Sweet as Sugar

There is something ever so enticing about an eclectic café entrance. The Sugar Deli is no exception. With vintage chairs hanging upside down in front of the café entrance and virginal white cage-like seating placed casually alongside the footpath, The Sugar Deli feels a bit like a Mad Hatter Tea Party.

But looks are deceiving! Although it may appear a little haphazard, the north Brisbane café is anything but. Offering scrumptious treats fit for a queen and a wide range of delicious drinks – anything from coffee and milkshakes to white wine and fresh juice – the menu offers something for everyone. One tantalising tidbit is their Caramel Macadamia Slice. Delivering the perfect balance between sweet and savoury, this slice is great for kids and adults alike. The Sugar Deli is also a great place to have brunch, dinner or lunch, with an impressive array of light meals.

The Sugar Deli is also known for hosting a wide range of events from New Year’s Eve to Mother’s Day. These special days often feature an exclusive menu and free entertainment, with specials such as high tea and exotic dancers.

However, one downside for many customers who visit The Sugar Deli is the price and service. Although the meals are great, many complain they are overpriced. And being so popular, The Sugar Deli is also jam packed all day – impacting on the responsiveness of staff and leaving many customers tapping their toes.

If you are looking to escape from reality and indulge a little, then The Sugar Deli is the place for you. Open Monday to Saturday, The Sugar Deli is open for breakfast and lunch, with dinner times on Friday and Saturday nights. Visit them at 97 Landsborough Avenue, Scarborough.

Winter Warmers – the chill won’t stop Brisbane from having fun!

Although the Brisbane region is known for its good climate and fair weather activities, it doesn’t mean there is nothing to do once the cooler weather sets in. Instead, Brisbane becomes a chilled wonderland, with the weather not too hot or cold, ideal for a wide range of activities.

If you are a Brisbane resident or a visitor to south east Queensland, here are a number of activities to keep you toasty in winter:

Whale Watching

This is one of the biggest drawcards in Brisbane’s winter. Although the weather may not be ideal for humans swimming, it is perfect for the whales in their northern migration. Whales travel the coast of Queensland between June and October, usually found in the crystal waters of Moreton Bay and the surrounding islands.

Christmas in July

As winter falls in July in the southern hemisphere, Christmas is instead the hottest time of the year for those who live down under. In order to offer a more old-fashioned Christmas, Australians and other countries in the southern hemisphere have created the tradition of Christmas in July. While the holiday is usually celebrated in December, July does offer a number of Christmas-like activities, such as traditional Christmas dinners at restaurants and a number of festive doings.

Hiking

There are lots of impressive mountains to climb all year round in south east Queensland and with a cooler climate, it is easier to tackle some of the tougher hikes. Some mountains in the surrounding regions include the many Glass House mountains in the Sunshine Coast hinterland and Mount Barney located in south west of Brisbane, past Beaudesert.

River Cruises

No matter what the weather, a cruise along the Brisbane River is a great way to see the city. There are many companies offering cruises both during the day and at night, taking advantage of the cooler weather and offering beautiful views, ideal for sightseeing.

A little hesitant to holiday in Brisbane in winter? Thinking about spending your spare time under the covers with a good book? Change your plans! There is no reason to shy away from a winter holiday in Brisbane. With so much to do, winter may become your favourite time to visit this vibrant city.

Brisbane on the map – Expo 88’s 25th anniversary

Exactly 25 years ago, Brisbane came into the spotlight when it held the World Expo 88. Part of a world’s fair, it went for a period of six months in the year of 1988, offering a glimpse into the multi-culturalism and unique qualities Brisbane had to offer. Millions of visitors attended the event, made to promote Queensland as a tourist destination. The event also prompted the major re-development of South Brisbane, with famous icons such as the manmade beach, Suncorp Piazza and the Nepal Peace Pagoda all emerging from Expo 88.

The enduring legacy of World Expo 88 lives on today and with the re-opening of the Museum of Brisbane over the weekend. The museum is currently hosting an event titled Light Fantastic: Expo 88 Rewired, featuring the parades guests of Expo 88 got to enjoy a quarter of a century ago.

The parades at Expo 88 were something totally new for Australia, with lots of time and thought put into each piece. The resulting product was a magical display of imagination from different countries all around the world. Parades ranged from lit up Pegasus floats and large suns with smiling faces, to giant echidnas and people the size of cars made from food.

Light Fantastic gives visitors the chance to head back in time and experience the parades up close and personal. Offering a behind-the-scenes look with Parades Producer, Mike Mullins, Light Fantastic looks at how the parades were assembled with the help of float and costume designers, lighting and special effects specialists and performers. And, if you were lucky enough to be there for this magical time, you can also share those memories in the 612 ABC memory booth.

You can find more information about the Light Fantastic: Expo 88 Parades Rewired event by visiting the Museum of Brisbane website.

Brisbane on a budget – what you can do for free

Brisbane is a vibrant city that is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. However, like much of Australia, many of the activities it has on offer can get a little on the expensive side. But with a little knowledge of the area and a few key destinations, you can enjoy the best Brisbane has to offer – for free!

Queensland Museum

Situated on South Bank, the Queensland Museum is a free venue, offering a number of permanent and changing exhibitions from dinosaurs and early Australian history, to native animals and vintage vehicles. Some of the changing exhibitions do have an entrance fee, but all of the permanent ones are open to visitors and the museum is perfect for a day out with the family.

Mt Coot-tha Lookout

One thing any visitor or resident of Brisbane should do at least once while in Queensland’s capital is head to Mt Coot-tha. With breathtaking views of the Brisbane CBD and its surrounding regions, the observation deck on Mt Coot-tha offers sup a spectacular sight. By day, you can see as far as the ocean with the sun dazzling on the city’s many suburbs and by night, glittering lights illuminate the view. The lookout also features immaculate gardens, a wishing waterfall and even an intimate restaurant.

CityCat Riverfront Revival Tours

The Brisbane River is a long stretch of water that snakes through the city and beyond. One way people get around is via the river’s CityCats. These boats roam back and forth along the river, transporting workers, tourists and locals alike. To enjoy a tour on the river, simply access the free interactive audio tour by downloading it online or taking a brochure once on board the vessel. The audio tour can be skipped to the relevant chapter via the four part colour-coded system. Entry onto the vessel isn’t free but won’t cost more than a tenner and the views are priceless!

New Farm Park

Located just 2km east of Brisbane’s CBD, this beautiful park is ideal for picnics and leisurely strolls. With spectacular trees blooming with flowers, manicured lawns made for lounging and a stunning view of the river and city in the background, New Farm Park is perfect for a relaxing summer’s afternoon. You can also head to the Brisbane Powerhouse just a short walk away for free live acts and weekend farmers markets.

So, next time you’re in Brisbane, or even if you have lived there all your life, visit one of the above places for budget friendly yet priceless experience!