Picnic in the Roma Street Parklands

 Picnic Days at Roma Street Parklands

At the moment, in my house, Fridays are "Picnic Day" for me and my 3 year-old.  Master 5 is at school, there is no kindy for Master 3 and (hopefully) all my work is done.  So, we are free to pack a yummy lunch and a blanket and go get our picnic on at one of Brisbane's beautiful parklands.  

Getting There
Sometimes we train it, sometimes we drive. 

Either way, our park of choice in recent times is the rambling Roma Street Parklands.  With lush green grass, an abundance of shady trees and plenty of bbq's, the Roma Street Parklands are always popular, but never feel crowded.

Roma Street Parklands are super easy to get via train, as the station is a short stroll away.  

Parking is never a problem though, and it will cost you about $4 for an hour.  

An hour is usually just perfect for us - enough time to eat our own picnic, feed the ducks and fish, wander around the boardwalks and stepping stones of the pond, and explore along the banks where we undoubtedly spy water dragons and other creatures.

What to Take
We always make sure we pack some extra bread to feed the ducks and fish in the massive pond. There are some pretty big fish in that pond, and they can get quite aggressive when fighting other fish and ducks for the bread - the frothy melee entertains Master 3 no end.
 
You may want to take a ball or frisbee as there is truly so much space that you needn't worry about disrupting other picnic-goers.

The Facilities
A quick stop at the toilets before we leave is mandatory and these are toilets have always been clean and well maintained, with full soap-dispensers - such a relief when you are taking a toddler (or yourself) to the public toilets.

Chairs2Share
We noticed a couple of visits ago this sign that details a cute council initiative called Chairs2share.

These lovely deck chairs look so bright and cheery and are always utilised by groups and individuals - either enjoying a get together or simply chilling out on their lunch break.

It's little ideas like this that make Brisbane's local parks even better










Location:
1 Parkland Blvd
Brisbane Qld 4000
Phone (07) 3006 4545
Fax (07) 3006 4546

Things to Do:
Duck feeding
Lizard spying
Picnicing
Bbqing
Lily-pad hopping
Ball games
Relaxing
Lazing

The Sciencentre - Educational AND Fun for Brisbane Families

Get Your Science on at Brisbane's Sciencentre!!

After weeks of pestering, we finally took our kids back to the Sciencentre at South Bank.  This was our third visit - the first was last year, not long after our oldest turned 5.  It isn't a cheap activity - a family of 2 adults and up to 4 kids costs $44.50 - so I was initially unsure as to whether we would get value out of it, but our 5 and 3 year old absolutely LOVE visiting the Sciencentre - so much in fact we are considering getting an annual pass for our family.

Located within the Queensland Museum precinct - and just upstairs from the much-loved Playasaurus - Brisbane's Sciencentre is jam-packed with hands-on activities that will appeal to kids and adults of all ages.

Your pass is good for the entire day, so you can save on food expenses by packing a picnic and then venturing out to the grassy areas for some lunch and a toilet break, then get back into the fun and games (and learning!) of the Sciencentre.  If your trip is more spontaneous (like our weekend jaunt was) then you can always drop into the Museum cafe for something delicious.

I must admit that it can get a bit tiring if you are chasing a 3 year-old from exhibit to exhibit and that is where the annual pass becomes really appealing. Like with any annual pass - it allows you the luxury of staying only as long as it suits, and then you leave without the guilt of wasting a full day pass after only an hour or two.

 

Location: Corner of Grey & Melbourne Streets, South Bank, South Brisbane

Open Hours: 7 days 9:30am-5:00pm

Parking: Paid street or $15 on site.

Public Transport: Train, South Bank.

Cost:  Family Pass $44.50

Age:  Probably 4+ however any age will be entertained by the lights and hands-on activities.