Tee off with our guide to golf. There are golf courses in Brisbane that cater for players of any skill level or budget (even kids who want to have a go at mini golf). So it doesn’t matter if you’re a social player or an aspiring pro there will be a public course, private club, driving range or putt putt course to challenge you.

Our directory has contact details for many iseekgolf.com.

This website is packed with information on local Brisbane clubs, plus golf courses around Australia and the world.

Remember, public courses tend to be cheaper and more relaxed about dress regulations while the prestigious or resort courses can have restricted playing times and high green fees but more facilities and level of service. Private courses need you to be a member (often an expensive and long-term option) or to be signed in by a current member to play a round.

The majority of courses have hire clubs, buggies and carts available. Ask about these when you book your game.

Popular Brisbane golf courses

Victoria Park Golf Complex

Victoria Park is an 18-hole public course is close to the heart of Brisbane with stunning views of the Brisbane city skyline. It’s a beautiful course, quite hilly in parts so a motorised buggy is recommended if you don't want a demanding walk. Most of the fairways are fairly short and straight and well suited to beginners while the greens are in very good shape.

This golf course is owned and run by classes for women too.

There is a pro-shop offering lessons and golf clinics, an 18 hole putt-putt course and the Caddyshack café.

Nudgee Golf Course

Nudgee Golf Course is a championship 36 hole course with an open design. It is challenging enough for top golfers but still accessible to beginners. It can get crowded and busy and you will need to book in advance. There are often competition days when public play is limited.

Nudgee College Golf Club

Nudgee College Golf Club is a very casual and cheap course of nine holes that welcomes non-members. Don’t expect first class facilities or greens but it’s a good course for beginners as it isn’t crowded and has relaxed dress standards. Call to check if hire clubs are available.

Indooroopilly

Indooroopilly is one of Brisbane’s most established and prestigious courses and would have to be rated among Brisbane’s best. This 36-hole championship rated course is located alongside the Brisbane River. Visitors and social groups can play the course Sunday to Friday. Note: there are strict dress regulations and you can hire buggies, clubs and shoes. Green fees are from $40 for a weekday game of 18 holes.

Brookwater

In Brisbane’s west, Brookwater is one of Australia’s best public courses. This first class course was designed by Greg Norman and is very challenging, even for experienced players. Allow plenty of time and bring spare balls. A unique feature of this course is the way it is integrated into a beautiful bushland setting. The service and facilities are of a very high standard and the greens are superb. Green fees for this premium, professional golf experience is at the high end but are well worth it. Get there early and have a practice hit on the driving range.

St Lucia Golf Links

Please note: St Lucia Golf Links reopened on 10 February 2011, with nine holes. Work is continuning on the remaining holes following the recent Brisbane floods.

St Lucia Golf Links is a public course is a pleasure to play and well suited for beginners or a casual game. The course has a pretty relaxed atmosphere. The cost is very reasonable and value for money is very good – check with the pro-shop for mid-week specials. Memberships not required. The greens are generally well maintained with a few rough patches on a couple of the fairways. The course has a good mix of short and long fairways and most are quite wide which allows for the odd slice shot. One of the features is the creek winding though the course adding an interesting obstacle. Can be busy on weekends.

Golf top tip: Finish your round in the relaxed ambience of the open-air café, which has commanding views of the golf course.

Wynnum Golf Course

On a relatively small patch of land in a residential area, Wynnum Golf Course is popular with social players and those in the local community. Classified as a hard easy course, the green fees are reasonably priced. In summer, Wynnum Golf Course has the advantage of cool Moreton Bay breezes but unfortunately no water views. It’s a good option for a game of golf on Brisbane’s eastside.

Pacific Golf Club

Pacific Golf Club at Carindale is a challenging course with reasonable fees for social players. There’s also a nine-hole par three course, perfect for beginners and younger players too.

Northlakes Resort Golf Club

Voted one of the top 25 public access courses in Australia by Golf Australia magazine in 2005, the Northlakes Resort Golf Club is a par 72 Championship resort course specifically designed to "provide a challenge to shot making without being a torturous test of golf".

Golf lessons

If you are an absolute beginner in the sport of golf, do a little research into the etiquette and basic rules of the game, as explained by the Australian Golf Union.

Contact any golf course to ask about golf lessons with their resident professionals. They will offer a range of individual sessions and group lessons.

Interested in teaching your child golf? Take a look at the resources of the Australian Golf Union, which has a program called Go Go Golf. There are child-friendly games, teaching tips, special balls and clubs too.

If the kids get really good they could attend Kelvin Grove State College, which is a school of excellence for golf.

Local golf tournaments & golf events

iseekgolf.com also provides details of the professional tournaments scheduled in South East Queensland

Golf practice (driving) ranges

See our directory for a list of local driving ranges.

• Victoria Park Golf course and driving range is a fantastic all-weather, floodlit range, with 76 bays.

Chris from Sunnybank says:“...it’s great 'cause it’s really relaxed, has a lovely outlook and is close to the city. It’s also open til late on weeknights and is licensed which means you can turn it into a cheap social night out. We go every Thursday night and hit a few balls, have a couple of drinks and hang out with mates.”

• Oxley Golf Range has mini golf too.
• Golf Mania at Manly West has computerised tees (which means no bending down!) plus there’s mini golf for fun
• Tee Time Driving Range at Acacia Ridge

See our directory for places to play putt-putt.

