by Jennifer Stewart

Here are some inexpensive - and unusual - things to do around Brisbane.

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If you're a star-gazer, you might like to take the family to the 'Stanley River Environmental Centre' (located near Somerset Dam at Hazeldean) and watch the stars. It takes about an hour and a half to get there by car from the centre of Brisbane, and it is easy to find. This is an ideal location for casual observing in a dark sky, with plenty of areas for using telescopes, and an almost unobstructed horizon.

Facilities
The site has comfortable Bunkhouse accommodation (couple / family / individual), with mattresses for about thirty people at low overnight costs. Good facilities include a kitchen / dining hall, and a shower and toilet block. The Kitchen has a gas stove, fridge, microwave oven, urn and sink (bring your own cutlery, crockery and utensils).

What to Take
You will need to bring your food and warm clothing for the days and nights that you intend to stay there. You will also need to bring your own cups, plates and cutlery, and you also need to bring sheets and blankets (or a sleeping bag) and a pillow. Don't forget the telescope.

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If you're an avid cricket fan then you'll be pleased to learn that with the redevelopment of the Gabba, the Brisbane Cricket Ground Trust has recently started taking guided tours of the grounds.

Tours of the Gabba are by appointment only. They cost $5 for adults and $2.50 for students. Bookings are essential and can be made by contacting the Brisbane Cricket Ground Trust on (07) 3435 2222.

The Gabba has been the home of Queensland Cricket for over 100 years with the inaugural match being played on the 19th December 1896. It's hard to believe that the once swampy marshland and floodplain is now a world class sporting facility, hosting AFL as well as cricket.

Apart from being a world class sporting venue the trust also caters for the corporate sector and their facilities are first class offering excellent views of the stadium. Call for more information.

The Wetlands are an extensive natural area of 730 hectares that is home (permanent and temporary) to thousands of wetlands birds. This land was threatened by development until the people of Brisbane responded and paid a special levy to buy and preserve the area. It now has several kilometres of raised walkways and a number of bird hides for observing the many species that come here to escape the severity of the northern winters in Siberia and Alaska (as well as our local species).

Located fifteen kms north of Brisbane - access is an easy 15 minute drive by car via the Gateway Motorway. Check area maps for details. You can also access the Wetlands by train, bike or boat.

There are graded walking tracks; interpretive signage; bike ways; boat ramps and waterways; a Visitors Centre display; interpretive artworks; guided walks and a diverse range of bird and plant life. Bird hides are located at the junction of Nundah and Cabbage Tree Creeks and at Nudgee Beach. Access for boating and canoeing enthusiasts is via ramps at Shorncliffe and Nudgee Beach.

Daily, 10.00am to 12.00pm and 1.00pm to 3.00pm - New Bonsai House

Enjoy the art of bonsai at the Bonsai House, located next to the Japanese Garden, which boasts Queensland's largest established collection of bonsai. Admission is free.

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