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.
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 Gallery of Modern Art, affectionately known as GOMA, is among the foremost art venues in Brisbane. While the neighboring Queensland Art Gallery features historic pieces, GOMA, which opened in 2006, celebrates art from the 20th and 21st centuries. The museum promotes Australian artists and international talent. Known to host some avant-garde and futuristic work, this large contemporary art gallery in Australia, is a haven for the artistically inclined. They regularly host art programs, lectures, and workshops for budding artists.
Upon entering the Queensland Museum, one is greeted by the 100-million-year-old fossils of a Muttaburrasaurus, a herbivorous dinosaur that roamed modern-day Australia during the early Cretaceous Period. A humpback whale is majestically displayed overhead, creating an atmosphere that promotes discovery, wonder, and education. Regarded as the state museum, the Queensland Museum resides within the Queensland Cultural Center and presents engaging exhibits that revolve around Australian culture, history, archaeology and science.
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.
Built in 1992 and founded by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Chung Tian Temple offers a tranquil haven for visitors from diverse, multicultural communities looking to learn and practice Buddhism. With its captivating, Chinese-inspired architecture surrounded by lush greenery, it's no wonder that this temple's name translates to "Middle Heaven." The temple provides several programs such as Buddhist classes and services, meditation sessions, and environmental awareness programs. The temple also hosts annual Chinese festivals and cultural art performances. There are several facilities within the temple, such as prayer and meditation halls, tea rooms, a transcription room, a museum, an art gallery, a conference room, as well as various traditional Chinese gardens housing beautiful sculptures.
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.
South Bank Parklands are Brisbane's cultural epicenter with many attractions such as riverside walking trails, grassy lawns, the Wheel of Brisbane, Nepal Peace Pagoda and plazas for various performances. The area flourished into a world-class recreation hub after hosting the World Expo in 1988. From the State Library to the Maritime Museum and Queensland Performing Arts Centre, the Parklands cover a sprawling 17 hectares (42 acres) along the Brisbane River. Festivals and local events are regularly held at the site's plazas. The site has rainforest and grassy areas, as well as a striking man-made lagoon that brings the beach to the city.