When you first come to Brisbane it's a good idea to get your bearings and see the lie of the land. I recommend...
A drive to the top of Mount Cootha - Breathtaking panoramic views of Brisbane City with views out to Moreton Bay by day and a fairyland of glittering lights at night. If you are hungry you can stop off at the cafe for a drink and a snack. There are heaps of places nearby where you can picnic or have a barbeque. Keep an eye out for the very large lizards. They love a good barbeque as well!
A drive up to Mount Gravatt Lookout - In the suburb of Mount Gravatt you can drive or walk up to the top of Mount Gravatt mountain. There are a few short hikes you can do from the top.
A ride on the CityCat - See Brisbane from the river with a ride on the City Cat (cat being an abbreviation of catamarans). They are one of the fastest, and funnest ways to get around the riverside areas of the Brisbane CBD. They are exceptionally quick, don't get caught in traffic jams, and the view is better than what you see from behind a car windscreen. City Cats run from 5.50am until 10.30pm each day.
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Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Lifestyle
Brisbane is a beautiful city to hang out in and following are some of my favourite places to hang out:
Southbank - In the middle of the city is Southbank. This is a fabulous place to hang out with a man-made beach, heaps of restaurants and cafes, a movie theatre and great atmosphere. They have lots of things for kids to do and great markets every Friday (5pm until 10pm), Saturday (10am until 5pm), Sunday (9am until 5pm).
Kangaroo Point Cliffs - This is great place for a barbeque. During the day heaps of lizards come out to sun themselves on the rocks. If you are lucky you may even get to see a snack having a sunbake. You can visit the activity area and go rockclimbing up the face of the cliffs, rollerblading, canoeing in the river and more.
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Southbank - In the middle of the city is Southbank. This is a fabulous place to hang out with a man-made beach, heaps of restaurants and cafes, a movie theatre and great atmosphere. They have lots of things for kids to do and great markets every Friday (5pm until 10pm), Saturday (10am until 5pm), Sunday (9am until 5pm).
Kangaroo Point Cliffs - This is great place for a barbeque. During the day heaps of lizards come out to sun themselves on the rocks. If you are lucky you may even get to see a snack having a sunbake. You can visit the activity area and go rockclimbing up the face of the cliffs, rollerblading, canoeing in the river and more.
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Attractions
There are some great attractions around Brisbane including:
Dreamworld - This is my favourite of all the theme parks because it has everything. It has the thrill rides, the kiddie rides, a bloody great big crocodile, a zoo with lots of wildlife and more. It ticks all the boxes and it has something for every member of the family. If you can only get to one of the theme parks ... pick this one!
Seaworld – Seaworld has a great selection of marine life. It also has a water park. However every time I've been there in the past couple of years a number of rides have been closed or not operating properly so call ahead if there is one in particular you want to go on. If you are into marine life it is fantastic. For an additional fee you can swim with the dolphins or sharks. If you want to get a great view of the Gold Coast you can also go on take a helicopter ride.
Wet n’ Wild Waterworld -This is a great water park. Lots of rides, cool wave pool and enough to keep you occupied all day.
White Water World - This is a new waterpark and Dreamworld's answer to Wet n' Wild. The rides are new and it is right next door to Dreamworld. You can get a pass that covers both attractions which ensures you have one very full, very fun day.
Movie World - This is my least favourite of the theme parks as I'm not big into shows. However if you like shows and movies it would be great. It has a lot of ride options for smaller kids but not too much for the adults.
Australian Outback Spectacular - This is a horse show located quite close to Movie World. A touristy look at outback Australia.
Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo - Even though I'm not really into shows I just love what they do here. If you have to pick two attractions to go to I'd pick this and Dreamworld. Make sure you go to the Crocosuem for the bird and croc shows. Very worthwhile trip if you want to get to see lots of Australia wildlife. Very cute Tasmanian Devils!
Alma Park Zoo - This is great for a day trip as you take the ferry from Southbank up to the Zoo. At the zoo you want feed the Kangaroos, hold a koala and get to see the native Australian wildlife. You can then take a ferry back to Southbank for a yummy dinner. Great day trip that doesn't involve driving.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary - Another option for those wanting to see Australia's wildlife. Good for a lovely scenic day trip.
