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October 2009

Jumping into Action

Get the adrenaline pumping on a visit to Brisbane, which has adventure sports at its heart — on Kangaroo Point peninsula, linked to the CBD via the Story Bridge

WORD SANDY PHILLIPS

The centre of Brisbane is not the boutiques and bars of the Queen Street Mall, or the boho shabby chic of Fortitude Valley. It is, in fact, Kangaroo Point, a suburban park edged by a sandy bank of the Brisbane River. It’s here that you can clip onto one of the world’s three bridge climbing experiences, take a night kayak expedition, climb towering cliffs and cycle the banks, all downtown.These blood-pumping activities show an entirely different side of the sunny Queensland capital.

Story Bridge Adventure Climb (Story Bridge)

If it’s a bird’s-eye city view you’re after, they don’t come more exhilarating than the Story Bridge Adventure Climb (SBAC).The two-and-a-half hour ascent is one of only three bridge-climb experiences in the world — the others being Sydney and Auckland. But the chance to clamber over Brisbane’s steel monolith is rewarded by more than just vistas.

The clang of footsteps on mesh steel steps, the whip of the wind around your feet and the sight of a 70m drop to the Brisbane River all add a certain edge to the experience.And if the sight of the river is too much, then don’t even consider the six lanes of fast-moving traffic directly beneath.

The paradox is that the bridge itself was constructed to soothe the nerves of Queenslanders going through the financial crisis of the 1930s.A span between Kangaroo Point and the CBD was formally proposed as a recession-buster, two years after the great stock market collapse of 1929.

The action starts and finishes at a purposebuilt base beneath the bridge on the Kangaroo Point side. Climbers are kitted out with greyand-blue boiler suits and state-of-the-art headsets which transmit directly into the inner ear through vibration technology.A full commentary — including the history of the bridge — is given before reaching the summit of the first of two suspension towers.

But the real highlight of the kilometre-long journey is reaching the city’s best viewing platform, with a 360-degree panorama to Mount Coot-tha in the west and even the Glasshouse Mountains in the north.

Paul Lewin, SBAC chief executive, says: “My favourite part of the climb is reaching the top platform, especially on a dawn climb when the sun is coming up over Moreton Bay.“It’s a bonding experience for people to do the climb with their friends and relatives.”

Climbs start from AU$89 depending on day and time — dawn and dusk climbs on weekends are most expensive. Concessions (children from 10–16 and over-60s) are available.

Cycling (Edge of Brisbane River)

It might look like the most sedate of Brisbane’s outdoor thrills, but racing along the city’s bike tracks is still enough to get your blood pumping. Brisbane’s year-round warm weather and access to hundreds of kilometres of bike paths makes it one of the world’s best cycling spots.

Grab a bike from the Gardens Cycle Hire outlet in the Botanic Gardens and you’re already on track for one of the city’s best rides — the Story Bridge river loop. Head to the top end of the gardens and it’s a short freewheel to the Goodwill Bridge, where you can cross to the Cliffs Boardwalk.The ride follows the path of the Brisbane River before reaching Kangaroo Point.Take a breather at the park on the banks of the river before continuing up and over the Story Bridge, past the Riverside Centre and back to the gardens.

John Webb, a cycling fanatic who took over Gardens Cycle Hire in March this year, says there’s no better city in the world to explore on two wheels.“Brisbane has about 500km of tracks and bikeways which take you just about everywhere.The Botanic Gardens are just a great little location for people to start.”

Gardens Cycle Hire offers mountain bikes from AU$18 for one hour from the Botanic Gardens. Longer hire costs AU$6/hr or AU$42 for a full day.Tandems are also available from AU$28/hr.

Rock Climbing (Kangaroo Point cliffs)

If the chance to take on a rock climb in the middle of a city isn’t enough to get your juices flowing, then wait until dark.Then you can fingernail up the jagged cliffs at the edge of the Brisbane River at night, thanks to giant spotlights.

Climbing sessions are run by the Riverlife Adventure Centre with equipment and a fullyqualified instructor provided, so even the uninitiated can experience the rush of a sheerface ascent.The jagged face of the cliff provides ample hand-and foot-holds, while the views from the top of the 20m cliffs are unbeatable — with the skyscrapers of the CBD at your back and the Brisbane River flowing below your feet.

Riverlife Adventure Centre owner John Sharpe said the climb was a perfect match for the city’s after-dark vibe.“I saw a need for a bit of adventure in Brisbane,” he says.“There can’t be many cities in the world where you can finish work and go climbing.”

Instructed rock climbs are available from the Riverlife Adventure Centre for AU$34 per person, with a minimum age of eight.

Paddle & Prawns Night Kayak (Brisbane River)

The throb of Brisbane’s bars and clatter of restaurants are the backdrop for this after-dark kayak expedition, also run by the Riverlife Adventure Centre on the western edge of Kangaroo Point.

From the site of the former Naval Stores, the kayak follows the bends of the Brisbane River, beginning in the opposite direction to the tide. Under the neon glow of lights from the towering skyscrapers of the CBD, the route passes buzzing bars and towards the steel frame of the Story Bridge, which is lit by scores of bulbs at night.

Obstacles come in the form of moored houseboats and CityCat ferries which zip past at an unnerving rate of knots — worth remembering if you have to cross the river. Every kayak is fitted with a specially designed waterproof light, so there’s no chance of being run over by other vessels. But even if they don’t come close, the wash from passing craft can create sizeable waves — so it’s worth giving the sandy banks of the point a wide berth.

The final run back to the centre, with the tide’s help, is where you can get some speed up. Make it a race with a mate and you’re sure to feel the muscles of your arms and shoulders burn. Afterwards there are plates of prawns to devour along with a beer, wine or soft drink.

The kayak tour was one of the first activities on offer at the centre, which was set up in April 2005. Owner John Sharpe, a Brisbane businessman, says the night kayak remains the centre’s most popular activity throughout the year. “I think it’s our best product and it’s one of my favourites. It’s very special when you can get out and watch the sun set and then come back and have a beer or wine.”

“Paddle and Prawns” night kayak runs from the Riverlife Adventure Centre, Kangaroo Point, on Fridays from 7–10pm. AU$69 per person, including all equipment hire and plates of prawns and drinks.

FIND IT

The Story Bridge Adventure Climb 170 Main St, Kangaroo Point, tel: 1300 254 627

Gardens Cycle Hire Main entrance of the City Botanic Gardens, cnr Alice & Albert Sts, tel: +61 (0) 408 003 198

The Riverlife Adventure Centre Naval Stores, River Tce, Kangaroo Point, tel: +61 (7) 3891 5766

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