- 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
Established in 1910, The University of Queensland at St Lucia is one of Australia's largest universities, occupying 114 hectares by the Brisbane River. Walter Taylor Bridge in Indooroopilly marks the height of the 1974 floods. There is still great demand for the tiny flats in the pylons at each end of the bridge. With its iron-lace verandahs and Brisbane River views, the Regatta Hotel (circa 1886) is a Brisbane icon to many generations. Visit the Regatta Hotel by CityCat, which now stops at Coronation Drive. Indooroopilly Island hosts a large colony of flying foxes. The Gas Stripping Tower is a landmark located at Davies Park, West End. It was constructed in 1912 in Yorkshire and transported in sections to Brisbane.
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 Toowong and Indooroopilly are a bus ride away. Indooroopilly Shopping Centre has 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 Guyatt Park at St Lucia which offers a skating, BMX and rollerblading area as well as BBQs. Parents and children can enjoy the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium at Brisbane's Botanic Gardens (Mt Coot-tha) and learn from the displays and astronomy programs.
For dogs: check out the local off-leash areas where Fido can release canine tension. Try Anzac Park at Toowong or Perrin Park, Taringa.
Take a break
Discover the secrets of your local area. For something a little different revisit our past with a walk around Toowong Cemetery, established in 1875. As its name suggests, Laurel Avenue, like many other streets in Chelmer, is home to magnificent camphor laurel trees and classic Queenslanders. Mt Coot-tha Lookout offers a breathtaking panorama of Brisbane City and beyond. Take a walk along beautiful Stanley Terrace, Taringa and see the memorial public seat commemorating Pilot Officer Geoffrey Lloyd Wells who died in World War II. Take a walk and explore the hilly back streets of Highgate Hill and West End. Make sure to go down Granville Street in West End and smell the basil, rosemary and other herbs growing in the gardens of local Greek residents.
Meet friends
No need to travel far for coffee or a meal - catch up with friends at Toowong. This suburb has a vibrant and thriving commercial and shopping precinct as well as a lively night life zone, including many good restaurants. Or why not grab a bite to eat at Boundary Rd, West End. This Bohemian mecca is packed with cafes and multicultural restaurants. See the well-loved landmark - the colourful goanna made of concrete and ceramic tiles. Browse the second hand and new book stores while you're there.
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. For fitness and fun, try your nearest Active and Healthy Park such as Perrin Park and Robertson Park at Toowong, Moore Park at Indooroopilly and Davies Park or Orleigh Park at West End. Mt Coot-tha is a great place for walking. Trails give spectacular views of the scenery, and you can see tree carvings and rock paintings along the Aboriginal art trail. Or take in the beautiful view of the river while walking around the University of Queensland. If it gets too hot, cool off at the university's Olympic swimming pool (you'll double the exercise by walking there). Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round at the Indooroopilly or St Lucia Golf Clubs. If you want to de-stress, it's hard to go past Coronation Drive's bike and walking path meandering alongside the Brisbane River. 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 Dean Street, Toowong where you'll find groves of established native and exotic trees at Anzac Park or Highgate Hill Park which offers beautiful views of the city. Take advantage of Queensland's premier subtropical botanic gardens - the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha, with more than 5000 species from around the world. Brisbane Forest Park has 28,500 hectares of Council reserves, national parks and state forests. Locals are encouraged to soak up Brisbane's beautiful scenery by picnicking, bushwalking, sightseeing, camping, birdwatching, horse-riding or cycling. For further information, contact Brisbane Forest Park on 3300 4855.
Learn
Release your mind at Mt Coot-tha, Indooroopilly, West End or Toowong libraries, where you'll find not only books but also CDs, DVDs, videos and free internet access (phone the libraries for details).
Useful info
Mt Coot-tha Library 3403 2550 Toowong Library 3403 2590 Indooroopilly Library 3407 0009 West End Library 3403 8620 Call Council 24 hours 7 days 3403 8888.
