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10 Things You Should do in Brisbane

Brisbane is the capital city of Australian state Queensland and is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Australia after Sydney and Melbourne. Situated at Brisbane River and surrounded by Moreton Bay and the Great Dividing Range, Brisbane has lot of things to explore. So if you are planning to visit Brisbane and can’t take a decision about what places you should see in Brisbane then this article is for you. In this article we would highlight the top 10 must go places in Brisbane which you should not miss on your Brisbane tour.

So here we go

Lone Pine Sanctuary

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary - One of the top 10 zoos on world according to AOL. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world’s largest koala sanctuary. You can cuddle a koala, feed kangaroos with your hands and explore the diverse Australian wildlife in its natural settings. The Sanctuary is just 50 minutes from Gold Coast and is easily accessible by a private taxi or a local bus.

Brisbane Forest Park

D'Aguilar National Park - D'Aguilar National Park formerly known as Brisbane Forest Park is natural forest reserve located at the doorsteps of Brisbane where you can explore the versatile Aussie Wildlife, beautiful waterways and plants in their natural conditions. The park provides with excellent bird watching and camping opportunities to the visitors.

Wheel of Brisbane

Wheel of Brisbane – Wheel of Brisbane at South Bank is one of the latest tourist attractions in Brisbane. The giant Ferris wheel was installed on the 20th anniversary of World Expo 88. The wheel contains 42 air conditioned capsules (gondolas). The wheel would take you to the height of 60 meters so that you can enjoy the spectacular view of the city. Wheel is opened seven days a week from 10 am -10 pm.

Adventure Climb on Story Bridge - Brisbane Story Bridge Adventure Climb is a unique adventure experience ideal for all level of ages. It is one of the three adventure bridge climbs available in the world. You would experience the beautiful and panoramic uninterrupted 360 degree views of the Brisbane city during this 2.5 hour adventure climb.

Botanical Gardens Brisbane – Botanical gardens located at 7 km from Brisbane in Toowong is a great way to spend some quality time away from the crowd and noise of city life. It is a great place where you can relax and forget all your tensions. Botanical gardens are open 24 hours a day and are free of charge for visitors.

Whale Watching – Brisbane is the world’s best watching area where you can enjoy the stunning views of ocean’s beautiful creature “Whales”. The whale watching tours are organized in the Moreton Bay area with guaranteed sightings of whales and other rare sea animals like dolphins, Green turtles etc.

Sumptuous Seafood – Brisbane is Famous for its sumptuous, delicious and delightful seafood buffets all across the world. Brisbane contains some of the finest seafood destinations of the world where you can enjoy the freshest and exotic Queenslander’s seafood. For your help here is the list of more popular seafood buffets in Brisbane where you can enjoy the best seafood at affordable prices.

Skydiving – Are you great fan of adventure and want to feel adrenaline rush in your blood, then you should experience the tandem skydiving in Brisbane. There is no need of prior experience of Skydiving as highly qualified and trained skydivers would be attached to your rope so that you can enjoy the panoramic views of the city while coming down safely.

Moreton Bay

Moreton Bay Tour- Moreton Bay is the largest bay on the eastern coast of Australia and is also referred as Brisbane’s aquatic playground. The bay is the home of numerous species of aquatic animals including dolphins, whales, dugong, sharks and turtles. Swimming, Surfing, feeding a dolphin or just relaxing on the sandy coast Moreton bay is a must go place for every tourist in Brisbane.

Fraser Island – Fraser Island is the largest sand island of the world with over 130 dune lakes. The fresh water lakes in Fraser Island are the world’s cleanest fresh water lakes. Rainforests in Fresher Island is a home of more than 300 species of birds including sea eagles, osprey and kites. The island contains some of the most beautiful walking tracks of the world which varies from 1 day to 11 day tours.

Pictures and Text by: Gagandeep Singh

Gagandeep Singh works for Brisbane Australia blog which provide detailed information about Brisbane Tours, Hotels, Events and Things to do in Brisbane.

The Philippines' Hidden Gem

The Visayas is often associated with beautiful beaches. The popularity of Boracay, however, sometimes over-shadow the other similarly beautiful beaches scattered in the area. Among which are the 16 hidden gems of Concepcion in the Province of Iloilo. Concepcion is just 2.5 to 3 hours away from Iloilo City, hence, a great place to visit when in Iloilo.

If taking a bus, it is best to stay overnight as the last trip in Concepcion going back to Iloilo City is at 3pm and 4pm for going to Sara (the next municipality where there are several bus trips by Ceres Liner going to the city). If bringing a private vehicle, one day of fun is do-able.

The maximum number of islands that one can visit in one day is three: Pan de Azucar, Agho Island, and Bolobadiangan Island.

Take a Leganes-bound jeepney and get off at Tagbak Terminal in Jaro. HPQ Liner has regular trips going to Concepcion daily. Take note, however, of the last trip which is at 3pm. Beyond 3pm, Sara-bound jeepneys are available and from Sara, there are numerous bus trips bound for Iloilo City.

