Strathpine Park

Things to do: Bring your bikes, watch the ducks on the ponds,bring a ball to kick around, visit the site of the Normanby distillery, a great playground for the kids,climb the lookout, room to run!

Getting There: Catch a train to Strathpine Station and cross the road at the lights.

Don't Forget: Hats, suncreen

Check Out: The paths keep going along past Westfield shopping centre

Other Options: Visit Westfield Foodcourt for lunch.
Visit Lei Park at Lawnton

More Info:
Bike path maps
http://www.prsc.qld.gov.au/c/prsc?a=da&did=1132528&pid=1095923458&sid=
http://www.petercampbellrealty.com/NowandThen/NormanbyDistillery.htm
http://www.maxlink.com.au/pinerivers/PARK/pineriv.htm

RiverLife Brisbane River

A Different view of the River.
Minimum 8 years.

Things To D0:
Hire a kickbike, a regular bike or rollerblades
Guided Kayaking sessions
RockClimbing/Abseiling
Pumpabiking
Night Kayaking sessions with Wine and Canapes or Hahn and Prawns

Getting There:
Catch a ferry from Eagle Street to Thornton Street
Walk over the Goodwill Bridge

Don't Forget:
Hat,sunscreen and water

Check Out:
The Sand Tobogganing run through their sister company at Tangalooma.
The view from the top of the cliffs

Other Options:
After 2 guided Kayaking sessions you can hire a canoe on your own.

More Information:
http://www.riverlife.com.au/

Ipswich

Ipswich has enough things to do to keep you busy for a few days or a few visits!

Things to Do:
Visit the Railway Workshops
Visit Queens Park and the Nature Centre
Visit Global Arts Centre at the Ipswich Art Gallery
Bushwalks at Denmark Hill Conservation Park
Follow the Ipswich Heritage Trail
Enjoy the new Riverwalk area and visit this area at night to see the creature light show

Getting There:
Catch a train to Ipswich

Don't Forget:
Sunscreen and Hats
Queens Park has a kiosk, BBQ facilities and a lookout

Check Out:
The old Railway Bridge remnants behind the shopping centre on the edge of the river.

Other Options:
Catch a train further on to Rosewood
Visit the grave of Dan Kelly in the Ipswich Cemetery

More Information:
http://www.ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au/
http://www.ipswichcentral.com.au/river/
http://www.theworkshops.qm.qld.gov.au/
http://www.heritagetrails.qld.gov.au/attractions/ipswich2.html
http://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/about_ipswich/parks_reserves_precincts/parks_search/index.php?id=75
http://www.ironoutlaw.com/html/writings_hall.html

Toombul Kalinga Park

Another great playground, away from traffic with public toilets and lots of different playground equipment.

Things to Do:
Bring a picnic
Bring your bikes,scooters etc and use the bikepaths nearby

Getting There:
Catch a train to Toombul Station

Don't Forget:
Water, hats and sunscreen

Check Out:
The old Mine of the Northern side of the creek

Other Options:
Follow the pathways and cross over Shaw Rd to see the wildlife in the wetlands.

More Information:
http://www.ourbrisbane.com/activeandhealthy/families/kidsparks/

Toombul Bike Criterium

Toombul has a big bicycle criterium behind the shopping centre.

Getting There:
Take your bike on the train to Toombul

Don't Forget:
Helmet, water and sunscreen

Check Out:
The Historic Cemetery next to the Criterium

Warning:
If serious bike racers are using the track, please be careful!

Other Options:
If you follow the path past the Criterium, it joins the Kedron Brook "Jim Soorley" Bikeway which you can follow all the way to Nudgee.


More Info:
http://www.ourbrisbane.com/activeandhealthy/recreation/cycling/destinations/
http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/projects/heritage/index.cgi?place=600271&back=1

Shorncliffe

Shorncliffe Foreshore has just had renovations done. There's a great park near the Jetty and rock pools to play in along the shore.

Things to Do:
Look at the boats in the Marina, play in the park, look for sealife in the rockpools.

Getting There:
Take a Shorncliffe train from Northgate.

Don't Forget:
Sunscreen and a Hat

Check Out:
The View from the top of the cliffs

Other Options: Keep walking along the foreshore to Sandgate where you can visit the lagoons.

More Info:
http://www.ourbrisbane.com/living/suburbs/shorncliffe/history/

Caboolture

There are many things to see and do in Caboolture, some great parks and lots of wildlife to see.

Things to Do:
Apex Park on Morayfield Rd has great picnic areas,2 playgrounds and duckponds.
The Arboretum (Norfolk Esplanade) has more duckponds, lots of walking paths and you may even see Turtles.