Other useful golfing links

• Queensland Golf Union
• Golfing basics
• Women’s Golf Australia
• Women’s Golf Queensland
• Queensland Amputee Golf Association
• Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association - runs golf competitions and lessons
• Queensland Golf
• Australian Open
• PGA Tour
• Organising a corporate golf day? Golf select can help
• Sportal Golf Forum
• Fox Sports

Walking. It’s simple, cheap and can be done by anyone, anywhere. In Brisbane we are spoilt for choice with hundreds of walking tracks and a thriving, organised recreational program called ‘gonewalking’. We are also lucky enough to have bushwalking options within the city or just a short drive away.

Always be mindful of your personal safety when walking alone.

Gonewalking

Gonewalking is a free Brisbane City Council Active and Healthy Lifestyle program. There are dozens of walks held across Brisbane every week. All walks are planned and conducted by trained volunteer Gonewalking organisers and your safety is assured.

You can choose from:

• Health and fitness walk - brisk walks (around 5km) that may include some hills
• Parents with prams walk - leisure walks usually on flat ground
• Garden/parkland walk - leisure walks exploring Brisbane's parks
• Bush walk - bushland walks with some uphill climbing
• Leisure walk - slower, less strenuous walks
• Heritage walk - walks to learn about Brisbane's past
• Shopping centre walk - out-of-hours walks inside air-conditioned shopping centres

These walks are rated slow, medium and fast to suit everyone's ability. As a guide, one-hour slow walks usually cover about 3.6km; medium walks about 5.4km and fast walks about 6.6km.

Call 07 3403 8888 for more details.

Bushwalking groups

See our directory for some of Brisbane’s bushwalking groups.

Other bushwalking websites:

Bushwalkers of Southern Queensland

This website has information on the club's services, membership details, bushwalking locations and trip details. Read about the aims of the club, club activities and the difficulty levels of different walks.

The Queensland Bushwalkers Club

On this website find information about membership costs, activities and the club's history. View the club calendar, newsletters and bushwalking articles.

Plus try bushwalking within the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

Other walks

BrisbaneCityWalk

Spend a couple of hours along the BrisbaneCityWalk discovering Brisbane city's heritage, architecture and interesting spots. You'll visit beautiful shopping arcades, stroll through parkland and across bridges. Even locals will learn something new.

• See a full wrap up of other guided and self-guided walking tours around Brisbane.

Heart Foundation Walking

The Heart Foundation delivers Heart Foundation Walking - a network of free community-based walking groups across Queensland.

10,000 Steps Brisbane

This program is all about starting positive changes in your life and increasing your physical activity. 10,000 steps is the recommended daily step goal for an adult.

It's downright un-Australian to not have a tipple on the Melbourne Cup. Even those of us who know nothing whatsoever about horse racing or jockeys reckon we can pick the winner of the big race.

Do you base your hot bet on the colours of the jockey's outfits (called ‘silks') or the quirky name of the horse or simply back the favourite? Even if you've never gambled before, it's really easy to have a bet in the Melbourne Cup.

Melbourne Cup sweep

Beginners can't go wrong with being part of a sweep. Office sweeps are common and if you go to any Melbourne Cup function then you'll probably have the chance to be part of the sweep.

Basically, up to 24 people put in the required amount, usually $2 or $5. Then ‘your' horse is selected by pulling its name out from the list of all horses in the race. There's no betting skill involved but it's a certainty that the pooled money will then be given as prizes to whoever was lucky enough to draw out 1st, 2nd and 3rd place-getters. Sometimes whoever drew the last horse might get there bet back for winning ‘the wooden spoon'. So, coming last is better than running 4th! People often enter sweeps for their kids or partners and will buy a few entries.

Placing a bet

TAB agencies will open from 8am on Cup Day. You can also place your Cup bets on the day before (Monday) if you want to avoid the queues. When Melbourne Cup day rolls around you'll find extra TAB agencies set up in busy places, such as the Queen Street Mall. The number of punters for this one race is incredible. Agencies are very busy from lunchtime until the start of the race (2pm Queensland time) so it's a good idea to put your bets on as early as possible. Extra staff will be on hand to help you out if needed. You'll find the list of race horses and their jockeys in TAB agencies, online and in newspapers.

You can place bets to win in various ways. There is:

For a win

Nice and simple. You bet your horse will win the race. The minimum bet for this bet type (in Queensland) is one dollar.

For a place

You bet that your horse will finish 1st, 2nd or 3rd. Obviously three horses (or more if there is a dead-heat) finish in the placings so the dividends (i.e. the amount that you collect for your bet) is less.The minimum bet for this bet type (in Queensland) is one dollar.

Each way

This bet type combines the win bet and place bet described above. If your horse wins the race you collect the win dividend plus the place dividend. If your horse runs 2nd or 3rd you collect the place dividend only.You've covered yourself by taking a gamble 'each way'. A one dollar bet each way will cost you two dollars (one dollar for your win bet and one dollar for your place bet).

Quinella

You bet on who the first and second place getters will be, in any order.

Trifecta

You must select which horses will come in 1st, 2nd and 3rd - in that order. If the one you think will come second actually comes first, you won't win the trifecta. You can also 'box' three runners (or more) in the race to run the trifecta - which means you get the trifecta if your three runners are 1st, 2nd and 3rd in any order. Confused? Just ask for assistance at the TAB if you need a hand. This is a very difficult but extremely lucrative way to win.

