- 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 original Gympie Road was used from 1867 by Cobb and Co to transport passengers and goods to and from the Gympie goldfields. Milne Hill and Chermside Hills provide basic walking tracks and impressive local views. See hundreds of spiky grass trees, some hundreds of years old, on the Xanthorrhoea Walk in Raven Street Reserve. From the 1870s to the 1890s, the Aspley Vineyard operated between Gympie Road and Maundrell Terrace - 20 bottles of wine then sold for about �1.
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 at Aspley and Chermside are only a bus ride away. Chermside Shopping Centre also has cinemas.
Family fun
For kids: check your local playground - parks in Brisbane have anything from skatebowls to toddler play. In your area, try the park off Wendon Way, Bridgeman Downs or Huxtable Park, Chermside West for family fun.
For dogs: check out the local off-leash areas where Fido can release canine tension. Try the park off Karri Place in Bridgeman Downs or off Castlehaven Close, Chermside West.
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 go far for coffee or a meal - catch up with friends at Aspley shopping precinct. Take time out to explore the range of shops from small boutiques to large chain stores and home centres.
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 fitness and fun, try your nearest Active and Healthy Park, including Raven Street Reserve, McDowall and Huxtable Park, Chermside West. 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 the local park, or explore the unique bushland setting in Chermside West and McDowall where three bushland areas are linked by walking tracks. Downfall Creek Bushland Centre in Raven Street Reserve offers easy walking trails (some with wheelchair access, including the short Senses Trail) and a bikeway - a trails map is available from the Centre. You'll find sheltered picnic tables and BBQs, toilets and parking. Throughout Bridgeman Downs, McDowall and Chermside there are long trails and bushlands with walking tracks and play areas. Go wildlife spotting along Cabbage Tree Creek.
Learn
Release your mind at nearby Chermside Library in Kittyhawk Drive, where you'll find not only books but also CDs, DVDs, videos, free internet access, even storytelling sessions for children (phone the library for details).
Useful info
Chermside Library 3403 7200 Call Council 24 hours 7 days 3403 8888.
