Queensland Maritime Museum

The Queensland Maritime Museum is located at the intersection of Sidon and Stanley Streets at the southern end of the South Bank Parklands. Staffed by volunteers, the museum offers an engaging look into the long maritime history of Queensland. The museum is open most days of the year from 9:30am to 4:30pm, and also is available outside these hours for private functions. Admission charges range from $3.50 for kids to $7 for adults, with family and group discounts also available. There is also a Museum Shop which stocks a collection of maritime books, gifts, and souvenirs. Great views of many of the outside exhibitions can also be seen from the Goodwill Bridge.

The museum was founded in 1971, and is run by the self-funded voluntary Queensland Maritime Museum Association. The main entrance incorporates a two level exhibition building presenting historic sailing ship models together with merchant shipping from early cargo ships to modern container ships, tankers and cruise liners. Of particular personal interest is the large wall map showing the location of approximately 200 of the 1500 vessels that came to grief in the graveyard of ships along the Queensland coast, in part due to the various coral reefs.


Outside you get to see some of that history come alive. The HMAS Diamatina currently sits in part of the South Brisbane Dry Dock, itself a landmark due to and the century of service it provided to ships and submarines of all types. There are also exhibitions to lighthouses, and other vessels such as the Penguin, and my personal favourite, the Forceful. Built in 1925, for most of her career she acted as a tug on the Brisbane River with brief trips to the Middle East, Fremantle and Darwin during the war years. Her life as a museum ship started at the same time as the opening of the museum back in 1971, although ever now and again she has runs out and about on the river.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Goodwill Bridge

The Goodwill Bridge is a footbridge which links the South Bank Parklands on the southside of the Brisbane River, to the Gardens Point Campus of the Queensland University of Technology on the northside. Opened on the 21st October, 2001, the Goodwill Bridge was named after the Goodwill Games which had been held in Brisbane that same year. The bridge only carries pedestrians and cyclists although it is used for fireworks during the annual Riverfire festival. It is estimated that more than 3 million people cross the bridge each year.

Construction was coordinated by Arup services to a design by Cox Rayner and construction by John Holland. The total cost was over $20 million. The total length is approximately 460 metres long, and just over 6 metres wide. There are two main components: the arch, which is closer to the southern side of the bridge; and the pavillion, which is on the city side and holds a river viewing deck. The bridge is the same height from the water as the nearby Captain Cook and Victoria Bridges, to cater for CityCats passing underneath.

The Goodwill Bridge did attract a certain amount of controversy during construction and when it first opened. It was subject to quite significant budgetary costs, as well as having many critics of its unorthodox design. It definitely isn't your straight and narrow bridge! It does, however, remain an excellent way to get from the City to Southbank from the Botanic Gardens. I think its brilliant, and have incorporated it into my occasional jogs around the city.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Little Stanley Street Restaurants

We've had some real Winter weather here in Brisbane over the past few weeks, which is a bit of a novelty. What better way to enjoy it, than by spending some time out eating in some of the great restaurants the city has to offer. One precinct which has certainly expanded over the past 10 years is Little Stanley Street, adjacent to the South Bank Parklands. In this particular strip you will not only find boutique fashion shops, but a variety of restaurants as well. Most offer both indoor and al fresco dining, as well as take-away service.

The variety is excellent. Ahmets is a licensed Turkish restaurant. The Gandhi Curry House offers Indian. Ginga is Japanese. Toscanis is Mediterranean / Italian. In addition there are Chinese, Vietnamese, Australian and others offering meals ranging from simple fare through to gourmet. You can even have the Aussie staples of steak and seafood!

I've had the pleasure at eating at a number of these restaurants, and although I'm no culinary master, I'd recommend most of them. The food is usually great. I've also found that the service in Brisbane is generally quite good, and especially in Summer when there is a lot to smile about. That said, given a rainy day in Brisbane when things are a bit slower, the staff seem even more likely to smile to give you a bit more warmth. Its all part of the reason why I love living here.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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South Bank Parklands Grand Arbour

The Grand Arbour is a major architectural and horticultural attraction at South Bank Parklands. It weaves from one end of the parklands to the other, and is over a kilometre in length. Consisting of 443 curled pylons of steel, nearly all pylons are interconnected with up to nine steel wires on which grows trains of magenta bougainvillea plants. There are also yellow plates of steel which provide additional shade cover at various locations throughout the walkway.

The Grand Arbour was designed by a Melbourne-based firm Denton Corker Marshall in 1997 and completed in 1999. It was a significant feature in the redesign of the parklands. The walkway is not only enjoyed by tourists, it is also a popular route for runners having been used in a number of fun runs. Art exhibitions are also hung from the wires from time to times, and when the parkland markets hit their peak period many of the stalls use the shade of the arbour to provide comfort for visiting shoppers.