Mystery bet

The best bet for those of us who have no idea. Simply pay a dollar or two (or however much you are prepared to gamble) and ask for a mystery bet. The TAB computer will randomly select your horse or horses (depending on what you ask for). If you're no expert then perhaps a computer's guess is as good as your own!

Enjoy the race, whether you back a winner or not!

Brisbane is home to numerous sporting venues for all organised sports. Our guide to major sports venues in the Brisbane region provides you with some helpful information about four of the biggest:

Suncorp Stadium

Suncorp Stadium was redeveloped on the site of the old cauldron, Lang Park, in 2003. It seats 52,500 people and in addition to being the spiritual home of State of Origin and other international and local sporting events.

Where is it?

Suncorp Stadium is located in Milton. Pedestrians can enter the stadium from Milton Road, Castlemaine Street or Caxton Street. See a map of the area.

How do I get there?

If you're driving, don't forget that the area surrounding Suncorp Stadium has a fifteen-minute (P15-min) parking time limit restriction that applies inside the designated Traffic Area in all streets from 12 noon to 10pm.

This map shows the areas with parking restrictions:

View Suncorp Stadium Restricted Parking Zone in a larger map

Public transport is the way to go. Ticket holders are entitled to free travel on all regular network wide Brisbane Transport bus and QR city train services on the day of the event. Free shuttle buses will run from the city and South Bank before and after Suncorp Stadium games. Use TransLink to plan your journey.

An elevated walkway gives pedestrians access to Milton Rail Station and a 12 bay bus station offers shuttle services to the CBD for events.

Where can I buy tickets? And what about seating?

Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketek. Check out the seating plan.

There are seats and facilities to assist people with a disability and 75 per cent of seats are covered by the roof. Because of the design of the stadium, almost all seats have a great view of the playing field. Seats in the front row are only five metres from the action.

Is food and drink available?

There are more than 50 food and drink outlets inside the stadium.

You are welcome to bring homemade food (eg. sandwiches) as long as they aren’t packed in prohibited containers (ie. glass). You can’t bring in food that you’ve bought from take-away outlets. If you’ve got questions about what you can and can’t take into the stadium, read the stadium’s FAQs.

And after the game?

You can head out to the dozen or so bars and restaurants in Caxton Street, Paddington. There are more food options in Park Road, Milton and there is a major take-away chain just next door to the stadium in Milton Road.

For more information visit the Suncorp Stadium website.

The Gabba

Formally known as the Brisbane Cricket Ground but called ‘The Gabba’ by everyone, this venue is the spiritual home of cricket in Queensland. During the summer months, the Gabba hosts the Queensland Bulls and the Australian cricket team. In winter, the Gabba becomes the home of aussie rules in Brisbane and is the home ground to the Brisbane Lions Football Club.

Where is it?

The Gabba is located between Vulture and Stanley Streets, Woolloongabba. Hence, the Vulture Street end and the Stanley Street end referred to in cricket commentary.

See a map of the area.

How do I get there?

There isn’t much parking close by as there are parking restrictions in the Gabba zone. See this map for the restricted parking zone:

View The Gabba Restricted Parking Zone in a larger map

TransLink provides full public transport information for Gabba matches.

Where can I buy tickets? And what about seating?

Tickets for AFL matches are available from Ticketek three weeks before the game. Book early as Brisbane Lions games are extremely popular and often sell out.

Tickets for international cricket matches are available from ticketmaster7.

Tickets to domestic cricket matches can be bought from the Gabba box office on the day of play.

Is food and drink available?

There are almost 50 food outlets and bars at the Gabba.

Don’t take any items which are regarded as offensive or which can be used as a projectile. You can’t take your own alcohol, seats, stools or musical instruments. Be prepared for your bags to be searched – you may be denied entry to the grounds if you refuse.

See the Gabba's conditions of entry for more information.

And after the game?

Celebrate or commiserate (depending upon the result) at the hotels and restaurants nearby on Main Street (heading towards the Story Bridge) - this is where you’ll find major take-away places too. Or you can walk west along Stanley Street and find a selection of pubs, take-aways and restaurants. South Bank, with dozens of dining places, is a 15-minute walk away.

For more information visit The Gabba website.

Skilled Park Stadium

Location

Stadium Drive, Robina (near Robina train station and the Robina transport hub)

Skilled Park is the home of the Gold Coast Titans.

Seating

27,000 maximum capacity

Public transport

Train and bus services will service the stadium before and after events at Skilled Park.

Patrons in possession of a pre-purchased event ticket will be able to travel to and from Skilled Park for free. Detailed information is available from Translink.

What's allowed inside?

Like most stadiums, glass, open drink containers and loud hailers are banned. Food from commercial outlets (ie take away foods) can’t be brought into the stadium area. Bags and backpacks may be searched.

See the detailed conditions of entry for more information.

Accessibility

Disabled seating and toilet facilities are provided.

For more information visit the Skilled Park website.

Queensland Tennis Centre

The Brisbane International Tennis Tournament. There are 23 international standard courts including clay, grass and hard-court surfaces.

Where is it?

190 King Arthur Terrace, Tennyson - right alongside the Brisbane River.

How do I get there?

Car parking is not available during the Brisbane International Tennis Tournament. Ticketholders can take the free Queensland Rail service to Yeerongpilly Station, then walk (about 1km) to the Tennis Centre (a shuttle bus is available on request for people requiring assistance - ph. 3120 7930).

Seating information

Pat Rafter Arena is the international standard centre court at the Tennis Centre. Seating capacity is 5,500.

