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Active PursuitsAbseiling The Kangaroo Point cliffs just south of the Story Bridge are a breeze for first-time abseilers (rappellers) -- or so they say. The Riverlife Adventure Centre (tel. 07/3891 5766; www.riverlife.com.au), in the old naval stores building at the base of the cliffs, runs daily abseiling and rock-climbing classes. Both activities cost A$34 (US$31/£15) per person. Biking -- Bike tracks, often shared with pedestrians and in-line skaters, stretch for 400km (248 miles) around Brisbane. One great scenic route, about 9km (5 1/2 miles) long, starts just west of the Story Bridge, sweeps through the Brisbane City Gardens, and follows the river all the way to the University of Queensland campus at St. Lucia. Valet Cycle Hire (tel. 0408/003 198 mobile; www.cyclebrisbane.com) operates from the bicycle station in the City Botanic Gardens, near the Alice Street gate, from 9:30am until dark. The cost is A$15 (US$14/£6.75) for 1 hour and A$5 (US$4.50/£2.25) each extra hour up to A$35 (US$32/£16). Kids' bikes are half price. You can also have your bike "valet" delivered to all city area accommodations at extra cost and can rent for a week for A$100 (US$90/£45). All rentals include helmets, which are compulsory in Australia. The Brisbane City Council at City Hall (tel. 07/3403 8888) and Brisbane Visitor Information Centre also give out bike maps.Bushwalking Brisbane Forest Park, a 28,500-hectare (70,395-acre) expanse of bushland, waterfalls, and rainforest a 20-minute drive north of the city, has hiking trails ranging from just a few hundred meters up to 8km (5 miles). Some tracks have themes -- one highlights the native mammals that live in the park, for example, and another, the 1.8km (just over 1-mile) Mount Coot-tha Aboriginal Art Trail, showcases Aboriginal art, with tree carvings, rock paintings, etchings, and a dance pit. Because the park is so big, most walks depart from one of the seven regional centers, which are up to a 20-minute drive from headquarters. (You will need a car.) Make a day of it and pack a picnic. At Park Headquarters, 60 Mount Nebo Rd., The Gap (tel. 1300/723 684; www.epa.qld.gov.au), you will find a wildlife display, a restaurant, a crafts shop, and an information center. In-Line Skating In-line skaters can use the network of bike and pedestrian paths. Head down to the Brisbane City Gardens at Alice Street and find your way along the river. SkateBiz, 101 Albert St. (tel. 07/3220 0157), rents blades for A$13 (US$12/£6) for 2 hours, or A$20 (US$18/£9) for up to 24 hours. Protective gear is included. Take a photo ID. The store is open from 9am to 5:30pm Monday through Thursday, 9am to 9pm Friday, 9am to 4pm Saturday, and 10am to 4pm Sunday. They also run social skating sessions around Brisbane. Kayaking To get out on the Brisbane River, you can rent a kayak from Riverlife Adventure Centre (tel. 07/3891 5766; www.riverlife.com.au), at the base of the Kangaroo Point cliffs, for A$25 (US$23/£11) per person for 90 minutes. Classes, in which you will learn how to launch the kayak, paddle, turn, stay out of the path of the CityCats, and much more, are run daily and cost A$34 (US$31/£15) per person. Night kayaking lessons are run on Tuesday and Thursday from 7pm and cost A$45 (US$41/£21) per person. The center is open 9am to 6pm daily. Brisbane's Bridge Climb Brisbane boasts nine bridges across its wide river. The most interesting is the Story Bridge, built in 1940. If you are over 12 years old and at least 130 centimeters (just over 4 ft. 3 in.) tall, you can "climb" this overgrown Meccano set. The Story Bridge Adventure Climb (tel. 1300/254 627 in Australia, or 07/3514 6900; www.storybridgeadventureclimb.com.au) peaks at a viewing platform on top of the bridge, 44m (143 ft.) above the roadway and 80m (262 ft.) above the Brisbane River. Launched in late 2005, this is only the third "bridge climb" in the world (after Sydney's and Auckland's), so make the most of the chance. You'll be rewarded with magnificent 360-degree views of the city, river, and Moreton Bay and its islands. Climbs operate daily and start from the base headquarters at 170 Main St. (at Wharf St.), Kangaroo Point. Day climbs cost A$110 (US$99/£50) adults and A$83 (US$75/£37) children ages 10 to 16 on weekdays, and A$120/A$90 (US$108/US$81 or £54/£41) weekends. Twilight climbs cost A$130 (US$117/£59) adults and A$98 (US$88/£44) children. Night climbs are A$120 (US$108/£54) adults and A$90 (US$81/£41) children weekdays and A$130/A$98 (US$117/US$88 or £59/£44) weekends. Dawn climbs, only on Saturday and Sunday, cost A$130 (US$117/£59) adults and A$98 (US$88/£44) children. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip. Related Features Partner Deals:
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