General Tips on Brissy
by TypicalBrisChick
This is a tip u must remember all the time- wear a hat! It is always stinking hot in Brisbane. Also, even though u hear it everywhere, saying someone is your 'mate' isn't a very nice thing 2 say if u first meet them. It is if u get 2 know them better. Also, you have to go shopping in the city. It's absolutely great!!!
Another tip, don't cross anywhere u like, because u can't and it's very dangerous. Always wait at the traffic lights, or at a crossing.
Hope u love Brissy!!! : )
Brief History
by Adeline_Foo
BRISBANE CITY derived its name from the naming of the Brisbane River in 1823 by surveyor General John Oxley, in honour of Major-General Sir Thomas McDougall Brisbane. The Brisbane area was then a part of New South Wales and Major-General Brisbane was its Governor-General. From the first settlement in 1824 in Redcliffe, the area was used for the sole purpose of containing “the worst class of offenders” among Australia’s convict population. In 1842 free settlers began to move in and the community of Brisbane, as it is today, had its beginning
Public Holidays (in Brisbane) for 2006
by Aleyd
Public Holidays (in Brisbane) for 2006
Note: Public holidays can vary by state and city.
02 Jan New Years Day Holiday
26 Jan Australia Day
14 Apr Good Friday
15 Apr Easter Saturday
17 Apr Easter Monday
25 Apr Anzac Day
01 May Labour Day
12 Jun Queens Birthday
16 Aug Royal Queensland Show Day
25 Dec Christmas Day
26 Dec Boxing Day
Brisbane Military History Site
by pedroswift
Interested in Historic Military Sites? Interested in Living History? Combine the two with a visit to the annual historical re-enactment day at Fort Lytton National Park which is located not far from the Mouth of the Brisbane River 18 kms from the CBD.
The park is normally open every Sunday 10am to 4pm. Tours of the area are conducted by guides. Groups can book weekday tours by phoning (07) 3393 4647.
The re-enactment day was most recently held on July 26, 2009 but in the past was held on the Queen’s Birthday Weekend.
The fort was built in 1881 as a counter to the “Russian Threat” to British Colonial Power. As well as gun batteries, a system of under water mines capable of being triggered from the fort were used to protect the approaches to Brisbane City.
The area has been a military area ever since 1881 and has been used during the two world wars as training grounds as well as part of Australia’s coastal defence system. In recent years, most of the adjoining land has been sold off to an oil company who operates a refinery.
The fort buildings feature displays of military equipment over the period 1880 to present time. Much of it is Communications orientated as the fort played a major role in the Australian Army Signals Corp over the years. As a matter of fact, your scribe, an ex-army signals reserve soldier got a two weeks break from college to supplement staff at the nearby command radio site during the mobilization of regular Australian troops back in the mid 1960’s during the Indonesian Confrontation. This nebulous personal contact with the area makes my visits even more interesting I suppose.
If you can organize a visit during the annual re-enactment day, you and your family will find a huge range of historical eras represented from Viking Warriors, to Knights of Olde to Napoleonic Army and more modern Re-enactment Groups. The regular firing of artillery pieces and demonstrations of various pieces of military equipment and the chance of a hamburger and a cold drink all make for an entertaining day out for the family.
Access is via the road to the Port of Brisbane (Lytton Rd) Follow the Fort Lytton signs.
Entry gate to property - approx Lat Long:27º25'09.25"S; 153º08'59.00"E
More info
YATALA DRIVE-IN THEATRE
by balhannah
Are you old enough to remember those lovely warm Summer's nights, watching the latest Movies at the local Drive-In Theatre?
Those were the days!.......And in the area where the last remaining Drive-in Theatre is, there used to be 20!
Yatala [formerly Beenleigh] opened in 1974, screening... ....
"The Way We Were" & "Living Free," which starred Barbara Streisand and Robert Redford.
A record run for the Drive-In was 32 weeks for Crocodile Dundee.
For those that don't exactly know what a Drive-In is, its when you drive your car to the open-air movie theatre and watch a Movie.
All the latest movies are on show here. It really is good fun, especially on those HOT Queensland evenings.
We usually sit in our car, if cold weather, bring a blanket to keep warm, if in Summer, then may sit out in the open under the stars in our camping chairs. Some people even bring mattresses and pillows for that extra bit of comfort!....others come in their Utes and back in, then sit in the back!
All you need, is to hear the sound that comes from the speakers. If you are in your Car, you can use FM STEREO SOUND through your Car Radio or hook the speaker in your window.
After we have found 'our parking spot,' then we head to the Canteen for something to nibble during the Movie. No need to dress up here either, slippers are common in Winter, so are children in their pyjamas.
Number of Car spots available are 575.
Over 90 movies screen per year, with the average showing for a 2 week season.
Gates open approx 45 minutes prior to Showtime, and on Friday and Saturdays the gates open at least an hour prior to Showtime.
It is best to arrive as early as possible on busy weekends when the weather is nice.
There is no ATM at the ticket office, so you need 'cash' to get in.
The Yatala Twin Drive-In is open 7 nights per week & shows all the latest blockbusters.
During school holidays and on selected weekends, single feature "Family Sessions" a carload of four (4) is admitted for only $20.
To find out what is showing, look in the Courier Mail newspaper under Birch Carroll & Coyle. [movies section], The Gold Coast Bulletin on Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays, Albert & Logan News on Fridays and the Reporter on Wednesdays and on the Drive-ins website.
ADMISSION........
1 MOVIE [Blockbuster] ...$12 ADULT $6 CHILD
2 MOVIES [late releases]...$15 ADULT $8 CHILD
All children under 6 are admitted for FREE.
LOCATION.....just off the Pacific Motorway (M1) at 100 Jacobs Well Road (Yatala North Exit 38,)
MovieLine:
(07) 3287 2930
Dick Johnson Racing Workshops is next door to the Drive-In if you are a Ford V8 motor racing fan. [see my other tip]
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inside/outside - folding doors
The new skys towers over the heritage listed hotel
Roma Street Parklands
Map of the gardens
