About Queensland

Thinking of Travelling to Queensland?

2011-04-14T08:48:00.000+10:00

During the terrible summer with floods and cyclone Yasi, tourism in Queensland was really rocked and some operators are still struggling, in part because there amy be a perception that Queensland is still a state under water or damaged such that our beautiful places are not worth visiting.

There are small patches of major flood damage (around Tully, some riverside suburbs of Brisbane, and Ipswich), but the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast were not touched, almost all of Brisbane City is back to normal, and up north, the majour tourist places are ready and waiting for the tourists to return.

Brisbane's South Bank is ready and waiting with the beach and pool open for business (though one small part is yet to be re opened - but you can swim now, and the weather is fine!)

This time of year is wonderful in Brisbane - usually bright blue skies and long hours of wonderful sunshine, which is great for tourists.

This week I have been to South Bank on three occasions, and it was wonderful. (You can still see workers trying to resolve some minor issues, there, and the new ABC studios as well as extensions to the Convention centre continue, but only cause minor irritations. Otherwise all is well.

Brisbane City from South Bank

Brisbane City from the bridge between the Art Gallery/Museum and QPAC

Great Views of the River, the city and suburbs from the Wheel

St Patrick's Day Celebrations.

2011-03-14T11:03:00.001+10:00

There's a very strong history of the Irish in Australia - so it is no surprise that when St Patrick's Day comes along the Irish and their Aussie friends and families celebrate with gusto. As St Patrick's Day is on March 17th, (a Thursday) the St Patrick's Day march was held last Saturday. (You could hardly close down the streets of a city - and anyway many of the participants would be at work or school if they tried to march on a weekday!)

The march started after 10.30 am, from the corner of George and Elizabeth Sts, and made its way along Elizabeth Street, slowing for a special salute in front of the Irish Club, through the city.

The streets were packed, as were the pubs, especially the Irish themed ones, with revellers and supporters.

Check out further information on celebrations at the Irish Club's website.

Brisbane - open for business after the floods.

2011-02-01T09:49:00.000+10:00

True, there are still some places that are not back in business after the disastrous floods - but most things are, and as each day goes, another area is opened. Some things will never return, and others will take some time to rebuild and/or repair.

There are quite a few restaurants and cafes that have decided not to reopen. Insurance companies take a while to pay out, IF they pay out - there's quite a lot of controversy over the definition of flood. and meanwhile there is no income. Builders are busy. It will not be easy to rebuild and get back to business. Flood emergency monies will not sustain people for more than a week or so. It will be so difficult for many to return.

The good news is that boating is now permitted on the Brisbane River - the Kookaburra Queens website for more details. are back in action, (the famous City Cats will not be back in action for a while), so if you want to see the River, you'll need to go on a Kookaburra Queen - they have been plying the River since before Expo in 1988. Do check out the

South Bank is being restored - the beach was destroyed as were several of the riverfront restaurants - but you won't starve as there are many restaurants in the precinct that are open.

The Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art, and the State Library are not open yet - but the Queensland Performing Arts Centre is open and the show Wicked is in full swing.

Brisbane is back in business.

Recovery of Queensland

2011-01-15T07:47:00.000+10:00

Today is Salvation Saturday - people are volunteering to help people who have suffered damage from the awesome flood this week that has caused so much damage. Brisbane is not a good place to visit right now, but in a few weeks time we will be ready for tourists. The tourist places will be ready to take on as many visitors as we can - we need them to help rejuvenate the economy.

Wait a few weeks and make your way to an amazing state. Queensland.

Where to go?

2011-01-08T08:34:00.001+10:00

Street scene in Ipswich - looking toward church

Brisbane, Queensland is in the south east corner of the state, on the Brisbane River. For travellers, it offer so many opportunities to find interesting places to travel. If you have/rent a car, there are many choices, almost endless, but this post is for those who choose to use public transport.

