SeeSEQLD

What to do Winter school holidays Brisbane

2010-06-26T19:51:00.000-07:00

Queensland Museum Brisbane Insectarium
Enter a world of discovery filled with colour and pattern
Gold coin donation entry
28 June-9 July

Kids Big Day Out
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Cootha
Sunday 4th July 1oam-2pm
Free event
Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander games
Stilt walkers
Bat care Brisbane
Puppet show
Wildlife presentations
Story telling and much more

Wizards and Witches Express
The Workshops railway museum Ipswich
Until July 18th
www.theworkshops.qm.qld.gov.au

Spooky Science Day
Workshops Railway Museum Ipswich
July 8th

School Holiday Fun at Roma Street Parklands
28th June-2 July 10am-2pm
Free activities if you show your Translink ticket or gocard
or Gold Coin Donation
Facepainting
Jumping castle
Barnyard Babes
Workshops
www.romastreetparkland.com

Northside Hamilton

2009-09-21T02:28:00.000-07:00

http://www.northshorehamilton.com.au/lifestyle/Space.aspx

The 2.5 hectare Northshore Hamilton Riverside Park is a natural gathering place for local residents and visitors, with a children’s play area, ripple lawn, barbecue and picnic area, and a great open space just perfect for informal cricket or football games. There is also be a performance space, Northshore Riverside Cafe, and a History Walk – commemorating the social, cultural and land use history of the area, from pre-European settlement to the present day.

Sunshine express Rail Tours

2009-09-21T01:27:00.000-07:00

Sunshine Express Rail Tours
Po box 1119 Toowong 4066
Phone 0732521759

Rhyme Time

2009-09-21T01:24:00.000-07:00

From babes in arms to children ready to dance, Rhyme time is a special time for you and your little one to share rhymes, special songs and stories in a relaxed, fun filled environment.

Every second Tuesday 9.30am

Near Donut King at Centro Albany Creek rd Albany Creek

Free No Booking required!

Brisbane Forest Park & Walkabout Creek Wildlife centre

2009-01-23T20:15:00.000-08:00

Things to do:
Choose from a short bushwalk or a 5km walk aorund the Enogerra Water Reservoir.
See the Platypus in a special dark room at Walkabout Creek Wildlife Centre ,open 9am–4.30pm every day (closed on 25 and 26 December and 1 January)
There are also wallabies,turtles,fish,frogs,snakes,lizards,birds,a wombat,pademelons,sugar gliders and possums.

Getting There:
From Brisbane catch a 385 The Gap Buzz bus from Roma st Busway Roma St station.

Don't Forget:
Water if you plan on bushwalking as there are no picnic facilities. Hats.
Entry to Wildlife centre entry costs

Adults: $5.70
Children: $2.80
Concession: $3.95
Family pass: $14.20

Check Out:
The Huge Hoop Pine trees and the sign showing a massive Gumtree uprooted during the November 16th 2008 storm.

Warning:
There are no picnic facilities at this site. Please take all your rubbish with you.

Other Options:
There is a cafe on site.

More Info:
http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/projects/park/index.cgi?parkid=2
http://www.360tours.com.au/Brisbane_Forest_Park/

Things to do on school holidays

2008-12-13T21:18:00.000-08:00

Visit Child Friendly Cafes
http://www.ecomum.com.au/child-friendly-brisbane.php

Apply to paint a Traffic light box
http://svc189.bne146v.server-web.com/artforce/painting.asp

Enjoy the Circus activities at the State Library
http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on/events/children/circus

Take a Trip To St Helena Island
http://www.sthelenaisland.com.au/

Visit Rocks Riverside Park
The water might be turned off but the park is still a lovely place to visit
http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/BCC:BASE::pc=PC_1871

More Ideas here
http://www.brisbaneinsummer.com.au/Events/Default.aspx
and here
http://www.ourbrisbane.com/whats-on/school-holidays-feature

The Brisbane Eye

2008-08-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

The Brisbane Eye opens this week at Southbank.

"World Tourist Attractions Australia is proud to announce the arrival in 2008 of a new 60m wheel, in partnership with the South Bank Corporation. The wheel is located at the South Bank in the heart of Brisbane's cultural, lifestyle and entertainment district.

