We recently visited Southbank Parklands at Brisbane. It has been quite a while since we were last there and a lot has changed. As usual we parked in the underground levels and then took a casual stroll from one end to the other (heading towards the performing arts complex) following the arbour.
Ben walked along most of the way with Belinda, Grandma Karen and I. It was a bright and sunny day so we tried to encourage Ben to wear his hat and sunnies (didn’t last too long).
Ben soon discovered that if he held on to two sets of hands he could get lifted high into the air (great fun). Well as you can see he loved it (again and again and again). Not so sure this is great for his shoulders??!!
Of course we were intending to take a ride on the new (and temporary) Wheel of Brisbane.
The wheel is a large ferris wheel with fully enclosed and air conditioned capsules that lifts to nearly 60m. A surprisingly gentle ride, comfortable and a fantastic view. Belinda is not fond of heights, but found the ride quite enjoyable.
Ben was surprisingly quite initially. He just sat on my lap and took in the view.
Afterwards we followed the arbour back to the beach. The last time we took Ben to the beach at the Gold Coast he was not particularly interested. This time though he was intrigued !. Perhaps it was the lack of crashing waves and wind. We walked up and down in the edge of the water, past lots of people (and kids) enjoying the cool water. Ben chatted away, pointed to the kids splashing, jumped up down himself and generally had fun. I think our next visit to the real beach will be much better.
On the way back to the car we discovered one of the new attractions. Aquativity is a fantastic new water play area for kids but we didn’t have our togs. Oh well a great excuse to come back another day.