One of the things that many of us find, when we are visiting a city is that we want to see as much as we can, in the short time provided. How many people return from a holiday exhausted because they have tried not to waste their time, and see everything - making every day a visit to some place or another.

Buses and trains often given you 'rest time' while journeying to or from your destination, and you can choose public transport just to look and see. Let me explain. From Brisbane, you can catch a train north, to the Sunshine Coast (and much further north, but a return day trip as far as Nambour is what I am suggesting), south to the Gold Coast, to the outer suburbs of Cleveland or Sandgate - (both seaside places with lots to see), and Ipswich to the west.

Recently a friend and I caught the train to Ipswich. The weather was lousy (lots of rain, and at the moment floods in many parts of the state), and we just wanted to see things. The landscape from the train window changes dramatically - from city buildings, suburbs, parks, over the Brisbane River, parks, bushland, past a prison, past golf courses, rural areas, wonderful tradition Queensland houses, to the Ipswich station, which is close to the old Ipswich Town Hall and other heritage buildings, and adjacent to the Bremer River (which too was in flood the day we visited.)

We took a leisurely walk around, a few photos, (nothing much was open as it was a public holiday), and we waited for the train in a nearby hotel and won a few dollars on the poker machines!!!

We agreed it was an interesting day - well worth the time and little effort. My visitor was able to see a little more of the Queensland - and we didn't get wet! It did not rain while we did our short walking tour of the city area.

You can plan you train travel through this website.

It was a leisurely day - no rushing, sitting and walking (plenty of rest time), and most enjoyable.

I recommend sitting in one of the quiet carriages (the last carriage in a 3 car train, or the first and last in a 6 car train), and please observe the rules. No noise. No food in carriages, and do not put your feet on the seats. (Shame to have these rules, but we do have the occasional person who does not seem to think!)

Check the website for train times and destinations, and costs.

Don't forget your Go Card.

Bremer River in flood

Ipswich Town Hall Tower

Old Post Office

Post Office

Get the Go-Card

2011-01-08T07:12:00.000+10:00

Many cities have a plastic card that one can load funds to via a machine, online, or with a cashier, and it saves one from having to buy a ticket for each journey - especially on buses or trains. In some cities (Shanghai is one) that you can use your credit for a taxi as well. In some cities (Brisbane included) you can use this card on ferries and City Cats (river transport).

In Brisbane, Queensland, the Go Card is available at many outlets - including some newsagents, and railway stations or transit centres. Each individual must has his/her own card, and the fee for the journey is automatically deducted when you pass the card over the card reader. Children are charged children's rates, students are charged student's rates, and seniors are charged senior's rates.

They are generally an efficient money and time saving card. I have used one for several years and I would be 'lost' without it. For visitors to Brisbane, a card can be purchased for $5, and you can easily load some funds, depending on your planned trips. When your holiday or visit to Brisbane is over, you can easily claim a refund of the balance of your funds plus the $5 deposit. Easy.

For more information click here.

For some major events in Brisbane, you can get FREE public transport on buses, trains or river craft by showing your ticket to the event. Recently I travelled to the cricket at Woolloongabba, and the tennis at the Pat Rafter Tennis Centre, for free just showing my ticket to these events.
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Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens

2010-11-29T20:25:00.000+10:00

When the big floods of 1974 swept through Brisbane, the City Botanical Gardens which is right on the Brisbane River was flooded. It was the eighth time they had been flooded since 1870 and the Brisbane City Council made a decision to create a second Botanical Gardens well above flood level, and so it was that a wonderful new area was created at the base of Mt Coot-tha.

It is much bigger area, and a wonderful area now with the Planetarium, Art Gallery, Library, and Restaurant/Cafe amongst the many gardens and lakes.

You can catch a bus to the Planetarium. From the city, take bus 471, or the Great City Circle bus (598 or 599) from various suburbs. For public transport information visit TransLink.

