Story Bridge Adventure Climb

The Story Bridge Adventure Climb is a two and a half hour climb to the top of Brisbane's Story Bridge. Climbs can be done most days, with four sessions at dawn, day, night and twilight. At the top you are about 80 metres above the Brisbane River, with a 360 degree panoramic view of the city and surrounding suburbs. Prices range from $110-$130 for adults and $82.50 to $97.50 for kids over 12, depending on the day and time of your climb. Base Headquarters is on the Kangaroo Point side of the bridge at 170 Main Street.

Climbs are limited to groups of 12 and are led by an experienced climb leader who provides commentary about the history and heritage of both the bridge and the city. Climbers trek under and over the bridge’s superstructure and the overall climb is around 1 kilometre. The views include east to Moreton Bay and surrounding islands, north to the Glasshouse Mountains, west to Mount Cootha, and south to the Lamington National Park. You can also trace the flow of the Brisbane river out to the Pacific Ocean.

Have I done the adventure climb? No. Am I afraid of heights? Yes. Its not so much the heights I'm afraid of, but rather the fear of jumping off. In this instance, everyone who climbs is attached to a static line for the entire duration, and they are quite strict on the safety aspects which are to be adhered to. I have friends who have done it who say its sensational, particularly at dawn. This afternoon, it was quite overcast, so at least they wouldn't have had to wear sunscreen. If you're touring to Brisbane, why not give it a go. You can even book on their website online.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Masonic Memorial Temple

The Masonic Memorial Temple is located at 309 Ann Street. It is the headquarters of the Freemason organisation in Queensland. With its foundation stone laid on Anzac Day, 25 April, 1928 it initially provided a masonic memorial to those who gave their lives in the first World War. The building was opened on 9th December 1930 in a spectacular ceremony. Since 1930 the hall has been the centre of Masonic activity in Queensland. It is the only dedicated Grand Hall in Australia which is capable of accommodating a Grand Installation. Free tours of the Ann Street Centre are conducted at 2pm Monday to Friday.

The architecture of the building was the result of a competition held in 1923 to produce a design for the temple. The plans of architect Lang Powell were chosen from 16 submissions. It is built in the Classical Greek Revival style, with significant symmetry used in the positioning of the columns and layouts both externally and internally. No expense seems to have been spared, with sandstone, bronze, leadlighting, Queensland timbers and marble used variously throughout. Largely local materials were used.

You can't help but notice this building walking down Ann Street, even with the construction occurring next door. Internally, the Hall of Remembrance with the central urn surrounded by the circular Tuscan columns is a site to behold. Externally the outstanding stonework and the indicative masonic square and compass readily identify the building as Masonic. I like the juxtaposition of the new work going on close to the old, and only hope that unlikely as it is, what they're building next door could come close to the architectural style of the temple.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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The Courier

The Courier is an interactive artwork located at the intersection of George and Charlotte Streets. At first glance, when you approach this sculpture, it appears as though all you are viewing is a large wrapped up stainless steel newspaper. If you bother to look closer, you'll be surprised by the actual nature of this work. Sculpture John Coleman has a reputation for the unconventional, with an emphasis on surprise and the unexpected. Installed in 1999 this certainly meets his criteria.

The Courier's exterior presents news snippets from an early edition of the Moreton Bay Courier. This newspaper was established in 1846, later becoming the Brisbane Courier before merging with the Daily Mail to become Brisbane's current newspaper daily, the Courier Mail. The associated plaque recognises the publication of the Moreton Bay Courier close to the site of the sculpture from 1851 to 1884.

The cool thing about this sculpture is if you look in the various portals around the sculpture you get to see stories of the past and images of the present. When we wandered up to this as a family, my first thought was that I just wanted to take a picture of this fascinating sculpture. Imagine my surprise when my son started looking through all the eye pieces saying "Dad, Dad! Look at this!" Inside we found all sorts of images. Note, it is also important to be holding a red cricket bat. Very Aussie!

