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.
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.
Located in the South Bank Parklands, the Queensland Art Gallery is recognized as one of the most innovative and exciting visual arts centers in Australia. The gallery's diverse series of exhibitions have extensively covered all areas of the visual arts including photography, fine art, modern art, indigenous art and sculpture. Guest speakers, lectures, festivals and lively educational programs have further enhanced the gallery's reputation.
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.
The Commissariat Store is one of the two oldest buildings in Brisbane, the other one being the Old Windmill. Steeped in history, the building was built by convicts in the 1820s. As new facets of the building come to light (like the recently excavated brick-made drains in the basement), the building becomes more and more intriguing for the common man. Used as an immigrant house in the past, the Store now functions as the headquarters of the Royal Historical Society of Queensland. A museum and the well-stocked library are also located in the building. The Commissariat Store is being used to host cultural events like book launches and music concerts too.
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.
The MacArthur Museum Brisbane can be found at the MacArthur Chambers, a heritage building, on Edward Street, in Queensland, Australia. It was founded in 2004, by a Memorial Trust in commemoration of General Douglas MacArthur who is the persisting theme on the block. The museum preserves his offices and displays footage and news clippings from the World War II. The museum is open three days a week, as indicated by a notice outside, from 10a to 3p.
The majestic statues and memorials of Anzac Square of Remembrance serve as a poignant reminder of those who fought and died for their country, while the Eternal Flame enclosed within a bronze urn in the impressive elevated shrine burns 24 hours a day as a symbol of faith and hope. Beneath the shrine lies a large crypt containing several memorials of various wars and Queensland contingents of the armed forces. This is a most affecting place to pay your respects, among the immaculately maintained gardens and lawns. The area also provides a beautiful green and open space to rest or walk.
This tourist desk located in Central train station provides information on how to get to and from theme parks, sporting venues, shopping centers and tourist attractions by train. Many major tourist attractions including Movie World, Dreamworld, and Sea World are accessible by train with package deals from the QR Citytrain Information. Trains depart Central Station most days for Alma Park Zoo and Australia Zoo, both of which have a free courtesy bus to pick up guests from the destination station. Call the 24 hour telephone line for more information.
Freemasons Grand Hall is an ancient center of art and history. Catching tourists attention with its timber furniture and gold leaf ceilings, the hall features a large clock, a pipe organ with electric action, and a sound board. Holding a seating capacity of 700 people, the Freemasons Grand Hall is suitable for Grand Installation.
Founded by the Department of Zoology at the University of Queensland, the Zoology Museum holds impressive collections of vertebrate and invertebrate animals. First started in 1911, the collection has grown to an incredible number of over 20,000 specimens. Students as well as the general public benefit from the collection, as the specimens are used in teaching, research, and public education programs. But remember, the collection was not intended for the faint-hearted! Guided tours are available by appointment.