Is food and drink available?

A canteen sells soft drinks, confectionary, snacks, ice cream and coffee. Strings Café overlooks the river and offers a range of cakes and light meals (6.30am to 7pm daily).

Further info

Visit the Queensland Tennis Centre website.

The Sleeman Sports Complex

The Sleeman Sports Complex is comprised of a number of venues, including:

• the Chandler Aquatic Centre, an indoor aquatic centre including a 50 metre Olympic pool and 25 metre diving pool with platforms and diving boards;
• the Chandler Arena, an indoor multi-sports arena;
• the Chandler Velodrome;
• a 1500 seat capacity theatre;
• a gymnastics training hall; and a
• water fun park.

The Chandler Arena is an 1,800 seat sports arena hosting indoor soccer, volleyball and badminton.

The Sleeman Sports Complex is often abuzz with activity as it is home to more than 20 local, state and national sporting clubs and associations.

Where is it?

The Sleeman Sports Complex is located on the corner of Old Cleveland and Tilley Roads, Chandler. See a map of the area. It is two minutes drive from the Gateway Arterial Freeway, 17 kilometres south of Brisbane city.

How do I get there?

There are 2,000 car parking spaces on site. See a map of the parking areas.

There is also a taxi rank.

Bus is the best public transport option. Find which bus route by using the journey planner from TransLink.

Seating

The indoor Chandler Arena has grandstand style seating for 1,800 people.

The Velodrome can seat 3,500 for cycling events and 4,300 people can see diving and swimming action at the Aquatic Centre.

Is food and drink available?

All Sleeman Sports Complex venues have a kiosk. Only the corporate areas are licensed.

You are allowed to bring food and non-alcoholic drinks to the venue but commercial take-away meals are discouraged. Allowances for eskies and other food containers depend upon the type of event.

See the detailed conditions of entry for more information.

And after the game?

The restaurants and eateries next to Carindale Shopping Centre, approximately five minutes drive away, are the closest facilities for a meal before or after an event at the Sleeman Sports Complex.

For more information visit the Sleeman Sports Complex website.

Brisbane has many tracks suited to running and jogging. If you are interested in sharing your exercise with like-minded people, contact one of the running clubs.

Brisbane Road Runners Club

Brisbane Roadrunners is a club formed to provide regular road races for all grades of runners in and around the Brisbane area. Events are held every other Sunday, with the race calendar for the year available online.

Cool Running Australia

Cool Running provides information of interest for grassroots runners in Australia, including a race calendar, race results, news articles, running clubs, links to other running web pages. Cool Running specialises in the "Fun Run" scene.

Thompson Estate and Eastern Suburbs Athletics (TEES)

Thompson Estate and Eastern Suburbs Athletics promotes athletics and cross country running activities. It is Brisbane's oldest sporting club with over 110 years of continuous service to the community.

Fun Runs

Family fun runs are a great way to improve fitness and get everyone out into the fresh air. There are plenty of fun runs around that are suitable for people of all ages and abilities.

Parents are now joining their children in fun runs. It doesn't matter if they are serious competitors or are just out for gentle exercise on a Sunday morning, it's a great way to improve everyone's fitness levels. It's also an excellent way to introduce your children to competitive sport and build up their fitness levels without them having to give up too much of their free time or show a great amount of dedication.

Whether you're competing seriously, just going for a jog or walking with your family you should make sure everyone takes the proper precautions to minimise the risk of injury. You should include at least 10 minutes warm up and stretching before starting to exercise and remember to do the same when you finish to allow your muscles to cool down. Make sure everyone drinks plenty of fluids to keep themselves hydrated. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat and protective clothing to prevent those harsh rays from causing any damage.

And if you can't talk your family into competing, why not ask a friend to join you and catch up over a gentle jog or relaxing walk? It's a very rewarding and satisfying experience and most fun runs are associated with worthwhile charities that benefit.

USM Events conduct a number of fun runs/walks available that offer great courses and a good opportunity to involve your family and friends in an event.

Fun runs are also a terrific way to cross-train for other sports. If you're competing in another sport and looking for a way to relax yet still keep fit, a fun run can be a great way to keep those fitness levels up without being too serious about it.

Here are a few tips to get you started if you're thinking of entering a fun run:

• If you have the slightest reason for concern in relation to your health have a chat to your doctor about what you are about to do.
• Set yourself a goal. This may change over time but start with something that is feasible and achievable.
• Ensure that you have a good support network of family and friends to help you along the way or to train with because it will help keep you motivated. It's easier to get out the door if you have to train with someone else.
• Purchase a good pair of shoes.
• Keep a training diary and have something visual in your home and/or work place showing how many weeks/days to go.
• Run on soft surfaces as often as you can.
• Treat yourself to a massage as often as you can afford.
• Find out the location of a Dietitian that you can call on.
• Get as much rest as you can. You gain fitness during the recovery period when your body is rebuilding and getting stronger, not during the actual running session.
• If you miss a workout, don't feel guilty. Don't try and squeeze it in later in the week.
• Cross-training is an ideal way to supplement your training program, try cycling.
• Start each workout gradually, warming up your muscles by slow-paced walking/jogging. Finish each workout gradually too. Slow down the pace with stretching exercises to cool down and relax your body.
• Cherish the fact that you are able to take up such a challenge and enjoy each day as it arrives.

Not content with comparing sporting champions from different eras, ourbrisbane.com took on the challenge of comparing champions from different eras, sports and genders. Oh, and we even included a horse!

