One Day in Brisbane..What to Do?
Feb 18th, 2005, 06:28 AM
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One Day in Brisbane..What to Do?
Hello...Arriving Brisbane aboard the Sapphire Princess on March 9th, Wednesday.
We'll be in port from 8am - 6pm.
Looking for ideas of what to do for the day.
We'll be doing the Skyrail/Kuranda in Cairns and the Territory Wildlife Park in Darwin...so I think we have the rainforests covered.
Any other suggestions...we like wildlife, cultural events, musuems, shopping and lunch!
We're not the type to go to the beach.
What are your thoughts on Mount Tamborine? Any suggestions on how to get there?
Any other advice greatly appreciated.
We'll be in port from 8am - 6pm.
Looking for ideas of what to do for the day.
We'll be doing the Skyrail/Kuranda in Cairns and the Territory Wildlife Park in Darwin...so I think we have the rainforests covered.
Any other suggestions...we like wildlife, cultural events, musuems, shopping and lunch!
We're not the type to go to the beach.
What are your thoughts on Mount Tamborine? Any suggestions on how to get there?
Any other advice greatly appreciated.
Feb 18th, 2005, 12:16 PM
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Your arrival in Brisbane will be a bit of an anticlimax after Sydney Harbour as its river is barely large enough to get a ship in and out again. The facilities at the wharf are extremely primitive as well but that will soon be changing I hear.
Brisbane is a different city from other Australian cities and there are many things to while away your time there but perhaps not want you want.
Because it is semi-tropical it is more laid back and informal.
Either take a taxi to Southbank and wander around there. There is a museum close and also an Arts Centre and you can walk across the bridge to the Queen Street Mall after you have taken in the sights of Southbank. Plenty of shopping in the Mall ( mall as in closed off street for pedestrians only ) with shops either side. The Casino is just there as well so you can while away some of your time in and around that area. Get directions to the old Botanical Gardens as that is a nice area to spend a while too.
Other than that if you wanted to go to say Australia zoo then you could do that with some planning by taking a train there and back.
Brisbane is a different city from other Australian cities and there are many things to while away your time there but perhaps not want you want.
Because it is semi-tropical it is more laid back and informal.
Either take a taxi to Southbank and wander around there. There is a museum close and also an Arts Centre and you can walk across the bridge to the Queen Street Mall after you have taken in the sights of Southbank. Plenty of shopping in the Mall ( mall as in closed off street for pedestrians only ) with shops either side. The Casino is just there as well so you can while away some of your time in and around that area. Get directions to the old Botanical Gardens as that is a nice area to spend a while too.
Other than that if you wanted to go to say Australia zoo then you could do that with some planning by taking a train there and back.
Feb 19th, 2005, 09:59 AM
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We enjoyed the view from Mt. Cootha ( I am probably not spelling that correctly) and had fun wangering around the Paddington area. The city transportation is quite good o a bus pass can show you quite a bit of the city. There was also a beautiful cathedral, which I don't remember the name of that was undergoing some renovation in 2003... St. Paul's? Maybe a local can help you. Also, try the Moreton Bay Bugs, they were delicious!
Feb 19th, 2005, 03:10 PM
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Crowsie, Do you know what side of the Brisbane River your ship will berth? Will it be at Fisherman Islands (the south side) or Pinkenba/Hamilton (the north side)?
If the north side, it would be easy for you to get to the nearest Citycat ferry stop at Hamilton and from there you could go right up the river, stopping wherever you wanted. The ferries are big comfortable catamarans and you get a really good look at the city from the front deck.
There are nice restaurants at South Bank (my favourite is River Canteen) but there's a new fusion restaurant called "Timmy's" run by Timmy Kemp, a Thai women who has French training.
There's also a good restaurant on the river's edge at New Farm (before you reach the city). It's at the Powerhouse complex. This is an old converted powerhouse which now has theatres and "Watt" restaurant. I believe they are open during the day, and might be a good spot for lunch.
If you wanted to go shopping in the city centre,that's just across the river from South Bank.
To see what events might be on, onthe 9th March, there are two useful websites you could check: www.ourbrisbane.com and www.brisbanemarketing.com.au
As well as the Museum and Art Gallery at South Bank, there's also the Conservatorium of Music. There are often good concerts given there. However, I checked their website and there seems to be only one concert on the 9th, in the evening (which obviously wouldn't suit you). You may want to contact the Con to double check that, as sometimes the programs change.
You will find Brisbane unlike Sydney but we like its laidback friendly pace. The port facilities for cruise ships are a joke, but I thought I heard there's going to be a new complex some time in the future. No good for you, though!
Cheers from Brissie.
If the north side, it would be easy for you to get to the nearest Citycat ferry stop at Hamilton and from there you could go right up the river, stopping wherever you wanted. The ferries are big comfortable catamarans and you get a really good look at the city from the front deck.