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Roma Street Parkland

The Roma Street Parkland is a sub-tropical garden covering 16 hectares behind the Roma Street Station and Brisbane Transit Centre. It is bounded by Wickham Terrace, College Road and Parkland Crescent. The railways are now largely hidden behind the upmarket apartment blocks which have been developed along the southern edge of the park. The parkland features a variety of themed gardens and recreational areas, with plenty to do for families on a day out. There is even a licensed cafe, Melange, which offers a variety of fast and fresh food. You can get guided walks through the parklands if you book. It is open 24 hours daily, and there is no admission charge.


The parkland has five distinct precincts: The Spectacle Garden; Forest Walk; Lake Precinct; Celebration Lawn; and Upper Parkland. There is also a large variety of public art in the park, with well over 20 pieces in various locations. The parkland is the result of the redevelopment of the Roma Street railyards, with construction beginning in January 2000 and completion, with the opening ceremony, in April 2001. More than 100,000 shrubs, 1,200 mature trees, 1,800 unique specimens and 350 palms were initially planted to provide a showcase of world plant species.


This, like the Botanic Gardens, is another showcase parkland which has become quite iconic in Brisbane. The Spectacle Garden, every time I have been there, is amazing and as its name suggests, Spectacular! My kids can run and roam to their heart's content, with playgrounds and large open spaces throughout the park. There is even a motorised train ride around the park to keep them enthralled, and to rest your weary legs as you take in the sites.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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All Saints Anglican Church

All Saints Anglican Church is located at 32 Wickham Terrace. As it is Easter, I thought it appropriate to do another post about an historic church. The present church, the oldest existing Anglican Church in Brisbane, was opened for worship in 1869, replacing an earlier structure of 1862. The original church was a small rubble structure, designed by architect by Benjamin Backhouse. In 1869 architect Richard Suter designed the alterations, which effectively turned into almost a complete rebuild in Gothic style.

The Church was designated as All Saints in 1869. The east end of the church contains the oldest stained glass in Brisbane, installed in 1870. The interior contains examples of hammer-beam roof construction, which is rare in Australia. Artwork includes plaster Stations of the Cross by well known Brisbane sculptor Daphne Mayo, and Christ accepting his Cross in the forecourt. The inscription on the western side of the church reads. DOMUS MEA DOMUS ORATIONIS (My House shall be called a House of Prayer).

I found it interesting that whilst researching this church, although it is Anglican (Church of England) there is a strong tie to the Catholic Church in their services. As their website proclaims, they aim to remind all Anglicans of their historic claim to be an integral part of the Catholic Church. My ignorance is such that when I think Anglican I think of Henry VIII. The church itself is part of the historical fabric of Brisbane. I find it fascinating that of most things which are historically retained in our cities, it is usually the churches which remain in much greater ratios than other buildings.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Rankins on the mall Newsagency

When people talk about a meeting place in the City, they generally arrange to meet up at the intersection of Queen and Albert Streets, smack bang in the middle of the Queens Street Mall. You might say "Meet me outside Hungry Jack's", but you're more likely to say "Meet me in front of Rankins". Rankins Newsagency has been a mainstay of the Mall since it first opened in 1982. Originally, located in the section between Edward and Albert Street, they have changed location 3 times to their present position.

If you check their web site, you find that the original owner has been there for 25 years plus. Quite an effort in the retail game! They are open 7 days a week, generally from 6:00am through to Midnight. Aside from newspapers and magazines, they also sell lollies and chocolate bars, transport tickets, lotto tickets and phone cards. Their position is on one of the prime pieces of real estate in Brisbane, with a huge pedestrian traffic flow which passes each day. With the refurbishment in 1999, the area is also well shaded with the large overhead glass panel.

My sister told me that I should write about some of the more cultural aspects, and the type of people around the city. When you stand in the middle of the mall you see all types. Today, there was a bit of a Goth and Emo convention going on, which was pretty cool. My son is quite social, and there's nothing funnier than watching kids dressed in black sulking, trying to ignore a kid who keeps coming up to them and saying "Hello! How are ya?"

