TDMuzic - Secret Brisbane

One of Australia's biggest tour promoters gives us the lowdown on Brisbane...

Tambourine Mountain

Located about 40 minutes drive south west of Brisbane, Tambourine Mountain is a must see experience while holidaying in Brisbane. National heritage listed, Tambourine boasts some of the most beautiful rainforest you could ever want to see. Most notable is Cedar Creek Falls with its natural freshwater streams and waterfalls falling for hundreds of metres downstream. Get up close to nature and take a dip or just sit and soak up the sheer beauty of this majestic mountain range. At the entrance of the falls is Thunderbird Park, an old style log house catering for lunch and dinner, with facilities for those who want to stay overnight in log cabins or camp. Thunderbird Park also has an adult tree-climbing adventure park for those seeking more adventure. These walks take you high up in the rainforest canopy; with rope ladders taking you from tree to tree and are not to be missed. Tambourine has some beautiful winding roads flowing through rainforests to the famous Tall Trees, stretching as high as the eye can see. There is also great shopping along Market Street, including arts and crafts shops, or you can visit one of the many local wineries. Tambourine has literally hundreds of kilometres of rainforest, walking tracks all over the range, plenty of BBQ areas and spots for watching hand gliders jumping from the peaks.

Brisbane City Shopping

Queen Street Mall is a shopaholics dream. Within the last 4 years the mall has undergone (and still is going through) some very exciting transformations with new buildings, public facilities and street art, it’s becoming a modern city to rival any from around the world. Your every want is catered to, with clothing labels ranging from international to local designers; loads of cafes, restaurants, clubs and bars; The Myer Centre; Winter Garden and the heritage listed Brisbane Arcade and Regent Cinemas. I always visit Brisbane’s longest running independent music retailer Rocking Horse Records which has a specialist dance music department downstairs. Pick up all your favourites here and check out what’s happening in the local club scene. There’s always some kind of street performance taking place to entertain you in the mall. Elizabeth Arcade is a destination for the funky person who is looking for something a bit unusual, whether it be body piercing, tattoos or accessories and clothing shops. I’ve had some of the best Asian food here; from small sidewalk food drop-ins for a quick bite to fine dining. With so much to see and do you will find it impossible to do it all in one day. I must also mention the Botanical Gardens; only 3 minutes walk from the city with some extremely beautiful gardens and parklands. You can spend hours just sitting feeding the ducks or walking around. It’s home to Brisbane’s Riverside Stage; festivals and major concerts are held here all year round.

Southbank

Located across the river from the city, and home to the world famous World Expo ’88, Southbank has Australia’s only man made inner city beaches on which to cool off in the hot afternoons and evenings. With golden sands and free-to-use BBQs, it’s got to be one of the best places in Brisbane to meet friends and family to hang out and relax. They even have the QLD Life Guards looking over us. Friday and Saturdays nights are a treat for Southbank markets, you can spend hours just browsing around. Southbank is a real focal point with its long river walks and strange but interesting track sculptors to dazzle you at night. Located at one end is Brisbane’s Museum and National Arts and Theatre centre and at the other end is Kangaroo Point. You can learn to abseil or just walk the entire river edge to the Story Bridge. There’s always something special to see and do, with major public events taking place every weekend.

Fortitude Valley

Located two kilometres north-east of the city, Fortitude Valley is clubbing central in Brisbane. There are so many clubs, bars and restaurants; to name them all would take pages. Fortitude Valley is home to Brisbane’s Chinatown and the Valley Fiesta; Brisbane’s biggest street party in September every year. On any given Friday or Saturday night you could expect to see thousands of people walking the valley mall and surrounding streets, catching up with friends and loved ones whilst in search of that perfect dance tune. Most famous of all would have to be The Beat, running for almost 20 years, 7 days a week, it’s the cornerstone of the clubbing scene in Brisbane. It’s an institution for locals and travellers of all ages - gay or straight - with four levels and various music styles. Next would be Family nightclub for the harder-edged ravers, with three levels of entertainment you’re sure to have a smashing time. I also want to mention a great new-ish club called Barsoma, currently gaining a good reputation as a spot to see some fine internationals with a nice outdoor space for fresh air without leaving the venue. Some others to mind would be Empire for the indie music lover and The MET for the masses. Monastery kicks ass for Thursday nights and if you’re into more relaxed, stylish clubs, check out Alhambra and Jade Buddha on Eagle St Pier.

West End

When it comes to eating and drinking, I highly recommend you visit West End for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Though there is so much to choose from, three spots stand out. Three Monkeys offers a great dining experience. When you walk in you will notice there are private booths with pull across curtains as well as soft pull-up cushion seating for all tables. Low lighting creates a more relaxed environment, with a selection of Mediterranean food and great desserts, meals are cheap and quickly served. You must also try Tongue and Groove; with its European style seating and sleek décor you know you are getting top-notch food and good service. Breakfast is served from 6am with street and indoor seating available. The menu is cuisine at its best, with low prices, and includes a combination of light and heavier meals of many varieties to suit every appetite. The most outstanding would have to be The Gunshop Café. This heritage-listed building was once an Armoury shop and Locksmith back in the 1950s and 60s. Operating for 7 years and receiving world class reviews, breakfast diners line up for a seat in this now transformed vibrant must-experience eating destination. With a centrally located kitchen and a world renowned chef you can expect only the very best in food and service. The menu changes to reflect the freshest ingredients of the season. Their signature alpaca dish and vodka-cured salmon with a Virgin Mary shot are true taste experiences. Outback offers a quieter atmosphere with exquisite gardens and private dining areas. I always take my international guests to this café.

Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi! Oi! Oi!

When it comes to sport we are fanatical. While in Brisbane, try to make it to one of our great sports matches. Suncorp Stadium plays host to world class rugby and soccer matches. With games on every weekend you cannot miss out. My most memorable event was when I went with my late father to the Socceroos vs. Paraguay match, we had a ball with the energy of the crowd. The stadium offers top class facilities, and don’t forget to visit The Caxton for some of that all important amber refreshment before and after the match. The world famous Gabba Stadium hosts all AFL (Aussie rules football) during the winter and cricket during the summer. Holding nearly 70,000 people, major national and international matches are here every weekend. The best watering hole before a Gabba visit are The German Club and The Aussie National and after the match it’s got to be The Chalk. Many fun times are to be had at all these pubs. Cheers to you all.

Stradbroke Island

Straty, as it is known, is located south east of the city and getting there is so easy. Take the ferry from the Cleveland ferry dock, which is only a 30 minute drive or bus from the city, and the ferry will get you to the island in 20 minutes. Once you are there you can either jump on a bus that takes you all over the island and to the main beaches, or join a 4x4 tour group to experience more off-beat adventures. If you’re like me, get yourself a 4x4 and have a blast. On the east side of the island the beaches are the best: golden, silky and the drive there is brilliant. You can find a camping spot anywhere along the ridge of the beach and soak up some nature. Make sure you visit Devil Rocks. If you’re feeling adventurous there is a 20 foot jump you can take off the rock face into the ocean, or just climb over the rock cliffs and marvel at the beach coastline. Lifeguards patrol the beaches and you will always find new people to meet and spend time with. I’ve camped on the island and it was so good to be able to get up in the morning, surf, and then tuck into a BBQ breakfast before lazing on the beach all day. Highly recommended.

For news and information on all TDMuzic tours, check out www.myspace.com/TDMuzic.

Published: 19/05/2008

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