Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Koala & Joey at Lone Pine

If you’ve ever wanted to see a koala up close, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the place to go.  Not only was it the world’s first koala sanctuary (1927), but it remains the largest with around 130 of these cute creatures.

You can have your photo taken cuddling a koala at any time during your visit.  The money spent on photos goes to research, planting more eucalyptus food trees and building shelters.

But Lone Pine has a lot more animals to see.  There are dingoes, wombats, Tasmanian Devils, Australian birds and reptiles.  In a big paddock, you can hand feed kangaroos and emus.  One emu was so friendly she followed us around and posed for portraits. Perhaps it was something to do with the paper bags of food we bought for the animals from Lone Pine’s shop, but we like to think it was we humans she liked.

Emu

Worth seeing are the shows that are included in the price of admission.  

Koalas:  After learning all about koalas from one of Lone Pine’s knowledgable staff, you have the opportunity to pat the animal’s soft grey fur. 

Sheep Dogs:  Children always enjoy the Sheep Dog show where real sheep farmers guide their dogs, with just a few subtle signals, to herd sheep around and through obstacles. 

 

Wedge-Tailed Eagle

Eagles and Owls:  Birds of Prey show off their skills in the Flight Show, catching tasty morsels mid-flight. At the end of the show, the handlers allow you a close up look at these spectacular birds which you usually only see soaring high above.

Young children will enjoy visiting the Barn where they can feed farm animals and hold chicks and guinea pigs.

There is a lot to see at Lone Pine and you could easily spend the whole day.  One of the best things about this sanctuary is its peaceful, leafy setting right on the Brisbane River.  Even at busy times, the atmosphere is still relaxed with lots of open space.

There is a cafe/restaurant and plenty of shady spots for a picnic if you bring your own food.

Open:  8:30am  – 5:00pm daily

Admission:  $28 Adult, $19 Child (3 – 13), $21 Concession, $65 Family (2+3)

State Library at South Bank

If you’re walking along the river near South Bank’s cultural precinct, be sure to pop into the Queensland State Library (between the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art).  If you thought libraries were just buildings full of books, you’ll be surprised at what the State Library has to offer.

The first thing you’ll notice is an almost complete lack of books.  Don’t worry, there are plenty upstairs, but the Infozone on the ground floor is filled with computers which are free for public use.  It’s also a free wifi (wireless internet access) zone popular with travellers and students. 

Also on the ground floor is The Corner, a great area for children eight under to play and be creative.  The Parlour on level one is filled with games that older children and adults will enjoy.  These games are the old fashioned type that don’t involve a screen – chess, checkers, Scrabble, backgammon, a giant snakes and ladders board and many more.

Tim Fairfax Newspaper Reading Room

Upstairs you’ll find exhibitions of artworks, photos, historical documents and objects.  In the Philip Bacon Heritage Gallery we had a look at  Panoramic Queensland.  It was fascinating to see photographic panoramas of Brisbane taken in the 1800s and compare them to the city today.  That exhibition is finished, but there are others to view.

On level 3 is the Tim Fairfax newspaper reading room where you can have a browse through Queensland, Australian and international newspapers.  I love this spot, not only for its cosy design and handy reading lamps, but also for the views of the river and CBD.  In fact, from every floor of the State Library, you’ll be rewarded with great views and peaceful spots to rest. 

Downstairs is an interesting book shop and cafe if you need to re-fuel before continuing your walk.

Open:  10am – 5pm daily (until 8pm Mon – Thu)

The Corner open:  10am – 1pm weekdays
(until 4pm weekends, school and public holidays)

Admission:  free

Kurilpa Bridge – Brisbane’s New Pedestrian Bridge

Brisbane’s newest pedestrian and cycle bridge should be completed in September 2009 and the official opening will be part of Queensland’s 150th anniversary celebrations. 

The bridge was originally known as the Tank Street Bridge and received its new name through a public naming competition. 

‘Kurilpa’ is an Aboriginal word meaning “place for water rats”.  This name was also used by the original Aboriginal inhabitants for the West End area.

The bridge will join the cultural precinct of South Bank (adjacent to the Gallery of Modern Art) to the city.  If you’re doing a walk along the river, this bridge will provide a short cut to Roma Street Parkland.

South Bank & Maritime Museum

We had a walk though South Bank on Sunday after a CityCat ride.  It’s always a great place to visit because there’s always something happening.  The markets were on with live music playing and lots of delicious aromas coming from the cafes and restaurants on Grey Street.  The playgrounds were full of children and lots of people were having picnics and using the free BBQs.

We visited the Maritime Museum which is beside the Goodwill Bridge.  The highlight of the Museum for children (and adults) is being able to explore the HMAS Diamantina, a decommissioned naval vessel in dry dock. With 160 sailors crewing the ship during WWII, you wonder how they all fitted into the cramped quarters.  This is a good attraction to visit during winter because I can imagine it would be very hot inside the ship in the summer months.

There are plenty of other things to look at in the Museum including: scale models of famous ships; a room displaying lighthouse equipment; and an area where you can pretend you’re the captain of a ship.  You may even see a diver discovering a chest full of treasure. Take a picnic lunch and eat outside right above the river and enjoy the views.

 

 

Admission:  $8 adults / $7 concession / $3.50 children (5 – 16) / $18 family (2 + 3)

Hours:  9:30 am- 4:30 pm (last admission 3:30 pm)

Web:  http://www.maritimemuseum.com.au/