Old suburb - Paddington

2010-11-28T15:42:00.001+10:00

Paddington is just west of the city (2 kms) - and from many places you get a wonderful view of the tall buildings in the city centre. It is a very hilly area, and the homes are a mixture of very modern and trendy - and old cottages that have been standing in this suburb for many years. It is a mecca for shoppers - upmarket fashions, art galleries and restaurants

One of the icons of the area is the Suncorp Stadium venue for concerns and football matches! Take a day to wander along Given and Latrobe Terraces, Paddington.

Some of the old houses need some repairs!

Old Shop now a Quality Second Hand Store

A huge and amazing precinct for Antiques

Trammies Corner (see below)

This area recognises the Trams that plied their way between Paddington and the city a long time ago.

Looking towards Government House

Views from high on the hill

South Bank Parklands

2010-11-28T12:41:00.021+10:00

View of the city from South Bank

Many Queenslanders, and indeed other Australians remember Expo 88 - on the Brisbane River opposite the city. Once old warehouses were demolished and the place totally reconstructed to provide the various pavilions of those countries that came here to promote their countries at that time. I remember wondering what it was all about - but then when I attended (on day two) I was hooked.

I remember the distress when it was all finished. But, what resulted on the land and in the buildings that remained have made the site very popular.

It has been revamped several times - and currently there is still some construction going on - the new Australian Broadcasting Commission venue is being built, and a major water harvesting facility is under construction.

The popular beach is still there, some of our popular restaurants from Expo days are gone and there are more new shops and restaurants dotted around, and the Queensland Conservatorium of Music is adjacent. It is still a very popular venue for picnics, walking, riding, visiting, eating, and of course shopping at the markets.

At weekends there are markets - starting on Friday night and going all day Saturday and Sunday - and it is a great place to shop.

There's really lots to do - picnic places, entertainment, swimming in the pool, walking/riding along the pathways along the riverside, watching the river traffic, riding the Eye of Brisbane...

Many restaurants are around and in South Bank - plenty to do.

I like the Lifestyle Markets - so many things to buy!!

Maritime Museum

2010-07-16T14:52:00.007+10:00

Anyone interest in the marine history of Queensland could spend a whole day at the Queensland Maritime Museum, which is on the Brisbane River at the eastern end of the South Bank site. Getting to it is easy by public transport as it is not far from South Bank Railway station, and easy to get to by bus, or by ferry. We chose to take the ferry from further down the river on the day we took two grandchildren to the museum. One could spend hours there I am sure but a 7 and a 10 year old have short concentration spans, and anyway it is probably one of those places that one should go to often to take all the information in. There is so much to see and read, and experience. Check the website out for admission prices.

There are exhibits within the main building, but outside you can walk through the Diamantina which is in the old dry dock, and also the Duyfken which was on display.

Gallery of Modern Art

2010-01-17T09:14:00.004+10:00

On the opposite side of the Brisbane River, in the South Bank area are some amazing places to visit - either as a tourist to this state or for locals. Yesterday I took two of the grand children to The Gallery of Modern Art - which is near the Queensland State Library, the Queensland Art Gallery and the Musum. All too much to see in one afternoon. The girls found it all fascinating. It is all must see stuff and we could go back again today and still not get bored. There is so much to see.

It is good to know that it is FREE.

Mt Tamborine

2010-01-03T09:05:00.004+10:00

In the hinterland between Brisbane and the Gold Coast is Mt Tamborine. Driving South from Brisbane, take the turn off to Mt Tamborine. It is a steep climb so best done in a well maintained car. It is steep, narrow and winding, and there is the evidence along the way of shrines to those whose life ended on the road. Eagle Heights is the first settlement - and it is here that you get stunning views right over the Gold Coast to the Pacific Ocean. Eagle Heights has a few places to see - so a wander around is worthwhile, but the treasures abound when you reach Mt Tamborine itself.