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Pancake Manor at St Luke's Church Hall

The Pancake Manor or Pancake Cafe is located at 18 Charlotte Street. The main item on their menu is obviously Pancakes! There are many variations, including crepes. The food and atmosphere is good, and the restaurant is open 24 hours. There are tables and booths with carved wooden seating. There's a bar in the middle of the main restaurant, as well as a pool table should you feel like playing. Downstairs, the Good Knight Bar is open in the evenings.

The building is part of Brisbane's Heritage Trail. It was originally selected as a site for a new Mission by the Anglican Church in 1903. It opened as St Luke's in 1904, designed with a Romanesque architecture by J.S. Murdoch. It was used as the main Brisbane church for the Anglican congregation until 1910, when St John's Cathedral was completed. From 1910 it acted as an Anglican Mission, and is also famous for housing the Newsboys' Club, amongst other youth groups. It remained associated with the Church until 1977. It opened as the Pancake Manor in 1979.

This is a great place to go with kids. Because of the booths you can squeeze them in so they can't escape, and the fare suits kids tastes for a quick meal out. Who doesn't love pancakes?! Being from Melbourne, there's an obvious association for me with the Pancake Parlour, although I imagine there may be some rivalry between the two. They have the same logo, although one says Perfect and the other says Lovely. Who cares? Both are right in my books!

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Knots

Just above the Venice Cafe Restaurant and Bar in the Admiralty Towers pocket park are three sculptures on knots by Melbourne sculptor Simon Perry. Commissioned in 1996 by the developers of Admiralty Towers II and the Brisbane City Council, the collection consists of three knots sculptured in Helidon Sandstone. The knots represented are: Stevedore's Knot; Sailor's Knot; and Bowline.


Simon Perry is a Melbourne sculptor with a reputation as one of Australia's distinctive public artists. Born in London, Perry commenced his career in public sculpture in the UK and has completed a large number of commissions in the UK and Australia. Simon is a lecturer at RMIT in the School of Art and teaches in the Sculpture section and Art in Public Space. Over the last 20 years the main focus of Simon’s art practice has been in the research, design and production of large-scale public artworks for urban spaces both in Australia and internationally.

These sculpture are wonderfully positioned to represent the original life on the River. As you can see, with the river in the background you get a sense of the nautical feel to the works. This area, near Old Customs House, is where the ships would have come in to port after long sea journeys. I like Simon's works, and am particularly fond of one of his works down in Melbourne known as The Public Purse. I'm grateful we have some of his work represented here in Brisbane as well.

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 African War Memorial

The South African War Memorial is located on the Adelaide Street side of ANZAC Square. It is also known as the Boer War Memorial. Originally commissioned in 1912 to local Brisbane Sculptor James Watts, due to the first World War it was not erected in Brisbane until 1919. It was first placed at the intersection of Turbot and Edward Streets, and moved to its current location at ANZAC Square in early April 1939 in time for the Anzac Day ceremonies of that year. Restoration work was done in 1991.

The life-size bronzed statue depicts a Queensland Mounted Infantryman. Australian involvement in The Boer War was predominantly in mounted units from the colonies and later from the Commonwealth, known variously as Bushmen, Mounted Rifles, Imperial Bushmen, The Australian Commonwealth Horse and the Light Horse. Over 16,000 Australian troops served in the Boer War. The uniform and accoutrements show the sculptors significant attention to detail.