After a brief introduction to the facilities available, passengers enter one of the 42 fully enclosed, climate controlled capsules and are gently lifted to a height of 60 meters for a spectacular view of the city. Lasting approximately 13 minutes, the wheel experience also features a commentary pointing out local landmarks.

We welcome visitors with disabilities to The Wheel of Brisbane. Wheelchair users please note that the door width is 74cm, however standard wheelchairs are available on site, subject to availability.

Tickets can be purchased in person from the ticket office located at the wheel, advanced booking, at discounted rates, is also available via our online system

The Wheel of Brisbane at South Bank is owned and operated by World Tourist Attractions Australia Pty Ltd."

Pricing:

Online:

Adult : $13.50
Child (3-12 years) : $9.00
Child (1-3 years) : $1.80
Infant : FREE
Private Gondola : $85.50

Onsite:

Adult : $15.00
Child (3-12 years) : $10.00
Child (1-3 years) : $2.00
Infant : FREE
Private Gondola : $95.00

60m high, the same height as the Eye that was at Seaworld for 2006/2007.
Higher then the Eye that was at the Ekka which was 45m (and the old Ekka ferris wheel is 35m)
http://www.worldtouristattractions.co.uk/wta_wheel_brisbane.php

Strathpine Park

2008-08-08T23:13:00.000-07:00

Things to do: Bring your bikes, watch the ducks on the ponds,bring a ball to kick around, visit the site of the Normanby distillery, a great playground for the kids,climb the lookout, room to run!

Getting There: Catch a train to Strathpine Station and cross the road at the lights.

Don't Forget: Hats, suncreen

Check Out: The paths keep going along past Westfield shopping centre

Other Options: Visit Westfield Foodcourt for lunch.
Visit Lei Park at Lawnton

More Info:
Bike path maps
http://www.prsc.qld.gov.au/c/prsc?a=da&did=1132528&pid=1095923458&sid=
http://www.petercampbellrealty.com/NowandThen/NormanbyDistillery.htm
http://www.maxlink.com.au/pinerivers/PARK/pineriv.htm

Mayne Inheritance Tours

2008-08-08T22:56:00.000-07:00

Tours for 2008 are over, but contact Livingheritage to be informed of tours in 2009.

Tour of sites associated with the Mayne family and the bizarre murder mystery.
Cost $40

More Info:
http://www.brisbanelivingheritage.com/02_cal/details.asp?ID=951&varPeriod=1

More Info on the Mayne Family
http://www.brisbites.com/mayneSelect.asp
http://www.abc.net.au/dimensions/dimensions_in_time/Transcripts/s527155.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mayne_Inheritance
http://www.ourbrisbane.com/lifestyle/literary-brisbane

Maleny Dairy Farm

2008-08-08T22:38:00.000-07:00

THIS ONE YOU WILL NEED TRANSPORT FOR, but I am including it as it is an interesting day out.

Things to Do: Dairy Farm tour and free tasting.

Getting There: Maleny is 30km south west of Caloundra

Don't Forget: closed in shoes, hat and sunscreen

Check Out: The Lunch Menu available and fresh milk at great prices.

Other Options: Nearby Mary Cairncross Park.

More Info:
http://www.malenydairies.com/tours.html
http://www.queenslandholidays.com.au/destinations/sunshine-coast/places-to-visit/maleny/
http://www.ourbrisbane.com/see-and-do/places-to-see/maleny-montville-mapleton

RiverLife Brisbane River

2008-04-12T21:01:00.000-07:00

A Different view of the River.
Minimum 8 years.

Things To D0:
Hire a kickbike, a regular bike or rollerblades
Guided Kayaking sessions
RockClimbing/Abseiling
Pumpabiking
Night Kayaking sessions with Wine and Canapes or Hahn and Prawns

Getting There:
Catch a ferry from Eagle Street to Thornton Street
Walk over the Goodwill Bridge

Don't Forget:
Hat,sunscreen and water

Check Out:
The Sand Tobogganing run through their sister company at Tangalooma.
The view from the top of the cliffs

Other Options:
After 2 guided Kayaking sessions you can hire a canoe on your own.