In full bloom the arbour is nothing short of spectacular. I recall when I worked at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in the late 1990's they had a similar but much smaller concept, which I looked forward to see growing. Imagine my delight when I came to Brisbane to find a similar framework, and over the years I've lived here watching it achieve the grandeur of the original design concept flower into what we all can enjoy today. I can't wait until it fully engulfs the entire steel frame!

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Plough Inn

The Plough Inn is the main pub on Stanley Street Plaza at South Bank Parklands. The inn offers both a traditional pub atmosphere, with beer on tap, along with a steakhouse offering both snacks and meals. The view is excellent, across the beach, river and city and to Little Stanley Street. There is the capacity to cater for a variety of functions for up to 500 people. It is open from 11:00am until late daily.

This historic building was originally built as a hotel in 1885. It replaced a previous, less substantial structure on the site, which had functioned as the Plough Inn since 1864. It had its hey day through the tun of the century due its proximity to the South Brisbane wharves, ensuring its popularity amongst the sea going trade. It was also a significant meeting point for troops during World War II. In 1987 the building was modified to function as a tavern during Expo '88.


Today the pub is quite a popular meeting point and eatery, being a focal point for the many tourists who visit Southbank. By both night and day the atmosphere is always friendly and welcoming, and the grub is good. It is very easy to sit at the entrance to the pub with a cool, refreshing drink and watch the world go by.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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A Bronzed Aussie and his Blue Heeler Dog

In the grassed area near Picnic Island at South Bank Parklands stands the sculpture A Bronzed Aussie and his Blue Heeler Dog. This is near the Stanley Street entrance to the Parklands. The sculpture depicts the traditional image of a strong country male with his faithful dog at his side. The statue was commissioned in 1980's for the then new AMP Building in the CBD. This came about from a comment by Lady Flo Bjelke-Petersen. At the official opening of the building she mentioned that the new building and the neighbouring building looked like 'a bronzed Aussie and his Blue Heeler dog.'

The associated plaque doesn't acknowledge who the sculptor is, and I haven't been able to find out from any follow up research. The statue was gifted to the South Bank corporation when the AMP Building foyer underwent refurbishment. The concept of the Bronzed Aussie is a national personification of the weather beaten but proudly strong Australian "battler". The bronzing comes from the constant sun endured by much outside work. The Blue Heeler is a faithful Australian cattle dog, portrayed here as loyally sitting by his master.

This really is an Australian sculpture. You don't get much more Aussie in representation than this, and the Queensland association is quite strong, as the sun burns brighter up here! The hands on hip defiant posture, the thick bushy moustache and the rolled up sleeves all show a man ready to work. It could be for shearing sheep, for herding cattle or for a session of fence fixin'. Regardless, our man is up to the task, and he'll knock down a cold beer afterwards. And all through it, his faithful Bluey will remain close by his side.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Streets Beach

Streets Beach is the current name for the South Bank Parklands Beach. Completed in June 1992, this man made swimming beach is one of the major features of the parklands. The beach areas main feature is a lagoon containing chlorinated fresh water, with enough water to fill five Olympic swimming pools. Surrounding this are sand beaches, palm trees, rocky creeks and subtropical trees and exotic plantings. Streets Beach is the venue of some of the biggest events held in the parklands, with the annual New Year’s Eve Party at South Bank being a primary example. The beach area was designed by Desmond Brookes International.


The beach is incredibly popular during the summer months. Lifeguards are on duty all year, with extended hours during summer. At the moment for April through August, the beach is patrolled from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Access to the Parklands is free, as is using the beach, although you may have to pay for a locker to store beach going items. At the moment, it isn't too busy, but the unseasonally warm weather we have been having certainly had a lot of people swimming today.


How lucky are we to have a swimming beach of this quality in the middle of the city? I believe it is quite rare to have this type of facility freely available to the public. I love that you can come down here and have a dip in such a great location and with such fantastic surrounds. Even the new Aquativity water area is next door. Streets Ice Cream currently have the naming rights for the beach, which is also great because you are guaranteed to be able to get ice-creams all year round. MMMmmm Magnums. The map reference below shows just how significant the beach is within the parkland.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Nepalese Peace Pagoda

The Nepalese Peace Pagoda complemented the Nepalese Pavilion at the World Exposition 1988 (Expo 88), held at Southbank. Facing north-east towards the Brisbane River, the structure is a faithful replica of a traditional Nepalese temple. The Peace Pagoda is the only international exhibit remaining on the old Expo site. It is also the only example of a Nepalese temple in Australia. It was created by craftsmen of Kathmandu Valley specifically for the exhibition. Over 160 families contributed more than a million hours in creating this masterwork. It was originally sited near the Vulture Street entrance to Expo 88. In 1991 it was moved to its current location, amongst the rainforest near the northern riverbank entrance to the Southbank Parklands.