Like today's war, this particular war was largely over a desired asset. The main commercial and strategic reasons for the war were that the British wanted the gold mines of the Boer states. The British reinforced their army and received support from Australia. Like today, there was no real need for us to be there. However, I'm pleased that we have recognised the contribution these men made in giving the ultimate sacrifice. Eighty-nine Queenslanders died during the war. These are represented on plaques on both sides of the memorial.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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A Hidden Heritage Walkway

As part of the building of Admiralty Towers II, a residential apartment block at 501 Queen Street, the developers created what is known as Admiralty Towers Pocket Park. The tower was completed in 1996. The park provides an escape from the concrete jungle and a place where tower residents can at least have some greenery. It looks out over the river, so the views are fantastic. However, the thing that has struck me in this area is what I would term as a "hidden" walkway below the rear of the park.

What intrigues me about the walkway is the architecture of the retaining wall. I assume it was part of the works done to prevent flooding of Queen Street as it approached the river, keeping at its elevated level significantly above the waterline. I also believe it was built at the same time as the original Customs House. It appears to be sandstone stonework with arched insets. The wall itself would be a good five metres high.

I know that I'm indulging myself here, but when I first walked this path I was amazed at how few people would have known it was even there. True, if you were in the Admiralty Tower's, it provides a shortcut up to Queen Street. Alternatively, if you were staying at the Marriott, and took the back entrance you could go through it. I just love the stonework, and that it has stood the test of time, even with new residential developments in the area.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Jemmy Morrill and the Brolgas

Jemmy Morrill and the Brolgas sculpture is located in the City Botanic Gardens. Sculpted by Lindsay Daen (1923-2001) in 1993, it is made of Bronze and is located in the ponds near the rainforest. The sculpture is on permanent loan from the Queensland Art Gallery. Daen liked his work to reflect man, animal and flight, and he has done so successfully with this work.

There are two main subjects of this sculpture. The main focus is the sailor Jemmy Morrill, who lived with the Aboriginals for 17 years after being the only survivor from a vessel shipwrecked on the Great Barrier Reef in 1846. He was the first white man in the vast north country and went on to play an important role in improving relations between the Aboriginal people and early settlers. The other is the Brolga, an Australian Stork often referred to as a native companion. The sculptor has noted this description of how he came to portray Morrill in this form:

“...naked and emaciated, awed and fearful... coming to terms with this strange environment as he hesitantly begins to dance with the Brolgas.”

Can you imagine being transferred into a totally foreign world, alone, a different colour and not understanding of any of the cultural nor behavioural traits of the group that finds you? This would have been the case for Jemmy (aka James Murrells) after he first stepped onto our Australian shores. The acceptance of the aboriginal inhabitants to this unique stranger should be a more acknowledged reminder today of the relationship we should have. They were accepting of us, we should officially say sorry in our reconciliation!

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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Forme del Mito - Part Two

As I wrote yesterday, Forme del Mito, or Forms of Myth, is a group of bronze sculptures located in King George Square designed by Italian artist Arnaldo Pomodoro. Each figure represents a force and principal character from the Greek tragedy of Agamemnon. We left off yesterday as Agamemnon had sacrificed his daughter Iphegenia to gain favour with the gods as he went to fight the Trojan War.

The war spanned several years and after the capture of Troy, Cassandra, doomed prophetess, fell to Agamemnon's lot in the distribution of the prizes of war. Agamemnon returned to his kingdom with Cassandra, however in his absence his wife Clytemnestra had taken a lover Aegisthus. Together they plotted to murder Agamemnon and Cassandra. They were invited to a banquet at which they were treacherously slain. Clytemnestra wrath at the sacrifice of Iphegenia, and her jealousy of Cassandra, are said to have been the motives of her crime. Here, Clytemnestra is represented as the cylindrical shape in the foreground with the form of ambition. Aegisthus is in the background in the form of the machine.

The fourth of the sculptures represents Cassandra, in the form of prophecy. The tragedy continued in that Agamemnon's son, Orestes, in turn avenged his father's death by killing his mother Clytemnestra, and Aegisthus, although this led to his downward spiral into madness. I would bet that many people look at these sculptures and might think "Dalek", or "Golden Music Box" - but not many would think they represented Greek Tradgedy in all its messy glory. Another reason why I love Brisbane, because our cultural diversity is so obscure!

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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