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Dreamworld - This is my favourite of all the theme parks because it has everything. It has the thrill rides, the kiddie rides, a bloody great big crocodile, a zoo with lots of wildlife and more. It ticks all the boxes and it has something for every member of the family. If you can only get to one of the theme parks ... pick this one!
Seaworld – Seaworld has a great selection of marine life. It also has a water park. However every time I've been there in the past couple of years a number of rides have been closed or not operating properly so call ahead if there is one in particular you want to go on. If you are into marine life it is fantastic. For an additional fee you can swim with the dolphins or sharks. If you want to get a great view of the Gold Coast you can also go on take a helicopter ride.
Wet n’ Wild Waterworld -This is a great water park. Lots of rides, cool wave pool and enough to keep you occupied all day.
White Water World - This is a new waterpark and Dreamworld's answer to Wet n' Wild. The rides are new and it is right next door to Dreamworld. You can get a pass that covers both attractions which ensures you have one very full, very fun day.
Movie World - This is my least favourite of the theme parks as I'm not big into shows. However if you like shows and movies it would be great. It has a lot of ride options for smaller kids but not too much for the adults.
Australian Outback Spectacular - This is a horse show located quite close to Movie World. A touristy look at outback Australia.
Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo - Even though I'm not really into shows I just love what they do here. If you have to pick two attractions to go to I'd pick this and Dreamworld. Make sure you go to the Crocosuem for the bird and croc shows. Very worthwhile trip if you want to get to see lots of Australia wildlife. Very cute Tasmanian Devils!
Alma Park Zoo - This is great for a day trip as you take the ferry from Southbank up to the Zoo. At the zoo you want feed the Kangaroos, hold a koala and get to see the native Australian wildlife. You can then take a ferry back to Southbank for a yummy dinner. Great day trip that doesn't involve driving.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary - Another option for those wanting to see Australia's wildlife. Good for a lovely scenic day trip.
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Shopping
There are heaps of options for shopping. If you like the standard types of shops my favourites are:
Queen Street Mall - This is a great mall with lots of street entertainment as well as a great range of shops (just be aware that parking is at a premium and is expensive in anyone's language).
Carindale Shopping Centre - There are a lot of shopping centres in Brisbane but I like Carindale because it's got heaps of parking, more sunlight inside and you don't feel like a sardine when you are walking around.
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Queen Street Mall - This is a great mall with lots of street entertainment as well as a great range of shops (just be aware that parking is at a premium and is expensive in anyone's language).
Carindale Shopping Centre - There are a lot of shopping centres in Brisbane but I like Carindale because it's got heaps of parking, more sunlight inside and you don't feel like a sardine when you are walking around.
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Shopping - Markets
Brisbane as some fabulous markets. If you are into markets I highly recommend:
Powerhouse Markets - This is a great market if you are looking for a wonderful setting and great fresh fruit and vegetables. It operates on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month. I like to go down any buy olives, fresh bread and dips, grab a coffee and go sit in New Farm Park. This is a very popular place for locals to go shopping.
Riverside Markets - This is a great touristy market that sells lots of knick knacks. It runs every Sunday morning in the city along the riverside. You can go shopping at the market and stop at one of the many cafes for a great breakfast.
Southbank Markets - Like the riverside markets, this is a great touristy market. It sells mainly knick knacks. What I like about this market is that it's located at Southbank which is just a lovely location. t's nice to go through the markets and then pop into the beach for a swim. Fabulous restaurants and cafes are all over the place so you can stay all day. This market runs on Fridays from 5pm-10pm, Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 9am-5pm. Brisbane is just full of markets.
The above are my favourites however you can also click here to find even more.
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Powerhouse Markets - This is a great market if you are looking for a wonderful setting and great fresh fruit and vegetables. It operates on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month. I like to go down any buy olives, fresh bread and dips, grab a coffee and go sit in New Farm Park. This is a very popular place for locals to go shopping.
Riverside Markets - This is a great touristy market that sells lots of knick knacks. It runs every Sunday morning in the city along the riverside. You can go shopping at the market and stop at one of the many cafes for a great breakfast.
