Brisbane See and do

Brisbane 

1. Clock tower

Going up the clock tower which is located at Brisbane City hall is free. I was told that you have to pay aud2 for adults and aud1 for children now but I can’t be certain on that. To reach the observation deck in the Brisbane city hall clock tower, will require us to use the lift which travels through the clocks working. From the observation deck, you will be able to view most of Brisbane city and the story bridge. 

Opening hours: - Monday to Friday 10.00am - 3.00pm
                                Saturday 10.00am - 2.00pm 
                               Closed Sundays and Public Holidays 
 
2. Roma street parkland

Roma Park has such beautiful flowers and gardens which are carefully maintained. Just take a stroll in the park will give you a peace of mind. Not only the beautiful flowers will amaze you but picnic area and BBQ spots are provided for free. Adding to that, your kids will have so much fun playing at the playground that comprises swings, slides, climbing frames, etc. there is also a train service that will take you around the park. 

To get to Roma Park is very easy. The train ‘roma street’ train station is a walking distance to the park. 

Opening hours:- 24 hours a day, some section of the park will be closed during the night
p/s- that picture does not show justice to the park, but thats all i have because i didnt think i would share information with others : )

3. Lone pine koala sanctuary

Lone pine koala sanctuary is the first koala sanctuary in Australia which not only house koalas but sheep, kangaroos, emu, sheep, birds etc. Some animal shows will be held throughout the day for birds, sheep and insights on koala.

Visitors will get the chance to hand feed kangaroos and cuddle koalas. Personally to me this place is a little boring as compared to Steve Irwin’s zoo in the sunshine coast but if you don’t have much time and can’t travel to sunshine coast this would be a place for you to get up-close with the Australian wildlife.

Price:- around aud20 

4. Mt coot-tha lookout

To visit the spectacular view Mt coot-tha provides, I would suggest visitors to come during sunset and from that time you will get the chance to view Brisbane city up to Moreton Bay during daylight and stay till you see the glittering lights at night…ahh romantic : ) 

5. South bank

South Bank provides streets beach, parkland and night market. The man-made swimming beach is the only Australian beach in the middle of the city ahhhhh sounds good aye? On top of that south bank provides parks for you to have family fun time with your family. I brought my niece and nephew here and they didn’t want to go back home, they even begged me to bring them back there the next day : ).  

On Friday , Saturday and Sunday night, south bank provides a lifestyle market selling arts, clothing, toys, accessories, imported goods etc. and my favorite is Cheeros…. Its flour coated with cinnamon served on its own or cream and chocolate. Very very yummy. 

Web Site :- http://www.southbankmarket.com.au/

Operating hours:
Friday-5.00pm until 10.00pm
Saturday- 10.00am until 5.00pm
Sunday-9.00am until 5.00pm

6. Ekka in august

This yearly event in Brisbane which happens only in August attracts a number of visitors. A number of exhibitions such as dairy farm milking barn, animal nursery are offered as well as entertainments, showbags , competitions etc. view the website to get more information.

The only thing I wont be doing if I do go to Ekka again next year is to play the fun fair games. Grrrrrr gets me frustrated wasting my money to play the games offered. Its so tricky that hardly anyone can win. 

Web Site:- http://www.ekka.com.au/home/default.asp

For more information visit this website which provides more information on interesting places you can visit. On my blog im only sharing my experiences.

http://www.ourbrisbane.com/see-and-do

Brisbane Activities

Brisbane

If you would like to come and visit Brisbane, here are some ideas on activities i have done.

ADVENTURE

1. Kangaroo point 

Kangaroo point is a nice place to come and watch the beautiful river view, take some nice pictures, have a walk or a bicycle ride on the walking tracks if you don’t wish to do any intricate activities. At the base of kangaroo point is a place where you can select various sports that you wish to try as well as rent necessary equipments for your chosen activity. I tried rock climbing, a one hour lesson with a supervisor which includes safety instructions, harness, helmet, rock climbing chalks, rope etc. Its best if you can come with a partner to try this activity as you will need someone to do belay and doing it with a person you know would add fun into the activity. Do give them a call to reserve a place to try any of the sports offered. The website will answer questions that you may have.

There are other sports company that may offer you the same activities but with a different price. It’s good to Google around to find a company that will provide a great package. 

Rock Climbing:- aud29
Location:- At the base of kangaroo point
Website :- http://www.riverlife.com.au/location_home.html

2. Moreton island

There are many companies that provides a whole day activity at Moreton Island. Its better if you can google different companies that will suit your liking. There are a number of options you could choose from, one day, 2 days or 3 days adventure depending on your preferences.

Mine was a little expensive because it was in January which is a peak season. This package comes with sandboarding (the most important must try activity) snorkeling over at the ship wreck, lunch, relaxing at the fresh water lake (blue lagoon) and a tour around the island. 

The only unpleasant instance was our snorkeling activity, where the sea was evidently not very calm which made it a lot harder to snorkel. Adding to that, I got the wrong sized flipper which made my snorkeling trip a disaster. 

Tips:- preferbably if you love snorkeling bring your own flippers. For muslims or vegetarian inform them you would like halal meal or if they don’t provide halal meal ask them for vegetarian meal instead.
 
Price – aud150
Company – Goanna adventure


3. Rifle shooting

We tried rifle shooting first before clay shooting because we thought this would give us a beginner start holding a real gun and aiming. There are a variety of guns you could choose form, the first thing is preferably to talk to the person over at the counter on which gun would be best for your level, they will require one photo ID from you which can be your student ID, driving license, Identification card. Next you can choose a range of target that interests you. Finally someone will help you prepare for shooting and will give you some safety instructions. 

Telephone: - (07) 3398 1749
 Address : - 292 Mt Petrie Road 
  BELMONT QLD 4153
Website: - http://www.ssaabris.org.au/home.htm


4. Shot gun – clay shooting

Shot gun was not as easy as riffle shooting as you are not aiming at a still target rather it’s a flying clay and adding to that, the gun is a lot heavier because you have to carry it and not placing it on the table as you do with riffles. You have to be alert when releasing the clay in the air and accurately shoot the flying target. When shooting, be wary where you place your gun because I had a slight bruise on my arm as I didn’t place it on where it should be. From what I can remember the cost is aud30 for a box of 25 bullets.

No experience is necessary if you would like to try. And the lovely thing is that the owner and its workers are really helpful. All four of us had one to one coaching.  

Address:- The Brisbane Gun Club
  Mt Petrie Rd. Belmont
  (07) 3398 4555 
Opening hours:- Thursdays & Saturdays 12 noon - 5pm 
New shooters catered for between 
12pm - 2pm or by prior arrangement.
Website :- http://www.brisbanegunclub.com/

Expression

Gosh, I have not been updating my blog for quit sometime. Is the lame excuse of being busy credible enough ? : ). Well, I have not been up to anything much all this while, just the normal everyday life of waking up, going to work/ class , at the end of the day have a good night sleep and do the exact same thing the next day. I’m impressed by some people who seem to have something interesting to write on their blog ever single day…hmmmm Wish I could have the ability to express my thoughts and be a good writer : ). Take care all.