CYCLING MOWBRAY PARK TO SOUTHBANK



Kangaroo Point

This is a great ride to take the whole family on, particularly on a beautiful sunny day and it doesn't have to cost a lot for the family to have a fun day by the river. Pack some sandwiches, fruit, cordial for the kids and a thermos of coffee or tea and then everybody can have an ice cream at Southbank. Parking doesn't have to be a real chore either, if you can't find a spot to park in the parking lot at Mowbray Park, there are plenty of side streets close by.



Mowbray park, East Brisbane, Qld

Shared pathway at Mowbray Park, East Brisbane, Qld

It's a matter of following the signs from Mowbray Park to Dockside. The traffic on the side roads here is light but if you feel safer then stick to the footpaths. When you arrive at Cairns Street, just locate the cycle path and follow it to the riverside




A beautifully restored home in Kangaroo Point, Brisbane, Qld.

Dockside, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane, Qld

I think Kangaroo Point is one of the more interesting places along the river in that it is steeped in history, cliffs high enough to climb, great views of the city, a jazz club, organised kayaking and a myriad of spots to indulge in a social BBQ or picnic with friends and family.



Shared pathway leading under the Story Bridge, Brisbane, Qld.



Kangaroo Point, Brisbane, Qld.

Why not combine the cycle ride with an history lesson. What a great way of learning about our beautiful river, from early sailing ships keeping the lifeline open for Brisbane to World War 2 battle ships including a fleet of submarines. Now everything comes in by air or road transport when not so long ago it was ships and rail. A quick stop at the Maritime Museum is a must, particularly if you have the children with you and then it's on to Southbank.



A history lesson at Kangaroo Point, Brisbane, Qld.



Kayaks for hire at Kangaroo Point, Brisbane, Qld.



Paddle steamer on the Brisbane River, Qld.

Southbank is Brisbane City's playground both for young and old. Restaurants, bars and cafes are bountiful and in the main good quality. The Southbank Parklands are great for relaxation and the beach is a must in warmer weather, particularly for the kids. There is always the Cultural Precinct with it's theatres, art galleries and Performing Arts just to keep in mind for a day not so suitable to soaking up the outdoors with cycling and walking. The shared pathway continues on to the end of Orleigh Park, Hill End.



Southbank, Brisbane, Qld

For those more imaginative and adventurous, you can weave your way through the side streets to cross the Eleanor Schonell  Bridge to the Queensland University or continue on to Chelmer where you can cross the bridge to Indooroopilly, trace your way back along the northern side of the river to the Story Bridge, crossing to Kangaroo Point and on to Mowbray Park.

I'll leave you with this anonymous quote: "On a bicycle, citizens experience their city with deep intimacy, often for the first time. For a regular motorist to take that two or three mile trip by bicycle instead is to decimate an enormous wall between them and their communities."
 

Cheers,
Jimmy Bee