Active Brisbane

Brisbane, a city in Queensland, is an ideal destination if you want to experience a wide range of activities. Known as the Sunshine State, Queensland lives up to its name with plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Additionally, Brisbane enjoys a subtropical climate that offers pleasant temperatures all year round.

In summer (December to February), the maximum temperature is around 30°C. However, it is also the wettest season. On the other hand, winter is generally dry and mild, with mostly sunny days and an average temperature of 17°C.

If you’re in the city centre of Brisbane, you can enjoy a beautiful canoe ride along the Brisbane River. During your ride, you’ll get to see breathtaking views of the downtown skyscrapers, the cliffs of Kangaroo Point and the Story Bridge. Additionally, you have the option to rent a jet ski or an electric boat for the day.

Brisbane boasts over 16,000 km of cycle paths, with the most popular ones located in the city centre along the river. If you wish to explore the city on a bike, you can hire one for a few hours or the entire day and return it to various locations. To get started, you need to register to use the bikes. It is important to note that wearing a helmet while cycling is mandatory in Australia, and there are penalties for not wearing one. However, you need not worry, as helmets are readily available in the basket of every other bike and can be borrowed.

If you are looking for more challenging activities, you can try rock climbing on the cliffs of Kangaroo Point. And if you want to take it even further, there are daily group climbs to the top of Story Bridge. At sunset, you can climb to the heights of the bridge and witness the city lights illuminating the river in a spectacular fashion.

If you want to experience something completely different from city life, head outside the city centre for just 30-60 minutes. You can explore Moreton Bay and indulge in activities such as snorkelling, feeding dolphins, or going on a whale-watching cruise. If you head inland, you can visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to meet koalas or hike in the rainforest.

If you are looking for a more leisurely day out, consider having a picnic at one of the many parks in the area. My personal favourite is New Farm Park, which is easily accessible by ferry or on foot. Additionally, several designated picnic areas are in the Southbank region, and you can also unwind at a lagoon and sandy beach.

Consider bringing a picnic lunch on your trip to the park. The parks offer electric or gas barbecues that are either free or coin-operated. On Sundays, the parks tend to be quite crowded as locals gather with friends and enjoy picnics. It’s worth noting that Queenslanders are known for their love of barbecuing.

Author: Asko Meriläinen
Photo Credits: Asko Meriläinen