More Information:
http://www.riverlife.com.au/

Rocky Horror Picture Show With Live Floor show

2008-03-30T21:39:00.000-07:00

Something different, 18+ event

Cards for Sorrow are a Brisbane group who host showings of RHPS with a live floorshow, at The Globe in the Valley, the same cinema RHPS screened at during the 70's.
Tickets are $15 and bookings are recommended 0733975847

Audience participation is encouraged (but no mess), sometimes prizes are given out for the best costume too.

More Information:
http://www.kristianfletcher.com/
http://www.myspace.com/rockyhorrorbrisbane

Woodford

2008-03-29T23:23:00.000-07:00

Woodford is a lovely small country town to visit.

Things to Do:
Ride the Durundur Railway
Visit the Storeybrook Herb Cottage
In Dec-Jan the Woodford Folk Festival is on (free buses from Caboolture Train Station)

Getting There:
Brisbane Buslines runs a bus from Caboolture
http://www.brisbanebuslines.com.au/timetables/country/default.asp

Don't Forget:
Sunscreen and a hat

Check Out:
Elvis Parsley at Grapeland in the main street.
The Woodford Lions Country Markets are on the 3rd Sunday.

Warning:
The train line only operates on the 1st and 3rd Sundays

Other Options:
Storeybrook Cottage has a B&B.

More Information:
http://www.angrms.org.au/index.html
http://www.storeybrook.com.au/train.html
http://www.woodfordfolkfestival.com/

Ipswich

2008-03-29T21:08:00.000-07:00

Ipswich has enough things to do to keep you busy for a few days or a few visits!

Things to Do:
Visit the Railway Workshops
Visit Queens Park and the Nature Centre
Visit Global Arts Centre at the Ipswich Art Gallery
Bushwalks at Denmark Hill Conservation Park
Follow the Ipswich Heritage Trail
Enjoy the new Riverwalk area and visit this area at night to see the creature light show

Getting There:
Catch a train to Ipswich

Don't Forget:
Sunscreen and Hats
Queens Park has a kiosk, BBQ facilities and a lookout

Check Out:
The old Railway Bridge remnants behind the shopping centre on the edge of the river.

Other Options:
Catch a train further on to Rosewood
Visit the grave of Dan Kelly in the Ipswich Cemetery

More Information:
http://www.ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au/
http://www.ipswichcentral.com.au/river/
http://www.theworkshops.qm.qld.gov.au/
http://www.heritagetrails.qld.gov.au/attractions/ipswich2.html
http://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/about_ipswich/parks_reserves_precincts/parks_search/index.php?id=75
http://www.ironoutlaw.com/html/writings_hall.html

Toombul Kalinga Park

2008-03-29T20:52:00.000-07:00

Another great playground, away from traffic with public toilets and lots of different playground equipment.

Things to Do:
Bring a picnic
Bring your bikes,scooters etc and use the bikepaths nearby

Getting There:
Catch a train to Toombul Station

Don't Forget:
Water, hats and sunscreen

Check Out:
The old Mine of the Northern side of the creek

Other Options:
Follow the pathways and cross over Shaw Rd to see the wildlife in the wetlands.

More Information:
http://www.ourbrisbane.com/activeandhealthy/families/kidsparks/

Brisbane CBD

2008-03-29T18:52:00.000-07:00

There are many things you can do within the CBD of Brisbane.

Things to Do:
Visit the new Central Library which has a great children's section
Roma Street Parklands has lovely flowers and a great playground
Visit the Museum of Brisbane
Go up in the tower of the Town Hall
Visit Brisbane's oldest building The Windmill
Climb Jacob's Ladder
Look at the Plaques for the Brisbane Literary Trail in Albert st
CBD parks- Anzac Square,Post Office Square, Brisbane Square,King George Square,Victoria Square.

Getting There:
Catch a Train,bus or a citycat to the City

Don't Forget:
Hats and sunscreen

Check Out:
The Cathedrals of Brisbane are beautiful!
Brisbane Arcade off Queen st is an amazing old style arcade

Other Options:
Visit Southbank
The Brisbane Botanic Gardens
The Commissariat Museum

More Information:
http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/BCC:BASE:961969855:pc=PC_1236
http://www.museumofbrisbane.com.au/
http://www.romastreetparkland.qld.gov.au/
http://pandora.nla.gov.au/nph-arch/O1999-Jan-8/http://brisbane-stories.powerup.com.au/lit_trail/lit_trail_core/lit_trail_frames.htm
http://www.queenslandhistory.org.au/

Toombul Bike Criterium

2008-03-29T18:37:00.000-07:00

Toombul has a big bicycle criterium behind the shopping centre.

