new way.
Brisbane CBD is well developed for cycling, featuring the Bicentennial Bikeway. There are a huge number of sights, attractions, restaurants, cafes and parks to be enjoyed along the way, and all are accessible by bike. There are also great facilities for the cyclist such as water fountains, shelters, and cycle parking facilities, making it not only a free, but an easy day out.
More info: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
4. SURF’S UP
Body boarding at Burleigh Heads is a fun and free way to get out and get active.
Grab your boogie boards and head to the Gold Coast to surf this north-east facing beach renowned for its great waves.
In addition to boarding, there are a great range of other local activities and attractions at Burleigh Heads, including Burleigh Heads National Park, which includes some breath-taking coastal walking trails.
More info: www.visitgoldcoast.com
5. GET CULTURAL
The State Library of Queensland presents a thriving public events program of exhibitions, talks, workshops, film screenings, training and information sessions and activities for children and young people, including the new exhibition Floodlines, telling the story of Queensland’s historic floods.
More info: www.slq.qld.gov.au
6. GO GREEN
Brisbane’s Botanic Gardens is Queensland’s premier subtropical botanic gardens.
The 52 hectare park features a beautiful Japanese Garden, a Lagoon, a Bamboo Grove and it also houses the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. Located seven kilometres from the city centre, a drive up Mount Coot-tha to watch the sun set at the end of the day could also prove to be the perfect start to a weekend. Entry is free.
More info: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
7. TREK THE MOUNTAINS
Named by James Cook in 1770, the Glass House Mountains are the remains of volcanos dating back over 20 million years. Rising up dramatically from the landscape, the volcanic peaks are not only a spectacular sight but also the home to some beautiful indigenous flora and fauna such as koalas, goannas, echidnas, grey kangaroos, and 26 threatened plant species.
For bird lovers, you will find kookaburras, lorikeets, rosellas, peregrine falcons and the rare glossy black cockatoo, which is considered vulnerable to extinction.
More info: www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks
Categories: Do & See
Comments Off
Superfest 2012
Backpackers! who’s comin to Brisbane for Superfest 3!
Need somewhere to stay, if you need somewhere to stay? book now at Somewhere to Stay and don’t miss the
bass-pumping, booty-shaking sonic extravaganza that is Superfest 2012 is heating up!
Multi-platinum selling RnB superstar and recent Grammy winner Chris Brown will return to Australia alongside female hip hop legend Missy Elliot, old skool legends Naughty By Natureand rapper-of-the-moment Big Sean!
All-round megastar P. Diddy is set to hit the stage alongside RnB diva and ex-Destiny’s Childhitmaker Kelly Rowland. Rap icon Rick Ross will also be heading Down Under for the festival, as will NWA founding member and bonafide solo star Ice Cube. And if that wasn’t enough, Grammy Award-Winning artist Lupe Fiasco and smooth crooner Trey Songz are on hand to round out the bill!
Categories: What' On Events Calendar
Comments Off
HINTERLAND HIGHLIGHTS
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is an area of outstanding natural beauty and a haven for the artistic or those wishing to immerse themselves in a blanket of rural historic charm. Home to beautiful and quaint townships and national parks, the hinterland provides a great day out not much more than an hour north of Brisbane. Whether it be shops, galleries, eateries, wine or magnificent vistas, the hinterland has something for everyone. Jessica Jane Sammut offers her top 10 pick of places to visit.
Also check out: Sunshine Coast scenic drives
MALENY
Perched high above the Sunshine Coast beaches on the Blackall Range sits Maleny, a beautiful hinterland town offering history, culture and quaintness in abundance. Home to many nationally recognised artists and art galleries, the area is a craft paradise. Originally a timber region, with cedar, beech and hoop pine felled for furniture and construction, Maleny hosts the Maleny Wood Expo each year (May 5-6 in 2012).
INFO: www.malenyqueensland.com
MONTVILLE
A charming little town dating back to 1887 when the first white settlers arrived, Montville is a beautiful place to explore, with its cute streets, eclectic boutiques, adorable cafes and divine chocolate shops. It is also home to wineries, cheese factories and galleries, not to mention a great Parisian-styled coffee shop – Poet’s Cafe. The Edge Restaurant is also a great place to unwind with a glorious view over the mountains, while the beautiful eatery Wild Rocket @ Misty’s is situated in one of the oldest buildings in town.
