- 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
- Exercise for 30 minutes
- Release your mind
- Get more information
Snapshot
Brisbane's city fringe suburbs are among the city's most culturally diverse. For example, Central Ward residents come from more than 20 non-English speaking countries. The area from South Brisbane to West End was once known as 'Kurilpa', meaning 'place of rats'. The name Fortitude Valley comes from an early shanty town of migrants from the ship 'Fortitude'.
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. Markets bring produce straight from the farm to the city fringe. In your area, try: New Farm Farmers Market at the Brisbane Powerhouse (2nd and 4th Saturday each month); Mondo Organics Markets at Hardgrave Road, West End (Saturday mornings) and South Bank Farmers' Fresh and Seafood Market (1st and 3rd Saturday each month).
Family fun
For kids: check your local playground - parks in Brisbane have anything from skatebowls to toddler play. In your area, try Captain Bourke Park at Kangaroo Point; Woolcock Park at Red Hill; New Farm Park; and Mowbray Park in East Brisbane.
For dogs: check out the local off-leash areas where Fido can release canine tension. Try Victoria Park in Spring Hill, Powerhouse Park in New Farm, Milton Park, Milton and Gilbert Park in Red Hill.
Take a break
Discover the secrets of your local area. Nearby suburbs have some of the oldest and most historically significant sites in post-settlement Brisbane. New Farm Park began as a farm supplying produce to the fledgling penal settlement then became a racecourse in the 1840s. Newstead House is one of Brisbane's oldest residences, built in 1846. The site of the old Tram Depot in Paddington has been turned into a spectacular small park with snippets of history and great city views. In Bowen Hills, notable buildings include the old museum building, built as an exhibition hall in 1891, and 'Miegunyah', built in 1885 and saved from demolition in 1967 by the Queensland Women's Historical Association. Chinese people established extensive market gardens around Breakfast Creek and built a Temple of Worship in Higgs Street, which still exists. In Herston, human history has more ancient links with York's Hollow in Victoria Park, the main encampment of the Turrbal people until the 1860s.
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. Other options include lapping it up at the Centenary Pool designed by renowned architect James Birrell, the historic Spring Hill Baths, Ithaca Pool, Valley Pool, Musgrave Park Pool or South Bank Beach. For fitness and fun, try your nearest Active and Healthy Park including New Farm Park, Woolcock Park in Red Hill or Victoria Park, Spring Hill. 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.
Learn
Release your mind at Central City Library, New Farm Library or Ashgrove Library where you'll find not only books but also CDs, DVDs, videos, free internet access, even storytelling sessions for children (phone libraries for details). If you want to learn more about our city's contemporary culture, heritage and people, visit Museum of Brisbane at City Hall.
Useful info
New Farm Library 3403 1062 Ashgrove Library 3407 1940 Central City Library 3403 1666 Call Council 24 hours 7 days 3403 8888.
