How to enjoy Brisbane as a senior
A quick guide to Brisbane’s top attractions.
Getting around
Brisbane has a comprehensive public transport network with buses, trains, ferries and trams. Trains can take you as far as the Gold Coast and up towards the Sunshine Coast, if you fancy getting out of the city. Seniors can take advantage of the special “One, Two, Free” concession – pay for two journeys during the one day and the rest of your transport is free.
Off to the library
There’s something wonderfully calming about libraries and the State of Library of Queensland is a particularly good one. You can happily curl up in a corner with a book or look at the great exhibitions on display, covering subjects that have shaped the history of the state. In 2017 the Digital Futures program will present a series of special events centred around changing technologies, covering everything from medical research to drones.
Paddle and prawns
The Story River runs through the middle of Brisbane and much of the life of the city centres around it. One of the best ways to see the city is from the water and every Friday night you can hop in an illuminated kayak, take a leisurely 90-minute paddle and then finish off with a feast of fresh prawns on the shore. Don't worry about fitness – it’s a fun and easy experience that’s suitable for everyone.
Marvel at the GoMA
The Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) in Brissie is the country’s largest gallery of contemporary and modern art, and is a must-see for every visitor. It’s joined with the Queensland Art Gallery and together the two hold more than 17,000 artworks and a constantly changing calendar of exhibitions. The buildings themselves are works of art, stunning architecturally designed edifices that are just as impressive as anything inside.
Spend the day at Straddie
Take the short ferry ride across to North Stradbroke Island, the second largest sand island in the world. It’s a haven for wildlife, with a huge number of seabirds, 18 species of mammals including wallabies, kangaroos, echidnas, koalas and bandicoots, and Australia’s southernmost population of dugongs. Spend the day hiking, swimming, learning about the traditional Aboriginal culture of the island or looking for whales off Point Lookout.
What’s your favourite thing to do in Brisbane? Share it with us in the comments below.
Related links:
10 of Australia’s prettiest panoramic scenes
The view of Uluru that no one gets to see
10 of the most spectacular islands in Australia