INFO: www.montvilleguide.com.au
HINTERLAND WINE TRAIL
The hinterland is dotted with excellent wineries and one could spend a whole day coasting from one to another. Ocean View Estates Winery, Flame Hill Vineyard, Maleny Mountain Wines, Settlers Rise Winery, Flaxton Winery, Moonshine Valley Winery, Eumundi Winery and Vineyard, Maroochy Springs Winery, Kenilworth Bluff Wines, Dingo Creek Vineyard are just a few of those worth visiting. So grab a glass and head on over.
INFO: www.queenslandvineyards.com
FLAXTON
On your way to Mapleton discover Flaxton, a village with churches, cottages, inns and historic Queenslanders. Make sure you visit the Flaxton Barn. The barn’s craft shop showcases exclusively Queensland-made goods, collectables, books, old wares and locally-made food products. Flaxton Barn’s Marklin HQ Gauge modern railway display, with its light show and animated action sequences, is also worth viewing. And if you fancy a spot of tea, Flaxton Gardens is the place to go.
INFO: www.hinterlandtourism.com.au
HINTERLAND GREAT WALK
For those wishing to really get to know the hinterland, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk is a 58km four-day walk in the Blackall Range, with bush campsites along the way. Areas covered include Baroon Pocket, Kondalilla National Park, Mapleton Falls National Park and Mapleton National Park. With subtropical rainforest, tall eucalypt forest and waterfalls, it offers beautiful scenery and for those wishing for something a little easier, day visitors can access short half-day and full-day walks within the Great Walk route.
INFO: www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks/great-walks-sunshine-coast
GLASSHOUSE MOUNTAINS
Named by James Cook in 1770 during his epic voyage along the east coast, the Glasshouse Mountains are the remains of rhyolite plugs formed by volcanic activity over 20 million years ago, and are a must on the visiting list when tramping the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The volcanic peaks are not only a spectacular sight but also home to koalas, goannas, echidnas, grey kangaroos, and 26 threatened plant species. For bird lovers, you will find kookaburras, lorikeets, rosellas, peregrine falcons and the rare glossy black cockatoo.
INFO: www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks
GINGER FACTORY
A great day out for the family is the Ginger Factory at Yandina, home of Buderim Ginger. Spend the day enjoying the delicious flavours and shops, the train tour, or let the kids find the gingerbread man around the globe on the Overboard ride. Children can also learn about how bees make honey and witness a live bee hive in the Superbee Live Bee Show, plus they can taste test the various types of honey in the store. Open 7 days, 9am to 5pm, free admission (fees apply for tours and rides).
INFO: www.gingerfactory.com.au
EUMUNDI MARKETS
Shop until you drop at the Eumundi Markets, open every Wednesday (8am to 1.30pm) and Saturday (7am to 2pm). Wander through the many markets and shops offering an abundance of clothing, homewares, local arts and crafts. Sample the delicious cuisine and soak up the eclectic atmosphere.
INFO: www.eumundimarkets.com.au
Also check out: How to spend a day in Eumundi
KENILWORTH
Kenilworth is a country town with sensational fresh produce which can be bought in stores or from farmers direct. It is also the site of Borumba Deer Park, a working deer farm, which offers a unique place for the family to relax with modern amenities, barbecues and friendly hosts. For food lovers, Kenilworth Country Foods is worth a visit, with beautiful cheeses on offer. Also check out the Kenilworth Cheese Wine and Food Festival (April 7, 2012), the Kenliworth Show and Rodeo (September 15, 2012) and Kenilworth Celebrates! Town Festival (September 22-29, 2012).
INFO: www.kenilworth.qld.au
BIG PINEAPPLE
Newly renovated, the Big Pineapple is a heritage-listed Queensland icon, and if spending the day in the hinterland it must be visited, even if it is just for five minutes to take a quick photo with the family. Visit the growers’ market on Saturdays (6.30am to noon), relax in the cafe or climb the pine. Whatever you do, you can be sure your kids will leave smiling with a story to tell their mates.
