ThingsToDo

Brisbane Farmers Markets

July 21, 2015 by manager

Farmers Markets are always exciting to visit whether for just browsing or buying some of the wonderful foodies and other items on sale. You certainly won’t be bored as you amble around the stalls, even if your intention is ‘vision buying’ only. Of course that never really happens as there is always something that takes your fancy to purchase.

The Jan Power’s Farmers Markets in Brisbane are all colourful, lively and busy as they sell farm fresh produce straight from the ground, just picked flowers, meat and fish products. Nobody can resist the appealing smell of freshly baked bread permeating through the open air, of which there is always an assortment on sale. You will find food related objects as well as an array of organically produced products if they are your preference.

At present there are four Brisbane Farmers Markets for you to visit. Brisbane City Market, Manly Farmers Market, Mitchelton Market, and popular Powerhouse Market.

All the markets are bright and colourful and browsing through them is a wholesome funfilled experience. The markets are not exclusively operated by farmers as a number of the local inhabitants of Brisbane also sell their wares there. Special promotions are held, events that are entertaining and local chefs give cooking demonstrations and even cooking classes.

Besides the interesting food on sale you can buy goods for the kitchen and an assortment of Australian wines. Queensland is wine country and it’s always enjoyable to purchase the local labels on sale. Overall there are about nine markets you can visit each month.

Powerhouse

Each Saturday this market is open from 6am until 12pm and is held in front of the Powerhouse, Lamington St. New Farm. This is a very popular market with a great vibe to it and a good way to spend a Saturday morning outing eating and looking at all the stalls.

Excepting for the City market you may bring your dog with you and furthermore the fruit and veggies are on sale at really low prices. Very near to the Market is New Farm Park with a good sized playground to occupy your kids and there is also a City Cat Shop.

Manly Harbour

This is held on the first and third Saturday of the month from 6am till noon at the Royal Esplanade, Manly (between Cambridge and Cardigan Parades)

You will find the stall holders here keen on sharing their cooking expertise and knowledge and it is a way to spend a morning by the bay.

Mitchelton

This market is held on the first Sunday of the month from 6am till 12pm at Blackwood St. between Samford Rd. and Mitchelton Train Station. It specialises in selling food goodies from around the world, oils, pasta as well as lovely fresh fruit, veggies and bakery items.

Queen Street

Held every Wednesday from 10am until 6pm in front of the Treasury Casino,( George St. end of the Queen St. Mall) enjoy soul food at its best. Hot smoked salmon and fresh pasta, bagels and bread to make your mouth water!

The Fascinating Brisbane Powerhouse

July 5, 2015 by manager

Powerhouse Tunnel of Art Brisbane — by zayzayem

The Fascinating Brisbane Powerhouse, home of…

Arts and Culture

Among the things to see and do when visiting Brisbane in Queensland Australia is going to the Brisbane Powerhouse located at 119 Lamington Street, New Farm. The Powerhouse was originally built in the 1927 – 28 period for the Brisbane Tram system as at that time there was a limited electricity supply for the city. With the expansion of Brisbane, more and more suburbs drew their electricity from the Powerhouse. Before the Powerhouse was built, the City Electric and Light Company supplied the commercial areas and the older suburbs from their generating plants operating on the Bulima Reach of the Brisbane River.

Poetry at Powerhouse Brisbane — by David McKelvey

The end of an era

The Powerhouse stopped production of electricity in 1971 mainly due to heavy maintenance costs, and for the following twenty years the building was used as a works depot and chemical storage plant for the Queensland Government and the Australian Defence Force who made use of the building for military exercises. It then fell into a state of disrepair and became inhabited by vagrants who used the walls as a writing block and enjoyed putting their names and artistic talents on the walls. Street kids as well made the building their hangout for gatherings and other jaunts that they took pleasure doing. The film industry played a part by using the deserted areas for filming artistic and commercials during this time, and The Brisbane City Council took back ownership of this unique site in 1989.

Given a new look

Fortunately in time the building was renovated and in 2000 the Brisbane Powerhouse reopened its doors as a modern hub of entertainment with arts and culture as the main attractions. After another six years passed, with a significant investment from the Brisbane City Council the building underwent a complete refurbishment which included a huge upgrade of the hospitality facilities, more undercover areas of entertainment and better layouts for performances. All of this has contributed to an exciting experience for visitors to the Powerhouse.