Southbank Markets - Like the riverside markets, this is a great touristy market. It sells mainly knick knacks. What I like about this market is that it's located at Southbank which is just a lovely location. t's nice to go through the markets and then pop into the beach for a swim. Fabulous restaurants and cafes are all over the place so you can stay all day. This market runs on Fridays from 5pm-10pm, Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 9am-5pm. Brisbane is just full of markets.
The above are my favourites however you can also click here to find even more.
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Eating
Following are a few of my favourite places to eat in Brisbane:
Norman Pub - The Norman is known as the worst vegetarian restaurant in the world. That's because their steaks are amazing! When you order you get to pick your slab of meat from the window, the way it should be cooked and the sauce. If you like meat then you need to stop off here at least once! Address: 102 Ipswich Rd, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102. Phone: (07) 3391 5022.
Ginja Japanese Restaurant Southbank - Amazing Japanese food and very well priced. I've eaten at most Japanese restaurant in Brisbane and this is my favourite by far! Address: Shop 11 & 12 Little Stanley Street, South Bank. Phone: (07) 3846 2313.
Purple Gorilla Burgers - Really, really yummy burgers. Also they are HUGE. I advise being very hungry when eating there. Address: 19a/ 803 Stanley StWoolloongabba Phone: (07) 3393 0699.
Sultans Kitchen (Indian) - Great indian food. Beware though - their website says they deliver but every time I've rung to order the home delivery the person at the other end of the line says they don't do it. Paddington, Clayfield and Coorparoo.
Sultans Turkish Restaurant - I love this place. On weekends they are open 24 hours. Plus they have a drive through. Great food too! Address: 2125 Sandgate Rd, Boondall. Phone: 07 3265 3555.
Thai Jasmine - Absolutely delicious thai food. Just amazing. Plus great service too. Address: 875 Old Cleveland Rd Carina. Phone: (07) 3398 3193.
Sirromet Winery - This winery combines great food with an amazing setting. Their are wild wallabies everywhere. The food is amazing and well worth the trip out to Mount Cotton. Address: 850 – 938 Mount Cotton Road Mount Cotton. Phone: (07) 3206 2999.
Huongs Vietnamese and Thai - They have fabulous food. I highly recommend the duck. The sugar cane prawns are great. Address: 83a Vulture St West End. Phone: (07) 3844 6701.
King of Kings Yum Cha - King of Kings does amazing seafood. I'm really partial to their lunch. They do Yum Cha where their staff walk around pushing trays of food and you just pick the food you want off the trays. Very yummy!
Breakfast Creek Hotel - This is the Norman Hotel's main competitor. Great steaks. Well worth a visit! Address: 2 Kingsford Smith Dr, Breakfast Creek. Phone: (07) 3262 5988.
Pete's Seafood - Okay, this isn't in Brisbane. It's at the Gold Coast. But they have the best fish and chips in the world. You go into the store, pick the fillet of fish you want from the amazing rarnge, take it to the counter and tell them how you would like it cooked. I also highly recommend the calamari. Yum! Address: 120 Seaworld Drv Main Beach. Phone: (07) 5591 7747
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Norman Pub - The Norman is known as the worst vegetarian restaurant in the world. That's because their steaks are amazing! When you order you get to pick your slab of meat from the window, the way it should be cooked and the sauce. If you like meat then you need to stop off here at least once! Address: 102 Ipswich Rd, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102. Phone: (07) 3391 5022.
Ginja Japanese Restaurant Southbank - Amazing Japanese food and very well priced. I've eaten at most Japanese restaurant in Brisbane and this is my favourite by far! Address: Shop 11 & 12 Little Stanley Street, South Bank. Phone: (07) 3846 2313.
Purple Gorilla Burgers - Really, really yummy burgers. Also they are HUGE. I advise being very hungry when eating there. Address: 19a/ 803 Stanley StWoolloongabba Phone: (07) 3393 0699.
Sultans Kitchen (Indian) - Great indian food. Beware though - their website says they deliver but every time I've rung to order the home delivery the person at the other end of the line says they don't do it. Paddington, Clayfield and Coorparoo.