You should be able to pick up a map at the many tourist information spots but you can also find one here with more information.

When you reach this spot - it is easy to see the many tourist venues - restaurants, wineries, accommodation, shops and more shops. Cuckoo Clock shops, Art Galleries, Crystal Shops, hotel, Australiana shops and lots more. Here on the Mountain you can almost get anything! There's quite an artistic colony on the mountain - so you can buy their wares.

It is a great venue for hang gliding (not something I am likely to do) - but it is amazing watching them jump from top of the mountain and glide down to the flat lands below. There are a number of rain forest walks - some taking only 20 minutes, others up to two hours and they wander through thick rain forest, beside creeks and waterfalls, national parks, and lots more. In fact, I'd recommend staying on the mountain for a few days to try and get to all the wonderful places for visitors.

Our destination was the Rain Forest Skywalk (get a map to this venue as it is not easy to find), but well worth the visit. There is an admission fee - but it is worth it. Take the camera, some good walking shoes. The walk is suitable for pram, but take care if you have someone with a walking stick as it can get caught in the flooring of the sky walk. There's an eco-centre adjacent to the entrance, and a lovely cafeteria, and ablutions block. We did the walk comfortably in around an hour and found it enjoyable. So much to see.

The skywalk is a must see!!!!

High up over the Brisbane River.

2009-09-20T09:45:00.004+10:00

Yesterday we went on the Brisbane Wheel which is at South Bank. It is an impressive wheel that is situated beside the Brisbane River and gives those on board in little air conditioned cabins a breathtaking view of Brisbane.

It was not the best day for photographs - a little overcast (or was it dust in the air?), in any case not all photographs were spectacular - just a little hazy.

There is commentary as one travels for the 15 minutes or so.

Cultural Precint

2009-09-19T13:59:00.004+10:00

Once upon a time it was a daggy old port area. Wrecked wharfs and old buildings

It was during the 1980's that things started to change and various wonderful new buildings were opened. The Queensland Art Gallery, and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, and then the Museum.

In recent years the Queensland State Library, and the Gallery of Modern Art were opened - all along the river side opposite the city.

Now this whole cultural precinct is a mecca for locals and tourists alike.

In 1988 part of the area was alive with Expo 88, when, they say, Queensland became of age.

Southbank was developed on the Expo site, and the whole area has undergone transformation. There are parklands, things to see, things to do, a beach, restaurants and cafe's, and lots more. All within walking distance of the city proper and with easy access by public and private transport.

wharf area - but that all changed quite a few years ago.

Read more about the cultural precinct here.

Brisbane City from parklands.

2009-09-17T15:31:00.008+10:00

I wandered around the Roma Street Parklands yesterday. Armed with my new Canon camera. I'm still getting used to it - after my Nikon point ant shoot the SLR digital is a little more challenging as I have to lenses to use and I can do more exciting things with the camera.

I like flowers so enjoy taking photos of the spring blooms that are about right now.

The Parklands are easy to get to - especially if you are a train traveller, though buses also can make it easier to access the parklands. There are great gardens, wonderful walks, trees, flowers, playgrounds for children, a lake, and lots of ducks, lizards and other small wildlife.

You really could spend all day there.

There are a number of cafe's too - and it is very close to the CBD.

If you have a car there us plenty of car parking too.

Woody Point

2009-07-11T17:24:00.006+10:00

Woody Point, on the Redcliffe peninsular, was once a sleepy seaside village, but now it is modern, with several high rise buildings, a very popular hotel, the Belleview, and a brand new solid jetty jutting out into Moreton Bay.

The land is flat, there are plenty of walking paths and a good place to ride bicycles. It's still a bit villagey, but plenty to see and do if you are not keen to chase the busy shopping places. Wood Point is quite a historic place too. We walked along the new jetty and admired the art works at the entrance to the jetty. There are two pelicans - see photo above.

