Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

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CHAPTER 5 . BRISBANE
good book for those intending to explore Brisbane by foot is Walking Brisbane,
a guide to 30 walks in and around the city, available from most bookshops.
7 Outdoor Pursuits in Brisbane
ACTIVITIES
ABSEILING & ROCK CLIMBING The Kangaroo Point cliffs south of the
Story Bridge are a breeze for first-time abseilers, or so they say. Outdoor Pursuits
(& 07/3391 8776; www.outdoorpursuits.com.au) stages rock climbs up
the cliffs every second Sunday from 8:30am. The experience lasts 3 1 ⁄2 hours and
costs A$39 (US$25) per person. At 1pm you can abseil back during a 4-hour
session for A$39 (US$25) per person. You will fit in four or five abseils in the
course of the afternoon. If you want to climb in the morning and abseil in the
afternoon, you can buy both experiences as a package for A$59 (US$38).
BIKING Bike tracks stretch for 400km (219 miles) around Brisbane. You
often share them with pedestrians and in-line skaters. One great scenic route
starts just west of the Story Bridge, sweeps through the City Botanic Gardens,
and follows the river all the way to the University of Queensland campus at St
Lucia; it’s about 9km (5 1 ⁄2 miles), all up. Brisbane Bicycle Sales and Hire, 87
Albert St. (& 07/3229 2433; www.brizbike.com), will rent you a bike and furnish
you with the Brisbane City Council’s free detailed bike maps. Rentals start
at A$12 (US$7.80) for 1 hour and go up to A$25 (US$16) for the day;
overnight (A$45/US$29), weekly (A$80/US$52), and fortnightly
(A$120/US$78) rentals are available. The price includes helmets, which are
compulsory in Australia. Valet Cycle Hire (& 0408 003 198 mobile phone)
rents bikes, helmets, and maps for A$30 (US$20) for a half day, A$40 (US$26)
full day, and A$70 (US$46) for 2 days. The company also operates an easy
escorted tour each afternoon for about 2 1 ⁄2 hours, departing from the Brisbane
City Gardens, which costs A$38 (US$25) adults and A$30 (US$20) children
7 to 12 years. Bookings essential. The Brisbane City Council at City Hall
(& 07/3403 8888) and Brisbane Tourism’s information booths (see “Visitor
Information” earlier in the chapter) also give out bike maps.
BUSHWALKING Brisbane Forest Park, a 29,000-hectare (71,250-acre)
expanse of bush land, waterfalls, and rainforest a 20-minute drive north of the
city, has many hiking trails from just a few hundred meters long up to 8km (5
miles). Some tracks have themes—one highlights the native mammals in the
park. Another hike, the 1.8km (1-mile) Mt. Coot-tha Aboriginal Art Trail showcases
contemporary Aboriginal art with tree carvings, rock paintings, etchings,
and a dance pit. Most walks depart from one of seven regional centers that are
up to a 20-minute drive from headquarters, so you will need a car. Make a day
of it and pack a picnic. Park Headquarters (& 07/3300 4855) is at 60 Mt.
Nebo Rd., The Gap, where there’s a wildlife display, restaurant, crafts shop, and
information center.
IN-LINE SKATING In-line skaters can use the network of bike/pedestrian
paths. See “Biking” for where to find a map, or just head down to the City
Botanic Gardens at Alice Street and find your own way out along the river.
SkateBiz, 101 Albert St. (& 07/3220 0157), rents blades for A$13 (US$9) for
2 hours, or A$20 (US$13) for any time up to 24 hours. Protective gear is
included. Take photo ID. The store is open from 9am to 5.30pm Monday
through Thursday, 9am to 9pm Friday, 9am to 4pm Saturday, and 10am to 4pm
Sunday.