Sultans Turkish Restaurant - I love this place. On weekends they are open 24 hours. Plus they have a drive through. Great food too! Address: 2125 Sandgate Rd, Boondall. Phone: 07 3265 3555.
Thai Jasmine - Absolutely delicious thai food. Just amazing. Plus great service too. Address: 875 Old Cleveland Rd Carina. Phone: (07) 3398 3193.
Sirromet Winery - This winery combines great food with an amazing setting. Their are wild wallabies everywhere. The food is amazing and well worth the trip out to Mount Cotton. Address: 850 – 938 Mount Cotton Road Mount Cotton. Phone: (07) 3206 2999.
Huongs Vietnamese and Thai - They have fabulous food. I highly recommend the duck. The sugar cane prawns are great. Address: 83a Vulture St West End. Phone: (07) 3844 6701.
King of Kings Yum Cha - King of Kings does amazing seafood. I'm really partial to their lunch. They do Yum Cha where their staff walk around pushing trays of food and you just pick the food you want off the trays. Very yummy!
Breakfast Creek Hotel - This is the Norman Hotel's main competitor. Great steaks. Well worth a visit! Address: 2 Kingsford Smith Dr, Breakfast Creek. Phone: (07) 3262 5988.
Pete's Seafood - Okay, this isn't in Brisbane. It's at the Gold Coast. But they have the best fish and chips in the world. You go into the store, pick the fillet of fish you want from the amazing rarnge, take it to the counter and tell them how you would like it cooked. I also highly recommend the calamari. Yum! Address: 120 Seaworld Drv Main Beach. Phone: (07) 5591 7747
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Things to do
There's heaps to do around Brisbane. Here are a few of the things I like to do:
Hot Air Ballooning - Cruise the magnificent skies of South East Queensland Country. You need to be able to get up really early but the experience is well worth it. In addition to the magnificant views you also recieve champagne and freshly brewed coffee with your sumptuous French-style Breakfast. You'll also recieve a Flight Certificate to commemorate your flight.
Kingston Park Raceway – Kingston Park Raceway has three different tracks - for beginners, intermediate and advanced. Their advanced karts go over 70km an hour - when you are 5 cm off the ground you really feel the speed. You can go by yourself or with a group. Either way it's heaps of fun!
Gold Class at the movies - Treat yourself by going to one of village cinemas gold class movies. There are only a limited number of seats in each theatre - they are large, comfortable recliners. Before going into the movie you place you order at the bar (eg: a glass of wine 5 minutes in, a platter of snacks 15 minutes in, a coffee 20 minutes before it ends). It's a wonderful way to have a pampered movie experience.
Go to a Day Spa - Relax and unwind at the Holistic Health Centre Day spa. You can just go for a massage - or pamper yourself with a full day of manicure, pedicure, massage, etc, etc. My favourite day spas are the Holistic Health Centre (New Farm) and Glow Retreat.
Zorb - Go Zorbing at the Gold Coast. You get put into a very large ball and roll around. You can either roll dry or having them put water in the ball. Bizarre but fun!
Queensland Museum - The Queensland Museum has an every changes array of exhibitions and is well worth a look if you'd like an interesting and relaxing afternoon in the cool airconditioning. Located at Southbank it's nice and central.
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Hot Air Ballooning - Cruise the magnificent skies of South East Queensland Country. You need to be able to get up really early but the experience is well worth it. In addition to the magnificant views you also recieve champagne and freshly brewed coffee with your sumptuous French-style Breakfast. You'll also recieve a Flight Certificate to commemorate your flight.
Kingston Park Raceway – Kingston Park Raceway has three different tracks - for beginners, intermediate and advanced. Their advanced karts go over 70km an hour - when you are 5 cm off the ground you really feel the speed. You can go by yourself or with a group. Either way it's heaps of fun!
Gold Class at the movies - Treat yourself by going to one of village cinemas gold class movies. There are only a limited number of seats in each theatre - they are large, comfortable recliners. Before going into the movie you place you order at the bar (eg: a glass of wine 5 minutes in, a platter of snacks 15 minutes in, a coffee 20 minutes before it ends). It's a wonderful way to have a pampered movie experience.