There are nice restaurants at South Bank (my favourite is River Canteen) but there's a new fusion restaurant called "Timmy's" run by Timmy Kemp, a Thai women who has French training.
There's also a good restaurant on the river's edge at New Farm (before you reach the city). It's at the Powerhouse complex. This is an old converted powerhouse which now has theatres and "Watt" restaurant. I believe they are open during the day, and might be a good spot for lunch.
If you wanted to go shopping in the city centre,that's just across the river from South Bank.
To see what events might be on, onthe 9th March, there are two useful websites you could check: www.ourbrisbane.com and www.brisbanemarketing.com.au
As well as the Museum and Art Gallery at South Bank, there's also the Conservatorium of Music. There are often good concerts given there. However, I checked their website and there seems to be only one concert on the 9th, in the evening (which obviously wouldn't suit you). You may want to contact the Con to double check that, as sometimes the programs change.
You will find Brisbane unlike Sydney but we like its laidback friendly pace. The port facilities for cruise ships are a joke, but I thought I heard there's going to be a new complex some time in the future. No good for you, though!
Cheers from Brissie.
Feb 21st, 2005, 12:27 AM
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Hello,
I wouldn't suggest Aussie Zoo if you're there for just one day. It would be all you get to do and there's plenty to do in Brisbane.
As someone else mentioned, it sounds like you'd enjoy southbank. It's a lot of things rolled into 1. I won't go over the things everyone else mentioned but in addition...
There are man made lagoons/beaches for swimming, the maratime museum, if you cross the goodwill bridge (a foot bridge) you pretty much land in the city botanic gardens. A short walk to the western end lands you in the newly developed Roma Street gardens.
There is a 3D/Imax theatre and normal cinema, loads of cafés and restaurants.
My favourite thing about brisbane are the Gold Class Cinemas. These can only be found in the suburbs. You get a reclining chair and they serve food and alcohol to you during the movie. If that idea interests you go to http://www.greaterunion.com.au/ you have to book ahead.
Gold class cinemas are at Garden City SC (10 mins on the busway), indooroopilli (15 mins on the train), and chermside (too far).
I wouldn't suggest Aussie Zoo if you're there for just one day. It would be all you get to do and there's plenty to do in Brisbane.
As someone else mentioned, it sounds like you'd enjoy southbank. It's a lot of things rolled into 1. I won't go over the things everyone else mentioned but in addition...
There are man made lagoons/beaches for swimming, the maratime museum, if you cross the goodwill bridge (a foot bridge) you pretty much land in the city botanic gardens. A short walk to the western end lands you in the newly developed Roma Street gardens.
There is a 3D/Imax theatre and normal cinema, loads of cafés and restaurants.
My favourite thing about brisbane are the Gold Class Cinemas. These can only be found in the suburbs. You get a reclining chair and they serve food and alcohol to you during the movie. If that idea interests you go to http://www.greaterunion.com.au/ you have to book ahead.
Gold class cinemas are at Garden City SC (10 mins on the busway), indooroopilli (15 mins on the train), and chermside (too far).
Feb 21st, 2005, 03:33 AM
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>You will find Brisbane unlike Sydney but we like its laidback friendly pace.
Yep and much better weather.
>The port facilities for cruise ships are a joke, but I thought I heard there's going to be a new complex some time in the future. No good for you, though!
Yes. The port facilities are not really designed for passenger ships. I saw them on my way to Moreton Island. They are in the process of reclaiming land (dumping land fill into the bay) to extend the port. it will one day be a very pretty port =).
Yep and much better weather.
>The port facilities for cruise ships are a joke, but I thought I heard there's going to be a new complex some time in the future. No good for you, though!
Yes. The port facilities are not really designed for passenger ships. I saw them on my way to Moreton Island. They are in the process of reclaiming land (dumping land fill into the bay) to extend the port. it will one day be a very pretty port =).
Feb 21st, 2005, 03:37 AM
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>We enjoyed the view from Mt. Cootha ( I am probably not spelling that correctly)
You did spell it right. The view is magnificent. Unfortunately, AFAIK, and I could be wrong, you can't get to the mount cootha lookout via public transportation.
You did spell it right. The view is magnificent. Unfortunately, AFAIK, and I could be wrong, you can't get to the mount cootha lookout via public transportation.
Feb 21st, 2005, 05:51 AM
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These are all wonderful ideas...thanks so much for your help.
I'll email this thread to the rest of our group and we'll print and take it with us....much easier to carry than a guide book!
Looking forward to experiencing your city!
I'll email this thread to the rest of our group and we'll print and take it with us....much easier to carry than a guide book!
Looking forward to experiencing your city!
Feb 25th, 2005, 04:52 AM
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>Your arrival in Brisbane will be a bit of an anticlimax after Sydney Harbour as its river is barely large enough to get a ship in and out again.
Oh beemer, if you don't like the place don't comment on it. There's no need ot make stuff up. Brisbane river is huge. Certainly comparible to the size of the Yara in melb. It may not be a harbour but how many Australian cities outside of sydney have one of those?
