- 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 Archerfield Airport was home to Qantas, TAA and ANA after they moved from Eagle Farm airport. During World War II, Dutch, American, British and Australian squadrons all flew out of Archerfield. Explore the treasures of the nearby Rocklea markets where you'll find fresh flowers, fruit and vegetables. Rocklea was originally known as Rocky Water Holes. The Willawong area is one of the last areas of melaleuca woodland with the shrubby prickly leaved melaleuca growing well in the sandstone-based soil.
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. Sunnybank Plaza and Garden City Shopping Centre are the major shopping centres in your area and are only a bus ride away. Both have cinemas.
Family fun
For kids: check your local playground - parks in Brisbane have anything from skatebowls to toddler play. In your area, the CA O'Sullivan Park, Acacia Ridge offers basketball, skating, BMX and rollerblading areas as well as a playground and BBQ facilities. Also try Beryl Roberts Park at Coopers Plains or Mortimer Road Precinct, Acacia Ridge, featuring new playground equipment.
For dogs: check out the local off-leash areas where Fido can release canine tension. Try Brittain Park, Coopers Plains or the park off Mitchell Street at Acacia Ridge.
Take a break
Discover the secrets of your local area. Green thumbs know it: the best plants to grow in your suburb are the ones looking great in other gardens. Take a walk, have a look and talk to gardeners in your area to find out which plants like the local conditions.
Meet friends
No need to travel far - catch up with friends at nearby Mains Road, Sunnybank Hills for a coffee or dining with an international flavour. Sunnybank is home to some of the city's best Asian cuisine. While you're there, look for the rainbow lorikeets featured in the glass and ceramic sculptures.
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. You could even do a few laps at the Acacia Ridge Pool (you'll double the exercise by walking there). For fitness and fun, try your nearest Active and Healthy Park such as Beryl Roberts and Brittain Parks at Coopers Plains.
The weekend
Escape from the city to the great outdoors: and in Brisbane, you don't have to go far. Wander around the nearby Karawatha Forest, covering more than 600 hectares, it is one of Brisbane's largest areas of bushland. Karawatha has more than 270 plant species, 200 species of wildlife and more than 100 species of birdlife. The Acacia Picnic Area has red-necked wallabies grazing in the grasses and be sure to look out for the sacred kingfishers nesting in termite nests high in the eucalypts.
Learn
Release your mind at Coopers Plains Library, where you'll find not only books but also CDs, DVDs, videos, free internet access and training, even storytelling sessions for children (phone the library for details).
Useful info
Coopers Plains Library 3403 1530 Call Council 24 hours 7 days 3403 8888.
