- 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
The Breakfast Creek Hotel opened in 1890. This French renaissance style, Victorian hotel was built by the 23rd Mayor of Brisbane, William McNaughton Galloway. Cycle or catch a bus to see the $2 million facelift which restored the hotel to the colours of its early days and timber, mirror and brass fittings to their original glory. Saddle up for the heart thumping action of horse racing at Doomben and Eagle Farm Racecourses. Or if the trots or greyhound racing are more your fancy, you'll find all the action at Albion Park Paceway.
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 Toombul and Chermside are a bus ride away. They both have entertainment arcades and cinemas.
Family fun
For kids: check your local playground - parks in Brisbane have anything from skatebowls to toddler play. In your area, try Kalinga or Ross Parks, Nundah, which offers a basketball half-court, BMX riding area, rollerblading, BBQs, and sporting fields. For family fun also try Melrose Park at Wooloowin, TC Beirne Park at Hendra, Oriel Park at Ascot and Frank Roberts Park at Wavell Heights.
For dogs: check out the local off-leash areas where Fido can release canine tension. Try Edinburgh Castle Road Park at Wavell Heights, Albert Bishop Park in Nundah, Northgate Reserve in Northgate or Crosby Park, Albion.
Take a break
Discover the secrets of your local area. Some of Australia's most significant residences lie around you and date as far back as 1846. Go walking and discover the delights of these heritage homes and their architecture in the Ascot, Clayfield and Hamilton areas. Take a birdseye view of Brisbane and soak up the beautiful lights of the city from Bartley's Hill Lookout at Ascot. Or follow the telecommunications evolution from Morse code to today's advanced telephone systems at the Telstra Museum on Oriel Rd, Clayfield.
Meet friends
No need to travel far for coffee or a meal - catch up with friends at Sandgate Road, Nundah, recently revitalised by adopting an attractive 'boulevard' character. Or if you live near Albion, why not grab a bite to eat at one of the many eateries situated on Sandgate Road, including the refurbished Albion Hotel? Racecourse Road, Ascot is reputedly one of the best eating out hubs in Brisbane, and offers shopping therapy with its boutique fashion and accessory stores.
Exercise
Who's got time? Everyone, if you make exercise part of your everyday life. You could walk to the nearest bus stop and catch the bus to work, or take the kids to school. 3 x 10 mins daily exercise is recommended for good health. For fun and fitness, try your nearest Active and Healthy Park, including Oriel Park at Ascot and Kalinga Park at Nundah. 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 with a picnic at your local park. Enjoy the bike path along the banks of Kedron Brook, which runs through Hendra, Nundah and Wooloowin. The Northgate Reserve, which surrounds Northgate State School, offers good bike and walkways as does nearby Downfall Creek Reserve in Wavell Heights. Visit the Keith Boden Wetland, off Cressey Street in Wavell Heights to spot the local wildlife: follow the boardwalks to find picnic shelters overlooking the lagoons.
Learn
Release your mind at Hamilton or Nundah 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
Hamilton Library 3403 1050 Nundah Library 3407 8701 Call Council 24 hours 7 days 3403 8888.