Platypus Playground (Grant rd/Julie Drive) has lots of different playground equipment, however there are no public toilets nearby.
Caboolture Historical Village (Beerburrum Rd) admission $10 adults Children 5+ $2

Getting There:
Catch a train to Caboolture

Don't Forget:
Hats,sunscreen

Cafes:
Cafe De Cruiz in King st is a great cafe owned by a local woman. (It's not open Sundays)

Check Out:
The Historic Railway Pumping Station Boiler (Wallace st)

Other Options:
Buses go from Caboolture Train Station to Bribie Island
On Show Day in August the Caboolture Shire Council hold a free family funday
In May The Caboolture UrbanCountry festival is on with lots of free events (free buses from the train station)
Farmfantastic in July is another event with lots to see ( free buses from the Train Station)
In March there is a Multicultural festival in the Town Square
In July the Medieval Festival is on at The Abbey Museum at St Michaels Church (free buses from the train station)

More Information:
http://www.historicalvillage.com.au/village.html
http://www.farmfantastic.com/
http://www.caboolture.qld.gov.au/attractions.aspx?display=locality&show=Caboolture
http://www.urbancountry.com.au/
http://www.abbeytournament.com/

Kidspace at Chermside

One of the best playgrounds we have ever been to.

Things to do:
Bring your bikes, scooters,roller blades, plenty of paths nearby.
Bring a picnic

Getting There:
We walk from Geebung or Virginia train stations but you could catch a bus
Use Translinks journey planner to find the bus route which suits you
http://www.transinfo.com.au/

Don't Forget :
Hat,sunscreen, water. Chermside shopping centre is nearby for shopping or food.

Check Out:
The Mountains to Mangroves corridor info signs http://www.mountainstomangroves.org/

Other Options:
Chermside Splash Park is just up the road! http://www.splash.com.au/

More Info:
http://www.ourbrisbane.com/living/suburbs/chermside/png/
http://www.queenslandholidays.com.au/things-to-see-and-do/kidspace/index.cfm

Riverwalk

The Riverwalk along the Brisbane River from Eagle st to New Farm park is a great walk or bike ride.

Things to Do:
Look for fish in the river, watch the citycats and ferries go past
Great playground and trees to climb in at New Farm Park
Farmers markets at Powerhouse 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month
Powerhouse has activities during the school holidays

Getting There:
Catch a Citycat to Eagle St or Riverside or walk from Central Train station

Don't Forget:
Water, sunscreen and a hat

Check Out:
The airraid shelters from WW2 and the lizards you may see basking in the sun on the old wharves.

Other Options:
Start from New Farm Park instead.
Walk over The Storey Bridge and continue your walk along the cliffs

More Info:
http://www.brisbanepowerhouse.org/
http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/BCC:STANDARD::pc=PC_1217
http://www.ozatwar.com/bunkers/howardsmithwharves.htm

Enchanted Forest Dorrington

This park was a wonderful accidental find. Lots of play equipment and fenced so very safe for little ones.
Fraser's Rd Ashgrove/Dorrington

Things to Do:
Bring a picnic, ride your bikes

Getting There:
Catch a 350 Express from outside the Roma st Police headquarters (stop 130) and get off at Fraser's Bridge.

Don't forget:
Hat,sunscreen, food and drink (There are no shops near the park)

Check Out:
The path way goes on as far as The Gap if you want to keep riding!

Other Options:
Ashgrove Park, (if you head back towards the city along the bikeway you'll find the park) Lots of room to run around and bushwalk trails.

More Information: http://www.ourbrisbane.com/living/suburbs/ashgrove/png/

Redcliffe Lagoon to Clontarf

This was a very long walk but it was a spur of the moment thing and we weren't really prepared for such a long walk. From the Redcliffe Lagoon you can walk along the foreshore all the way around to Clontarf (and on to Sandgate to finish if you are up for it!)

Things to Do:
Swim at the lagoon, fish from the jetty, swim at Sutton's beach, get fish and chips from the takeaway shop at Woody Point.
There's a great playground at Woody Point.

Getting there:
Catch a bus from the city, or from Petrie, Caboolture or Morayfield Train stations.

Don't forget:
Hat,sunscreen,water

Check Out :
The wreck of The Gayundah on the point.
Redcliffe Maritime Museum

Other Options:
Keep walking across the Hornibrook Bridge.

More Information: http://www.redcliffe.qld.gov.au/redcliffe_museum_web/02_for_schools/The%20Gayundah%20fact%20sheet.pdf
http://www.redcliffe.qld.gov.au/tourism/parks.html
http://www.redcliffe.qld.gov.au/redcliffe_museum_web/museum.htm

Boondall Wetlands

Boondall wetlands has great bikepaths, an environmental centre,boardwalks, birdhides and an Aboriginal art trail.

Things to Do:
Ride your bike or walk the pathways, some pathways are walking only, there are bikeracks in the picnic area to chain your bike to.

Getting there:
Catch a train to Boondall station and follow the pathway through the Entertainment centre and under the highway.

Don't forget :
Sunscreen,Insect Repellant, water and a hat

Other Options:
You could ride on from Boondall wetlands to the Kedron Brook bikeway, but be prepared for a long ride. Or you could ride back the other way to Shorncliffe instead.

