Brisbane - Australia 2004 - page 246

a man-made beach, lined with palm trees, with real waves and sand, where you
can swim, stroll, and cycle the meandering pathways; sit over a caffe latte in one
of the cafes and enjoy the city views. From the parklands it's an easy stroll to the
museum, art gallery, and other parts of the adjacent Queensland Cultural Cen-
tre (see above).
From the Queen St. Mall, cross the Victoria Bridge to South Bank or walk across the Goodwill Bridge from
Gardens Point Rd. entrance to the City Gardens. & 07/3867 2051 for Visitor Information Centre, or
07/3867 2020 for recorded entertainment information. Free admission. Park daily 24 hr.; Visitor Information
Centre Sat-Thurs 9am-6pm; Fri 9am-10pm. Train: South Brisbane. Ferry: CityCats and Cross River Ferries
both leave from the Clem Jones Promenade at South Bank. Bus: Countless bus routes depart Adelaide St.
near Albert St., cross the Victoria Bridge, and stop at the Queensland Cultural Centre; walk through the Cen-
tre to South Bank Parklands. Plentiful underground parking in Queensland Cultural Centre. The Parklands are
a 7-min. walk from town.
St. John's Anglican Cathedral Brisbane's stunning neo-Gothic Angli-
can cathedral is in the final stages of its completion—a mere 100 years after it
was begun. Don't be put off by the scaffolding which will likely still be swad-
dling it when you visit—from a glassed off area inside, you can watch the stone-
masons as they work on the western transept (fronting Ann St.), due to be
completed in 2006. Friendly, knowledgeable volunteer guides run tours and will
point out some of the details which make this cathedral uniquely Queensland—
like the carved possums on the organ screen and the hand-stitched cushions.
373 Ann St. (between Wharf and Queen sts.). & 07/3835 2248. www.stjohnscathedral.com.au. Daily
9:30am-4:30pm; free tours 10am and 2pm Mon-Sat; Sun 2pm only.
TAKING A CITY STROLL
Because Brisbane is leafy, warm, and full of colonial-era Queenslander architec-
ture, it is a great city for strolling. Pick up one of the free Heritage Trail Maps
from the Brisbane Marketing information booths (see “Visitor Information,”
earlier in this chapter) and set off to explore on your own. The map books have
a history of the area and excellent detailed information of historic buildings and
other sights along the way.
For organized walking tours, see below.
6 Organized Tours
RIVER CRUISES The best way to cruise the river, in my view, is aboard the
fast CityCat ferries . Board at Riverside and head downstream under the
Story Bridge to New Farm Park, past Newstead House to the restaurant row at
Brett's Wharves; or cruise upriver past the city and South Bank to the Univer-
sity of Queensland's lovely campus. (Take a look at its impressive Great Court
while you're there.) This trip in either direction will set you back a whole A$3.80
(US$2.45). Or you can stay on for the full trip, which takes about 2 hours. For
those who'd like a commentary and maybe a meal as they cruise, the Kook-
aburra River Queen paddle-wheeler ( & 07/3221 1300 ) is a good option. You
can choose from a lunch or dinner cruise, and from a three-course menu or a
seafood platter. Lunch prices are A$38 (US$25) and A$58 (US$38) for the
seafood; dinner is A$52 (US$34) and A$68 (US$44). Prices are slightly higher
on Friday and Saturday nights and on Sundays and public holidays. The boat
departs from the Eagle Street Pier. Parking is available under the City Rowers
tavern in Eagle Street. A A$24 (US$16) “coffee, tea, and cookies” fare is part of
the lunch cruise, but without the full meal.