A holiday is the perfect chance to unwind and replenish yourself. But holidays come in many shapes and sizes. If you’re ideal holiday is to avoid the wild nightlife and crowd experiences, then you’re in luck as this article looks at exactly that – Brisatina for the self-discoverer. So many of us need time to recharge and relax and Brisbane can offer many enriching experiences which I would like to share with you in this article.
When you arrive in Brisbane, your accommodation should provide that first sense of wellbeing to set the tone for your holiday. While many may instantly think of the CBD or South Bank as there go-to destination in Brisbane, I’d like you to consider Kangaroo Point for your next holiday. And when it comes to Kangaroo Point serviced apartments there’s no better place to stay than right here at Bridgewater Terraces. The beautiful landscaped gardens and serene river views offered by our apartments, are immediately welcoming, as are the friendly and professional staff members even if I do say so myself!.
A wonderful aspect of Brisbane as a place of discovery, is the use of local volunteers as the Brisbane Greeters. These knowledgeable locals are keen to share the highlights of their city and provide walking tours encompassing the city, parklands and gardens, and the riverside. Staying at Bridgewater Terraces, a local Greeter can fill you in on all there is to know about Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Story Bridge, Story Bridge Hotel, Yungaba Immigration Centre and Riverlife (heritage/listed naval-stores). You can try many of the other tours available or even design your own tour. You can choose up to 3 interests such as public art and contemporary design, major cultural attractions and education and scientific discovery, then nominate an area to explore and your greeter will do the rest. Your Greeter is just like having a friend sharing their city with you.
If you’d prefer to do some solo exploring, then try using Brisbane’s CityCycle program. This bicycle hire system operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and operates at 150 stations which link up with bus, train and ferry terminals. It’s a quick, affordable and environmentally friendly way to get to know the city intimately. Station #90 at Mahoney Park is only a short walk from Bridgewater Terraces to start your exploratory adventures. Some highlights of the city to be sure to include are the City Botanic Gardens – 18 hectares of lush foliage, ornamental ponds and river frontage, the Museum of Brisbane, St John’s Cathedral for its beautiful stained glass windows, the Anzac Square War Memorial and Tony Gould Gallery – for a look at Brisbane’s theatrical history.
This CityCycle station is just a couple of hundred metres from Bridgewater Terraces
Hiring a car will allow you to explore a bit further afield and discover two of the most iconic aspects of a Queensland holiday – the beach and the rainforest. A one hour drive southeast from Brisbane and a ferry ride will find you at North Stradbroke Island – where you can enjoy unspoilt beaches and resident wildlife, or head towards Mt Tamborine in the hinterland and visit wineries, such as Cedar Creek and Heritage Wines, and browse the art and craft shops on the Gallery Walk. Slightly further away, in Lamington National Park, you can visit O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat where you can view the native birds, the rainforest surroundings and the treetop canopy walk.
After these busy days, you will appreciate returning to Bridgewater Terraces, your Kangaroo Point serviced apartment where you can relax by the pool or in the hot tub before deciding where to go for dinner. There are plenty of quality restaurants just a 7 minute ferry ride away at Eagle St Pier, Brisbane’s premier dining and entertainment precinct. Whether you are after a fine dining experience at Aria, the casual but elegant Il Centro or an international flavour at the Bavarian Bier Cafe or the Jade Buddha, you will have plenty of choices to suit your mood.
No self-discovery holiday is complete without a little retail therapy and the quirky, renovated cottage shops at Paddington, selling fashion, food and antiques are sure to provide a treasure to take home with you. This vibrant shopping scene is also home to numerous art galleries and a thriving coffee culture. Try visiting Sassafras Fine Foods and Sol Breads Cafe for some after shopping refreshment.
As your Brisbane break comes to a close, you should find yourself feeling centred and relaxed. Getting to know the many aspects of Brisbane has made it feel like your second city and the Kangaroo Point serviced apartment at Bridgewater Terraces your second home. We’d like to see you back again very soon.
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