INFO: www.bigpineapple.com.au
Categories: What' On Events Calendar
Comments Off
Irish Surfer Dog
Surf’s up at Noosa Festival of Surfing
Enjoy a beach party all week thanks to the Noosa Festival of Surfing.
The festival will offer the biggest and best free entertainment program in the 21-year history of the event, with nightly live music, movies, fashion parades, Zumba dancing, trivia giveaways, book launches, wine tastings and fun on the sand every day once the surfing is completed.
The PJ Burns Festival Village has been built along the beach adjacent to the Park Road carpark and right in front of the No.1 contest venue at First Point, and will be open from noon daily.
The adjacent all-weather stage and screen will provide live music from 5.30pm, along with Summer&Salt fashion parades, Zumba fitness parties, surf movies and the day’s highlights from the contest after dark. All entertainment is free and profits from drinks sold go to local charities.
A surf expo will also be part of the week. Surfing in the festival’s 20-plus pro and amateur divisions starts at 7am every day from Sunday, March 11, through to March 17.
Besides surfing, events include stand-up paddle races, dog surf spectacular, celebrity surfing, opening ceremony and paddle out and live music.
For the first time, the event will also feature a canine boardriding exhibition on Sunday, March 11 (See video above).
Info: noosafestivalofsurfing.com
Luck of the Irish
The Irish Festival takes place from March 9 to 17 with festivities ranging from the St Patrick’s Day Parade to a Gaelic sports competition.
The festival kicks off on March 9 with a ball at The Irish Club, on Elizabeth St, from 7pm.
But most of the fun is this weekend with the 23rd annual St Patrick’s Day Parade set to fill city streets from 10.30am Saturday, March 10.
The parade starts from the corner of George and Elizabeth streets and heads through the city. There will be an Irish Fair from 11am-2pm in King George Square with traditional Irish music, activities for children and more.
On Sunday, March 11, you can enjoy a family sports day that includes Gaelic football and hurling, along with Irish dancing and rides from 10.30am at the Queensland Gaelic Football Park, Bowhill Rd, Willawong.
Other events throughout the Irish Festival include:
Monday, March 12: Irish trivia night at various locations across the city.
Tuesday, March 13: Rose of Tralee Fashion Parade, The Irish Club, from 7pm.
Wednesday, March 14: Irish in Queensland: their cultural legacy. A talk about how the Irish have left their mark on Queensland, from 12.30pm at the State Library Queensland Auditorium, 29 Stanley St, South Brisbane.
Thursday, March 15: Brisbane traditional Irish Music concert at the Irish Club, 7.30pm.
Friday, March 16: The 114th Annual St Patrick’s Eve Dinner, The Irish Club.
For more information visit www.brisbaneirishfestival.com.
Categories: Now thats funny
Comments Off
Top farm stays in the southeast
South East Queensland not only boasts beautiful weather and stunning beaches, but just out side Brisbane is also its rugged countryside is also something to behold. So what better way to discover Queensland’s country heritage than through a farm stay?
Here you can experience country life to the fullest by immersing yourself in a pretty hinterland farm or by delving into the outback lifestyle at a working cattle ranch.
LILLYDALE FARM STAY
Upper Logan Road, Mt Barney Via Rathdowney, Qld 4287
Ph: 5544 3131; www.lillydale.com.au
Lillydale Farm Stay offers the warmth of a genuine Queensland country farm. With a 4.5 star AAA rating, Lillydale is situated 90 minutes from Brisbane and the Gold Coast near Mount Barney National Park. Activities include animal feeding, egg collecting, milking the cow, horse riding, saddle club, pony rides, riding lessons, abseiling, tractor rides, native wildlife searches, bushwalking and in-room massages. Rates start at $295 per night for two adults and one child.
MANGO HILL FARM
159 Commissioners Flat Road, Peachester, QLD 4519
Ph: 5494 9329; www.mangohillfarm.com
Mango Hill Farm is one of the Sunshine Coast’s premier organic farm attractions. Located in peaceful rolling countryside in view of the Glasshouse Mountains, it offers a range of accommodation including the beautifully restored 100-year-old Queenslander, Dovecote Cottage, which sits perched on top of a hill amongst fruit trees and serene countryside. As a traditional working farm, Mango Hill Farm offers its visitors the ability to harvest their own vegetables from the kitchen garden or collect fresh eggs from the free range chickens. Rates on application.