The hotly contested list of nominees caused quite a ruckus around the water cooler, but we finally narrowed it to a very talented top ten. If you dispute any of our choices, or have a nominee of your own, then let us know by leaving a comment below.

Rod Laver (tennis)

He was born in Rockhampton, but ‘Rocket’ Rod Laver moved to Brisbane as a boy to pursue a tennis career.

The Grand Slam of tennis (simultaneously holding the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open titles) is considered the ultimate achievement in the sport. It is a feat that only two men have ever achieved, and Laver did it twice (in 1962 and 1969). Many, if not most, consider him to be the greatest male tennis player of all time.

Mick Doohan (motorcycle GP)

Born in Brisbane, Mick Doohan was world champion MotoGP rider for five years in a row (1994–98). During this period, Doohan competed in 70 grand prix and won 44 of them.

In 1999, he suffered a serious injury in qualifying and retired from the sport.

Greg Norman (golf)

Aspley High School’s most famous student, Greg Norman, kicked off his golfing career under the tutelage of Charlie Earp at the Royal Queensland Golf Club at Eagle Farm.

‘The Shark’ was a dominating figure on the world golf scene throughout the 80s and 90s, and spent 331 weeks as the world’s number one player.

Wally Lewis (rugby league)

Brisbane sporting icons don’t come much bigger than Wally Lewis. The boy from Brisbane State High played both rugby codes as a junior, but committed to the 13-a-side game when told that his interest in league would make him ineligible for union.

State of Origin football was where Lewis shone brightest, winning an astonishing eight man of the match awards at this level (the next closest is Andrew Johns with four).

Recognised by many as the greatest player of all time, the ‘Emperor of Lang Park’ was recently named as five-eighth in Australia’s team of the century.

Tracey Wickham (swimming)

Educated at All Hallows’ School in Brisbane, Tracey Wickham set world records in the 400m and 800m freestyle events when she was just 16 years old. Both of these records stood for ten years.

As the reigning World Champion in both events, Wickham boycotted the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow. In 1982 she won gold in the 400m and 800m events at the Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, and retired shortly thereafter at the tender age of 20.

Neville Sellwood (horse racing)

Born and raised in Hamilton, Neville Sellwood won all of Australia’s major horse races, including six Derbies in Australia and two Melbourne Cups.

Often referred to as the complete jockey, Sellwood spent considerable time racing overseas, winning races in the United States, Great Britain and France. In 1962 he returned to Europe, winning the English Derby and amassing an astonishing 102 winners in France in one season. In November of that year, he was killed in a race fall at Maison Lafitte racecourse near Paris.

Allan Border (cricket)

Sydney-born, Allan Border moved north and represented Queensland from 1980 to 1996.

Border reluctantly took the reins as captain of the Australian test team following the tearful retirement of Kim Hughes, and steered the side through our lowest ebb in world cricket.

Upon his retirement, Australia was the dominant force in the game and remains as such to this day.

Kieren Perkins (swimming)

Kieren Perkins took up swimming as rehabilitation after running through a plate glass window as a child. He went on to dominate the 1500m freestyle event, winning back-to-back Olympic gold medals in 1992 and 1996. His victory in 1996 was particularly astonishing, after scraping into the final by 0.24 seconds and swimming from the outside lane.

Many expected Perkins to retire after 1996, but the lure of one last swim in front of a home crowd at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney kept him in the sport. Perkins finished second in Sydney, handing the distance swimming crown to rising superstar Grant Hackett.

Libby Trickett (swimming)

Based at the Fortitude Valley pool, Trickett is the current world record holder for the 50m and 100m freestyle.

In 2007 she won five gold medals at the World Championships, and is one of Australia’s brightest prospects for Beijing.

Vo Rogue (horse racing)

Trained out of a stable at Hendra by larrikin trainer Victory ‘Vic’ Rail, Vo Rogue was Australia’s most popular racehorse in the late 1980s.

His unique racing style, leading races by 10–20 lengths throughout, made him a true personality of the sport. Vo Rogue seemed to save his best performances for Melbourne, where he was afforded hero status.

Like many great Queenslanders, he retired to the Gold Coast, with career earnings of more than $3,000,000.

Who is your favourite Brisbane sporting star? Add your comments below.

Brisbane is built on the river and beside the bay, just two of our best natural icons. Small or large, the delights of nature are a part of our lifestyle. Do you agree with what we think are the natural blessings in our city? Let us know, by adding your comment below.
Cliffs of Kangaroo Point

Not naturally cliffs, they became that way from quarrying activities (the stone of which you’ll find in many of our historic buildings). The cliffs now are home to rock climbers, day and night. At the cliffs’ base is a surprisingly quiet and secluded place for a bbq, picnic or watching the sunset.
Fig trees in Eagle Street

Spreading its branches wide over the traffic below, it’s always beautiful to see the juxtaposition between the natural fig tree and the complex built environment of the CBD. I wonder if, as the lawyers leave the area each evening, do possums, bats and other critters move in to inhabit the fig’s green branches?
The mangroves in the Botanic Gardens

Again, it’s the surprise of seeing something so natural in the city which makes these natural icons a wonder. Are we the only capital city to still have mangroves in the CBD? To make them easy to see, there’s the boardwalk over the mud and spiky aerial roots. If only there were more along the river’s edge… There are other natural beauties to admire at the City Botanic Gardens too.
The Brisbane River

