Brisbane: it’s not just South Bank!

Hello from Langports! When we ask our students what they got up to on the weekend, 99.9% of the time (ok, that might be a slight exaggeration!) students tell us that they went to South Bank, or to “Roma Park” (actual name = Roma St Parklands).  Sure, these are lovely green spaces in the middle of bustling Brisbane, but that is not all that this buzzing city has to offer.  Brisbane is packed with awesome things to see and do! So if you are willing to step out of your comfort zone, here are just a few of our favourites that we’d like to share with you:

Go natural

• JC Slaughter Falls walk

Have you been to Mt Coot-tha and taken a selfie from the lookout?  Chances are you have.  But did you know that Mt Coot-tha is also a popular spot for hikers? JC Slaughter Falls is one of Mt Coot-tha’s most popular walking trails, where you can also see some pre-historic Aboriginal art.  The walk takes about an hour (up to the top and back down again).  Bonus tip: if you go after it’s been raining, you’ll get to see some pretty little waterfalls.

• Enoggera Reservoir

Just 20 minutes by car from Brisbane’s CBD is a hidden dam and walking track.  It is a beautiful spot to go swimming and chill out with your mates – and way less touristy than South Bank!  You can even hire out a kayak or stand-up paddleboard if you are the sporty type.  Take a picnic, an inflatable flamingo (if you have one!), and enjoy getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Fun stuff

Brisbanites love being active and making the most of their weekends.  Here are just a couple of activities you could try:

• Victoria Park Mini Golf

Just a short bus ride from the CBD, this 18-hole mini golf course (or “putt putt” as we call it in Australia) has superb views of the city.

• Barefoot Bowls at Merthyr – do you love kicking off your shoes and hanging with your mates?  Do you love drinking beer in the sunshine?  If so, barefoot bowls is for you.  Jump on a CityCat and head to this popular bowls club and learn how to play this iconic sport like the Aussies do: with a beer in one hand and shoes off.

Bars and Live Music

Brisbane is full of quirky little bars and live music venues – some of them are quite hard to find but worth the effort! Here are just a few:

• Black Bear Lodge – for cheap and cheerful gigs
• Brooklyn Standard – where no one cares how you dance
• Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall – bonus points for finding the hidden Mermaid Lounge
• Cafe + Bar – for the most awesome $10 happy-hour cocktails in Brisbane
• Greaser Bar – dark, graffiti-filled, incredibly difficult to find. Good luck!
• Pincadia and Netherworld – nerd heaven

Other cool things to check out

• New Farm Powerhouse – For all your art, comedy, and live music needs
• QAGOMA and Qld Museum/Sciencentre – For anyone interested in Art and Science and cool history things
• Weekend Markets – for fresh food that is much cheaper and better quality than at Woolies or Coles!
• No Lights No Lycra – Dance your heart out in complete darkness for one hour every Tuesday night in West End

So, what are you waiting for?  Get out and explore all that this fantastic city has to offer!

Related Blogs:

Travelling, studying, and how to enjoy them both! http://www.langports.com/22040-2/

Traveling – Leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller. http://www.langports.com/traveling-leaves-you-speechless-then-turns-you-into-a-storyteller/