There always has to be a starting point and for this ride I have picked Norman Park railway station for the simple reason, that it is simple to find on a map and due to our system of allowing cyclists and their bicycles on trains, it is an easy and alternative form of transport to taking the family car.
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This is a beautiful ride, there is no other way of describing it. Riding next to the Brisbane river, crossing it via the Storey Bridge and then following it all the way to Newstead Park.
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| Mowbray Park |
Prior to crossing the bridge, we travel through Dockside, an upmarket residential address, popular with some who have chosen Brisbane City as their work place. I could think of worse places to live, with a river ferry route passing by, views of the city that command a good deal of a weekly salary and as well, being close to the cultural hub and a reasonable number of cinemas. One might say it demonstrates a certain appeal.
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| Dockside |
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| Dockside |
I really love this sign located at the base of the Kangaroo Point cliffs as it highlights the constant danger our wildlife face in their everyday life. Two of our major killers of marine birds are plastic bags, fishing line with and without attached hooks being thoughtlessly discarded in and around our creeks, rivers and foreshores.
The cliffs of Kangaroo Point are also used as a training ground for rock climbing and abseiling and on weekends, it is not unusual to see quite a lot of climbing parties right along these cliff faces practising their sport, prior to taking on the mountains. http://www.riverlife.com.au/rock-climbing/
After 5 years under construction, the Story Bridge was officially opened on 6th July 1940. One facinating aspect of the bridge is that it takes 17,500 litres of paint to completely paint the bridge and this arduous job occurs every 7 years. http://www.sbac.net.au/story-bridge/the-bridge.html
This bridge also caters for climbing enthusiasts and if that takes your fancy. http://www.adrenalin.com.au/redeem/
A group from the Peddling Pathfinders crossing the Brisbane River from South to North via the Story Bridge.
Another group of cyclists heading south along the Riverside pathway almost in perfect single file as spied from atop the Story bridge.
Prior to the last Brisbane flood, cyclists had the benefit of riding along a floating shared pathway from the bridge to Merthyr, unfortunately the pathway fell victim to the flood and hasn't been replaced yet, so in the meantime, it is merely a diversionary tactic to ride along Bowen Terrace, Moray Street, turning right into Sydney Street and then following the pathway to New Farm Park, where you will be greeted either by beautiful displays of Jacaranda (in season) or manicured rose gardens. Parking at weekends is at a premium with families of all origins using this park as a favourite meeting spot.
If you are feeling thirsty, hungry or just in need of a caffeine boost, I can highly recommend the cafe situated on the ground level of the Brisbane Powerhouse, on the northern end of Newfarm Park, overlooking the river. The ride between here and Newstead Park, is very scenic and historically interesting as there are a number of informative plaques highlighting the importance of this part of the river in World War 2.
The area along the Brisbane River between New Farm and Newstead, could be of significance to my U.S. viewers who may have had members of their family stationed here during W.W.2. Almost 1 million US servicemen passed through Australia during the war, 100,000 of these being Afro American. There was also a large US Submarine base along this stretch of the river.
Newstead Park is the final port of call on this ride, unless you are intending on returning the way you came or indeed, taking a cross river ferry and returning to Norman Park that way. I'm sure you would enjoy this ride and it can be done with ease on most bikes and perfectly suitable to older children
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| Newstead House |
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| Norman Park to Newstead Park, Qld. (Map courtesy of Map my Ride) |
I use Map my Ride for simplicity and elevation information. Become a member (free) and find similar rides within the area and elsewhere.
I really appreciate receiving good, constructive and polite comments.
Cheers and safe riding,
Jimmy Bee
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