Blue Skies and Beaches
by unravelau
I was going to suggest Coffs Harbour because apart from the good climate, and friendly safe environment, we also have two substantial hospitals and umpteen nursing homes. On the other side of the coin we are only an hour away (by plane) to Sydney, yet a hop skip and a jump from the real bush. What more could anyone want?
Carole. Brisbane is a pretty busy place but you still have to travel a distance to get to choose a beach. Of course if you like the big city environment with a hot climate then you will have made the right choice. Think about the out of the city options and along the coast either way north or south. I have never regretted my move from the big city (Sydney) to the country area 30 years ago and still think that we have the best of both worlds here.
NATIONAL PARKS IN QUEENSLAND
by balhannah
Queesland has lots of beautiful National Parks where you can visit for a day, or, if you want, camp with a Tent, Campervan or Caravan for a longer time. Its a chance to experience the Wildlife up close. Lots are only about early morning or late afternoon, plus its so much quieter then, a greater chance of seeing them. There are lots & lots of walks to beautiful scenery as well. Peace, quiet, tranquillity, what a lovely way to wake up in the morning.
The website for all the information you need on Queensland National Parks is........
www.epa.qld.gov.au
The Colour Purple - Take a look at the trees
by pedroswift
Well!?? maybe not purple?
People from Brisbane and nearby regions associate the brilliant displays of mauve flowers put on by the Jacaranda trees each Spring with examinations (school and university). The annual flowering of these wonderfully colourful bloomers every October-November coincides with the time of last desperate efforts to cram knowledge into students' heads before university or high school examinations.
I can recommend to visitors coming to Brisbane at this time of year to look about you for good examples of these trees ( and other varieties in bloom ). I find them gob-smackingly beautiful especially individual trees in their prime set amongst evergreens found unexpectedly as one drives around the suburbs.
New Farm Park is a good place to visit an area with lots them. Also a view from Red Hill over the inner western suburbs of the city will reveal a patchwork of mauve and gold( silky oak trees).
Other cities in Australia have beautiful Jacarandas and hold annual festivals to celebrate the flowering. However, Brisbane can claim the first of these South & Central American trees to be planted in Australia. check out: http://www.signaturebrisbane.com.au/?ref=MTYzMg==
WIVENHOE DAM
by balhannah
Wivenhoe Dam is a nice place to visit at any time, especially if you wish to make a day of it. Plenty of picnic areas and room for games, a great family destination.
Another time to visit, is when the Brisbane area has had a huge amount of rainfall and the Dam is full. The Dam's floodgates are open, usually a few at a time, but if necessary, the whole five are opened at once.
We, along with hundred's of others, went along for the look. There are several view points, and what a sight it was. The roar and force of the water, the water heading towards Brisbane down the Brisbane River, was one big, frothy, white mass!
If you didn't have a raincoat on, then you were quite wet from the spray.
We found the best area to view the sight was from upstairs, it wasn't until we went up, that other people realized there was another section for viewing.
If you can, try to go on a weekday, it still was busy, but was regulated well. We queued for a while, and as a car left, another was allowed in. I noticed the sign said to expect a 30min delay, this would be on weekends.
So, if you are here when this happens, go for a look as it doesn't happen very often at all.
The Dam is located 80kms from Brisbane, heading towards Ipswich and then to Esk. It is easy to find, just follow the Brown Tourist signs.
Queensland Cultural Centre - All under 1 roof!
by Jerelis
Surrounded by subtropical gardens it consists of the John Oxley Library (which has the country's most important collection of books and papers relating to the history of Queensland), the Queensland Museum with its 2 million items including the tiny 'Avian Cirrus' aeroplane in which Bert Hinkler made the first solo flight from England to Australia in 1928, a number of restaurants, and the Performing Arts Complex with its Lyric Theatre, Concert Hall and Cremorne Studio Theatre.
The Art Gallery, in which the State's extensive collection is housed, is open from 10.00am-5.00pm every day of the week.
Address:
Queen Street, Brisbane
damaged City Cat dock
Where has the river gone?
Roma Street Parklands
The Planetarium