Redcliffe

2009-07-11T17:08:00.004+10:00

It has been many years since I was last in Redcliffe - I used to work near there many years ago and was a frequent visitor, but times change, and for one reason or another we've not been there.

Today we took a drive across the Gateway Bridge which transverses the Brisbane River, and headed north to Redcliffe.

We were surprised to see how much progress has been made on all the roadworks from the Gateway bridge and further along the motor way to Sandgate and the new bridge across to Redcliffe. Once there was an old rickety wooden bridge and around 35 years ago, a new bridge was built, which quickly became very busy and now the third bridge spanning the waterway will be completed, probably next year.

The first old bridge is now a haven for amateur fisher folk and so man were there "wetting a line" today as we passed.

We went via Woody Point with it's new jetty, and new highrise buildings, and along the esplanade to Scarborough.

We stopped and walked along the new jetty - I say new, but it has been there for quite few years. Again there was an old jetty, but replaced, and a rock wall was built to give protection to the big tour boats that come in to the jetty.

There was one there today - a whale watcher, that was moored at the end of the jetty. (see photo above).

Near the jetty were several plaques, celebrating the fact that it was at Redcliffe that the first European settlement of Brisbane was created. It was a year or two later that the settlement was moved closer to the Brisbane river. Click here for more information.

It was interesting to read the plaques and see the ground plan of the original settlement which was adjacent to where the jetty is.

It was quite a cold windy day, but not unpleasant but we did retreat to the warmth of the car without walking along the shopping precints.

City Views and World Expo 88

2008-02-02T05:07:00.000+10:00

The city side of the Brisbane River.

Southbank - the site of Expo 88

QPAC

I was in the city (Brisbane) yesterday and of course had my camera. I'm taking a few shots to take to China with me on 21/2/08 - I already have a collection of photos to show people where I come from, but it was a wonderful day so I added some more to the file.

I will get them printed off before I leave, although they will be on the computer.

In 1988 Brisbane was the venue for World Expo 88 - and it was a brilliant event. It is 20 years ago, and it is amazing what has happened to the site since then. Prior to Expo it was an old run down site, with a few hotels but was largely warehouses and old wharves. What a difference it made to Brisbane.

When Expo was on, there were pavilions from countries from around the world, wonderful gardens, and of course the millions of people that visited on a daily basis. I had given my mother (in Adelaide) a three day pass for Christmas, and she arrived here the day before it opened. So we visited Expo on day two - and were hooked. We were regular visitors - sometimes three or four days a week - for the rest of the time.

After Expo the site was redeveloped and is now full of parks, a swimming beach, appartments and hotels. Quite a dramatic difference! It really is a great place to go - there is so much to do. Along the river from Expo site is our "cultural" precinct. The Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Museum, Art Gallery, State Library, Gallery of Modern Art - all on the riverside opposite the city centre.

Markets - Gympie

2007-12-21T07:19:00.000+10:00

Markets are a great attraction for tourists and locals. Everyone wants a bargain, and markets tell a lot about the locals.

The Markets at South Gympie are fascinating. There is everything on display from local produce, clothing, plants, redclaw crayfish, icecream, plants, flowers, and lots more.

One of the fascinating attractions at the market are the camels. For a few dollars you can go for a ride on a camel.

Coochiemudlo Island

2007-12-21T07:09:00.001+10:00

One of the Quirky Cottages on Coochie.

The red cliffs of Coochie

It is only an hour's drive from the city to Victoria Point to catch the ferry to Coochiemudlo Island. This is one of the many tiny islands off th coast, and is about an hour from the Gold Coast as well. It is possible to get there with public transport - but you'll need to catch train, bus, and ferry. Not impossible.

The island was a popular place for the aborigines of Moreton Bay to stay and this also was the surce of red clay to use to paint their bodies for ceremonies.