Curving back and back upon itself, the Brisbane River is THE icon upon which our city is developing. Thankfully, we are starting to use, admire and look after the river so it becomes a true asset to the city. Long gone are the days of netted bathing areas and now it’s the ever popular CityCats which dominate. Read our ferry guide.
Mount Coot-tha

Who hasn’t been to the top of Mount Coot-tha to admire the view from the lookout? Well, you should! Thanks to Mount Coot-tha (part of the Taylor Range) we enjoy views of stunning winter sunsets behind the hills and looming summer storms from the west.
Moreton Bay

With wild waters full of dolphins, fish and other sea life, Brisbane is a rich diving site and boatie’s heaven thanks to Moreton Bay. We catch ferries across the Bay to reach a favourite holiday spot of ‘Straddie’ or the other, smaller islands. We stroll beside it everywhere from Wynnum to Redcliffe eating fish and chips, appreciating the bay’s cool breezes and fly over it as we come to land at Brisbane airport.
Summer storms

Guaranteed to liven up an afternoon’s play of cricket at the Gabba and cool things off, wild summer storms are a natural icon of our city. At about 3 or 4 o’clock on thick, humid days we see storm clouds approach from the west and know that after the downpour there will be welcome relief from the heat. Plus, these days many of us love the sound of the water gurgling into our water tanks (and hopefully the dams too)! Take a look at some fantastic photos of summer storms.
Jacarandas

Sadly, one of Brisbane’s best loved natural icons, the jacarandas of New Farm Park, have suffered recently and many established trees have had to be removed. Hopefully the replacement trees will cover the lawns of the park with purple petals soon enough. The good news is that Brisbane’s suburbs are scattered with hundreds of jacaranda trees and the purple displays make September and October so gorgeous.
A couple of quickies…

The wildlife - the possums, fruit bats, geckoes, even the cane toads, make our city what it is! How dull it would be without their noises in the night.
South Bank Arbour - the bougainvillea growing on the Arbour has taken years to mature but now the Arbour is pink and blooming beautiful.

Find out what won Brisbane's favourite natural icon in our Best of Brisbane poll.

Natural wonders or not? What earthy delight do you love in Brisbane? Add your comments.

Whether you want to swim laps, join an aqua aerobics class or squad, enrol the kids in swimming lessons or simply cool off, there is a public swimming pool for you in Brisbane. There are pools for serious athletes, pools just for paddling and some are heated and open all year round.

Here’s our pick of Brisbane’s best...

Brisbane City Council pools

Brisbane City Council operates 20 pools across the city. All pools have change rooms with hot and cold showers and kiosks selling food, drinks and swimming accessories.

Dip your toe at:

Acacia Ridge (open in winter)

Acacia Ridge offers plenty of parking and an indoor, heated 25m pool, ideal for lap swimming and learn-to-swim classes. There’s also a large, outdoor swimming lagoon. There’s grass to lie on, and shaded picnic tables that you can book for group parties and functions.

Bellbowrie (closed in winter)

Take a dip or swim some laps in the 50m outdoor pool at Bellbowrie. Rain, hail or shine, the 25 metre heated, indoor pool is perfect for laps or learn-to-swim classes for all ages. There’s plenty of room to run around, good shade cover and kids love the water slide, splash pool and wading pool. Keen swimmers can join the resident swimming club.

Carole Park Pool

Situated on large grounds, the Carole Park Pool is a great family-friendly facility. The 25-metre pool is ideal for swimming laps and young ones can splash about in the wading or children’s pool. There's also learn-to-swim classes.

Chermside Pool (open in winter)

Chermside Pool is a large centre for swimming lessons and hydrotherapy and the water fun park (with separate entry) comes alive in summer with its huge waterslide. The 25 metre pool is open all year. Easy to duck into the vast Kedron Wavell Services Club next door or borrow a book to read poolside from Chermside library. Entry price depends upon the pool you want to access.

City (Centenary Pool) (open in winter)

The 50 metre inner-city Centenary Pool that benefits from an attached fitness centre. There isn’t any grass to laze on but lots of classes, a good kiosk, high diving platforms and plenty of kickboards for hire, make it a good pool for exercise. A toddlers’ wading pool makes it popular with young mums.

City (Spring Hill Baths) (open in winter)

This pool is unlike any other in Brisbane. The historical Spring Hill Baths host learn to swim lessons, a café, a fully equipped Pilates Studio, aqua aerobics and memories. The pool is heated and open all year round, attracting swimmers who want atmosphere and a dip into history. Swim in Brisbane's first inground public baths, built in 1886, and try out the quirky historic changing cubicles.

Colmslie Pool (Morningside)(open in winter)

The brand new Colmslie Pool has a 50-metre, outdoor, heated pool, a 15-metre indoor heated pool and a great new outdoor water play park for the kids.

Dunlop Park Pool (Corinda)(open in winter)

Swim some laps in the 50 metre pool at Dunlop Park, shaded at the shallow end. One pool has a beach-entry, with wheelchair access ramp and water play features too. Kids love the wading pool and four water slides. Take learn-to-swim or aqua aerobics classes in the heated, indoor 15 metre pool. There’s barbeques, shaded picnic areas with tables. Why not join the resident swimming and squad training club?

Fortitude Valley Pool (open in winter)

A 50 metre pool is the main feature at Fortitude Valley with grandstands for all your fans to sit in. Open early for laps before work and you'll usually see a mix of office workers and more colourful Valley characters swimming here.

