Overlooking the steel-grey waters of the Brisbane harbor, The State Library of Queensland is a treasure trove of knowledge and information. The library provides general information and research services on history, maps, rare books and the visual arts. Moreover, the establishment also offers free Internet (bookings required) and screens free films every Sunday. The library also provides a wide range of services that includes audio/visual stations, photocopying books and manuscripts and helping the local populace trace down their ancestry thanks to their extensive genealogy records.
Nestled in the bush on the banks of the Brisbane River, Lone Pine houses at least 100 species of animals native to Australia. It is the ideal place to get a close look at unique wildlife, offering opportunities to cuddle koalas and feed kangaroos. Lone Pine is one of the oldest and largest koala sanctuaries and it operates an important breeding and research program to ensure the survival of Australia's most cherished creatures. Kangaroos, wombats, Tasmanian devils are some of the other animals spotted here. Picnic and barbecue facilities are scattered throughout the 18-hectare (44-acre) site.
Since the Gardens' opening in 1976, more than 52 hectares (130 acres) has been developed to represent plant varieties from around the world. Attractions include the Fragrant Plant and Herb Garden; the Exotic Rainforest; Japanese Garden; Tropical Dome Display; Arid Region Plants & Cactus House and the Lagoon & Bamboo Grove. A 30-minute self-guided tour of the Aboriginal Plant Display shows plants used by Aborigines for medicine, shelter and food.
The City Botanic Gardens or Brisbane Botanic Gardens as it was once referred to as is one of Brisbane's heritage-listed sites. Within these gardens are a colorful collection of exotic and native plants to delight the eye and beautiful lily ponds and lush green lawns to calm the soul. The site was chosen for a public garden in 1828, with fertile soil producing healthy crops for the prison settlement nearby. In 1855, botanist Walter Hill declared that the botanical gardens would occupy the area. Some of Hill's plants from the 1850s remain on Residence Hill and the weeping figs on Walter Hill Walk were planted by the botanist in the 1870s.
Roma Street Parkland is home to landscaped gardens and water features like ponds and woodlands, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Known to be one of the most beautiful contemporary display gardens in the country, the Roma Street Parkland is home to a variety of flora and fauna such as fern gullies, eastern water dragons, rainbow lorikeets, possums and black flying foxes. Other features of the parkland include pathways for walking and cycling, themed gardens for display, rocky outcrops, and even an amphitheater that plays host to concerts, plays and other theatrical productions. Artworks and train rides in the park are some of the other attractions here. Whether to escape the city for a few hours, attend live music events, check biodiversity on display or to simply mingle with the locals, the Roma Street Parkland has got it all.
An iconic Brisbane landmark, Story Bridge stretches 777 meters (2,549 feet) and reaches 74 meters (243 feet) at its highest point. More than 300 men were employed for its design and construction, which required nearly 12,000 tons of steel. The bridge took five years to complete, and it was opened to traffic in 1940. Initially named Jubilee Bridge after the Silver Jubilee of King George V, the imposing structure was later renamed Story Bridge in honor of Public Service Commissioner John Story. While it is possible for adventure seekers to go on a guided climb up the bridge, ferry rides and guided tours give all visitors the chance to enjoy unparalleled panoramas of Brisbane.
Get to chance to interact with a number of wild animals and catch a glimpse of diverse flora at the Ipswich Nature Center. The visitors are allowed to watch and play with animals like wombats, emus and quolls. Besides these animals, the Ipswich Nature Center also houses a barn that is home to calves, pigs and other farm animals. The animals are housed in landscaped gardens with native Australian plantations spread all over the property, allowing visitors the chance to forget they are still in the middle of a bustling city. If you want to catch sight of the wildlife yourself or spend quality time with the children, then Ipswich Nature Center is the place to be.
A short cruise from Manly on a comfortable catamaran will take you to St. Helena Island, the heritage-listed site where Queensland's first prison was established in the 19th century. Once there, dramatized tours conducted by actors tell the story of this historic prison settlement. Take a walk through the nature reserve, ride the tramway, and learn about the Aborigines, the island's earliest settlers. Lunch is included in the price of the day trip and is served by the beach. Night tours include a three-course dinner.
For a perfect day out amidst the vast sea and scenic nature, Dolphin Wild Island Cruises is the right destination. Taking you on various islands including Moreton Island, Dolphin Wild Island Cruises also arranges for social and formal parties, weddings and anniversaries, excursions and school picnics. Providing provision for food and snacks, there is a range of water sports activities offered including snorkeling and under-sea walk.
The Philip Bacon Art Gallery is situated upon Arthur Street within the busy and ‘happening’ Fortitude Valley in Brisbane. It was founded in 1974 and was designed by the architect, Cox Rayner. A popular art hub of the town, this gallery has featured artworks by Michael Kmit, Robert Dickerson, Lawrence Daws and Charles Blackman, some of the best artists of the country. Today it is the city’s leading commercial gallery that is as endowed in its stockrooms as it is in the rich variety of artist exhibits.
Walk between two large weeping figs and enter this elegant home. Inside, enjoy the ornately decorated iron balustrades, filigree columns and friezes. Built in 1886, Miegunyah is now set up museum-style to show how folk lived in the 1880s and particularly showing the conditions the women then worked under. Note the fireplace, no stove, in which the woman of the house had to cook meals and heat water for baths. Walk through the wide cedar doorway onto polished pine floors, see lofty ceilings, antiques and marble fireplaces and enjoy the grandeur of this foregone era; note even the silver plate for calling cards.
Overlooking the steel-grey waters of the Brisbane harbor, The State Library of Queensland is a treasure trove of knowledge and information. The library provides general information and research services on history, maps, rare books and the visual arts. Moreover, the establishment also offers free Internet (bookings required) and screens free films every Sunday. The library also provides a wide range of services that includes audio/visual stations, photocopying books and manuscripts and helping the local populace trace down their ancestry thanks to their extensive genealogy records.