What is on offer

Today the Powerhouse offers a theatre (The Powerhouse) with seating for 536 people, the Visy theatre seating 200 people, Turbine Hall, an outdoor plaza , plenty of green space, a rooftop terrace, bar and restaurant and at the weekends a lively Farmers Market.

The amazing Powerhouse Theatre can be adapted to providing more seating if needed and more space for performances as well. Ongoing projects are developed and workshops for children are encouraged. Community functions such as weddings or other special occasions or corporate events are also often held at the Powerhouse.

Saturday farmers Markets

A fun way to spend a Saturday morning is by going to the Farmers Market held in front of the Powerhouse. This market operates from as early as 6am and runs until 12 noon. The market is busy and lively with a magnificent array of fresh produce from to choose. Some delicious foodies are on sale and you can certainly indulge in many dishes to fill hunger pangs while you wander and browse or buy.

Brisbane City Council Powerhouse — by eGuide Travel

Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium

June 25, 2015 by manager

There is so much for visitors to see and do when visiting Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Certainly there is never time to ever feel bored; this city is a mine of interesting information. One of the sights to definitely pay a visit to is the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, which offers informative and delightful programs for both children and adults. It really offers you the opportunity to learn so much about the universe that you may not be aware of. The Planetarium that opened in 1978 is located in the Brisbane Botanical Gardens, at Mount Coot-tha, Toowong, that is another interesting place to visit.

Among the facilities at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium are the Display Zone, a Mini Theatre, the Observatory, and Cosmic Skydome. Of course, you will also not leave without stopping at the Galaxy Gift Shop and buying a memento or something small as gifts for friends and family back in your home town.

Among the highlights to see is the optical star projector which is used to recreate a sky at night time and is so realistic. This is found on the projection dome that is 12.5 metre in diameter. When visiting the display area you go on an astronomical journey through time and see a life-size replica featuring Neil Armstrong’s space suit worn when he landed on the moon’s surface. There are many other items and displays for you to see as well.

Visiting the Planetarium is an experience that is most realistic through the state of art technology that is installed there. In particular the Cosmic Sky, the centre’s huge dome-shape theatre that seats 128 people, creates a spectacular 360-degree seamless digital show with sharp bright imagery on its massive resolution screen. New surround sound has been installed as well as wireless listening devices for people with impaired hearing. Although it is not in 3D, you still feel completely enrapt in the show as you are sitting far below the screened dome.

The latest technological advanced system is part of a $750,000 upgrade the planetarium is undergoing. The booking office area and the Galaxy shop are part of the upgrade as well.

Shows to see for Adults

Cosmic Collisions
Dark Universe
Black Holes- Journey into the Unknown
Moons: Worlds of Mystery ( the trailer of this one can be seen on You Tube)
Saturday Night “Live”
Stars of the Pharaohs
The Search for Life: Are We Alone?

Shows to see for Children

Secret of the Cardboard Rocket
Secret of the Dragon
Perfect Little Planet ( the trailer can be seen on You Tube)
Tycho to the Moon

Planetarium opening times

The planetarium is open daily from Tuesday until Sunday
Tuesday to Friday – from 10am until 4pm
Saturday – 11am until 8.15pm (the doors close at 7.30)
Sunday – 11am until 4pm
Monday, the planetarium is closed, as well as Christmas Day, Boxing Day,
New Years Day, the Easter weekend and Anzac Day.

Brisbane Lookout Mt Coot-tha

June 19, 2015 by manager

There is so much to see and do on Mount Coot-tha for lovers of nature visiting the city of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It is an interesting destination of natural bush and a landmark of Brisbane, as it is two hundred and eighty seven metres tall and the highest mountain in Queensland. It is clearly visible from most of the city of Brisbane, and a popular sight-seeing destination for tourists.

Mount Coot-tha offers its visitors walking and bike trails, a mountain drive, fantastic viewing over Brisbane City from the Lookout, a waterfall, Botanical Gardens, and the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. It is also the start of the Ithaca Creek.

At the Lookout, besides taking in the spectacular view, hunger and thirst is taken care of with a restaurant and café, the Summit Restaurant and the Kuta Café. A gift shop enables visitors to take home some memorabilia of their time at Mount Coot-tha.