I may have a bias towards my home city but i'd never let it get in the way of offering sound travel advice. What you've said is not merely a matter of opinion, it's just incorrect.
Did you meet a Qlder once who was rude to you or something?
Oh beemer, if you don't like the place don't comment on it. There's no need ot make stuff up. Brisbane river is huge. Certainly comparible to the size of the Yara in melb. It may not be a harbour but how many Australian cities outside of sydney have one of those?
I may have a bias towards my home city but i'd never let it get in the way of offering sound travel advice. What you've said is not merely a matter of opinion, it's just incorrect.
Did you meet a Qlder once who was rude to you or something?
Feb 26th, 2005, 05:15 AM
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Here are some pictures of the river that is, apparently "barely large enough to get a ship in and out again."
http://www.brisbane-australia.com/100083.php
http://www.brisbane-australia.com/100072.php
The QEII didn't have any problems getting and out. It even managed to pass underneath the gateway bridge.
http://www.brisbane-australia.com/100083.php
http://www.brisbane-australia.com/100072.php
The QEII didn't have any problems getting and out. It even managed to pass underneath the gateway bridge.
Feb 26th, 2005, 12:38 PM
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Brisbanite; coming into Brisbane by ship is very much an anticlimax after Sydney that it has to be mentioned that its about the uglyist river entrance in Australia. You ask "what other Australian city outside Sydney has a harbour"? Well for starters, Darwin has a harbour and without all those nasty Industrial settings en route to it. Hobart has a harbour which is comparable to Sydney harbour in beauty. Melbourne has Port Philip Bay which is like a large harbour and Adelaide has a large non-intrusive entrance to it. Brisbane is nothing more than a large country town with nothing for international visitors that most other cities in the world has. It is not special or different or even pretty and it has nothing unique about it. In fact Brisbane is about as boring a city as you could possibly find. If people have a limited time in Australia why would you want them to spend it in boringville?
Feb 26th, 2005, 02:13 PM
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What about moreton bay beemer?
I just think you proved my point regarding your biased opinion. I don't know what you problem is but your response is clearly full of emotion and has no logical/factual basis.
I don't know what the basis is for this bias and don't really care but you're clearly not a person who should be offering anyone travel advice.
I just think you proved my point regarding your biased opinion. I don't know what you problem is but your response is clearly full of emotion and has no logical/factual basis.
I don't know what the basis is for this bias and don't really care but you're clearly not a person who should be offering anyone travel advice.
Feb 26th, 2005, 03:02 PM
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>Brisbane is nothing more than a large country town
Really? Do you think companies like IBM, Apple and Red Hat are in the habit of setting up their Asia-Pacific head offices in country towns?
So what's your opinion of Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Canberra and Hobart? All of which have smaller populations than Brisbane. Which I might add, is Australia’s third largest city.
What's your opinion of Milan, Dublin, Belfast, Athens and San Diego? Again, all smaller populations to Brisbane yet cities that have a lot to offer.
You talk about our 'laid back' lifestyle as if it's a bad thing. Do you prefer to be up tight on your holidays Beemer?
As for the river being ugly. I don’t have to say anything to show how ridiculous that remark is. People can see and judge for themselves…
http://www.terragalleria.com/pacific....aust2488.html
It’s a beautiful river. It’s a big river. It’s absolutely nothing like you suggest. Brisbane is the gateway to south east Queensland. A region of Australia very densely populated with tourist attractions.
Beemer, you’re obviously bitter towards Brisbane and SE Qld for some reason. But it’s awfully selfish of you to harness that bitterness when offering travel advice to those good folk out there spending their hard earned money on a well earned holiday to one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Your lack of consideration for the users of this forum is beginning to make me feel ill. I suggest you give it a rest.
Really? Do you think companies like IBM, Apple and Red Hat are in the habit of setting up their Asia-Pacific head offices in country towns?
So what's your opinion of Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Canberra and Hobart? All of which have smaller populations than Brisbane. Which I might add, is Australia’s third largest city.
What's your opinion of Milan, Dublin, Belfast, Athens and San Diego? Again, all smaller populations to Brisbane yet cities that have a lot to offer.
You talk about our 'laid back' lifestyle as if it's a bad thing. Do you prefer to be up tight on your holidays Beemer?
As for the river being ugly. I don’t have to say anything to show how ridiculous that remark is. People can see and judge for themselves…
http://www.terragalleria.com/pacific....aust2488.html
It’s a beautiful river. It’s a big river. It’s absolutely nothing like you suggest. Brisbane is the gateway to south east Queensland. A region of Australia very densely populated with tourist attractions.
Beemer, you’re obviously bitter towards Brisbane and SE Qld for some reason. But it’s awfully selfish of you to harness that bitterness when offering travel advice to those good folk out there spending their hard earned money on a well earned holiday to one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Your lack of consideration for the users of this forum is beginning to make me feel ill. I suggest you give it a rest.
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