Brisbane is built on the river and beside the bay, just two of our best natural icons. Small or large, the delights of nature are a part of our lifestyle. Do you agree with what we think are the natural blessings in our city? Let us know, by adding your comment below.
Cliffs of Kangaroo Point
Not naturally cliffs, they became that way from quarrying activities (the stone of which you’ll find in many of our historic buildings). The cliffs now are home to rock climbers, day and night. At the cliffs’ base is a surprisingly quiet and secluded place for a bbq, picnic or watching the sunset.
Fig trees in Eagle Street
Spreading its branches wide over the traffic below, it’s always beautiful to see the juxtaposition between the natural fig tree and the complex built environment of the CBD. I wonder if, as the lawyers leave the area each evening, do possums, bats and other critters move in to inhabit the fig’s green branches?
The mangroves in the Botanic Gardens
Again, it’s the surprise of seeing something so natural in the city which makes these natural icons a wonder. Are we the only capital city to still have mangroves in the CBD? To make them easy to see, there’s the boardwalk over the mud and spiky aerial roots. If only there were more along the river’s edge… There are other natural beauties to admire at the City Botanic Gardens too.
The Brisbane River
Curving back and back upon itself, the Brisbane River is THE icon upon which our city is developing. Thankfully, we are starting to use, admire and look after the river so it becomes a true asset to the city. Long gone are the days of netted bathing areas and now it’s the ever popular CityCats which dominate. Read our ferry guide.
Mount Coot-tha
Who hasn’t been to the top of Mount Coot-tha to admire the view from the lookout? Well, you should! Thanks to Mount Coot-tha (part of the Taylor Range) we enjoy views of stunning winter sunsets behind the hills and looming summer storms from the west.
Moreton Bay
With wild waters full of dolphins, fish and other sea life, Brisbane is a rich diving site and boatie’s heaven thanks to Moreton Bay. We catch ferries across the Bay to reach a favourite holiday spot of ‘Straddie’ or the other, smaller islands. We stroll beside it everywhere from Wynnum to Redcliffe eating fish and chips, appreciating the bay’s cool breezes and fly over it as we come to land at Brisbane airport.
Summer storms
Guaranteed to liven up an afternoon’s play of cricket at the Gabba and cool things off, wild summer storms are a natural icon of our city. At about 3 or 4 o’clock on thick, humid days we see storm clouds approach from the west and know that after the downpour there will be welcome relief from the heat. Plus, these days many of us love the sound of the water gurgling into our water tanks (and hopefully the dams too)! Take a look at some fantastic photos of summer storms.
Jacarandas
Sadly, one of Brisbane’s best loved natural icons, the jacarandas of New Farm Park, have suffered recently and many established trees have had to be removed. Hopefully the replacement trees will cover the lawns of the park with purple petals soon enough. The good news is that Brisbane’s suburbs are scattered with hundreds of jacaranda trees and the purple displays make September and October so gorgeous.
A couple of quickies…
- The wildlife - the possums, fruit bats, geckoes, even the cane toads, make our city what it is! How dull it would be without their noises in the night.
- South Bank Arbour - the bougainvillea growing on the Arbour has taken years to mature but now the Arbour is pink and blooming beautiful.
Find out what won Brisbane's favourite natural icon in our Best of Brisbane poll.
Natural wonders or not? What earthy delight do you love in Brisbane? Add your comments.
Who needs to travel to the Whitsundays? Moreton Bay, Moreton Island and North Stradbroke Island are absolutely stunning and do Brisbane proud! It's hard to beat watching the sun go down at the pub at Point Lookout.