Hibiscus Sports Complex (Upper Mt Gravatt) (partially open in winter)

The Hibiscus Sports Complex offers beautiful, manicured grounds which surround the 50 metre outdoor pool, shaded at the shallow end. Keep fit in the indoor, heated 25 metre pool. Learn-to-swim classes are held in the 12 metre indoor, heated pool. Bring your skateboard or rollerblades for some fun in between dips in the pool or work out at the gym. And check out the brand new kids play pool.

Ithaca Pool (Paddington)

Caxton Street after your swim.

Jindalee Pool (partially open in winter)

Join in one of the exercise classes or relax under shady trees at Jindalee Pool. Lap swimmers can swim a mile or two in the 50m outdoor pool. Toddlers like splashing about in the wading pool with fun water features. A heated 17m pool has learn-to-swim classes, rain or shine.

Manly Pool (open in winter)

On the Manly foreshore next to the boat harbour, the Fish and chips aren’t far away!

Mt Gravatt East Pool (Mansfield) (open in winter)

Brand new in 2009, the Mt Gravatt East Pool is located on the corner of Wecker and Newnham Roads (next to the Mt Gravatt East Primary School) and is open all year round.

Musgrave Park Pool (South Brisbane) (closed in winter)

Near West End and Highgate Hill, with views of the city skyline, the Musgrave Park Pool at South Brisbane has a 50 metre, outdoor pool plus two partially shaded outdoor pools ideal for the young ones. Learn-to-swim classes are also available. Water polo is big at this pool so get involved.

Newmarket Pool (partially open in winter)

A kids’ mecca of slides, waterspouts and more. Newmarket Pool also offers squad training, swimming lessons and good facilities. Lots of grass to laze on.

Runcorn Pool (open in winter)

The Runcorn Pool offers heated swimming (indoor and outdoor) all year round. There is also a fantastic play pool for the kids with interactive features and a water slide.

Sandgate Pool (partially open in winter)

Sandgate Pool is on the foreshore in large, landscaped grounds. There’s a 50 metre pool, a huge wading pool, water slides and play features. A heated, indoor learn-to-swim pool means that wet, cold weather isn’t an issue. With barbecue facilities, a basketball hoop and playground next door it’s popular with everyone.

Langlands Park Pool (Stones Corner) (open in winter)

Next to the Easts Rugby League football club, Langlands Park Pool complex has a 50m pool plus a shaded outdoor pool for toddlers and children. An indoor, heated learn-to-swim pool offers classes.

Yeronga Pool (open in winter)

Yeronga Pool has something for everyone, including an 8 lane 50m and 4 lane 25m outdoor heated pool.

Pool Top Tip: Barbecue facilities are available at some Council pools. Telephone the Brisbane City Council call centre on 07 3403 8888 for more information.

Family friendly pools

These pools are the pools where the kids come to expect slides, waterspouts and extra fun, just for them.

Lap swimming pools

Swimming is a sport that makes sense in Brisbane. It’s the coolest way to keep fit in summer and heated pools in winter mean you don’t have to stop your regime. To get fit and swim laps, almost any pool of 25 metres or more can suffice. Read our feature about Brisbane’s pools for swimmers who like to count the kilometres.

School and university pools

Take advantage of some of the excellent public swimming facilities at Brisbane’s schools and universities.

Somerville House sports and aquatic centre (open in winter)

The Somerville House pool is a heated 50m pool for serious swimmers who want to train, be a part of a squad or learn stroke correction. It is open long hours, 7 days a week. School rules state that sunbathing around the pool is not permitted.

University of Queensland aquatic centre (open in winter)

Note: the UQ aquatic centre will be closed until Semester 2, 2011 due to flood damage.

The University of Queensland at St Lucia has two pools, one extra warm for lessons and a 50 metre pool that is heated in winter. A grassed area makes for a place to relax after your laps. Keep an eye open for scheduled family fun days when the pool is taken over by a large inflatable playground for kids. Opening times differ between summer and winter.You can also book children's birthday parties at the pool.

Adult fitness classes are currently available and cater for triathletes, masters and surf swimmers as well as a range of classes that cater for general fitness such as water running.

Pool Top Tip: Parking can be tricky during semester.

Pools in the Greater Brisbane area

There are a number of public swimming pools in the outer areas of Brisbane. Contact them for details of facilities and opening times.

Take the plunge at:

• 14 pools operated by Moreton Bay Regional Council, inluding Albany Creek Leisure Centre, Pathways at Mango Hill and Bribie Island.
• The four pools of Ipswich City Council
• Two pools at Cleveland and Victoria Point, run by Redlands Council
• The pools of Logan City.

Other places to swim

Whilst technically not “pools” that you can do laps in, the following swimming holes deserve mention as fabulous places to swim for fun. Plus they are free!

South Bank – Aquativity

With enough water to fill five olympic swimming pools, this Brisbane water hole is enormous. Tonnes of sand create a beach-like feel and the kids love to dig in it or jump off the rocks and paddle in the small streams. It is a patrolled beach with views of the city and Brisbane River. Aquativity is a water-based playground, with varying opening hours.

Settlement Cove Lagoon at Redcliffe

The Settlement Cove Lagoon is a great place for kids with waterfalls, slides and a ship-theme playground. The beaches of Redcliffe are always good for a dip too.