The intricate woodcarvings on the pagoda are exquisite. The exterior carvings include gods, goddesses, and mythical animals. Inside the pagoda the posts, beams, ceiling, and screen timbers are carved with symbolic designs and scenes. The ceiling has scenes from the enlightenment of Buddha, the walls are carved with flowers, and the inner posts and doors are carved with deities. In one corner stands the statue of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddhist deity of compassion.


It is no wonder that this is one of the most photographed buildings in Brisbane. Even on the past rainy weekend when I took these shots there were many people around who were specifically there to view and visit the Pagoda. The Peace Pagoda has a strong association with many Queenslanders, and to that end, the Friends of the Pagoda who actively sought to retain and maintain the structure after Expo are still active in its support. During April on Sundays you can get a guided tour. Go to their website for more details.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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South Bank Parklands Rainforest Walk

South Bank Parklands are on the southern bank of the Brisbane River, at South Bank, directly opposite the CBD. The parklands are connected to the central business district by the Victoria Bridge at the northern end and the Goodwill Bridge at the southern end. It features 17 hectares of lush gardens and lawns. There are markets, shopping, restaurants, cafes, accommodation, swimming on a man made beach, and numerous other activities to partake there. I believe it is one of the best parkland areas in the world.

The obvious feature, given that they are parklands, is the lush nature of the greenery. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Rainforest Walk area, which is in the northern section of the parklands. There are a number of raised wooden walkways, which meander through, around and over water features, thick ground cover, and are shaded by the overhead canopy of a replicated rainforest. There are stairs in certain areas, although if you are wheelchair bound there are multiple access points so you can enjoy it regardless of these types of obstacles.

My kids love South Bank, not only because it means they're going to get Ice Cream, but because of the vast array of activities there. Whenever we walk through the Rainforest Walk, we always discover lizards or wee beasties which my middle son delights in discovering and pointing out. My eldest loves that there are so many people around that he can annoy, and the toddler spends most of the time pointing at things saying "What's that?" What more can you ask for of an area which excites and engages their senses. Oh, and gets me Ice Cream as well!

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Aquativity

Aquativity is a new interactive water play park which has recently been opened at South Bank Parklands. Located adjacent to the Streets Beach, it offers a range of pool and play areas suitable for toddlers through to teens. It was built at an estimated cost more than $4 million by Splat landscape architects who have done many large scale projects around Brisbane. Construction was started in May 2006, and finished early this year.


The primary design philosophy of Aquativity was to create a place of local distinctiveness that celebrates Brisbane. It was also conceived to celebrate Brisbane and one of its defining features, the Brisbane River. To explore this the developers outlined three main themes:

• Environmental interactions with the river
• Indigenous connections to the river
• European settlement patterns as they interact with the river

With the drought they have also had to consider the incorporation of low water use features to match seasonal demands.


They have done a wonderful job putting this together. Even though today it was raining when we finally made it to South Bank, there were still a number of kids playing in the area. Due to the drought, not all the features in the park are working, but many still are including the guided water jets and the interactive water fountains. They also make it clear that the water to fill the park was trucked in from outside the current drought areas. I can't wait to take the boys back with their swimmers, and from the looks on their faces, I don't think they can either!

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Australia Day Fireworks

Today is Australia Day. On Australia Day we Australians come together as a nation to celebrate what's great about Australia. It's the day to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our great nation. It was on this day in 1788 when Captain Arthur Phillip took formal possession of the colony of New South Wales and thus established Australia as we know it. Brisbane as a city wasn't established until 1842 and was originally established (like a lot of areas in Australia) as a penal colony.

Today is a day of backyard cricket, barbeques, and evening fireworks. On the Brisbane River as part of the Australia Day Festival they organised evening fireworks which my son and I went and saw. We watched most of it from the Victoria Bridge which gave a good view down the river with South Bank on our right, and the city to our left. The South Bank Parklands were full tonight with a wide cross section of the Brisbane public. It is great that so many people get out and about on this day, and also great that the majority of people have a public holiday. Unfortunately, since we now have almost unlimited shopping days, a lot of retail businesses still had to operate today, but that did mean we could get an ice-cream after the fireworks!


Many of our indigenous people do not necessarily celebrate Australia Day, but celebrate Survival or Invasion Day. This doesn't mean Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are not proud Australians - their cultures rest firmly on pride, respect and care for this great land we all share. I recognise that it is truly our indigenous people who are the rightful keepers of the land, but ultimately, we're all just visiting!

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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