Have a Picnic
Spring has sprung and this is the perfect time of year to get outside. Brisbane has so many outstanding parks; perfect for a picnic and a play. Some of the more impressive parks we have visited so far include -
New Farm Park (New Farm),
Glindemann Park (Holland Park) and
Wynnum Water Park (Wynnum) – with many more on our must see list.
Head to the Beach
We have just moved here from Newcastle so we cannot wait to hit some of Queensland's finest beaches. Only an hour's drive away, Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast has nine beaches to explore. Golden Beach and Currimundi are family-friendly while Kings Beach is popular for surfing and snorkelling. Heading south, on the Gold Coast, is the world-famous Surfers' Paradise, Broadbeach, or slightly less busy Main Beach.
Get Fit
Before you hit the beach this summer, shed that extra winter weight with some exercise. You do not have to spend a fortune by joining a gym. Brisbane City Council runs an Active Parks program in more than fifty local parks with something for everyone: tai chi, boxing, zumba and more. Another option, at South Bank Parklands, is the Vaalia Feel Good Program. This free program offers three different fitness classes including Mind and Movement (yoga, pilates, and tai chi), Mummy and Me, and Aqua Aerobics. For more information click
here.
Go to the Markets
Brisbane is a mecca for markets.
Jan Power's Farmers Markets with five locations -Queen Street Mall (CBD), Mitchelton, Brisbane Powerhouse, Manly and Stones Corner - are extremely popular. For days, locations and market stall information visit the
website. Two other well-regarded markets are the
Manly Creative Markets (every Sunday) and the renowned
Eumundi Markets (every Wednesday and Saturday). With two newcomers on the scene -
Boggo Road Markets (Dutton Park) and
Sun n Earth Farmers Markets (Morningside) – there are plenty of options available.
Go For A Sunday Drive
My husband loves to get in the car and drive. One scenic drive on our to-do-list is Sir Samuel Griffith Drive. This short drive from the city winds its way up to the lookout on top of Mount Coot-tha. Step out onto the observation deck and take in the stunning panoramic views of Brisbane below and beyond. There is also a restaurant, cafe and gift shop here.
Mt Mee National Park, a one hour drive north of Brisbane, takes in tropical rainforests, pretty waterfalls and watering holes. There are plenty of picnic spots along the way or stop in for a refreshment at the charming Dayboro or Samford villages.
One hours drive south of Brisbane is Mount Tamborine offering views of the Scenic Rim and the Gold Coast. Pull in at one of the lookouts that offer magnificent views over the valley and the mountains. Tamborine Mountain is popular with hang gliders; if you are lucky you might catch one of them launching themselves off the mountain.