Wynnum Wading Pool

The Wynnum Wading Pool is an old-fashioned favourite. Filled with water from Moreton Bay, it is on the Esplanade, at the end of Edith Street, Wynnum. It’s not deep but good for adult exercise and kids can slide into it.

Rugby Union is said to be the game they play in Heaven. If so, there must be an awful lot of people up there sporting cauliflower ears and busted noses – but more on that later.

Lesson One: The Game

In rugby, two teams of 15 players each aim to score as many points as possible by carrying, passing, kicking and grounding the (oval-shaped) ball, with the team scoring the greater number of points being the winner of the match. Points may be scored by either scoring a try or a goal. A try is scored when the ball is grounded within the in-goal area (at each end of the field) and is worth 5 points. A goal is scored by kicking the ball between the uprights and above the crossbar of the goal posts.

The game is divided into two halves of 40 minutes each, which gives spectators ample time to enjoy the full gamut of sporting emotions, ranging from moderate happiness, excitement and jubilation to mild disappointment, outrage and despair, depending on how their team is performing.

Lesson Two: The Team

There are 15 players in each team with 7 replacements that can be used for injuries and substitutions. Players are numbered 1 to 15, with numbers 16–22 being used for the replacements. Players numbered 1–8 are called the “forwards” and those with numbers 9–15 are the “backs”. The forwards, who are generally bigger, are the players who form the scrum (see below) and the lineout while the backs are more “fleet of foot” and are used to run the ball.

Are you still with us? Hang in there.

Lesson Three: The Rules

The ball is transferred from one player to another by a pass. Just to make things more interesting, a pass is made backwards to players of the same team. A forward pass is not permitted. If a player drops the ball forward (called a knock-on), play is stopped.

Anybody who has watched even a small amount of rugby will know what a supremely physical game (read: contact sport) it is. Mouthguards are essential, players frequently develop “cauliflower ears” (permanent swelling of the outer ear) and even the language of the game is full of robust terms, which will now be explained (with no small degree of squeamishness) here.

When play has been stopped, it is restarted by a “scrum” made up of the 8 forwards from each team. At a scrum, the ball is rolled into the tunnel between the opposing “packs” by the scrum half (No. 9) and hooked back by a player from either side. All players not in the scrum must be behind the back of their side of the scrum, otherwise they are off-side.

When a player is running with the ball he may be “tackled” (brought to the ground and held – ouch!) by an opposing player. When this happens, the player must release the ball so that both teams can contest possession.

“Rucks” and “mauls” are not terms dating from the era of Roman blood sports involving lions and Christians. They are manoeuvres used to compete for the ball and to keep the game flowing. A ruck is formed when one player from each team comes into contact over the ball when it is on the ground. A maul is formed between opposing teams in a similar way to a ruck, except that the ball remains in the hand, as opposed to being on the ground.

For more about the colourful terminology and rules of rugby, go to the governing source – the International Rugby Board.

Lesson Four: The Ella brothers - Australian rugby legends

The three Ella brothers – twins Mark and Glen (born 1959) and younger brother Gary (born 1960) – are remarkable rugby players for a number of reasons. They are remarkable for their rugby skills; remarkable for the fact that three brothers represented Australia in Rugby Union at the same time (in the 1980s); and remarkable that one of them (Mark) captained Australia. They also happen to be three Aboriginal brothers. Mark, Glen and Gary come from a family of 12 children who grew up in the Aboriginal community at La Perouse in Sydney.

They are Aussie legends – so do not embarrass yourself by looking blank when their names are invoked.

Lesson Five: Where to watch the game in Queensland?

The Queensland Reds play in an international competition called the Super 15s. The Reds are one of five Australian teams competing in the Super 15 competition, alongside the NSW Waratahs, the ACT Brumbies, the Western Force and the Melbourne Rebels. The Reds play at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

Last but not least we have the Australian national team, the Wallabies, and it’s not unusual for them to play several international matches in Brisbane – also at Suncorp – throughout the year. Of course, right now the Wallabies are in the thick of the World Cup in France so we won’t see the team playing in Brisbane again this year. With luck the next time we do see them they will be world champions.

Do you love the excitement of soccer?

Soccer is fun to play and watch and Brisbane has soccer teams to suit all ages and abilities. Take some time to kick a ball around with the kids, become part of a local team, follow the A-League and watch the Socceroos take on the rest of the world.

Finding a local club

Brisbane has dozens of soccer clubs. They are always keen to sign on new players, involve the community in coaching and training positions or gather vocal supporters for their games.

Discover one near you and contact them about getting involved. Season sign-on starts in February each year, with matches beginning during March.

To find out more about Brisbane’s soccer scene, take a look at:

• Football Brisbane
• Football Queensland

Just want to kick a soccer ball in the local park? Find your closest one and get out there!

Junior players

Did you know that more boys play soccer than any other organised sport in Australia? And that over 355,000 Aussie kids play soccer. [Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics]

Does your son or daughter want to play?

Futsal (indoor soccer)

Regardless of the weather, indoor soccer is a fun option. Indoor soccer, otherwise known as Futsal, is flourishing and there are active futsal associations in Brisbane.

The Queensland Futsal website has facts about the futsal clubs and venues in the South-East region.

Brisbane Roar FC

Brisbane Roar FC represent Brisbane in the National Hyundai A-League.

The Brisbane Roar website will keep you up to date on player profiles and latest team news.

Get along to a game and support the Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium. Get your tickets from Ticketek.

Other interesting football links

• Football Federation Australia
• SBS The World Game