How do you spend your weekends in Brisbane?
Sep 28th 2013, 2:10 am
#16
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2008
Location: Brisvegas
Posts: 5,461
Re: How do you spend your weekends in Brisbane?
You're only a stones throw to the Queen Street Mall, just walk down there and everything will be open.
Sep 28th 2013, 2:30 am
#17
Not actually a squirrel
Joined: Apr 2010
Location: England
Posts: 3,446
Re: How do you spend your weekends in Brisbane?
When the kids were younger we used to enjoy trips to New Farm Park which has a nice play area amongst trees. Also Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary wasn't bad for a day out. https://www.koala.net/prices.html
We also pop out to the area near the lighthouse at Cleveland (Bayside, just outside Brisbane) which is nice for a wander on a not too hot day. There seem to always be pelicans in the wild there and there was a big flock of Corella parrots in trees there last time we went.
I think Tamborine Mountain (between Brisbane and the Gold Coast) has nice browse boutiques and cafes (haven't been there for a long time) and if you have small kids, the enclosed swim beach and bbq / play area is nice at Paradise Point on the northern Gold Coast.
There are quite a few markets about... some better than others... and the Chandler swimming complex http://www.sleemansports.com.au/ is good for an indoor dip on a hot day.
You will probably find lots to do outside, but on really hot days I have found the challenge is to find something fun to do inside where it's air conditioned.
We also pop out to the area near the lighthouse at Cleveland (Bayside, just outside Brisbane) which is nice for a wander on a not too hot day. There seem to always be pelicans in the wild there and there was a big flock of Corella parrots in trees there last time we went.
I think Tamborine Mountain (between Brisbane and the Gold Coast) has nice browse boutiques and cafes (haven't been there for a long time) and if you have small kids, the enclosed swim beach and bbq / play area is nice at Paradise Point on the northern Gold Coast.
There are quite a few markets about... some better than others... and the Chandler swimming complex http://www.sleemansports.com.au/ is good for an indoor dip on a hot day.
You will probably find lots to do outside, but on really hot days I have found the challenge is to find something fun to do inside where it's air conditioned.
Sep 28th 2013, 3:11 am
#18
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 15,526
Re: How do you spend your weekends in Brisbane?
Roma street parkland is well worth a visit.....enjoying this more than i thought I would
Sep 28th 2013, 2:03 pm
#19
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,039
Re: How do you spend your weekends in Brisbane?
A bit further along with the research now:
I've seen a few people asking the 'Can I survive on x salary?' type questions. I'm not worried about the salary side of things, as we are not new to this emigration game, or budgeting in a new country. However, in order to get a realistic indication of how much things cost compared to NZ or UK, I was wondering how people spent their weekends and the cost of visiting places of interest. Most especially, where do you go when it's the middle of summer and you don't want to fry on a beach getting skin cancer.
I've seen a few people asking the 'Can I survive on x salary?' type questions. I'm not worried about the salary side of things, as we are not new to this emigration game, or budgeting in a new country. However, in order to get a realistic indication of how much things cost compared to NZ or UK, I was wondering how people spent their weekends and the cost of visiting places of interest. Most especially, where do you go when it's the middle of summer and you don't want to fry on a beach getting skin cancer.
Untitled by fish.2, on Flickr
(roughly ~50 mins from brisbane city)
Most museums have childrens programmes and some are free.
Queensland Museum:
http://www.southbank.qm.qld.gov.au/E...yasaurus+Place
Free
Sciencentre:
http://www.sciencentre.qm.qld.gov.au/
Adult: $14.50
Child (3-15) $11.50
Workshops rail museum (has great stuff for kids):
http://www.theworkshops.qm.qld.gov.au/
Adult $20
Child (3-15 years) $11.50
Powerhouse Museum kids programme:
http://play.powerhousemuseum.com/wha...liday-program/
Most activities free with museum admission
Museum of Brisbane (for the older kids):
http://www.museumofbrisbane.com.au/
+ a visit to the city hall clock tower:
Free
Children's Art Centre at the Gallery of Modern Art:
http://www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/kids
Free
The Corner
The libraries also have extensive childrens activities and programmes which are often free.
This includes "The Corner" for under 8's at the Queensland State Library:
"Children have backstage passes to The Corner for an exploration of sound and music through making, playing and listening. Dress up and join our band or march to the beat of your own drum. There is something for everyone."
Every morning from 10am to 12noon join our arts-worker team for a creative hoe down!
http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/services/the-corner
http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/resources/children-families
Brisbane Square Library Children's Lounge:
"If you’re in the city these school holidays, drop in to the children’s lounge on level one of Brisbane Square Library and take part in free art, craft and storytelling activities."
http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/facil...ndex.htm#/?i=1
http://www.kidstodo.com.au/directory...quare-library/
Sep 28th 2013, 2:33 pm
#20
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,039
Re: How do you spend your weekends in Brisbane?
The large one's in Brisbane are (all free):
The Botantical Gardens in the city centre:
The fab sub tropical Roma St Parklands in the city centre.
The beautiful Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens west of the city 6km at the base of Mt Coot-tha:
You can also visit the lovely nearby city views look-out:
And of course Southbank parklands in the city centre:
The Botantical Gardens in the city centre:
The fab sub tropical Roma St Parklands in the city centre.
The beautiful Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens west of the city 6km at the base of Mt Coot-tha:
You can also visit the lovely nearby city views look-out:
And of course Southbank parklands in the city centre:
Sep 28th 2013, 2:39 pm
#21
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,039
Re: How do you spend your weekends in Brisbane?
