Tuesday 13 November 2012

CYCLING NORMAN PARK TO ST. LUCIA, QLD


 This ride will take you through the following riverside suburbs situated on the south side of the Brisbane River, Norman Park, East Brisbane, Kangaroo Point, South Brisbane, South Bank, West End, Highgate Hill, Dutton Park.
 
 
 
 
 
 On leaving Norman Park Station, Take Norman Avenue all the way to Wynnum Road, crossing at the lights and using the path across Norman Creek to Laidlaw Parade. Follow this road until the entrance to MowbrayPark.  




                                                                                                                                                       
The pathway takes you through the park to Thorn Street and then it is a simple matter of weaving through a number of short streets as per your trusty map or GPS until you reach the entrance to Dockside on Cairns Street. On the way there are a number of renovated original dwellings similar to ones I have depicted here, which will catch the eye.










 
 
 

 
  
Dockside, is an affluent multi-dwelling development in Kangaroo Point, on the south bank of the Brisbane River and due to it's excellent location and it's laid back lifestyle, is a great place to stop off for a coffee and if you are a camera buff, it is a superb opportunity to capture that moment in time.
 
 
Dockside, Kangaroo Point
 
On leaving Dockside you head along the Brisbane river towards the Storey Bridge. The whole area denudes the perceived concept of city living as there is something quite different about this part of Brisbane. As you cycle along the pathway the cacophony of city sounds fails to carry to this particular area of the river. There is a sense of relaxation here that you fail to find in a lot of cities around the world. Perhaps it is the myriad of different panoramas which engages the senses. I really don't know what it is, but I do know that there is something here which is actually, quite sensual.
 
 
 

 
 
Approaching the Storey Bridge

Having passed under the Storey Bridge, you pass the Brisbane Jazz Club which hosts many blasts from the past as well as the new kids on Jazz block and if that is your pleasure in music you may wish to keep it in mind for a wet weekend afternoon or for when you are feeling in the mood for blues and schmooze... www.brisbanejazzclub.com.au


Brisbane Jazz Club











River Life

If it's not Jazz but adrenaline you're chasing you are cycling in the right spot with River Life Adventure Centre which hosts a menu of adventure such as kayaking, cliff climbing, abseiling, to name a few...www.riverlife.com.au
 




OK, not everybody is into jazz or adrenaline....maybe, a sedate picnic by the river is your style and that's catered for as well and you even have a choice between a mezzanine view from the top of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs or in the stalls on the river bank. It's all to be had on this side of the river.
 

South Bank, Brisbane, Qld.

South Bank, Brisbane, Qld.

 
Continue your ride along the side of the river, past the Maritime Museum, skirting the entrance to the Goodwill Bridge and onto South Bank, where there are any number of cafes, bars and restaurants. This area can become quite congested on weekends so be vigilant as you ride.



From Orleigh Park, West End to entrance to Eleanor Schonell bridge

Eleanor Schonell Bridge to UQ, St. Lucia

This ride continues alongside the river as far as Orleigh Park in West End. At the end of the park turn sharp left into Hoogley Street and right into Ryan Street, continuing on through Glenfield Street before turning left into Sankey Street. Continue on until reaching the junction with Dornoch Terrace. Turn right here and continue on until reaching the junction with Gladstone Road where you will turn right again and continue along Gladstone Road until coming to TJ Memorial Drive. At this point turn and follow the bike path onto and across the Eleanor Schonell Bridge to the University of Queensland, St. Lucia.


 Length of ride: Approx. 14k

Type of surface: Mainly cement pathways and bitumin roads.

Degree of difficulty:   Mainly easy but there are a couple of steep climbs.                                          


Cheers and safe riding,


Jimmy Bee

 

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