This coming weekend it’s Easter and the school is closed over the holiday period. It’s a great opportunity to get out and see some more of what Brisbane and the surrounding areas have on offer. Listed below are a few ideas that are either free or inexpensive things to do!

Brisbane City Walk                                                                                    The Brisbane City Walk is a self guided tour of Brisbane’s heart via three major parklands that green the city. It is designed as a leisurely walk, with frequent stops to take in highlights of Brisbane’s heritage. Plan to spend at least 2–3 hours on the walk. You can start your walk at any point on the route. It’s a circuit, so you’ll finish where you start. A good place to start is the Visitor Information Centre, Queen Street Mall.

For more information go to the following site. http://www.ourbrisbane.com/files/bcw_maptext_01.pdf

 South Bank                                                                                               There is always something to do at South Bank.  With its beach in the middle of the city and swimming pools and fountains, South Bank is the perfect place to while away the day. South Bank also has great markets and buskers (although there’s no charge for either of these, it’s good to give at least a gold coin if you’ve watched a busker’s act).

South Bank has dozens of restaurants with many cuisines to choose from. Some within South Bank have wonderful views over the river and city, others (like the pubs at the Plough Inn and Ship Inn) are in historic buildings that hint at the industrial past of the area.

For more information see:  http://www.visitsouthbank.com.au/

Shorncliffe                                                                                                Jump on the train and head out to Shorncliffe! Shorncliffe is one of Brisbane’s hidden gems and those who’ve discovered its delights would like it to stay that way! Situated on the bay with views to Moreton Island, Shorncliffe has a sleepy coastal town feel and even an hour in its environs can leave you feeling rested and rejuvenated.

There are plenty of fish and chip outlets along the foreshore and there are few things more pleasant than eating a takeaway by the beach, with seagulls squawking and a salty breeze blowing the heat away.

Daisy Hill Koala Centre                                                                               25 km south-east of Brisbane, and part of a greater region known as the koala coast, Daisy Hill Koala Centre is situated in the open eucalypt forest at Daisy Hill Forest Reserve and is a bushland retreat for koalas and other native animals. It is open every day (except Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday) from 10am – 4pm. At the centre you can see koalas up close, though you won’t be able to touch them as they are wild animals and handling is not permitted.

For more information: http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/wildlife-ecosystems/wildlife/daisy_hill_koala_centre/

 ANZAC Day Parade                                                                                      It’s a time of reflection, of thankfulness, of remembrance. It’s ANZAC Day in Brisbane. And in 2011, 95 years after that fateful landing on Gallipoli beach, we will gather in the city centre and many of the suburbs to pay our respects to our servicemen and women. The march will take place between 10am and 1pm on Monday 25 April. The march commences in George Street, turning right into Adelaide Street, past the saluting Dias in King George Square, turning right into Creek Street and right again into Queen Street. The city’s more sombre dawn service will take place at exactly 4.28am on Monday 25 April at the Shrine of Remembrance in ANZAC Square, Adelaide Street.

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For more information: http://www.ourbrisbane.com/whats-on/anzac-day-brisbane

These are but a few of the many places and things that you can see and do over the long weekend. Make the most of the break and fill the days!