Things to do Brisbane
This blog will likely be a work in progress, however if you are visiting my home town of Brisbane and looking for a few things to do, here are some of my top picks.
Enoggera Lake (or ‘reservoir’)
The Enoggera reservoir has a lot to offer and perhaps is a bit of a
hidden gem. It has almost everything to offer:
Walk-about-Creek Discovery Center
Arriving by car off Mt. Nebo Rd you will be first greated by the
Walk-about Creek Discovery centre which includes a cafe, wedding venue
and zoo. Randomly you can see kangaroos, Wombats, snakes, crocs and
platapuses in the Animal enclosure for a small entry fee.
Local history
Originally constructed to supply water for a growing Brisbane
population, there are some interesting facts that go along with the dam,
it was supposed to be one of five to be built up the D’Agular range,
however after it was built the following up stream dams never were
built.
Swimming and Fishing
Cool off in summer or brave the cold in winter, the Lake is
open to recreation such as swimming, paddlecraft and fishing. Access the
swimming area from the Walk-about Creek Discovery Centre car park. You
can also hire kayaks, and paddleboards on weekends in summer.
Hiking Trails
There are many hiking trails that start and end here, from short 5km
walks around the north side of the lake, near the waters edge. To
multi-day hikes up into D’Agular National park. In fact you can follow
trails all the way up to Mt. Nebo, Mt. Glorious, and Beyond. Some
bikepackers adventure all the way up to Kilcoy and around Somerset
Dam.
Mountain Biking Fire trails around the lake also open to the MTBs and there is a pump track near the discovery centre to practice skills. However the pump track is not maintained super well, so go at your own risk. There are some good begginer tracks for kids that are usually less overgrown though.
~~~ Getting there ~~~
Car
You can drive to the Walkabout creek discovery Centre. Parking might be
competative in Summer.
Public Transport
Check out Translinks
journey planner and set the destination to “Gap park and ride;
Illowra Street, The Gap QLD”. When you hop off at the stop, walk west
towards the car park and Dam wall. There is a footpath that you can
follow that will take you up to the swimming area and trail heads.
Uber/Taxi
If I have to explain this, it is probably not the travel method for you
…
North Stradbroke Island
While technically not in Brisbane this has to be my No. 1 favorite place in the world. The beaches are just amazing!! > Must see: while there is the gorge walk at the point of Point lookout.
~~~ Getting there ~~~
Car
Catch the car ferry from cleaveland to Dunwich and explore the island.
Just don’t miss Point Lookout, where you will want to budget the most of
your time on the island
Public Transport
Train -> Bus -> Boat -> Bus to get to the beach
Check out Translinks journey planner and set the destination to “Mooloomba Rd, Point Lookout QLD”.
Southbank Parklands
Go for a swim, coffee at a cafe or visit the art galleries
Must see: Gallery of Modern Art The far east end of Southbank
Mt Coot-ha
Mt Cootha Botanic Gardens
Mt Cootha Lookout
Mt Cootha forest park
Night life
West End
The Valley
Cafe life
West End
New Farm