BESTBROOK MOUNTAIN RESORT
9790 Cunningham Highway, Maryvale, QLD 4370
Ph: 4666 1282; www.bestbrook.com.au
Bestbrook is a family-owned and operated farm stay. Located 90 minutes from Brisbane and two hours from the Gold Coast, Bestbrook sits in the foothills of the Main Range National Park – a bushwalkers paradise. Visitors can enjoy relaxed country living in the rustic self-contained cabins, where guests can opt to self cater or choose to dine in the licensed coach house restaurant. Activities include milking the cow, feeding the baby animals, pony rides, trail rides and horse riding. Prices start at $190 per night for four.
SPICERS HIDDEN VALE
617 Grandchester Mt Mort Rd, Grandchester, QLD 4340
Ph: 1300 179 340;www.spicersgroup.com.au
Perfect for couples. Situated on a cattle farm an hour’s drive from Brisbane, the property is centred around a grand old homestead which features Cottons Restaurant, a classic lounge area with an open fireplace plus bar. The accommodation is arranged in clusters of cottages with a colonial design and views of the Lockyer Valley. Activities include bushwalking, clay pigeon shooting, patting the resident alpaca, 4WD adventures, tennis, croquet and beauty treatments. Rates start at $279 per couple per night.
BUNYIP SPRINGS FARM STAY
503 Maidenwell-Bunya Mountain Road, Maidenwell, QLD 4615
Ph: 4164 6175; www.bunyipsprings.com.au
Located 210kms northwest of Brisbane and only 23km from the top of the Bunya Mountains National Park, Bunyip Springs Farm is a working grazing property of 251ha. Children are especially welcomed to enjoy a hands-on experience with the farm animals where they can feed the ducks, hens, farm dogs and cats, horses, calves and other livestock in the paddocks, collect the eggs or ride the horse. Rates on application.
Categories: Do & See
Comments Off
It’s Hot
So why should the kids have all the fun….
Just 5 min walk from Somewhere to Stay is ………
SOUTH BANK LAGOON
South Bank Parklands;visitsouthbank.com.au
Entry is free
Want to head to the beach without a long drive, then South Bank is the destination for you. Situated within walking distance of the Brisbane CBD, the man-made beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the day. The area also has fountains and wadding pools and is surrounded by numerous barbecue and picnic sites. A short walk to Grey St or Little Stanley St and you are surrounded by some of Brisbane’s best restaurants and shopping.
Categories: What' On Events Calendar
Comments Off
What to do, what to do
Space Junk
Space junkies can get their fix for cheap in the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium at Brisbane’s Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. Astronomy shows run throughout the day including Cosmic Collisions, Black Holes, Secret of the Cardboard Rocket and their latest feature: Dawn of the Space Age.
When: Tuesday to Friday (10am-4pm), Saturday (11am-8.15pm), or Sunday (11am-4pm).
Where: Mt Coot-tha Rd, Toowong
Where: Level 1, Queensland Museum, South Bank.
Cost: Tickets are $13.70 for adults, $11.50 concession or $8.20 for children.
Contact: Phone 3403 2578 or Visit www.facebook.com/BrisbanePlanetarium
Wheel of Brisbane
Get the best seat in the city 60 metres up in the air on the Wheel of Brisbane. The wheel has 42 air conditioned, fully enclosed capsules which provide 360degree views of Brisbane’s picturesque skyline.
When: Monday to Thursday (11am-9pm), Friday and Saturday (10am-11pm), or Sunday (10am-9pm).
Where: Cultural Forecourt on Russell St, South Bank.
Cost: Single tickets are $15 for adults, $12.80 concession or $10 for children.
Contact: Group bookings are available. Phone 3844 3464 or visit www.thewheelofbrisbane.com.au
Ride the river
See the city from its waterline on Brisbane’s iconic CityCat and ferry services with fares charged at standard public transport rates. The leisurely cruises operate from 24 terminals between The University of Queensland’s campus in St Lucia and Northshore Hamilton, with Wifi access the whole way.
