Safety Tips in Brisbane

I didn't know where to put this tip!

I just wanted to let everyone know, that lots of Australian Churches do not have their doors open, all day, every week.
Oversea's, I found the Churches were open, and I was able to wander inside and have a look.
Australia, and yes, I have been able to wander inside quite a few and have a look, and also quite a few have been closed. I guess this is in-case of vandalism.

The one I went to see which was closed, was St Brigid's, a massive red brick structure, high on a hill, overlooking the city at Red Hill. It was built between 1912 - 1914, replacing a small stone church which had served the parish since 1877.

For those that have been to France, and seen the Cathedral at Albi, this should look slightly similar, although not a replica.

Located on Musgrave road, Red Hill, a suburb of Brisbane.

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This Tip applies to most places in Australia not just Brisbane.

You may find it unusual where you live for bike riders to put stacks of extra large heavy duty plastic cable ties over their bicycling helmets so they look like porcupines. You may think bike-riders carrying a hockey stick or a golf putter rather eccentric.
During Spring time the birds nest around parks and gardens in Brisbane (and elsewhere). Magpies are particularly territorial and reinforce their ownership of their nesting area by dive bombing intruders.
Be aware of the possibility.

Note: (Sep 2010) - There have been two fatalities this Spring because of Magpie attacks. One a young person run over by a car while escaping from an attack : the second an elderly gent who suffered an heart attack after being pecked in the eye by a Magpie. As well, a woman in Newcastle who feeds Magpies was pecked on the leg; the wound turned gangrenous and her leg was amputated.
Be aware of the possibilities!!!!

If you are visiting the area of the Museum and Art Galleries by car, then you may need a car park.
The price of a full day car park at these places is in 2009 $14.

Around the streets, there is very little parking available, you may get lucky and find a spot. Beware of parking in Company parking areas, as these are tow-away spots.
Parking Inspectors do work this area, so it is not worth getting a fine.

SOUTHBANK UNDERGROUND CAR PARK is more expensive again!
Entry is from 5am to 6 pm and fees start at $6 for up to 1 hour, and go up by $6 for every hour after.
Saturday/Sunday/Public holidays, you can park for 4 hours for $15.

The best way to visit these places is either by walking or by Train.

Mainly during the summer months, Brizzy has its fair share of afternoon storms. Days can be extremely hot and an afternoon storm comes through to cool things down a bit. In the main, these storms are a welcome relief to the heat and Brisbanites only curse the traffic the rain creates! They are generally over with in an hour or two and the thunder and lightening make things a little dramatic for a while.

However, these storms can also be extremely dangerous and you should take precautions without being too oversensitive about it. Stay off landline phones, don't shelter under trees, park your car under solid shelter... that kind of thing. And if there are flash floods - stay away from the water and any power lines that have come down.

We had a ripper of a storm come through the north-west of Brisbane in November 2008. You truly would have had to see it to believe it. Ferocious. Mother nature can be very powerful and sometimes she feels the need to remind us of the fact!

No need to worry about it though, it is typical of this region during summer and hopefully you will get to experience it at least once. The darkened skies, the mood, the shift in the air as the storm brews, the crackle of electricity. Very Brisbane indeed!

You can read and check out all the latest info at the Australian Bureau of Meteorology or read about it on the Energex website.

Summer, and with Summer in Australia, comes the Snakes.

The snakes come out of there winter hibernation to enjoy the summer weather, just like you and I enjoy the warmer days.
Even though it is a long way before summer officially begins, if the weather is warm, then the Snakes will be about.

They are found in Brisbane itself, in suburbia, even the very venomous Eastern Brown snake. Others are harmless Pythons and Tree Snakes, and some other varieties of venomous snakes.

They are more likely to be sunning in the early morning or later afternoon, not in the extreme heat of the day.

They really are not interested in us, so, just stand still, and let them slither by, the Snake will want to get out of your way as fast as possible!
or...............Walk away.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO KILL IT!

Remember MOST VICTIMS OF SNAKE BITES ARE THOSE THAT HAVE TRIED TO INTERFERE WITH OR TRIED TO KILL THE SNAKE!

If heading to the nearby National parks, like Lamington n/Pk, just be aware of them, a hiker was bitten by a Tiger Snake.

The Green Tree snake is quite beautiful, and it changes its colour to blend in with area.

You probably won't see one on your visit here, but if you do, DON'T PANIC! STAY CALM!

If you are driving a car, make sure that you DO NOT TALK ON THE MOBILE PHONE AND DRIVE!

THIS IS AN OFFENCE
Using a hand-held mobile phone is illegal when driving, even when you are stopped at traffic lights.
This includes making and receiving calls and text messaging.
You must pull over and park in a safe place to make or receive a call.
If you are found using a hand-held mobile phone while driving, you will be given a ticket for this offence.

AND....................

ALWAYS BUCKLE UP, ........IT IS AN OFFENCE NOT TO WEAR A SEATBELT IN THE CAR!

Fines apply.

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The Magpie, most of the year, goes about its business, mixing with people in the city and parks and singing "Warbling Carol" (carolling) beautifully. There are three different kinds, and they are found right across Australia.

In BREEDING SEASON, which occurs from July to Feburary approx., the nest is defended by the Male, and if the threat is percieved to be very serious, the female will leave the nest to help deter the "threat"

IF you are walking or riding a Bike nearby, then this is PROBABLY YOU, AND THE MAGPIE WILL SWOOP YOU!
You may get a jab in the back of the neck, or end up with a lump on the head!
In areas where this is known to happen, there often are signs, other places, if swooped, try and protect your eyes.

The rest of the year, Magpies are happy to mix with humans.
I have a pair that nest in my Gum tree, by my house, year after year, they never swoop me, and when the babies grow, they actually bring them to me. They come to the back Patio, and warble for me to come out to them.
They are not bad Birds, just good mums & dads.

The Magpie (PIPING SHRIKE) is the South Australian State Emblem.

I cannot recall ever being ashamed about anything where my beautiful home town Brisbane is concerned, however last week I went to a restaurant which did put Brisbane to shame and I want to warn any prospective visitors to our fair city, to give this restaurant a very wide berth. It is called 1889 Enoteca and you will find my reasons for giving this warning if you go to my restaurant tips.