The vegetation of Brisbane Lookout Mt Coot-tha

There is more than fifteen hundred hectare of eucalypt forest to take in of Spotted Gum, Grey gum, Forest red gum and narrow-leafed ironbark. A variety of Acacia species, that includes Broadleaf wattle and Golden wattle, as well as many shrubs and grasses. The ground cover is of native grasses such as Kangaroo grass and Blady grass.
Drive along the Sir Samuel Griffith Drive than goes through the forest of the outer edge of Mount Coot-tha. Besides stopping at vantage points to admire the view, it is possible to spend time relaxing with a picnic, as there are many picnic areas on this forest drive of renown.
Relics from the past
Remnants of the gold mining days can be seen that include a shaft structure and trolley line made of wood, a battery site, iron cover, concrete plinth, a dam, and an ore sump. Although there used to be Gold Mining in Queensland, it was not usually mined so close to Brisbane.

Left behind from the Second World War you find concrete slabs and drains and foot bridges for creek crossings at the J.C.Slaughter Falls and at the Hoop Pine Picnic Grounds. In the J.C.Slaughter Falls Park next to one of the walking trails there is evidence of a Detonator Locker cut into the hillside. It is partly covered with soil; however, the makers stamp is still clearly visible.

Brisbane Botanic Gardens

At the beginning of Mount Coot-tha you find the premier Queensland sub-tropical botanical gardens, Brisbane Botanic Gardens. They are open to public viewing from September until March from 8.30am – 5.30pm, and from April until August 8am – 5pm. There is no entrance fee but you may not bring any dogs into the gardens.

Many events and activities are held in the Botanical Gardens, including gardening workshops for adults and for children there is story time. Alternatively, you can go on a guided walking tour.

Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium

Located in the grounds of the Botanic Garden is the interesting Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium offering its visitors an opportunity to learn about the universal world above us. Activities are on offer for adults and children alike.

The Iconic Treasury Casino

May 16, 2015 by manager

Iconic Treasury Casino Building — by denisbin

An excellent hotel for staying at when on a visit to Brisbane, Australia is the iconic Treasury Casino, located at 130 William Street, Brisbane. In 1992 the grandiose old building housing the hotel was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register in order to preserve its old classic architecture. Visitors staying at the hotel have the opportunity to experience all the modern comforts that a five star hotel offers, together with the magical charm of a bygone era.

Situated in a convenient position for people who want to do some shopping, the hotel is near to the Brisbane Arcade which is one of the oldest arcades in Brisbane or they can visit the other popular shopping areas of the Queens Plaza or the Queen Street Mall. The Treasury building occupies an entire block besides William Street. It is surrounded by Queen Street, George Street, and Elizabeth Street.

In 1995 the building became the Conrad Treasury Casino, going through a transformation from a once political building refurbished to now become a hotel and a centre of entertainment. Amongst its features are two bars, five restaurants and eight function rooms. Every night there is live entertainment varying from comedy shows, individual musicians, bands, and dancing shows and every Monday at 1pm and at 7pm there is a Mah-jong tournament to which entry is free, and on Mother’s Day a traditional High Tea is served at the Marco Polo which is on level 2. The Treasury Casino is also host to the annual Groove and Grape Festival.

The Casino boasts three levels of eighty gaming tables and thirteen hundred gaming machines.

History of the Treasury Building

At the turn of the last century many celebrations and displays of patriotism were held at the Treasury Building where the Queensland Government Cabinet met. Before the Treasury Building was built, there was a double story military barracks occupying the site. Visitors to Brisbane will be interested to learn that in 1901 the then governor of Queensland read the proclamation of the federation of the Australian Commonwealth from a balcony on the William Street side of the building.

The building of The Treasury between 1886 and 1928 was done in three stages. During the first stage the frontages of the William Street as well as part of the Queen Street were erected, this took until September 1889. This new Government building became occupied by the Premier along with the Colonial Secretary, Treasury, Mines, Police, Registrar-General and Auditor-General.

The Elizabeth Street section that was stage two was then begun and completed in February 1893. The Registrar of Titles, Justice, Works, Public Instruction and the States Savings Bank all moved into this part of the building.

The last stage began in 1922 and completed in 1928, this gave extra space for the then occupants of the Treasury Building. A five story annex was added in the courtyard during 1961.