Travelling to Brisbane

[Plays With Light]

Howdy all,

The better half and I will be travelling to Brisbane in late August/early September for six days and would love to know what suggestions you folks have to go and see and do whilst there. She will be attending a three day conference and that leaves us three days to go sightseeing together and lucky me gets three more days to go off photographing by myself. :D

We are staying directly across the river from the Southbank precinct and I would love to get some twilight/night images of the area and definitely fit in a Chinatown visit while we are there. Apart from that, what else can you all recommend for us?

We won't be driving, but rather, using public transit or walking to get around the place.

I'm contemplating taking the birding lens and monopod, and will be taking a tripod, the 24-105mm lens and my 24mm tilt-shift lens for some panoramas and architectural details.

Are there some wetlands/birding hotspots that are accessible by public transit that I could visit? What zoos/aquariums/animal sanctuaries are recommended? Does anyone know if there are day trip coaches up to O'Reilleys? :confused013

Thanks for all assistance offered.

Alex

[nardes]

Hi Alex

A very easy day out might be to visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (http://www.koala.net/en-au/). You can get there by boat from the Brisbane CBD - from their website:

"By Boat
The Mirimar boat cruise leaves the Cultural Centre Pontoon in Southbank at 10am daily. The pontoon is located on the boardwalk outside of the State Library.
The cruise takes about 75 mins. It arrives at Lone Pine at around 11:15am and departs for the city at 2:15pm.
The cruise travels through some of the city’s most historic landscapes, iconic attractions and historical home sites as you listen to an entertaining and informative commentary."

I'm not sure about day trips to O'Reilly's and it is worth noting that in the winter months, the days are short and cold there, so I am unsure at what the birding opportunities are like then, as we have always visited in the summer months.

Cheers

Dennis

[Plays With Light]

Hi Alex

A very easy day out might be to visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (http://www.koala.net/en-au/). You can get there by boat from the Brisbane CBD - from their website:

"By Boat
The Mirimar boat cruise leaves the Cultural Centre Pontoon in Southbank at 10am daily. The pontoon is located on the boardwalk outside of the State Library.
The cruise takes about 75 mins. It arrives at Lone Pine at around 11:15am and departs for the city at 2:15pm.
The cruise travels through some of the city’s most historic landscapes, iconic attractions and historical home sites as you listen to an entertaining and informative commentary."

I'm not sure about day trips to O'Reilly's and it is worth noting that in the winter months, the days are short and cold there, so I am unsure at what the birding opportunities are like then, as we have always visited in the summer months.

Cheers

Dennis

Thanks, Dennis, that does look interesting and easy enough to get to. We found out that there are day trip coaches up to O'Reilley's, so shall book an excursion there, looking forward to the treetop walk. :cool:

[ameerat42]

Don't forget to go up Mt Coot-tha. (That's COOT + THA:D)
Two trips might be the go: day and evening.

Also, Roma St Gardens...

(Not bad for a Sydneysider:cool:)

[J.davis]

If going to Mt Coot-tha, the botanical gardens are at the base, road goes pat it on the way.

[Mark L]

Are there some wetlands/birding hotspots that are accessible by public transit that I could visit?
Click on the map at top right here and expand a bit
https://ebird.org/ebird/hotspot/L967148
Look at the more yellow/orange spots here and then you can figure the public transport,

[Plays With Light]

Don't forget to go up Mt Coot-tha. (That's COOT + THA:D)
Two trips might be the go: day and evening.

Also, Roma St Gardens...

(Not bad for a Sydneysider:cool:)
Thanks, AM, much appreciated. Checking it out now. You did well for an out-of-towner!


If going to Mt Coot-tha, the botanical gardens are at the base, road goes pat it on the way.
Thanks for the hint, John.


Click on the map at top right here and expand a bit
https://ebird.org/ebird/hotspot/L967148
Look at the more yellow/orange spots here and then you can figure the public transport,
Thanks a million, Mark, very much appreciated!

[Mary Anne]

Alex: You could check out the old City Botanical gardens it would be close by, you may find some Birds or Ducks as i remember some water features.
https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/facilities-recreation/parks-venues/parks/city-botanic-gardens/city-botanic-gardens-attractions

The beach is a lovely spot at Southbank good chance for some great shots of the City Buildings

Google Day Trips to O'Reilly's there are some there I would tend to take Dennis advice as with all those trees it can be dark there.

