You will no doubt have your schedule full with talks and lectures - that’s the reason you’re here right? However, if you choose to take a break, or have a significant other who has decided to travel with you for the Brisbane part of Brisbane PyCon Australia, then here are a few suggestions of things to do and see in the River City.
South Bank Parklands - http://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/South-Bank
If the weather is fine, there is nothing better to do than stroll around the beautiful area known as the South Bank Parklands. Choose from numerous restaurants, cafes, have a swim in the man-made beach and lagoon areas, enjoy the gardens and walkways, or why not an afternoon barbeque or picnic next to the Brisbane River. Along with some great shops and pubs, this area features a fantastic Sunday morning market sure to please even the most choosy of shoppers - perfect for gifts and souvenirs for loved ones back home.
Gallery of Modern Art - http://www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/
Goma, as it’s affectionately known, is currently featuring the ‘Harvest: Art, Film + Food’ exhibit - a celebration of food in art. The gallery also features a wide range of beautiful Australian and international art, and has interactive exhibits for children so is suitable for all ages.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb - http://sbac.net.au/
For the more adventurous among us, this is the ideal way to get to know our beautiful city. This is a great chance to see Brisbane from a viewpoint seldom seen - the Story Bridge climb is one of only three climbs in the world, and not only that, but you can also abseil down 30m once you’ve reached the top (beat that Harbour Bridge!). Suitable for people the age of 10 and up.
The Queensland Museum - http://www.southbank.qm.qld.gov.au/
Located within walking distance to the South Bank promenade and GOMA, the Queensland Museum is a showcase of natural and cultural history that tells the highs and lows of Queensland’s story since settlement. With fixed and rotating exhibits, as well as interactive displays and demonstrations, the museum is a must-see for any history buff.
The Sciencentre - http://www.sciencentre.qm.qld.gov.au/
Located on level 1 of the Queensland Museum, this place does have a cover charge, however the delights and excitement contained within make parting with your hard-earned cash well worth it. During PyCon Australia the main exhibition will be ‘Licence to Spy’ - a range of fun, interactive exhibits which will appeal to the James Bond (or Austin Powers) in all of us.
Riverlife - http://www.riverlife.com.au/activities.html
If you’re after a more active approach to discovering Brisbane, and you’re not keen on heights, then check out Riverlife. Get down to experience Brisbane from the river on segway tours, nighttime kayak tours, a walking tour, or hire bikes or rollerblades to DIY your way around Brisbane.
Whether you’re from Brisbane, here purely for business, or to experience a new and innovative place, we at PyCon Australia hope that you will find yourselves at home with all our city has to offer. Heck, you may even want to move here. We wouldn’t turn you away, as long as you didn’t hog all the coffee.