Getting There:
Take your bike on the train to Toombul

Don't Forget:
Helmet, water and sunscreen

Check Out:
The Historic Cemetery next to the Criterium

Warning:
If serious bike racers are using the track, please be careful!

Other Options:
If you follow the path past the Criterium, it joins the Kedron Brook "Jim Soorley" Bikeway which you can follow all the way to Nudgee.

More Info:
http://www.ourbrisbane.com/activeandhealthy/recreation/cycling/destinations/
http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/projects/heritage/index.cgi?place=600271&back=1

Shorncliffe

2008-03-29T17:56:00.000-07:00

Shorncliffe Foreshore has just had renovations done. There's a great park near the Jetty and rock pools to play in along the shore.

Things to Do:
Look at the boats in the Marina, play in the park, look for sealife in the rockpools.

Getting There:
Take a Shorncliffe train from Northgate.

Don't Forget:
Sunscreen and a Hat

Check Out:
The View from the top of the cliffs

Other Options: Keep walking along the foreshore to Sandgate where you can visit the lagoons.

More Info:
http://www.ourbrisbane.com/living/suburbs/shorncliffe/history/

Pioneer Park Landsborough

2008-03-16T04:03:00.000-07:00

This park is the best playground I've ever seen, we spent over 7 hours here and still had to drag the kids out!
An All Abilities playground with something for everyone.

Things to Do:
This playground has everything, you won't need to go anywhere else! BBQ,toilets, fully fenced,water bubbler, access for wheelchairs, shade sails, gazebos, seats, sand play,flying fox, swings and much more.

Getting There:
It's a 10 minute walk from Landsborough train station, we walked it with 9 kids and even the 2 and 4 year olds walked it easily. From the station turn left into Caloundra street and the park is on the right about 700 metres up the road.
There are only a few trains on weekends to Landsborough. 8.51am and 10.41am from Caboolture on Saturdays.

Getting Back:
Trains leave Landsborough at 3.28pm and 6.13pm on Saturdays.

Don't forget:
Sunscreen,hats, and Insect repellant.

Check Out:
The Mad Hatters Tea room on the way to the park.

Warning:
The traffic is very busy on both roads on either side of the park and on the weekend of the 15th March there was one pool gate missing on the Western side of the park. Hopefully it will be replaced quickly.

Other Options:
Head back to the station a little early and there is another park on the western side of the station with a train to climb on, this park is small but fun and is also fenced.

More Information:
http://www.disability.qld.gov.au/community/all-abilities-playground/pioneer-park.html

Caboolture

2008-03-09T19:19:00.000-07:00

There are many things to see and do in Caboolture, some great parks and lots of wildlife to see.

Things to Do:
Apex Park on Morayfield Rd has great picnic areas,2 playgrounds and duckponds.
The Arboretum (Norfolk Esplanade) has more duckponds, lots of walking paths and you may even see Turtles.

Platypus Playground (Grant rd/Julie Drive) has lots of different playground equipment, however there are no public toilets nearby.
Caboolture Historical Village (Beerburrum Rd) admission $10 adults Children 5+ $2

Getting There:
Catch a train to Caboolture

Don't Forget:
Hats,sunscreen

Cafes:
Cafe De Cruiz in King st is a great cafe owned by a local woman. (It's not open Sundays)

Check Out:
The Historic Railway Pumping Station Boiler (Wallace st)

Other Options:
Buses go from Caboolture Train Station to Bribie Island
On Show Day in August the Caboolture Shire Council hold a free family funday
In May The Caboolture UrbanCountry festival is on with lots of free events (free buses from the train station)
Farmfantastic in July is another event with lots to see ( free buses from the Train Station)
In March there is a Multicultural festival in the Town Square
In July the Medieval Festival is on at The Abbey Museum at St Michaels Church (free buses from the train station)

More Information:
http://www.historicalvillage.com.au/village.html
http://www.farmfantastic.com/
http://www.caboolture.qld.gov.au/attractions.aspx?display=locality&show=Caboolture
http://www.urbancountry.com.au/
http://www.abbeytournament.com/

Rosewood

2008-03-09T03:14:00.000-07:00

Rosewood has a great kids park!
It's near the corner of the Rosewood-Laidley rd and John Street.