Where: Between the University of Queensland and Northshore Hamilton terminals
When: Seven days a week, see timetables
Cost: Prices vary depending on the number of zones travelled. Paper ticket $3.90 for one zone or $2.65 with a Go Card
Contact: Visit www.translink.com.au for ticket prices and service timetables
Laserforce
Bring the friends and your A-game along to Laserforce’s futuristic double-storey battlefield for games such as Capture the Flag, Fugitive, Gladiator and Dead Aim. Rise through experience levels and earn special abilities in your quest for galactic domination with a laser-guided twist.
When: Sunday to Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday and Saturday 9am-10pm.
Where: Laserforce, 55 Ipswich Rd, Woolloongabba.
Cost: Single mission costs $8.50 for adults or $7.50 for children 15 years and under. Children’s 3-games special is $16.50. Membership $2.
Art fixation
Celebrate the Gallery of Modern Art’s (GoMA) fifth anniversary with a tour through the imaginations of some of the world’s most celebrated artists. See more than 300 drawings, prints and illustrated books by Henri Matisse in the Matisse: Drawing Life exhibition (December 3, 2011-March 4, 2012). Larger-than-life sculptures, paintings, film projections and installations by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama are sure to impress with her Yayoi Kusama: Look Now, See Forever exhibition, which is display from now to March 11, 2012.
When: Monday to Friday 10am-5pm, Weekends 9am-5pm
Where: Stanley Place, South Bank
Cost: Matisse: Drawing Life tickets are $12 for adults, $10 concession, $9 for members and children under 12 visit for free. The ticket desk closes at 4pm daily. All other exhibitions are free.
Contact: Phone 3840 7303 or visit qag.qld.gov.au
Ten-pin bowling
Strike out with friends and family over the holidays at AMF Bowling. Please remember to practise your victory dances prior to entering the bowling alley.
When: 9am until late
Where: AMF Bowling Cannon Hill, Capalaba, Kedron, Loganholme, Mt Gravatt, Redcliffe, Richlands and Robina
Cost: One game, including shoe hire, $14.90 each or $12.90 for concessions. Specials available.
Contact: 132 AMF (132 263) or visit www.amfbowling.com.au
South Bank Parklands
South Bank Parklands has plenty for families this school holidays. The boat pool has reopened and some of the city’s best culture, entertainment and food can all be enjoyed in one of its nicest settings.
Where: South Bank, Brisbane. Some pools and parts of the parklands remain closed.
Cost: Free
Contact: (07) 3867 2051 or visit the website
Walkabout Creek Wild Life Centre and Brisbane Forest Park
Discover remote gorges, sheltered pockets of subtropical rainforest, expanses of eucalypt woodland and spectacular views to Moreton Bay; all within an hour’s drive of Brisbane. There are picnic areas, lookouts and walking tracks throughout the park, which provides a rich and varied habitat for wildlife.
When: Daily (check website for public holidays), 9am-4.30pm.
Where: Brisbane Forest Park, 60 Mount Nebo Rd, The Gap, Brisbane 4061.
Cost: Adults $6, child (school age) $2.90
Contact: (07) 3300 2558 or visit the website
Thunderbird Park
Come for a feed at Thunderbird Park and enjoy one of the many activities on offer. Sample pizzas and snacks all day with a bonfire from 5pm and go fossicking for thunder eggs, take the adventure park ropes course challenge, go horse trail riding and meet local gem expert Rockodile.
When: 8-4pm.
Where: Corner Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain.
Cost: Park entry free, various prices for different activities. Thunderegg mine: adult $24, child (12 and under) $15.
Contact: (07) 5545 1468 or visit the website
Walkabout Creek Wild Life Centre and Brisbane Forest Park
Discover remote gorges, sheltered pockets of subtropical rainforest, expanses of eucalypt woodland and spectacular views to Moreton Bay; all within an hour’s drive of Brisbane. There are picnic areas, lookouts and walking tracks throughout the park, which provides a rich and varied habitat for wildlife.