These days a few hundred people live here, and those who know about this lovely island either spend time holidaying or visiting as a day trip. There are a variety of holiday homes, and resorts to stay, one small restaurant, and a little corner shop.

One place to stay is Quirky Cottages - a fun place to stay especially if you wish to take your dog and children.

What do you do? Rest, walk, swim, fish. There is also a golf course on the island, tennis courts and as it is only a 10 minute ferry ride, there's shopping to do at nearby Victoria Point.

Bribie Island

2007-11-01T08:01:00.000+10:00

A view of Pumicestone Passage, Bribie Island, from near the jetty.

Just an hour's drive north of the capital city of Brisbane is Bribie Island. There is good sign posting along the main highway, and it is only 15 minutes drive from the highway that one traverses a bridge to the island.

Bribie has a rich history which is well documented around the area. It is a large sand island, which is largely bushland. I think about 70% is set aside - and no development can occur in the area.

There are to main beach areas - one on the "quiet" side - overlooking Pumicestone Passage, which is a good fishing spot, with tranquil beaches which are great for children to play and swim, with spectacular vista north to the Glasshouse Mountains.

On the other side of the island, is the ocean beach which is where the sea is not as tranquil as Pumicestone Passage, and more to the liking of those who like surfing. Great surfing beach!

There are many things to do - two hotels, several motels and other holiday accomodation, art galleries, antique shops, and much more. There is a major shopping centre, and all in all, for the locals they have little need to leave the island to source their needs.

It is a great holiday place - so tranquil and beautiful!

Brisbane International Air Terminal

2007-07-28T16:38:00.000+10:00

Brisbane's Domestic and International Air Terminals are side by side just north of the Brisbane River - and only a short distance to the city.

Flying into Brisbane is always spectacular - especially if you get a good view of the city below with the river winding through it with the mountains in the distance.

Moreton Bay also gives passengers a good view as well and many of the islands can easily be seen as the plane readies for landing, especially if it does come in over the Bay.

There is an air train that passengers can get from either terminal that takes them right into the city, or can link with trains going to the Gold Coast.

One of the places that many visitors do not see is the Kingsford Smith Memorial - in a hanger near the roundabout opposite the interational terminal is a huge building which features the plane (The Southern Cross) that Charles Kingsford Smith flew from the west coast of America, across the Pacific Ocean in 1929, being the first person to fly this distance over sea.

It was an extra ordinary feat for its time - and the the many photographs, and copies of information that are dotted around the inside of the building are interesting, and many young folk will find it fascinating.

The wings are huge and made out of timber - a far cry from the wings on planes now.

Most travellers pass by and miss this wonderful piece of history.

Gold Coast Broadwater

2007-05-19T13:51:00.001+10:00

Hotel Palazzo Versace

View of the Broadwater, from the Palazzo Versace

Once upon a time the Surfer's Paradise and the Gold Coast was a sleepy seaside holiday resort. In the early 1970's when we first visited there wasn't a lot to see - exept holidays houses, wonderful white beaches and surf. The surfie boys were riding boards on the waves. It was all pretty low key.

The area soon blossomed - canal estates grew around the waterways, huge multistory accomodation blocks appeared, tourists came, and more facilities were built to cater for the thousands who were coming.

Now the whole region is a tourist mecca - and all year round. Queensland weather is good - and the tourists from the southern states enjoy the winter on the Gold Coast. For them it is still warm enough to swim in the sea or in the many pools that are in the grounds of the tourist accomodation.

One area that was once a deserted sand spit - houses several huge hotels - Sheraton Mirage, Palazzo Versace, and Nara Resort. As well Seaworld is there - and several waterside shopping complexes. In the marina in front of the resorts are huge boats - some amazing luxury craft that are quite boggling to the "ordinary" person.

The Gold Coast is easy to get to from Brisbane - trains and buses go regularly from Brisbane City. Coolangatta Airport is at the south of the Gold Coast - and regular buses take tourists to their destinations.

