- Things that make your area special
- Pick up milk, bread and paper
- Get the kids and dog out of the house
- Take a break from your routine
- Meet friends you haven't seen in a while
- Exercise for 30 minutes
- Plan something for the weekend
- Release your mind
- Get more information
Snapshot
Fig Tree Pocket was named after a large fig tree that grew in the area, said to be so large that it could shelter a herd of cattle. A reserve of 1.6 hectares was created around the fig tree but it eventually died. Seventeen Mile Rocks was named after the rocks that were seventeen miles upstream from Brisbane Town. Indooroopilly Island hosts a large colony of flying foxes. The Brisbane Markets on Sherwood Road, Rocklea offer fresh fruit and veg along with a huge selection of flowers. Tennyson Power Station was opened in 1953 and operated until 1986.
Shopping
Forgot a few things at the regular grocery shop? Why not leave the car keys behind and pick up what you need on the way home from the bus stop, or take a walk or bike ride to the local shops. Check the map for local convenience centres. The major shopping centres of Indooroopilly and Mt Ommaney are just a bus ride away.
Family fun
For kids: check your local playground - parks in Brisbane have anything from skatebowls to toddler play. In your area, try Simpsons Playground in Graceville, Nixon Park, Oxley, Biambi Yumba Park, Fig Tree Pocket, Nosworthy Park, Corinda or Rankin Street, Indooroopilly for family fun.
For dogs: check out the local off-leash areas where Fido can release canine tension. Try Faulkner Park in Chelmer or Dunlop Park, Pratten Street in Corinda.
Take a break
Discover the secrets of your local area. Chelmer boasts an idyllic leafy atmosphere and one of Brisbane's most picturesque streets - Laurel Avenue. As its name implies, Laurel Avenue, like many other streets in Chelmer, is home to magnificent camphor laurel trees and classic Queenslanders. Rocks Riverside Park at Seventeen Mile Rocks is the most significant park developed in Brisbane in a generation. Brisbane's largest riverfront park offers 800 metres of recreational pathways along the river's edge. Discover a mix of exciting features such as a major regional playground (with water play), amphitheatre, industrial plaza, formal lawns and bushland - all with spectacular river views.
Meet friends
No need to travel far for coffee or a meal - catch up with friends at Corinda. The area features artwork in the shape of local duck species and native frogs made from recycled mechanical objects.
Exercise
Who's got time? Everyone, if you make exercise part of your everyday life. You could walk to the nearest stop and catch the bus to work, or take the kids to school. 3 x 10 mins daily exercise is recommended for good health. Or, go for laps at Dunlop Park Memorial Pool in Corinda (you'll double the exercise by walking there). For fitness and fun, try your nearest Active and Healthy Park such as Simpsons Playground in Graceville, Dunlop Park, Corinda or Robertson Park in Indooroopilly. Why not join your local 'gonewalking' group for fitness or leisure walks with trained walk leaders? For details about walks in your area, phone Council on 3403 8888.
The weekend
Escape from the city to the great outdoors: and in Brisbane, you don't have to go far. Take a picnic to Sherwood Forest Park, home to more than 400 indigenous plant species and you could spot tortoises, frogs and lizards as you follow the boardwalks and walkways. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round at the Indooroopilly, St Lucia or Corinda golf courses.
Learn
Release your mind at Corinda and Indooroopilly Libraries, where you'll find not only books but also CDs, DVDs, videos, free internet access, even storytelling sessions for children (phone libraries for details).
Useful info
Corinda Library 3407 7701 Indooroopilly Library 3407 0009 Call Council 24 hours 7 days 3403 8888.
