- 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
- Plan something for the weekend
- Release your mind
- Get more information
Snapshot
It's believed that the name Nudgee came from the Indigenous (Oondumbi clan) words N'mugi or Na'dah, meaning the 'home of wild ducks'. Black ducks and wood ducks are still regularly seen in the area. Boondall is the home of the International Ice-Skating Rink where Olympian Steven Bradbury trained. The Brisbane Entertainment Centre is a primary venue in Queensland for hosting concerts, family shows and sporting events. From September to March, Boondall Wetlands become home to migratory wading birds from as far away as Alaska, China and Japan. The pub at Pinkenba was a favourite watering hole for American soldiers during World War II.
Shopping
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 Toombul and Chermside are just a bus ride away and both have cinemas.
Family fun
For kids: check your local playground - parks in Brisbane have anything from skatebowls to toddler play. In your area, try Nudgee Beach Reserve for family fun. Enjoy the playground and basketball half-court, or plan a barbecue with friends or family.
For dogs: check out the local off-leash areas where Fido can release canine tension. Try College Way Park in Boondall or Nudgee Waterhole Reserve. The off-leash area at Tuckeroo Park on Nudgee Road at Nudgee Beach is just on your right-hand side after the boat ramp. This is one of the few off-leash areas with water access and a dog obstacle course.
Take a break
Discover the secrets of your local area. The unique Boondall Wetlands is on your doorstep, and is Brisbane's largest remaining wetland area (1000 hectares of tidal flats, mangroves, salt marshes, melaleuca wetlands, grasslands, open forests and woodlands). Walkways and bikeways provide access to and through the Wetlands. A novel transport mode is by canoe - Kedron Brook, Nudgee Creek, Nundah Creek and Cabbage Tree Creek provide many kilometres of canoe trails. A bird watching haven, the best viewing spots are from the Nudgee Beach foreshore, the bird hide on the Tabbil-ban Dhagun mangrove boardwalk and the bird hide on a walk from the Boondall Wetlands Information Centre.
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 fun and fitness, try your nearset Active and Healthy Park, including nearby Mulbeam Park, corner Muller and Beams Road, Boondall. Try your hand at golf at Virginia or Nudgee Golf Course or enjoy a game of bowls at either Banyo or Northgate Bowls Clubs.
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 bushland area. Try Donna Phillip Reserve, Holme Avenue, or Boondall Wetlands. The wetlands offer flat, sealed pathways for cycling, walking trails and a visitors' centre with activities for all ages including cycling adventures, guided walks, canoeing, art and craft workshops. Check out Anne Beasley's lookout - the path to the top is steep, but the view is worth it. Release your mind at Banyo Library 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).
Learn
LEARN about Indigenous culture in Boondall Wetlands. View the Nurri Millen artwork sculptures, 18 cast aluminium totems along Billai Dhagun walking track, the bikeway and at Nudgee Beach. The totems refer to food, plants and animals, tools, camp life and the Dreaming, and each totem is placed near a related site, plant or animal habitat. The nurri millen (many names) totem is the legend totem. Also explore the famous Nudgee Waterholes and Bora Ring on the corner of Childs and Nudgee Roads, Nudgee, one of the last remaining intact bora rings in Brisbane.
Useful info
Banyo Library 3403 2200 Boondall Wetlands Visitor Centre 3865 5187 Call Council 24 hours 7 days 3403 8888.