Things to do:
The Rosewood Rail Museum is only open Sundays
http://www.arhs-qld.org.au/
http://qldrailheritage.com/sq/rrm.htm

Getting There:
Catch a Rosewood train from Ipswich

Don't Forget:
Hat and Sunscreen

Check Out:
The Alpaca Farm you can see from Karrabin train station

More Information:
http://www.travelmate.com.au/Places/Places.asp?TownName=Rosewood_%5C_QLD

Kidspace at Chermside

2008-03-09T03:01:00.000-07:00

One of the best playgrounds we have ever been to.

Things to do:
Bring your bikes, scooters,roller blades, plenty of paths nearby.
Bring a picnic

Getting There:
We walk from Geebung or Virginia train stations but you could catch a bus
Use Translinks journey planner to find the bus route which suits you
http://www.transinfo.com.au/

Don't Forget :
Hat,sunscreen, water. Chermside shopping centre is nearby for shopping or food.

Check Out:
The Mountains to Mangroves corridor info signs http://www.mountainstomangroves.org/

Other Options:
Chermside Splash Park is just up the road! http://www.splash.com.au/

More Info:
http://www.ourbrisbane.com/living/suburbs/chermside/png/
http://www.queenslandholidays.com.au/things-to-see-and-do/kidspace/index.cfm

Always a Necessity for Families!

2008-03-09T01:56:00.000-08:00

National Public Toilet Map

Riverwalk

2008-03-09T01:39:00.000-08:00

The Riverwalk along the Brisbane River from Eagle st to New Farm park is a great walk or bike ride.

Things to Do:
Look for fish in the river, watch the citycats and ferries go past
Great playground and trees to climb in at New Farm Park
Farmers markets at Powerhouse 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month
Powerhouse has activities during the school holidays

Getting There:
Catch a Citycat to Eagle St or Riverside or walk from Central Train station

Don't Forget:
Water, sunscreen and a hat

Check Out:
The airraid shelters from WW2 and the lizards you may see basking in the sun on the old wharves.

Other Options:
Start from New Farm Park instead.
Walk over The Storey Bridge and continue your walk along the cliffs

More Info:
http://www.brisbanepowerhouse.org/
http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/BCC:STANDARD::pc=PC_1217
http://www.ozatwar.com/bunkers/howardsmithwharves.htm

Enchanted Forest Dorrington

2008-03-08T21:47:00.000-08:00

This park was a wonderful accidental find. Lots of play equipment and fenced so very safe for little ones.
Fraser's Rd Ashgrove/Dorrington

Things to Do:
Bring a picnic, ride your bikes

Getting There:
Catch a 350 Express from outside the Roma st Police headquarters (stop 130) and get off at Fraser's Bridge.

Don't forget:
Hat,sunscreen, food and drink (There are no shops near the park)

Check Out:
The path way goes on as far as The Gap if you want to keep riding!

Other Options:
Ashgrove Park, (if you head back towards the city along the bikeway you'll find the park) Lots of room to run around and bushwalk trails.

More Information: http://www.ourbrisbane.com/living/suburbs/ashgrove/png/

Redcliffe Lagoon to Clontarf

2008-03-08T21:28:00.000-08:00

This was a very long walk but it was a spur of the moment thing and we weren't really prepared for such a long walk. From the Redcliffe Lagoon you can walk along the foreshore all the way around to Clontarf (and on to Sandgate to finish if you are up for it!)

Things to Do:
Swim at the lagoon, fish from the jetty, swim at Sutton's beach, get fish and chips from the takeaway shop at Woody Point.
There's a great playground at Woody Point.

Getting there:
Catch a bus from the city, or from Petrie, Caboolture or Morayfield Train stations.

Don't forget:
Hat,sunscreen,water

Check Out :
The wreck of The Gayundah on the point.
Redcliffe Maritime Museum

Other Options:
Keep walking across the Hornibrook Bridge.

