It’s time to find a new backdrop for your #fitspo posts.
Kangaroo Point cliffs
Directly opposite the CBD and right on the river, this may be one of the most conveniently placed rock climbing and abseiling spots in the world. The climbing routes are regularly maintained, but you’ll need to bring or hire your own climbing equipment. The cliffs are even illuminated at night, to help strangers see you struggle to get off the ground.
Where: Beneath River Terrace at Kangaroo Point.
Kangaroo Point stairs
If climbing isn’t your thing, you can still get fit with this quintessentially Brisbane workout. Cut into the cliffs, this steep zig-zagging staircase will make you wish you’d decided to skip leg day. Conquering the 107 steps as fast as possible is a point of pride for many. Just ignore the stories about people who do it 100 times in a single session.
Where: The stairs join River Terrace above with the park below.
Captain Burke Park
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For something a little more leisurely, try going for a walk along this picturesque path. Starting from the edge of Southbank, the route takes you past the Maritime Museum, the Kangaroo Point cliffs, and the Brisbane Jazz Club, accompanied by beautiful views of the city and the river. This is a walk best done at sunset.
Where: The path begins at the Goodwill Bridge at Southbank, joins Lower River Terrace and continues beside the river.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Story Bridge Adventure Climb / Via Facebook: sbacbrisbane
When you want a good view, it’s hard to ignore the top of the Story Bridge. One of just four major bridge climbs in the world – three of which are in Australia and New Zealand – the Story Bridge gives you a unique perspective of Brisbane. You have to go in a group with a guide, but you can choose to climb at dawn, dusk, day, or at night.
Where: The bridge is at Kangaroo Point, but you can book a climb online.
Mount Coot-tha
One of the more popular routes for cyclists, this is Brisbane’s highest peak. The steep, winding climb rewards you with a panoramic view of the city and surrounding suburbs. Make sure you save some energy for the descent though – it can be much trickier than the journey up.
Where: The climb begins on Scenic Drive, just off Mount Coot-tha Road in Toowong.
Coorparoo Bowls Club
After all that strenuous activity, you’ll need a good cool down exercise. There’s everything you’d expect: well-tended greens, a nice outdoor area, and cheap drinks. What sets this club apart is that it offers glow bowls at night. Sending fluorescent balls down a UV-lit bowling green definitely adds something to the game.
Where: 32 Riddings Street, Coorparoo.
Murarrie Criterium Track
This closed-circuit racing track is the home to the Balmoral Cycling Club, and they hold races here every Saturday. Be sure to ride clockwise around the track, or you’re going to have a really bad time.
Where: Part of the Murarrie Recreation Reserve, just beside Wynnum Road at Murarrie.
The Brisbane River
Riverlife / Via Facebook: RiverlifeBrisbane
Travelling down the river is the best way to get a feel for the city itself. And doing it by kayak will keep you fit at the same time. You can hire boats and equipment from Riverlife or join one of their group kayaking tours. Go during the day, or at night, but watch out for the CityCats.
Where: Riverlife is in the former Naval Stores at Kangaroo Point.
Mount Gravatt
It may not be as tall as Mount Coot-tha, but Mount Gravatt doesn’t have as many tourists. In other words, you can walk to the top in the calm silence of nature and enjoy the view unobstructed once you’re there. Early to mid-morning is the best time to go.
Where: There are many walking tracks on the mountain, but the main access is via Shire Road, in the suburb of Mount Gravatt.
The Riverwalk
Now that it’s reopened, the Riverwalk is once again the jogging track with the best view in Brisbane. Starting at the edge of the CBD, you can use this path to go from the city to New Farm over the water. In fact, with a few brief detours, you can come off the Riverwalk at New Farm and continue all the way to Teneriffe on paths right beside the river. How’s that for a run with a view?
Where: The Riverwalk itself begins just under the Story Bridge and joins up with Merthyr Road at New Farm.
Walk the bridges of Brisbane
This route lets you explore the city and gives you some stunning views at the same time. Starting from the QUT Gardens Point campus, head over the Goodwill Bridge, along the river at Southbank, and cross the Victoria Bridge. From there, go a few blocks along George Street and over the Kurilpa Bridge to South Brisbane. Try it at sunset on a clear day.
Where: The Goodwill, Victoria, and Kurilpa Bridges all connect the CBD to Southbank.
Wynnum Wading Pool
This public pool solves the problem of choosing between swimming in a pool or in the ocean. Built right on Moreton Bay, the pool fills itself through three pipes leading into the bay. The pipes open and close with the tide, keeping the water depth constant. Even the most expensive waterfront houses can’t boast a pool with a view like this.
Where: Just off the Esplanade, near the jetty at Wynnum
Eleanor Schonell Bridge and the University of Queensland
Walking or riding over the Eleanor Schonell Bridge and into the UQ campus provides beautiful scenery. Come off the bridge and head along the river towards Toowong to see some venerable old houses amongst even older trees.
Where: The bridge comes off Gladstone Road, connecting Dutton Park with St Lucia.
Yeronga Park Pool
Yeronga Park Swimming / Via yerongaswimming.com.au
This place is less like a public swimming pool and more like your rich neighbour’s backyard. Sure, there’s a pool, but there are also palm trees, tropical wooden huts, a kid’s pool with mushroom fountains, and some very inviting deck chairs. You’ll do those 20 laps… just as soon as you can convince yourself to get up.
Where: 81 School Road, Yeronga.
Sherwood Arboretum
More than just another park, the Arboretum began in the 1920’s as a place to cultivate native plants. It now contains more than 300 species of Brisbane native flora. Impressively large for a public park – it’s 15 hectares – and beautifully landscaped, it’s amazing this place remains unknown to so many locals.
Where: Several roads have access, but the main one is Jolimont Street at Sherwood.
McIlwraith Croquet Club
The genteel game of croquet is alive and well at this 1920’s era club. It’s not exactly rock climbing, but winning a game without losing your cool requires just as much skill and concentration. The perfectly manicured lawn and the quaint old clubhouse make this the perfect place to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Where: In McIlwraith Park, at Auchenflower. The entrance faces Dixon Street.
