Hi! My name is Jody, and I have been a teacher at Langports Brisbane for about three years. When I came to Brisbane ten years ago, I was an international student like many of you. Brisbane is such a beautiful place and over the years, I’ve explored and discovered countless things to do and places to go in and around Brisbane–some of which you may or may not have already discovered for yourselves, but I’d like to share them with you anyway. Here are my Top 10 (in no particular order)!
1. Markets
The Davies Park (West End) Market on Saturday mornings, Jan Powers Farmers Market in the city on Wednesdays, and the Eumundi Markets at the Sunshine Coast are my favourites. Interesting and unique home-made crafts and delicacies, an array of food, and fresh produce that are often cheaper in bulk and much better in quality compared to what you get in a supermarket… What’s there to not love?
2. Beaches
One of the main reasons I chose to stay in Brisbane is because I love the warm weather, and beautiful beaches are easily accessible by car or public transport. I love being in the water with my bodyboard, or just lying in the sun with a good book and/or good company. There are many great beaches along the Gold Coast, and I absolutely love Noosa Heads at the Sunshine Coast. Stay a night or two over the weekend to maximize beach time; you could even check out the local nightlife (which is pretty good at the Gold Coast!)
3. Go To A Game
Aussies love their sports, and going to a live rugby/soccer/AFL game at the Suncorp or Woolloongabba Stadium is an experience not to be missed.
4. Food
Have you tried Vietnamese food? Greek? African? When you are studying abroad, it is normal to start missing and craving for food from your home country, but many students who come to Brisbane do not realize that Australia is one of the best places to try different cuisines from around the world! I love food, and one of my favourite things about being in Brisbane is that it is so easy to find food from different countries because of the terrific mix of cultures and ethnicities here. So next time you happen to have nothing to do on a weekend, take advantage of being here, round up a couple of friends, and try out a new cuisine. Be adventurous with your tastebuds!
5. Southbank
The Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), the museum or art gallery, and the State Library… So many options to choose from, especially on a rainy day. If you can afford it, catch a play at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) for a spectacularly unique experience watching a live theatre performance! Otherwise, gather a few friends and bag a spot at one of the many free BBQ pits along South Bank Parklands.The man-made beach is also great for a quick dip to cool down on a hot day.
6. Byron Bay
If you’re up for it, rent a car and head out with some friends to the most easterly point of the Australian mainland to catch the sunrise. The views by the lighthouse can be breathtaking if the weather is clear. After that, head down to the beach for a swim,or stroll around the shops with an ice-cream to cool you down in the summer heat.
7. Nightlife — Fortitude Valley
Always good for a crazy night out with friends! Safety should always be a priority though; keep in mind that people can do stupid things when they’re drunk. Always go out in a group, and take care of each other when you’re out.
8. Festivals
There’s always something happening in and around Brisbane, such as the French Festival, the International Film Festival, the EKKA, the Valley Fiesta, the Seafood and Wine Festival, the Bluesfest at Byron Bay, and many more. For a list of what’s on, just do a quick search on the internet. My all-time favourite has to be the Paniyiri Greek Festival, which is held around May every year.
9. Have a Picnic in a Park
Bring a picnic blanket and some food/snacks, a frisbee, a soccer ball, and friends. Hire a tandem bike and cycle over the Story Bridge. Or bring some meat for the barbie at Roma Street Parklands. Awesome way to spend a relaxing afternoon! Kangaroo Point is also a nice place for rock-climbing/abseiling. There is an activities centre there called Riverlife which offers that in addition to other activities… Kayaking along the Brisbane River is one of my favourite things to do.
10. The Islands
Fraser Island, Moreton Island, and Stradbroke Island are all stunning places to check out for a bit of camping, fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving, dolphin-spotting, whale-watching (in winter), or sand tobogganing. While out fishing and scuba-diving over the past few weeks, I’ve been lucky enough to see whales, turtles, and lots of friendly dolphins! By the way- Did you know that Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world?
I’d love to write more, but this list would be never-ending! If you need more ideas of what to do in and around Brisbane or the Gold Coast, see your activities officer Keilie or Nichole, they will be able to provide you with heaps of great ideas.
Enjoy your time at Langports and in Australia! 🙂