Mt Glorious Day Trip

2007-04-09T06:05:00.000+10:00

Birds Nest ferns growing on the tree trunks in the rainforest.

View from Mt Glorious towards the now drying up Wivenhoe Dam.

Mount Glorious is a 45 minute drive west of Brisbane city. There are several ways to get there but the direct route is via Samford Road - which takes you right to the little village of Samford. Not so much a little village as I remember it from years ago - quite a rural suburb these days.

The old Samford Hotel has seen a redevelopment but still a good spot to stop for refreshments or lunch.

You need to go back to the roundabout and follow the sign to Mt Glorious.

Warning here - nervy or inexperienced drivers should avoid this drive. It is very steep, with sharp turns, with deep ravines on the side of the road. As well, if it is rainy - best choose another day out. This road is not for the foolhardy or fainthearted. There are warning signs too about the leaves - when the masses of dead leaves cover the road it is like driving on ice. Very slippery.

Mt Glorious is the place to go to escape the extreme summer heat. The rainforest keeps this place cool - very cool, so take something warm to wear, even in summer.

On top of the mountain there are a few cafe's, there's an art gallery, and you can purchase the famous Olley organic honey from their cafe on the outskirts of the village.

What people come for here is the National Parks. This area is all national park - with the exception of the small residential and commercial area. Get a map from the

and follow one of the many walking trails. It is not a good idea for novices to go alone - some parts are steep and tricky, but it would be wise to have company, as mobile phones will not work, and it would be easy to injured or lost without help out here.

Also watch for snakes. Check on snake bite first aid - BEFORE you go.

About 6 kms past the village, there is a look out to Lake Wivenhoe - this is the water storage area for Brisbane, and at this time, it's water level is critically low, as there has been little rain in the area for years.

You can continue the drive down the mountain on that side to visit the lake and an array of country towns in the area, before makingyour way back to Brisbane on one of the many other routes.

Many Day trips

2007-04-07T14:32:00.000+10:00

There are many wonderful day trips from Brisbane, and in due course I'll post details about them all. If you are thinking of coming here - do some research on places like

Gold Coast (there is a train so you can go there and back in a day - but the Gold Coast deserves many days to see it)
Sunshine Coast (the same as the Gold Coast - you need more than a day to see it all)
Cleveland - this is the end of the rail line - and the Cleveland train station is right at the Harbour with a wonderful collection of shops, scenery, fabulous houses and more. A short bus trip will take you to Toondah Harbour for a quick or slow (your choice) boat ride to North Stradbroke Island.
Ipswich - this is one of the old cities of Queensland - much to see here including the Railway Museum
Wynnum and Manly (see earlier post)
Sandgate and Redcliffe - the rail line goes to the sleepy suburb of Sandgate with lovely old homes right on the shores of Moreton Bay. Further north is the Redcliffe Peninsular - buses depart from the terminal right near the Sandgate train station
Like Horse racing - check out Doomben and Eagle Farm Race Courses - just a train trip from the city - there's a race on each Saturday and some midweek.
Greyhounds or Trotting? Albion Park is the place to go. Check it out.
Day trips on the Brisbane River - a trip to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a must especially if you have children.
The Gold Coast has many of the theme parks - Seaworld, Dreamworld, Movieworld, - there are bus trips to these and other venues from Brisbane on a daily basis.
Gold Coast Hinterland (Mt Tamborine), Sunshine Coast Hinterland (Maleny, Montville etc)
Bribie Island - train to Caboolture and bus to the island.
Mt Coot-tha - the television stations are on the Mountan and there is a great lookout and restaurant at the peak. At the base of Mt Coot-tha is the Planetarium and Botanic Gardens.

And lots more.

Brisbane

Manly Harbour

2007-04-04T10:45:00.000+10:00

Coast Guard at Manly Harbour.