You can see an example of some Brisbane walks here:
http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/da...itor-guide.pdf
Sep 28th 2013, 2:58 pm
#22
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,039
Re: How do you spend your weekends in Brisbane?
Being a tourist region there are quite a few options. Here are some of the bigger places:
Sea World, Gold Coast:
Movie World:
Dream World
Wet and Wild Water World
Alma Park Zoo
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary:
Australia Zoo
Underwater World
Currumbin Bird Sanctuary:
Sea World, Gold Coast:
Movie World:
Dream World
Wet and Wild Water World
Alma Park Zoo
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary:
Australia Zoo
Underwater World
Currumbin Bird Sanctuary:
Sep 28th 2013, 3:18 pm
#23
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,039
Re: How do you spend your weekends in Brisbane?
Some examples:
West End Markets
Northey St Organic Markets & city farm:
Powerhouse markets:
Rocklea Fruit/Veg Markets:
Fernvale Country Markets:
Sunday Discovery Markets, Rocklea
Brookfield Farmers Markets:
Southbank Young Designers Markets:
Suitcase Rummage Markets:
and many many more....
Last edited by fish.01; Sep 28th 2013 at 3:21 pm.
Sep 28th 2013, 3:23 pm
#24
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,039
Re: How do you spend your weekends in Brisbane?
It's the peripheral costs I find that always stump people when they try and put aside a budget for recreational activities or family fun. More than once we've wished we'd brought along a pack-up with us, when the cost of a muffin or a sandwich has been unexpectedly exorbitant. So along with an idea of entrance fee costs for things you recommend, I am interested in the price of car parking,
Sep 28th 2013, 3:24 pm
#25
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,039
Sep 28th 2013, 3:29 pm
#27
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,039
Re: How do you spend your weekends in Brisbane?
and whether somewhere is interesting enough to bother with an annual pass. When we lived in Christchurch before the quakes, we had the obligatory tram ride/gondola annual pass, and got almost weekly use from that.
I realise I've mainly focused on more tourist attraction type of things. I'm also quite interested in more routine activities, like the cost of things like a round of golf,
I realise I've mainly focused on more tourist attraction type of things. I'm also quite interested in more routine activities, like the cost of things like a round of golf,
An example. Victoria Park public course overlooking the city:
Green Fees Weekdays
*Excludes public holidays
RRP ($)
9 Holes* 18.5
18 Holes* 28.0
See: http://www.victoriaparkgolfcomplex.com/golf
Sep 28th 2013, 3:29 pm
#28
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 15,526
Re: How do you spend your weekends in Brisbane?
That little pavillion thing at the Summit restaurant @ Mt Coo-tha was the venue for the wedding reception we went to in Brisbane. I was well impressed with all of it, the views, the food, the ambience the whole kit and kaboodle.
Only issue, I've spent circa 250 bucks on cabs in the last two days. I had to laugh today though, we went on the city cat for a look at brisbane from the river, on the way back figured we would stop of and get a bite to eat around Bretts Wharf. What I hadn't accounted for was all the people going to riverfire on the cat, and we couldnt get back on one, without waiting for at least 2 to come through.... So another bloody cab.
That Fat Noodle Restaurant at the Casino is bloody fantastic..... Very reasonably priced for what it is.
Really enjoyed Brisbane this time around, I was well surprised.
Only issue, I've spent circa 250 bucks on cabs in the last two days. I had to laugh today though, we went on the city cat for a look at brisbane from the river, on the way back figured we would stop of and get a bite to eat around Bretts Wharf. What I hadn't accounted for was all the people going to riverfire on the cat, and we couldnt get back on one, without waiting for at least 2 to come through.... So another bloody cab.
That Fat Noodle Restaurant at the Casino is bloody fantastic..... Very reasonably priced for what it is.
Really enjoyed Brisbane this time around, I was well surprised.
Sep 28th 2013, 3:33 pm
#29
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,039
Re: How do you spend your weekends in Brisbane?
My local pool.
Newmarket Pool
The Newmarket Olympic Pool caters for swimmers of all ages.
Entry Fees Opening Hours
(set by BCC)
Adult: $5.00 Mon to Thurs: 5:30am to 7:00pm
Child: $3.60 (2 to 14 years) Friday 5:30am to 6:00pm
Concession: $4.30 (Centrelink pension card) Sat and Sun: 8:00am to 6:00pm
1 Adult & 2 Children: $10.60 Public Holidays: 9:00am to 5:00pm
2 Adults & 2 Children: $15.00 Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday
Extra adult: $4.60
Extra child: $3.20
See: http://newmarket-pool.com.au/
Quite a few free available as well though...eg Redcliffe Settlement Cove:
Newmarket Pool
The Newmarket Olympic Pool caters for swimmers of all ages.
Entry Fees Opening Hours
(set by BCC)
Adult: $5.00 Mon to Thurs: 5:30am to 7:00pm
Child: $3.60 (2 to 14 years) Friday 5:30am to 6:00pm
Concession: $4.30 (Centrelink pension card) Sat and Sun: 8:00am to 6:00pm
1 Adult & 2 Children: $10.60 Public Holidays: 9:00am to 5:00pm
2 Adults & 2 Children: $15.00 Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday
Extra adult: $4.60
Extra child: $3.20
See: http://newmarket-pool.com.au/
Quite a few free available as well though...eg Redcliffe Settlement Cove:
Sep 28th 2013, 3:37 pm
#30
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 15,526
Re: How do you spend your weekends in Brisbane?
Twas a good tip Kim, you were right central Brisbane was buzzing today.
Stayed at the Ibis on George and Turbot St, great location, handy for everything. Would recommend it to anyone.
Good to be back home though, must have walked about 15K's today at least, bloody knackered.