When: Daily (check website for public holidays), 9am-4.30pm.
Where: Brisbane Forest Park, 60 Mount Nebo Rd, The Gap, Brisbane 4061.
Cost: Adults $6, child (school age) $2.90
Contact: (07) 3300 2558 or visit the website
Colmslie Beach Reserve
Adjoining the river, this sprawling park has enough to keep everyone happy including a sand pit, plenty of swings, slides and other climbing equipment. Have lunch at one of the pleasant riverside tables or barbecues.
Where: Colmslie Rd, Murarrie
Cost: Free
Contact: (07) 3403 8888
Roma St Parklands
An oasis in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD, Roma Street Parklands has 16 hectares of green space to explore. Find a shady spot for a picnic and download activity sheets, including I spy and an adventure trail, from the Roma Street Parklands website to keep kids entertained. When: Open all day every day. Spectacle Garden from dawn to dusk.
Where: Parkland Blvd, Brisbane.
Cost: Free
Contact: (07) 3006 4545 or
Kit up in battle fatigues and declare war on boredom
Take aim Laser and Paintball Skirmish is available at Mango Hill during the holidays. Laser is available for all ages. Paintball for those aged 15 and above. Mango Hill Skirmish owner Dennis Bidlake says the attraction of playing shoot-em-up in the bush is all about escaping the mundane weekly routine.
When: Seven days a week, morning session 9am-noon afternoon 3-6pm until December 22.
Where: Lot 998m Richard Road, Mango Hill.
Cost: Laser Skirmish is $35 for a three-hour public session. Private sessions with a minimum of 20 people start at $45 a head. Paintball costs from $40 a head for a 100-ball package to $220 a head for a 1500-ball package.
Bookings: Phone 3203 1647 or visit www.mangohillskirmish.com
Fun by the river
Embrace your spirit of adventure by kayaking, abseiling and rock climbing around the beautiful Kangaroo Point Cliffs with the Riverlife Adventure Centre. All Riverlife adventure sessions are guided by qualified and experienced instructors who are happy to cater for individual requirements, so no experience is necessary. Participants must be at least eight years of age.
When: Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 4.30pm; Friday to Saturday 9.30am to 10pm; Sunday 8.30am to 5pm
Where: Naval Stores, Lower River Terrace, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane
Cost: Abseiling from $39, kayaking from $39, rock climbing from $49
Contact: (07) 3891 5766 or visit www.riverlife.com.au
Rock climbing
For a twist on the usual school holiday fun, try indoor climbing. West End’s Urban Climb has more than 200 routes from beginner to advanced levels. New climbers over 13 must attend a demo climb to learn belaying techniques, then it’s onwards and upwards.
When: Demo climb times during school holidays – Mon-Fri 12-8pm, Sat and Sun 10am-4pm.
Where: 2/220 Montague Rd, West End, Brisbane.
Cost: Adult $30, Teenagers 13-18 $28, and children under 13 $23 (children as young as three can take part in rock climbing)
Contact: (07) 3844 2544 or visit www.urbanclimb.com.au Please visit the website for important information regarding waivers for people aged under 18, which must be signed by a parent or guardian before climbing.
Parkland pleasure
Enjoy a slice of nature in the heart of Brisbane at the Roma Street Parkland. Explore its 16 hectares of flora and fauna, climb through the playground or just relax over a family barbeque.
When: open daily
Where: 1 Parkland Blvd, Brisbane, adjacent to the Roma Street Railway Station
Contact: Phone the Parkland Administration Office on 3006 4545 or visit www.romastreetparkland.com
Categories: Do & See
Comments Off
Go Jump off a cliff !
DO SOMETHING ADVENTUROUS
You don’t have to skydive naked but you can skydive at night over the Sunshine Coast. The leap into the dark from 14,000 feet is one of many adventures available if you dare to challenge yourself. If you prefer to keep your feet closer to the ground then try abseiling or rock climbing over the Glass House Mountains, Kangaroo Point Cliffs (pictured) or other natural highpoint. Other options include whitewater rafting or scuba diving the wrecks and reefs along the Queensland coast. Start your search at everythingextreme.com.au
Categories: What' On Events Calendar
Comments Off