- 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
Explore the unusual gift shops, antique stores, boutiques and plenty of cafe treats along Latrobe Terrace, Paddington. Take in the views from Red Hill across Paddington, Rosalie and Bardon - especially spectacular during November when jacarandas flower. The area is the home of two Queensland icons, the Castlemaine XXXX Brewery and Suncorp Stadium. Did you know the Paddington tram line operated until 1969, when the trams were withdrawn from service? The Alderley railway station and the old post office date back to 1899 and 1878 respectively. Government House in Rosalie is worth a visit: keep an eye out in your local paper for its annual open days.
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. The map shows convenience centres near you. The major shopping centres of Toowong, Indooroopilly and Brookside 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 Sedgeley Park in Alderley. For family fun, visit Gregory Park, Paddington or Woolcock Park, Red Hill which was the original site of Judge Woolcock's home, a famous Brisbane Supreme Court judge.
For dogs: check out the local off-leash areas where Fido can release canine tension. Try Gilbert Park in Red Hill, Neal Macrossan Park in Milton, Dorrington Park at Ashgrove or Sunset Park at Bardon.
Take a break
Discover the secrets of your local area. Walk to St Brigid's Church in Red Hill. Built in 1914, the design was based on the fortress churches built during the Middle Ages. Be sure to stop at the artwork 'couch' on Latrobe Terrace overlooking the Paddington valley. For something a little different, revisit our past with a trip to Toowong Cemetery. The large, leafy reserve is the final resting place for more than 115,000 people from pioneer children to explorers. Take a trip to see the heritage figs at Gregory Park in Milton or visit nearby Anzac Park in Dean Street, Toowong where you'll find groves of established native and exotic trees.
Meet friends
No need to travel far for coffee or a meal - catch up with friends at one of the many cafes on Latrobe Terrace and Caxton Street, or visit Park Road in Milton.
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. Or, go for laps at the Newmarket Olympic Pool on Alderson St (you'll double the exercise by walking there). For fitness and fun, try your nearest Active and Healthy Park including Norman Buchan Park at Paddington or Bowman Park at Bardon. 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 Brisbane Botanic Gardens and visit the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium while you are there. Discover our cultural heritage and view Indigenous art showcased in its natural surroundings at Mt Coot-tha Aboriginal Art Trail on JC Slaughter Falls Road at Brisbane Forest Park. You could grab your bike and take in the sweeping views as you ride beside the river on the Centenary Bikeway at Milton or the bike path at Newmarket.
Learn
Release your mind at the Ashgrove and Mt Coot-tha Libraries, where you'll find not only books but also CDs, DVDs, videos, free internet access and training (phone libraries for details).
Useful info
Ashgrove Library 3407 1940 Mt Coot-tha Library 3403 2550 Call Council 24 hours 7 days 3403 8888.
