Information, Brisbane

Favorite thing: I thought I would list some different ideas in case you (the Tourist) would like something a little different.

First of all, I must say that I haven't done these "as" tours, as living here, I can visit of my own accord. You could do this a lot cheaper with your own planning.

So, Here goes.....Overnight Bush Safari Camp and 4WD tour on Moreton Island.

You get to tour the island in a 4WD, seeing forests, pristine beaches, Cape Moreton Light House (a great spot for wildlife viewing), Blue Lagoon (fresh water lake infused with tea tree oils), 40km of uninterrupted surf beach, The Big sand hills for sand tobogganing and great views, Five Hills Look out (panoramic views back to Australia and the Glass House Mountains.)

During the two days your guide will take you on short bush walks, explaining the island flora and fauna, and on a guided snorkel around fifteen amazing ship wrecks which are teeming with fish life.

Cost 2009, about $300 which includes the Ferry fee of $40

There are also day trips available that are similar and a lot cheaper, and also day 4WD tours to North Stradbroke Island which is very nice.

Fondest memory: http://www.discoverbrisbane.com/things/index.html

Favorite thing: This is what they call a WILD RIDE!

What happens, is you are a passenger in a car driven by one of the professional Stunt drivers currently work in the film industry, both in Australia and overseas.
They have worked on movies such as Mad Max, Mission Impossible 2, Ghost Rider, Superman, etc., so they know what they are doing!
So......If you want a "wild ride" in Brisbane, then you may enjoy this!

A "Wild Ride" includes..... 90 and 180 degree turns... Barrel turns ... Reverse and forward 180 degree spins ....Reverse and forward 360 degree spins

http://www.stuntdrivingxperience.com.au/

PHONE.....07 3287 1551
Tollfree: 1300 559 170

PRICE IN 2009 is $110 ( Booking essential)

Time 2pm

Location
Willow Bank (Brisbane - Queensland)

WILLOWBANK Raceway: Champions Way, Willowbank. Willowbank Raceway is approximately 50 kms west of Brisbane, on the outskirts of Ipswich and close to the Amberley air force base.

Favorite thing: This is a lovely way to take in the sights of Brisbane. Depending on the tide, you'll paddle past South Bank, New Farm, under the Gateway Bridge and see many of Brisbane River's most beautiful sights.
Canoeing can be done morning or afternoon, and refreshments are served along the way.

Location.....Kangaroo Point (Brisbane - Queensland)

COST IN 2009.....$79

Tour lasts for 3hours.

http://jumpin.godo.com.au/fu.cfm?affiliateID=337&path=/activity/TMTA101

Favorite thing: The Queensland state flag was created as a colonial flag - a British Blue Ensign with the badge of the colony added to the blue field.

Because some of the Australian state badges were originally created to represent the Governor (as distinct from the Colony) they generally showed some element of British royal heraldry - the main criteria being that it be different from similar badges used in other parts of the Empire.

Queensland uses a blue Maltese Cross (Malta used a red cross). The Crown [superimposed on the cross] on the Queensland badge represented the status of the Governor as representative of Queen Victoria in the Colony.

Ralph Kelly

Fondest memory: extracted from:
http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/au-ql.html

Favorite thing: Every year we have 'the Ekka', which is like a carnival type event. It is well known, and schools have a 2 day holiday. When you go, it is very busy and crowded, so be careful. It is costly and you pay for parking (hint, take a bus or train!!) and also for entry, plus food and rides. One of the main highlights of the Ekka is the showbags, filled with lollies and toys galore! The rides are not to flash, try a few though but the theme parks are better. There is plenty of animals and wildlife to see with as well!

Fondest memory: The atmosphere is good, music and fun.

Favorite thing: One of my favourite things is All Sorts Fitness studio at 626 Brunswick Street, New Farm (07 33585796). Owner Joel is a fully qualified Master personal trainer who caters to all ages, genders and levels of fitness. He is happy to do casual sessions for people passing through Brisbane or he welcomes holidaymakers or business people to join one of his groups in the beautiful New Farm Park. Group Sessions in the park cost $10 per one hour session and are particularly good for the over 40's looking to work off some of that holiday food in a beautiful setting on the Brisbane River.

Fondest memory: This is what I miss when I'm away because I have never been able to find somewhere that I can just call in for a workout in any of the cities I've visited anywhere in the world. I find it especially hard since I am 58 years old but that's why I recommend this studio to anyone visiting Brisbane. Everybody is welcome and Joel will cater expecially to your personal needs whether you have one on one training or join a group session.

Favorite thing: 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!!! : )

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Favorite thing: As I have mentioned elsewhere in this page, Brisbane is in a state of constant redevelopment. In the past this has had some unfortunate results, when enthusiasts of “progress” have destroyed marvellous historic buildings which had real merit. The most notorious of these was the destruction some years ago of the “Bellevue Hotel”, a stately late 1800s building with beautiful ornamental cast iron verandahs, destroyed in the middle of the night to overcome public protests. I could also count the former “Chardon’s Corner Hotel”, long since gone, which was a brilliant piece of high Victoriana.

Today, a more considered approach is being taken to redevelopment. I must admit I do not know the story of the building which occupied the demolition site where I took the main photo for this tip – it was on the corner of Elizabeth and Albert Streets in the city, and I could not resist the image. Shades of the "Cheshire Cat’s" smile! The second photo was taken from a CityCat and shows the wasteland (seen in 2005) where the former Newstead wharves (which had no particular merit of any kind) were situated. I understand that a major residential area is under development there: commercial shipping for Brisbane now has a major new port complex at the mouth of the river.