More Information: http://www.redcliffe.qld.gov.au/redcliffe_museum_web/02_for_schools/The%20Gayundah%20fact%20sheet.pdf
http://www.redcliffe.qld.gov.au/tourism/parks.html
http://www.redcliffe.qld.gov.au/redcliffe_museum_web/museum.htm

Boondall Wetlands

2008-03-08T21:17:00.000-08:00

Boondall wetlands has great bikepaths, an environmental centre,boardwalks, birdhides and an Aboriginal art trail.

Things to Do:
Ride your bike or walk the pathways, some pathways are walking only, there are bikeracks in the picnic area to chain your bike to.

Getting there:
Catch a train to Boondall station and follow the pathway through the Entertainment centre and under the highway.

Don't forget :
Sunscreen,Insect Repellant, water and a hat

Other Options:
You could ride on from Boondall wetlands to the Kedron Brook bikeway, but be prepared for a long ride. Or you could ride back the other way to Shorncliffe instead.

More Information: http://www.ourbrisbane.com/visitors/seeanddo/river/boondall_sandgate.htm
http://www.mountainstomangroves.org/01_cms/details.asp?ID=126

Helpful Books

2008-03-08T18:33:00.000-08:00

Some books which are great for helping plan a family day out in Brisbane-

Most of these are out of print so you may need to keep an eye out in second hand stores for them.

Family Walks in Brisbane by Julia Thorn
Free and Low Cost Brisbane and the Coasts by Lee Mylne
Places for Little Faces Brisbane Susan Henderson and Gina Smareglia
Brisbanes Best Bush Bay and City Walks Dianne McLay

Also check out your local information centre or the Brisbane CBD Info centre in the Queen St Mall.

Brisbane Bikeways

2008-03-08T17:33:00.000-08:00

You can take your Bicycle on the train outside of peak hours for no extra cost.
Brisbane has many great Bikeways

Don't Forget :
Helmet, sunscreen, water

Hiring Bikes :
You can hire a bike from Brisbane Botanical Gardens Valet Cycles

More Information:
http://www.bikely.com/
http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/BCC:STANDARD::pc=PC_1219
http://www.ourbrisbane.com/activeandhealthy/recreation/cycling/
http://www.discoverbrisbane.com/brisbane/bikeways.html
http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/BCC:BASE::pc=PC_934

Playground Finder

2008-03-08T17:24:00.000-08:00

A site to share your favourite parks with other families

Playgroundfinder

Island Hopping

2008-03-08T16:30:00.000-08:00

Russell/Lamb/Macleay/Karragarra Islands, in Southern Moreton Bay are well worth a visit, see what Island life is like.

Things to Do-
All 4 Islands have swimming enclosures on the beach and picnic areas. Karragarra has a playground.

Getting There:
Route 250 Buses from Brisbane City. Bay Islands Transit System Ferries leave from Weinam Creek Ferry Terminal Banana St Redland Bay.
Ferries depart approx every 30 minutes, one service running clockwise the other anticlockwise.
Currently an Island Hopper ticket which entitles you to a return trip to the Islands and 3 inter-island trips costs $14.50 for an adult and $7.50 for a child.

Getting Back:
Ferries run until 9pm (check timetable)

Don't forget:
Pick up a timetable on the ferry, sunscreen,hats,water,insect repellant.

Check Out:
The old Saltmines on Macleay Island, walk along the foreshore, but watch out for the tide!

Warning :
Be Careful of tides and don't forget the insect repellant.
Karragarra Island has no shops, so make sure you buy water etc from one of the other islands.

Other Options:
Lamb Island has a Bed and Breakfast B&B

More Information:
Russell Island
Lamb Island

Gold Coast Oceanway

2008-03-08T03:27:00.000-08:00

Walk along the Gold Coast, visit some of Qld's best beaches, playgrounds and you could even walk to Seaworld like we did.
Things to do- Along the walk you can see into the Sheraton Mirage Resort, there's a monument in cable park which recognizes the incredible achievement of laying the telegraph cable that first connected Australia to North America in the 1920s, also visit Macintosh island playground and see Bigfoot sleeping in his cave! Of course you can take your swimmers and try out the beaches!

Getting There:
Train to Robina and then a 750 Seaworld bus and get off where ever you would like to start your walk.

