Page 236 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

234  QUEENSLAND

in 1847 to government resident reptiles and many Australian
and magistrate, Captain birds. Visitors can hand feed
John Wickham. kangaroos and, for a small fee,
The centre of the new colony’s have their photograph taken
social life, Newstead House holding a koala.
was the scene of lavish parties. A pleasant and scenic way
A huge fig tree, under which to get to Lone Pine Sanctuary
elegant carriages once waited, is on a 45-minute river cruise
still graces the drive. In 1939, (including commentary) with
it became the first Australian Mirimar Cruises (mirimar.com).
house to be preserved by its Tickets include return trip and
very own act of parliament. Lone Pine entry (with three
Restored by the Newstead House hours at the park before
Trust from 1976, the house is heading back). Depart from
River view from Brisbane’s furnished with Victorian antiques. Cultural Centre pontoon.
Story Bridge
oBrisbane Botanic
yStory Bridge
Gardens
Level 1, 170 Main St, Kangaroo Point.
Tel 1300 254 627. Open daily. & 8 Mt Coot-tha Rd, Toowong. Tel (07) 3403
∑ sbac.net.au 2535. @ 471. Open 8am–4pm daily.
7 ∑ brisbane.qld.gov.au
Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge
was constructed during the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, in
Great Depression, taking five the foothills of Mount Coot-tha
years to build and opening in Forest Park 8 km (5 miles) from
July 1940. With a bridge already the city centre, were founded in
across the Brisbane River, this 1976 and feature more than
new bridge was more a means 20,000 specimens, from 5,000
of creating jobs and boosting species, of exotic herbs, shrubs
the city’s morale. Decorated Victorian music box in and trees laid out in themed
The Story Bridge Adventure Newstead House beds. Highlights include eucalypt
Climb is a spectacular way to groves, a Japanese Garden, a
discover Brisbane. Climbs take iLone Pine Koala Tropical Display Dome, which
place several times a day as well Sanctuary includes lotus lilies and vanilla
as at night. Throughout the orchids, a Lagoon and Bamboo
two-and-a-half hour experience, Jesmond Rd, Fig Tree Pocket. Tel (07) Grove, Fern House, National
the climb leader reveals the 3378 1366. @ 430, 445. g North Freedom Wall (celebrating 50
history of the bridge and talks Quay. Open 9am–5pm daily. Closed years of peace) and a large
about the city’s transition from until 1:30pm 25 April. & 7 - = collection of Australian native
∑ koala.net
a 19th-century penal settlement plants. Many arid and tropical
to a 21st-century metropolis. The oldest koala sanctuary in plants, usually seen in green-
At the summit, climbers enjoy Australia (opened in 1927), Lone houses, thrive in the outdoor
views of Brisbane, its river and Pine is also the world’s largest, setting. There is also a Bonsai
the surrounding mountains. home to more than 130 koalas, House, and exotic and Australian
as well as kangaroos, emus, rainforest sections. Free guided
possums, dingoes, wombats, walks are held at 11am and 1pm
uNewstead
House
Newstead Park, Breakfast Creek Rd,
Newstead. Tel (07) 3216 1846.
£ Bowen Hills. @ 300, 306, 322.
g Newstead Point. Open 9am–
4pm daily (to 1pm Sat). Closed Good
Fri, 25 Apr, 25–26 Dec. & 8 by
arrangement. ∑ newsteadhouse.
com.au
Built in 1846 for Patrick Leslie,
one of the first European settlers
in the Darling Downs region,
Newstead House is the oldest
surviving home in Brisbane.
This charming building was sold Koala at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
For hotels and restaurants in this area see p486 and pp512–14