The world in our backyard

EVERY year, thousands of overseas visitors flock to Brisbane to soak up its climate and explore the attractions of the river city, yet many residents don’t know about all the things to see and do in their own backyard.

Tourists will stop and photograph the statue or street art you walk past every day; pick up brochures to learn about the city’s history at the Commissariat Store or the Museum of Brisbane; have a picnic at the City Botanic Gardens; admire a neo-Gothic cathedral or be shocked by tales of an old prison.

It’s all here. The city has many quirky points of interest that, visiting Rome or London or New York, would demand a stop for a photograph.

But there’s no need to book an expensive overseas or interstate trip to discover new sights and experiences.

There’s a whole world of interest right here in our own backyard.

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See the sights for free

BRISBANE City Council is encouraging local seniors card holders to get out and explore their city and is offering free off-peak travel.

Council has made all bus, ferry and CityCat trips free for seniors who travel on weekdays between 8.30am-3.30pm and 7pm-6am.

On weekends, there is free bus travel for seniors all day and all night.

Here are some suggestions for getting around to see the attractions of the river city:

• Southbank Parklands: Take a bus to the Cultural Centre and wander around Southbank. The delightful Epicurious Garden has edible herbs, vegetables and fruits that can be tasted from the harvest cart on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. There is also a rainforest walk in the heart of the Parklands which features a boardwalk surrounded by lush local trees and plants.

• Catch a CityCat: Take a ride down the river and get a new perspective of Brisbane’s bridges, riverside views and skyline. With services from St Lucia to Northshore Hamilton you can explore the length of the river, stopping at attractions such as New Farm Park, Brisbane Powerhouse and the City Botanic Gardens.
• Explore the Museum of Brisbane: The third floor of Brisbane City Hall is home to the Museum of Brisbane. It’s a fascinating place and has free exhibitions 10am-5pm daily. Most recent is New Woman, which reveals the art, personal stories and enduring legacies of Brisbane’s most significant female artists over the last century. Join a free City Hall Clock Tower tour, which leaves every 15 minutes during opening hours. Head up in the original lift and get a bird’s-eye view over King George Square and the buildings that now tower over it.
• Botanic Gardens: There’s a new world to explore at Brisbane’s two Botanic Gardens. The City Botanic Gardens has CityCat and ferry terminals at the bottom end of Edward St, or bus stops just outside the entrance. Learn about the city’s flora and fauna on a guided discovery walk or visit the Bamboo Grove and Weeping Fig Avenue. For a bigger exploration, take the bus to the premier sub-tropical botanic gardens over 56ha at Mt Coot-tha. It’s like a trip around the world, from the Japanese Gardens to cactus and rare South American species.

• Libraries: Pick up a bestseller at your local library or attend one of the many workshops and author talks. There are 33 libraries in Brisbane, most open seven days a week. All can reached by public transport.

Travel tips

Make sure you’ve got a senior go card or go+ card before you head out.  Simply tap your card when you get on and off to make sure your trip is free.

Seniors can apply for a senior go card online via the TransLink website or at a go card retailer. To see if you are eligible for a senior go card visit the TransLink website translink.com.au

Find out more:

Brisbane.qld.gov.au – find more to see and do, including free events at the Botanic Gardens, Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm Library, Museum of Brisbane and City Hall Clock Tower information.

Translink.com.au – to apply for a senior go card, check fares and timetables, and to plan your journey.