Go to a Day Spa - Relax and unwind at the Holistic Health Centre Day spa. You can just go for a massage - or pamper yourself with a full day of manicure, pedicure, massage, etc, etc. My favourite day spas are the Holistic Health Centre (New Farm) and Glow Retreat.
Zorb - Go Zorbing at the Gold Coast. You get put into a very large ball and roll around. You can either roll dry or having them put water in the ball. Bizarre but fun!
Queensland Museum - The Queensland Museum has an every changes array of exhibitions and is well worth a look if you'd like an interesting and relaxing afternoon in the cool airconditioning. Located at Southbank it's nice and central.
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Things to do - On the water
With such a great sunny climate it's just great to get outside and enjoying the sun, surf and sea. Here are a couple ways to get out there on the water:
Romantic cruise for 2 on Moreton Bay - Board your own private yacht Red Rizla and sail away on the beautiful Moreton Bay. Your 3 hour sail aboard our skippered yacht will unravel stress and create some amazing memories. Included in the experience is a gourmet cheese platter for two and bottle of cold champagne to make the experience unforgettable. They also do charters for more people as well.
Cruise with the Dolphins (includes boom netting!) - Go boom netting (hanging off the back of the boat in a net), snorlking on Flinders Reef and around the Tangalooma wrecks. Very cool day trip for those who don't mind getting a bit wet!
Deep sea fishing - For those of you who like to eat rather than watch the local wildlife I recommend trying deep sea fishing. There are a number of charter operators who can show you around. I'm not exactly a fisherperson so I can't give you a definitive answer regarding which is best but you could try: Gold Coast Fishing Charters; Fish of the Deep Charters , Whahoo Charters or Gone Fishing.
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Romantic cruise for 2 on Moreton Bay - Board your own private yacht Red Rizla and sail away on the beautiful Moreton Bay. Your 3 hour sail aboard our skippered yacht will unravel stress and create some amazing memories. Included in the experience is a gourmet cheese platter for two and bottle of cold champagne to make the experience unforgettable. They also do charters for more people as well.
Cruise with the Dolphins (includes boom netting!) - Go boom netting (hanging off the back of the boat in a net), snorlking on Flinders Reef and around the Tangalooma wrecks. Very cool day trip for those who don't mind getting a bit wet!
Deep sea fishing - For those of you who like to eat rather than watch the local wildlife I recommend trying deep sea fishing. There are a number of charter operators who can show you around. I'm not exactly a fisherperson so I can't give you a definitive answer regarding which is best but you could try: Gold Coast Fishing Charters; Fish of the Deep Charters , Whahoo Charters or Gone Fishing.
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Houses - Display Villages
I just love display villages. I gather that they are fairly unusual in some countries. Basically they are entire blocks of houses that are all set up ready to live in ... but noone lives there! They are set up for people to walk through and pick the style of house they like. Once they've found something they like they can get the builder to build the same house for them. A great display village to check out is North Lakes. I kind of like this display village as there's lots to look at. You can find a list of display villages on the Master Builders Queensland website.
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Short Trips Away - Islands
There are some really great islands off Brisbane. Check out:Moreton Island - Moreton Island has heaps to do. You can go sand tabogganing, whale watching, fishing, and 4WDing. I'd recommend taking a tour if you don't have all the equipment. On Moreton Island you can visit Tangalooma Island Resort. The highlight of this resort is that, in the evenings, a pod of dolphins comes into the bay and you can hand feed them. Best to go in non-peak times so you get more opportunities to play with the dolphins.
Fraser Island - Take tour of Fraser Island. Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world and the only place in the world where rainforest grows in sand. Fraser Island has freshwater lakes, creeks, beaches, rainforests, wetlands, and lots of wild flowers. You can go over under your own steam or, if you want to make it easy, take a tour. The area is full of wildlife and you have the opportunity to see dolphins, rays, sharks, turtles or even whales swimming in the sea below.
Stradbroke Island - Technically there is North Stradbroke and South Stradbroke. It used to be one island but a ship crashed into the middle and caused the sand to shift and created two islands. It's a great place to visit and like the others has a great range of wildlife. Like the other islands there are plenty of tours available.
A couple of operators have tours of all the islands. Click here for more options.
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