Hop on a City Cat or Ferry for a trip up or down the River. https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-transport/public-transport/citycat-ferry-services

You may find something of interest in Brisbane on the link below, probably more like SE Qld though.

http://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/things-to-do/search/Nature-and-Wildlife?page=1

There are no Zoo's in Brisbane, Australia Zoo is up the North on the Sunshine Coast, SeaWorld down south on the Gold Coast has lots of Aquariums.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is South down the far end of the Gold Coast, no good if you do not have a car.

[Plays With Light]

Alex: You could check out the old City Botanical gardens it would be close by, you may find some Birds or Ducks as i remember some water features.
https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/facilities-recreation/parks-venues/parks/city-botanic-gardens/city-botanic-gardens-attractions

The beach is a lovely spot at Southbank good chance for some great shots of the City Buildings

Google Day Trips to O'Reilly's there are some there I would tend to take Dennis advice as with all those trees it can be dark there.

Hop on a City Cat or Ferry for a trip up or down the River. https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-transport/public-transport/citycat-ferry-services

You may find something of interest in Brisbane on the link below, probably more like SE Qld though.

http://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/things-to-do/search/Nature-and-Wildlife?page=1

There are no Zoo's in Brisbane, Australia Zoo is up the North on the Sunshine Coast, SeaWorld down south on the Gold Coast has lots of Aquariums.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is South down the far end of the Gold Coast, no good if you do not have a car.
Thank you very much, Mary Anne, you're a gem! ;)

[Glenda]

There will be some nice night time city views from the side of the river you are staying on. We stayed in a similar area in late March and it rained thwarting my plans for the same:(. Also we saw heaps of colourful water dragons along the top of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Lots of places are an easy walk from where you are staying. Mt Cootha is good but don't know about public transport. I know there are buses which go to Australia Zoo. There is also a free ferry service on the river.

[Mary Anne]

Glenda is correct there is a Fee Ferry Service though its only for the City Hopper https://blogs.qut.edu.au/student-life-in-brisbane/2017/04/11/cityhopper-free-ferry-service-in-brisbane/

There is a similar Free Bus Service around the City Red bus only, and Monday to Friday https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-transport/public-transport/buses/city-centre-free-loops

[Plays With Light]

There will be some nice night time city views from the side of the river you are staying on. We stayed in a similar area in late March and it rained thwarting my plans for the same:(. Also we saw heaps of colourful water dragons along the top of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Lots of places are an easy walk from where you are staying. Mt Cootha is good but don't know about public transport. I know there are buses which go to Australia Zoo. There is also a free ferry service on the river.
Thank you, Glenda. We may do a day trip to Australia Zoo and are definitely planning an island hopping ferry trip.


Glenda is correct there is a Fee Ferry Service though its only for the City Hopper https://blogs.qut.edu.au/student-life-in-brisbane/2017/04/11/cityhopper-free-ferry-service-in-brisbane/

There is a similar Free Bus Service around the City Red bus only, and Monday to Friday https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-transport/public-transport/buses/city-centre-free-loops
Thank you again, Mary Anne. We are going to buy a transit pass for our stay and will take the SkyTrain from the airport, but it's good to know about the free services too.

[nardes]

How about Dolphin feeding and Whale watching at Tangalooma.

http://www.tangalooma.com/brisbane-day-trip-cruise

Moreton Island & Tangalooma Day Trips & CruisesNeed a quick tropical island beach escape? Looking for the perfect Brisbane day trip?Switch to cruise mode and jump on a return day cruise to Tangalooma Island Resort, located on Moreton Island, only a 75 minute cruise from Brisbane across Moreton Bay. Tangalooma Island Resort is set amid the national and marine parks of Moreton Island, so if you’re after action packed adventure on land and sea or even just a mini break to connect with nature and unwind, then book your day trip to Tangalooma Island Resort.
Tangalooma has a range of day cruise options available and day guests enjoy all the benefits of our resorts facilities with lots of activities available – many of them free! With cruises departing at both 7am and 10am you can either relax beachside or jam pack it with activities, making it one of the best things to do in Brisbane!
Cheers

Dennis

[Plays With Light]

How about Dolphin feeding and Whale watching at Tangalooma.

http://www.tangalooma.com/brisbane-day-trip-cruise

Moreton Island & Tangalooma Day Trips & CruisesNeed a quick tropical island beach escape? Looking for the perfect Brisbane day trip?Switch to cruise mode and jump on a return day cruise to Tangalooma Island Resort, located on Moreton Island, only a 75 minute cruise from Brisbane across Moreton Bay. Tangalooma Island Resort is set amid the national and marine parks of Moreton Island, so if you’re after action packed adventure on land and sea or even just a mini break to connect with nature and unwind, then book your day trip to Tangalooma Island Resort.
Tangalooma has a range of day cruise options available and day guests enjoy all the benefits of our resorts facilities with lots of activities available – many of them free! With cruises departing at both 7am and 10am you can either relax beachside or jam pack it with activities, making it one of the best things to do in Brisbane!
Cheers

Dennis
Thanks, Dennis. I did wonder about some whale watching as the humpbacks are in the area while we will be there.

