Things to See & Do in Brisbane
Posted July 22, 2009 , trackbackThere is a saying associated with Queensland in Australia: Beautiful one day, perfect the next. And since I am from that very state, I cannot say a bad word about the place (although plenty of other Australians will try). One reason for this is that other states are jealous of the year-round warm weather, great sandy stretches of coast, a world-class botanical garden, and the friendly attitude of the natives.
See? I told you I couldn’t be mean to Queensland.
Another factor in the bad attitude towards Queensland would be the fact that we had a notoriously corrupt government during the 1980s, which for some reason… just seemed to keep getting voted back in. But enough of that, the old codger is dead, and his wife still happily makes pumpkin scones – mention that and you just might sound like one of the locals.
Inside that ’70s dome at Brisbane’s Botanical Garden
Currently, we are in a period of a relatively normal government, and the state has become a haven for nature and shopping junkies alike. I can’t go through the entire place in this scrap of an article, but there are some places around my hometown Brisbane that are worth a gander.
Things to see & do in Brisbane
While Brissie (yes, that is what we locals call it) may not be a raging hubbub of all-night parties and obvious cultural influences, it does have some rather picturesque (and odd) visions. Take for example South Bank – a faux beach riding along the waves of the Brisbane River, which hosts a number of pool and chillax areas, as well as a range of eating an drinking opportunities. Great for during the hot sticky days of summer. (However, word of warning to watch your gear, as you don’t want to be left high and dry, or rather low and soaking, after a frolic in the fountainous goodness.)
The beach at South Bank
Right, so South Bank is in the CBD basically, just a short stroll from the parochially named Queen Street Mall – don’t even get me started on the idea of Republic of Australia… how many times people?? Digressions aside, the CBD has shops and cinemas… oh and a fair few pubs, which can be either full of suits or a bit rough.
Fortitude Valley isn’t just for gay junkies anymore
So really, my recommendation is to venture further than the CBD, and get yourself to Fortitude Valley. Although strangely, trying to find it on the train ticket machine was intensely difficult… maybe it was just jet lag, but really! Anyways, the train will take you to Brunswick St station – head from there to the Brunswick St Mall, cos the other way can be kinda scary.
The Valley, as it is known, used to be home to derelicts, misfits, punks, gays junkies every kind of miscreant there was… ahh, those were the days of freedom and frolicking madly. Since being cleaned up for the…er I was trying to think of a reason, but I think it was cleaned up for the sake of money. Since then, it is probably a lot more accessible to the masses – there are a variety of shops, bars, pubs and eating places there.
Long term haunts are Rics caf? and Fatboys, which are joined together. Though beware, you can’t have your food in the bar section, due to smoking laws. And the staff there do tend to go against the ‘everyone be friendly’ policy of the warmer states, just letting you know it is not personal, they hate everyone. Also in the Mall is the Troubador, which puts on good live shows, and also the Globe theatre just near the train station. As for party places – alright, if I must – Monastery, Family, MoonBar. The others make me groan out loud, so I tell you not what they be.
Another bonus to the Valley Mall are the markets on Sundays, which are full of handmade crafts, second hand and vintage clothes, fun new designs, and loads of weird shit to keep you occupied for a while. One of the best guys there is an old dude who has been making shoes since I was at Uni, and he makes great leather sandals that are super comfy…
Brisbane with a view & food
If you are looking for a spectacular view of the city, a short drive from the centre of town will get you to Mt Cootha Garden, which has a great botanical garden selection, and a cool dome from the ’70s that makes you feel like you are in some kind of science fiction film. Further along is a fab drive up the mountain, to the scenic viewing point. There is also a great restaurant called The Summit, which has a fine menu and excellent desserts. Ah, the memories… actually, my dad fell asleep at the table, and then got angry at the waiter. But they are very accommodating, so they were nice enough to give us an extra dessert to calm him down.
West End also has a great range of pseudo-hipster bars and cafes, which are super for a casual Sund’y beer, or a little bit o’ shoppin’. The Lychee Lounge serves awesome cocktails, althgouh it can be a bit exy-pensive. But they are worth the extravagance. Another slice of chilled out heaven is the Shire, where you can get all different coffees, teas and bits to eat – oh, the pies are chew-tastic.
If you are not a pie aficionado, in Australia, you will become one. And if they are bio, even better, cos they really are an experience. And often on the weekends there will be bands and DJs at the Shire. There is also a great bookshop in West End called Avid Books, with heaps of second hand classics and newbies. I love to troll through the shelves, and the owner is friendly and very knowledgeable.
So that is but a taste of what Brisbane has to offer. Others may bite and snivel about Brisbanes’s cultural origins – we were of course one of the last settlements, and have a fairly large bevan background. However, since the invention of the modern telefonee and other such contraptions, Brisvegas, as it is fondly referred to by residents, gives a far more relaxed view on life, and reminds you that slowing down does not have to be a bad thing. Just watch out for the crocs (the human kind) at South Bank, remember to smile and you will be doing fine.
-Tina Grace
Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Brisbane tours & things to do, from Brisbane harbour cruises to day trips from Brisbane.
Comments»
no comments yet - be the first?