More Information: http://www.ourbrisbane.com/visitors/seeanddo/river/boondall_sandgate.htm
http://www.mountainstomangroves.org/01_cms/details.asp?ID=126

Brisbane Bikeways

You can take your Bicycle on the train outside of peak hours for no extra cost.
Brisbane has many great Bikeways

Don't Forget :
Helmet, sunscreen, water

Hiring Bikes :
You can hire a bike from Brisbane Botanical Gardens Valet Cycles

More Information:
http://www.bikely.com/
http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/BCC:STANDARD::pc=PC_1219
http://www.ourbrisbane.com/activeandhealthy/recreation/cycling/
http://www.discoverbrisbane.com/brisbane/bikeways.html
http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/BCC:BASE::pc=PC_934

Island Hopping

Russell/Lamb/Macleay/Karragarra Islands, in Southern Moreton Bay are well worth a visit, see what Island life is like.

Things to Do-
All 4 Islands have swimming enclosures on the beach and picnic areas. Karragarra has a playground.

Getting There:
Route 250 Buses from Brisbane City. Bay Islands Transit System Ferries leave from Weinam Creek Ferry Terminal Banana St Redland Bay.
Ferries depart approx every 30 minutes, one service running clockwise the other anticlockwise.
Currently an Island Hopper ticket which entitles you to a return trip to the Islands and 3 inter-island trips costs $14.50 for an adult and $7.50 for a child.

Getting Back:
Ferries run until 9pm (check timetable)

Don't forget:
Pick up a timetable on the ferry, sunscreen,hats,water,insect repellant.

Check Out:
The old Saltmines on Macleay Island, walk along the foreshore, but watch out for the tide!

Warning :
Be Careful of tides and don't forget the insect repellant.
Karragarra Island has no shops, so make sure you buy water etc from one of the other islands.

Other Options:
Lamb Island has a Bed and Breakfast B&B

More Information:
Russell Island
Lamb Island

Gold Coast Oceanway

Walk along the Gold Coast, visit some of Qld's best beaches, playgrounds and you could even walk to Seaworld like we did.
Things to do- Along the walk you can see into the Sheraton Mirage Resort, there's a monument in cable park which recognizes the incredible achievement of laying the telegraph cable that first connected Australia to North America in the 1920s, also visit Macintosh island playground and see Bigfoot sleeping in his cave! Of course you can take your swimmers and try out the beaches!

Getting There:
Train to Robina and then a 750 Seaworld bus and get off where ever you would like to start your walk.

Don't Forget:
Hat,sunscreen and water!

Check Out
- Bigfoot at Macintosh Island
- The Suspension Bridge (sadly it was closed when we were there)
- The Mirage Resort
- The Great Playground near the historic Southport SLSC

Other Options
Visit Seaworld or the Q1 Observation deck or Marina Mirage Shopping Centre.
There are some great parks around the GC http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/t_standard.aspx?pid=5930

More Information:
http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/t_standard.aspx?pid=5622
http://www.federationwalk.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q1_(building)

Southbank

Southbank is always a great family day out, there's always something on, something new to see, even just sitting along the riverbank watching the boats go by is a great way to spend a few hours.

Things to do there:
Swim at the man made beach
The Science centre (entry fee)
Museum (gold coin donation)
Art Gallery (Gold coin donation)
Gallery of Modern Art
State Library (Has an excellent children's section and also an Official Bookcrossing Zone)
Playgrounds
At the Northern end past GOMA there is a lovely new picnic area.

Getting there:
Catch a City Cat across from North Quay
Catch a train to South Brisbane or Southbank stations
walk- over the Goodwill pedestrian bridge or Victoria Bridge
Catch a bus to the Cultural Centre stop

Don't Forget :
Hat, sunscreen and water. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from. If you plan to go to the Mangroves in the Botanic Gardens you might need some insect repellant.

Check out:
-the Nepalese Pagoda a reminder of Expo 88
- The original Victoria Bridge pylons
- The Markets

Other Options:
- Walk along to the Maritime Museum (entry fee)
- Kangaroo Point cliffs walk (a great walk along the river under the cliffs where you can see people abseiling,a lookout, lots of places to stop for a rest, there's also RiverLife http://www.ourbrisbane.com/visitors/seeanddo/river/riverlife.htm where you can hire Rollerblades or Kayaks for a faster journey!)
- Walk over the Goodwill bridge and along to the City Botanic gardens, another nice walk along the riverbank. (visit the Kangaroo statue near the cafe) Walk through the Mangrove Boardwalk
- Walk past the picnic area at the far Northern end of Southbank and you can keep walking all the way to the West End Ferry stop, past the rowing clubs and a historic gas tower.

More Information-
http://www.abc.net.au/brisbane/stories/s1767541.htm
http://www.visitsouthbank.com.au/home
http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/
http://www.southbank.qm.qld.gov.au/
http://www.southbank.qm.qld.gov.au/sciencentre/
http://www.qag.qld.gov.au/
http://www.qpac.com.au/home/