[Hawthy]

Brisbane is the "River City"so my advice will revolve around that. If you are staying directly across the river from Southbank you will be near the Treasury Casino. There are some lovely sandstone buildings in that area - the old Treasury building housing the casino being one of them. If you like evening shots you could do worse than look at those. If you cross the Victoria Bridge to Southbank, you will have shots back to the city. There is a sandstone pedestal from the original bridge on your left as you cross to the southside. This offers great views back to the city.

If you turn left to enter Southbank, the word Brisbane is spelled out in large multi-coloured letters providing a nice foreground for a touristy shot of the city. Plenty to see in Southbank itself. When you get to the end of Southbank, you have two choices. Either cross the Goodwill pedestrian / bicycle bridge to the Botanic gardens and walk along the river to Eagle Street, or go under the freeway and along the Kangaroo Point cliffs to get great views back to the city. Both have their good points. The walk to Eagle Street takes you past the part of the river where yachts moor and further down gives you a great view of the Story Bridge. You can continue your walk along the Riverwalk towards New Farm under the bridge and get a shot of the Story Bridge with the city in the background.

If you go under the freeway you will have opportunities to photograph the city from down low or you can climb the stairs to River Terrace and get panoramic views of the city. You can then cross the Story Bridge and come back through the city.

Brisbane CBD has a bit happening in the mall and has some interesting laneway bars, etc. happening these days. And you get a really different perspective by jumping on a ferry and travelling up and down the river.

Don't forget to check out if something interesting is happening either at Southbank or the CBD on the internet. Hope that you have a great time. If you find yourself at a loose end and need someone to have a beer with, I work in the CBD and might be available. Cheers.

[nardes]

Here we go...

Cheers

Dennis

[Hawthy]

That's the sign. Gee...I thought it was a secret...


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[Plays With Light]

Brisbane is the "River City"so my advice will revolve around that. If you are staying directly across the river from Southbank you will be near the Treasury Casino. There are some lovely sandstone buildings in that area - the old Treasury building housing the casino being one of them. If you like evening shots you could do worse than look at those. If you cross the Victoria Bridge to Southbank, you will have shots back to the city. There is a sandstone pedestal from the original bridge on your left as you cross to the southside. This offers great views back to the city.

If you turn left to enter Southbank, the word Brisbane is spelled out in large multi-coloured letters providing a nice foreground for a touristy shot of the city. Plenty to see in Southbank itself. When you get to the end of Southbank, you have two choices. Either cross the Goodwill pedestrian / bicycle bridge to the Botanic gardens and walk along the river to Eagle Street, or go under the freeway and along the Kangaroo Point cliffs to get great views back to the city. Both have their good points. The walk to Eagle Street takes you past the part of the river where yachts moor and further down gives you a great view of the Story Bridge. You can continue your walk along the Riverwalk towards New Farm under the bridge and get a shot of the Story Bridge with the city in the background.

If you go under the freeway you will have opportunities to photograph the city from down low or you can climb the stairs to River Terrace and get panoramic views of the city. You can then cross the Story Bridge and come back through the city.

Brisbane CBD has a bit happening in the mall and has some interesting laneway bars, etc. happening these days. And you get a really different perspective by jumping on a ferry and travelling up and down the river.

Don't forget to check out if something interesting is happening either at Southbank or the CBD on the internet. Hope that you have a great time. If you find yourself at a loose end and need someone to have a beer with, I work in the CBD and might be available. Cheers.
Thanks a million, Andrew, very much appreciated, great information for me there! Sounds like the go, as I love my architectural and cityscape photography. I'll do a round in the daytime to get my bearings and then retrace my steps at twilight, maybe over a few evenings. How goes the use of tripods in those areas? Is it OK? I know that in London, for example, there are lots of areas that you can't use tripods in. I'd love to grab some long exposures while I am there if possible.

[Hawthy]

Tripods will not be an issue. Good idea to do a walk beforehand. It is a pleasant walk in the daytime.


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[Plays With Light]

How about Dolphin feeding and Whale watching at Tangalooma.
Cheers

Dennis
Thanks for this suggestion, Dennis, we have just booked the whale and dolphin cruise. :D Should be a good day out!