Pan de Azucar is 40 minutes away by boat from the mainland. It is famous for Mt. Manaphag, towering at 573 meters and ideal for mountain climbing. As one approaches the island, one can already see the looming presence of the steep mountain. There are no resorts in the island. There are, however, several rest houses owned by the town's prominent residents. Unless you know them, camping is the only way to go. The beach is not really a good place to swim anymore. One could check out an interesting rock formation on one side of the island instead.

Approximately 25 minutes from Pan de Azucar, is Agho Island. Agho Island is a paradise. One can have the island for the whole day without anyone else. Besides being private, the sand is white, the scenery picturesque, the breeze heavenly, and the water crystal clear. It is noted for different kinds of shells and Tabon birds. A word of caution though, there may be sea urchins in the area depending on the season. There are no resorts in the island. Only the caretakers inhabit the island. So, if one would like to stay the night, one should bring a tent and enough food and water. Do not fret, Malangabang Island (where a sari-sari store is available) is just a kilometer away.

Bolobadiangan Island is often visited by tourists because of its long and winding white sandbar. During low-tide, the sand bar extends as far as if it almost touches the next island. Owned by the heirs of the Eusala family, accommodations is available through the Sand Bar Beach Resort situated in the island. There are simple cottages that visitors can rent, which ranges from Php500-800. One can also rent or bring their own tents and pay a minimal amount. The island resort does not have a restaurant, so one should bring their own food and drinking water. Water for bathing is for sale at Php10/gallon.

Concepcion beaches offer world-class quality beaches. It would be a shame not to visit these hidden gems, when it is so close to Iloilo City.

Contacts

Accommodations

- Junbee Recreation Center - Concepcion

Mr. Augusto "Jun" Garilva: 09209021681; 3920371; hoteljunbee@yahoo.com

- Sandbar Beach Resort - Bolobadiangan Island

Mr. Rex Eusala: 09207198042

- Agho Island: 09296089830; 09155454616

Boat

Ronnie (boatman): 09072897111

Sandbar boat operator: 09129575002

Municipal Tourism Officer - Mario Lazarito: 09085929096; mariolazarito@yahoo.com

Rates

Accommodations

Junbee accommodation: P200/pax

Sandbar accommodation (big cottage): P800

Boating

3-island tour with Ronnie: P1800

Sandbar boat operator: P2000 (back and forth only)

Island tour arrangement with Municipal Tourism Officer: P1500 (small boat), P1800 (2-island tour), P2200 (3-island tour)

Entrance Fees

Agho Island: P50/head

Bolobadiangan Island: P25/head

Bus

P120 each way/head

for more photos

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Written by Lagaw

(All text and pictures in this article are original works of Lagaw)

Lagaw is a hiligaynon term, meaning to travel. The word aptly describes me. I love to take pictures and to discover the great sights and sounds of my country ... and hopefully the rest of the world. I consider my pictures as my way of promoting the Philippine Islands.

I especially enjoyed the white sand beaches of Boracay, Puerto Galera, Guimaras, Concepcion in Iloilo, Honda bay in Palawan, natural bath tub of Taal Volcano, old churches of Vigan and Iloilo, rocky road of Capones Island, exhilirating beauty of Mt. Pinatubo, mystical mountain of Zambales, freezing shower baths of Baguio, beautiful stalactite and stalagmites of the underground river of Palawan, magnificent limestone cliffs & lagoons of El Nido and Coron, the ukay-ukay (bargain shopping) of hollywood, dark alleys of New York, high rise buildings of Chicago, grand memorials of Washington D.C., old dominion charm of Charlottesville, Virginia, and the tabing ilog (river) of Calinog in Iloilo.

Are you interested in becoming a contributor? You can promote and write an article about your hometown and send it to iamflip (at)flipnomad(dot)com.

Promote your Blog and Hometown

Are you interested to write about your hometown but shy about it? Now, is your chance to do it!!!

Are you thinking of what to write? What about:

1. Your hometown's history
2. Fiesta or unique celebration
3. Culture
4. Special cuisines
5. Landmarks, architectures or famous areas in your hometown

and the list goes on...

Flip will be running a section about your hometown. If you're interested to share something special about your hometown, please send it to iamflip(at)flipnomad(dot)com.

Specification:

1. Maximum length: Article length equivalent to two (2) MS Word Page
2. Please send one original corresponding picture to your article with your (or your blog's) signature on it
3. Include a one paragraph description of yourself
4. Include your blog's link. I will hyperlink your blog to your name

Thanks!!! Looking forward to your articles.

I'll post one hometown article per day. This will help promote your hometown for possible tourism and this will serve as a link to your blog as well.

P.S.

I would only link your blog if it's not:

1. Porn Related
2. Drug Related
3. Alcohol Related

Yeah I know this sucks, but we have young readers and Flip doesn't want to promote porn and drugs. 'hope you understand. :-)

:-) Flip ( iamflip(at)flipnomad(dot)com)