The entrance of Manly Harbour

Trips from Manly Harbour

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You 'd need to book ahead but there are several boat trips that depart from Manly Harbour at various times of the year.

Manly Eco Cruises have a number of cruises into the bay. Check their website for more details.

An interestng island a short distance from Manly is St Helena Island - an old penal settlement. There are day tours there and at night a performance amongs the ruins on the old gaol. To get more informtion go to St Helena Island

There are other islands including Moreton Island, North Stradbroke and smaller islands accessable from the mainland but depart from the Brisbane River, Cleveland, and Scarborough

Day trip No 1 – to Wynnum Manly

2007-04-03T15:02:00.000+10:00

View from the esplanade out to the islands - with North Stradbroke Island in the distance.
If you are staying or living in or around the city of Brisbane there are many day trips to interesting places.

One wonderful place to visit is the sister suburbs of Wynnum and Manly – a good drive of approx 40 minutes from the city – or just over half an hour by train. These two seaside suburbs are right on Moreton Bay- and there are wonderful walks, views of the bay, boating, restaurants and more.

If you travel by train – go directly to Manly station, and walk down to Cambridge Parade from the station. It is a 10 minute walk on gently descending pathways.

The village of Manly has a few interesting café’s and shops, so stop for a coffee or other refreshments. There’s an Art Gallery, and across from the gallery a wonderful bookshop.

There are walks along the esplanade in both directions – but a map at the bottom of Cambridge Parade will guide you. If you like boats and boating – turn right to get a good view of the many boats that live or visit the Manly Harbour – one of the largest marinas in the southern hemisphere.

Turning left to walk along the waterfront – though you are close to the Manly Pool at this point if you’d like a swim, and a walk out along the William Gunn Jetty will give you a wonderful view of the activity in the harbour.

Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront – there are many café’s, parks and interesting places along the way.

Just past the historic Wynnum Wading Pool which was build during the Great Depression, is the Jetty – with the Aboriginal Totem at the entrance. If you are lucky you might see dolphins swimming off the end of the jetty.

The children enjoy a dip in the Wading Pool or scampering over the waterplay park and other children’s activities in the park.

If you wish to head up to the railway station at Wynnum Central there’s a gentle incline along Edith Street, up to Bay Terrace, and the shopping strip along Bay Terrace and Edith Street. And more cafes and coffee shops.

Make it to the end of Edith Street near the 7-11 and then walk one block along Tingal Road, to Florence Street and turn left to reach the station.

Of course there are many places of interest within the Wynnum Manly area – so you might need to return to see more of these seaside suburbs.

The Story Bridge

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While not as famous as Sydney Harbour Bridge - it shares the same designer, John Bradfield. This is one of the many bridges that span the Brisbane River, this one joining Kangaroo Point and Fortitude Valley.

It was opened on July 6th, 1940 by the Governor of Queensland.

The Story Bridge Climb is now a popular for those who like an adrenalin rush - giving spectacular views along the river, and over the city and suburbs.

For more information click here.

Travelling the Brisbane River

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The Brisbane River is well serviced by a number of craft. There are charter boats that take visitors to various destinations from the city, and several small ferries run across the river at various points. The City Cat travels from the city to Brett's Wharf towards the mouth of the Brisbane River (restaurants and the Cruise Ship terminal are nearby), and the Queensland University up river.

It is a good trip to take - though there is no commentary - but it affords the visitor a good view of the buildings - private homes, commercial buildings, government buildings, university buildings and so forth that are built along the river.

There are tourist brochures on board most vessels, though of course the best source of information is the Visitor Information Centre in the Queen Street Mall.

Brisbane - the capital

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Photo of the city of Brisbane taken from South Bank - the venue for Expo 1988, and since developed as a tourist, and residential precinct.

Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland - it is in the south east corner - between the tourist strips of the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.

The Brisbane river runs through the city of Brisbane - the city itself built in one of the bends of the river.

Click on this link for a map of Brisbane