Don't Forget:
Hat,sunscreen and water!

Check Out
- Bigfoot at Macintosh Island
- The Suspension Bridge (sadly it was closed when we were there)
- The Mirage Resort
- The Great Playground near the historic Southport SLSC

Other Options
Visit Seaworld or the Q1 Observation deck or Marina Mirage Shopping Centre.
There are some great parks around the GC http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/t_standard.aspx?pid=5930

More Information:
http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/t_standard.aspx?pid=5622
http://www.federationwalk.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q1_(building)

Southbank

2008-03-08T02:20:00.000-08:00

Southbank is always a great family day out, there's always something on, something new to see, even just sitting along the riverbank watching the boats go by is a great way to spend a few hours.

Things to do there:
Swim at the man made beach
The Science centre (entry fee)
Museum (gold coin donation)
Art Gallery (Gold coin donation)
Gallery of Modern Art
State Library (Has an excellent children's section and also an Official Bookcrossing Zone)
Playgrounds
At the Northern end past GOMA there is a lovely new picnic area.

Getting there:
Catch a City Cat across from North Quay
Catch a train to South Brisbane or Southbank stations
walk- over the Goodwill pedestrian bridge or Victoria Bridge
Catch a bus to the Cultural Centre stop

Don't Forget :
Hat, sunscreen and water. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from. If you plan to go to the Mangroves in the Botanic Gardens you might need some insect repellant.

Check out:
-the Nepalese Pagoda a reminder of Expo 88
- The original Victoria Bridge pylons
- The Markets

Other Options:
- Walk along to the Maritime Museum (entry fee)
- Kangaroo Point cliffs walk (a great walk along the river under the cliffs where you can see people abseiling,a lookout, lots of places to stop for a rest, there's also RiverLife http://www.ourbrisbane.com/visitors/seeanddo/river/riverlife.htm where you can hire Rollerblades or Kayaks for a faster journey!)
- Walk over the Goodwill bridge and along to the City Botanic gardens, another nice walk along the riverbank. (visit the Kangaroo statue near the cafe) Walk through the Mangrove Boardwalk
- Walk past the picnic area at the far Northern end of Southbank and you can keep walking all the way to the West End Ferry stop, past the rowing clubs and a historic gas tower.

More Information-
http://www.abc.net.au/brisbane/stories/s1767541.htm
http://www.visitsouthbank.com.au/home
http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/
http://www.southbank.qm.qld.gov.au/
http://www.southbank.qm.qld.gov.au/sciencentre/
http://www.qag.qld.gov.au/
http://www.qpac.com.au/home/

Other Things to do while out walking!

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Bookcrossing http://www.bookcrossing.com
Releasing books "into the wild" for other people to find, a community of like-minded people sharing their love of reading.

Geocaching http://geocaching.com.au/ and http://www.geocaching.com/
A Modern day high-tech treasure hunt

Markeroni http://www.markeroni.com/
Log Historical markers and Landmarks

Letterboxing http://www.atlasquest.com/lboxes/boxdirectory3.html?gStateId=1390
Similar to Geocaching but for "rubberstampers"

Mt Cootha Lookout and Bushwalk

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Mt Cootha is a great place for a family day out, there is a cafe and a restaurant at the lookout. Both are quite expensive but very nice, clean and the view from the Restaurant is worth the cost!
There are some information boards and toilets.
Down the trails there are BBQ areas and more toilets.

Getting there:
Bus 471 from Stop 7 in Ann st Brisbane, runs regularly on weekdays , there are only 4 services on Saturdays and Sundays.

Getting Back:
Same bus back or you could walk like we do! We have walked back to the ferry terminal at Regatta and another time we walked back to Roma St. Walking back down means you aren't stuck to the bus times and you can take a detour via the Cemetary and have a wander through the historic graves.

Don't Forget:
Hats,sunscreen and plenty of water if you take the bushwalk option.
It's not likely that you would get lost but best to print a map http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/media/parks_and_forests/parks/bfp_mtcootha.pdf just in case.

Warning:
The Powerful owl trail is VERY steep and not recommended for small children or unfit people. Some trails get muddy or covered with water in wet season.

Other Options:
There is also the Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens to visit on the way down

More Information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Coot-tha,_Queensland