Hibiscus Sports Complex, run by Brisbane City Council, is an infinite fitness facility: gymnasium, squash centre, swimming pool, skate park, netball and basketball courts, and a physical therapy centre.
Members have access to unlimited use of the gym, pool, and fitness classes depending upon membership (gold, silver, or bronze). The classes include everything from aerobics and boxing, to yoga and Zumba. And my favourite, Body Balance – a combination of tai chi, yoga, and Pilates. The only thing this health club is sadly lacking is a crèche.
There are four outdoor pools: a 25 metre lap pool, a 12 metre learn to swim pool, a 50 metre pool, and a fun-tastic toddler pool. Both the lap pool and the learn to swim pool are heated and covered, while the 50 metre pool has a sunshade over the shallow end.
We went there for a swim on Sunday. It was serene and pleasant with plenty of space and shade to lay out a blanket. If you want to pack a picnic, there are tables available. While there aren't any barbecues at the pool, I noticed that the skate park next door did have one - there is a well-tread path between the two.
www.skateboard.com.au
The skate park is possibly more popular than the pool. For skateboards, scooters, and bikes, it includes grind poles, fun boxes, concrete mini ramps, and more. There is an admission fee to the skate park but it includes pool entry.
Although it was blissfully quiet when we went, I can imagine the pool and park are packed over the school holidays. With a family pass costing only $12.80, it's great value for money. There isn't much you can do as a family these days for so little.
With summer just around the corner, now might be a good time to get the kids booked into swimming lessons. Hibiscus Swimming Academy teaches throughout the year with intensive blocks run on school holidays.
Click
here for more information on swim lessons, gym memberships, hours of operation, or entry fees to the swimming pool and skate park.
