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Discover Queensland - by Tottie

Lamb Island is one of the four islands accessed by ferry from Redland Bay. There's not a lot to do - but things will change!

Approval has been granted for a small tavern near the jetty, and an upgrade of the little kiosk there. As well, there will be 6 accomodation units.

I guess some of the locals are hoping that it won't change much about this laid back island.

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Posted By: Tottie - Category: Tourism

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An island for every day of the year

November 15th 2006 06:00

It is said that in Moreton Bay, there are 365 islands. One for every day of the year. There may well be - although calling some of these lumps of sand "islands" might be stretching the truth. There are many that are only visible at low tide.

The major islands of the Bay are Bribie Island to the north of Moreton Bay, Moreton Island itself, North Stradbroke and South Stradbroke Islands, and assorted smaller ones. The bigger islands are great destinations for day trips or longer holidays, and have been the holiday destination choice for many Queenslanders for years.

At the southern end of the Bay, sheltered by North Stradbroke Island are more interesting islands - Coochiemudlo which is accessed by ferry from Victoria Point, and MacLeay, Karragarra, Lamb, and Russell Islands accessible by very regular ferry from Redland Bay.

The ferry service is very regular and it is a good day trip. There are some places of interest for tourists on the islands, but in the main they are relatively unspoilt. The two larger islands have shops, (Russell and MacLean), Lamb Island has a kiosk, and I don't think Karragarra has any.

I'm off to Lamb Island tomorrow to do a house sit. So, for the next three weeks, Lamb Island will be my home.

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Posted By: Tottie - Category: Tourism

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Port of Brisbane

November 14th 2006 06:32

This morning I attended a function which included a tour of the Port of Brisbane. As we live just 6 kms away and visit fairly often we are familiar with the area, but it was great to hear the commentary on the tour and hear the statistics of this incredible operation at the mouth of the Brisbane River.

I remember years ago traveeling by boat to a man-made island not far from the mouth of the Brisbane River, Bishop Island, which was one of the popular destinations for day trippers. It was a tad primitive in those days, but we loved the trip anyway.

Nowdays Bishop Island has been consumed by the expanding Port of Brisbane, which has stretched out from the boundaries nature gave it, right out into Moreton Bay producing an exciting and expanding precinct for shipping.

Once upon a time, when ships were smaller, the river upstream at Hamilton hosted the freighters that plied their trade. These days they tie up at the Port of Brisbane, the site several years ago of an extraordinary industrial action that closed the wharves.

Since that time the whole area has been developed and the development continues to make it one of the largest ports in Australia, with modern facilities that will keep it right to the forefront of development into the future.

For more information go to Port of Brisbane

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Posted By: Tottie - Category: Tourism

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Schoolies Week

November 13th 2006 05:38

Who knows where this incredbile week - or weeks - came from. I know I'm long in the tooth, but we had neither the money, the inspiration, nor the places to go that current school leavers have.

The Queensland Gold Coast is one of the popular venues for these weeks of youth invasions, where young school leavers treat the time as a rite of passage. Many drink, and drink too much, many lose their virginity, and other dabble in drugs for the first time

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Posted By: Tottie - Category: Tourism

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Wynnum Manly and Lota

November 2nd 2006 01:04

Once upon a time the railway line ended at Lota, some 17 kms from the city of Brisbane. Lota was almost in the midst of swampland, with the Tingalpa Creek and the lowlying swamping area. It was for many the end of the world.

If you said you came from Lota, you immediately dropped to the bottom of the pecking order, and those people from Wynnum and Manly fared little better. But all that has changed

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Posted By: Tottie - Category: Tourism

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Walk around the city

September 14th 2006 03:56

I like a city that is safe to walk around - and Brisbane is, especially during daylight hours, and that is the best time for an orientation walk.

There are organised walks with tour guide, which you might find helpful, but if you don't wish to do that, you can get a brochure of information on the ground floor of the Brisbane City Hall, and more information at the Visitor Information centre in the Queen Street Mall

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Posted By: Tottie - Category: Tourism

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Brisbane

September 12th 2006 07:08

Brisbane is the capital of the state and is situated on the Brisbane River which winds it's way from the the hills area to Moreton Bay. Moreton Bay has a number of islands, which will be featured later in this blog, many of them being sandy spots only visible at low tide. If you are going to visit Brisbane, you are best staying near the city, as there are great rail links that take you to some of the best tourist spots in the south east of the state. There are a variety of hotels, motels, and B & B's close to the city and range from budget to higher priced boutique hotels. The choice is yours. It is always a good idea to check with Wotif for great accomodation deals if you are booking accomodation for yourself.

If you are arriving by air, the terminal is well serviced by taxi's and shuttle buses, but one way to go to the city is by airtrain, which takes you right into the heart of the city. There are hotels right close to the train stations, so it could be an easy walk from the station to your hotel, should you choose.
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Posted By: Tottie - Category: Tourism

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Where is Queensland

September 12th 2006 05:25

If you are not familiar with Australia, you might wonder where queensland is. Click on this link to see a map of Queensland. It is in the north eastern most part of the country. The map shows "Brisbane" which is the capital city of Queensland - and the south east of the state, which includes Brisbane is one of the fastest growing areas of Australia right now. People from the southern states are moving to Queensland at the rate of 1500 a week, which is creating a boom for the state, but the increase in population is putting incrediblke pressure on infrastructrue e.g. roads, and water supply.
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Posted By: Tottie - Category: Tourism

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Queensland - beautiful one day, perfect the next

September 11th 2006 11:38

I'm a proud Queenslander - and I have travelled to many parts of this huge state. This blog will feature places around the state - perhaps it will encourage and inspire visitors to have a longer stay in the state, and see more of this extra ordinary place.

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