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01January

Footballer Erica Fowler’s Favourite Things to Do in Brisbane

AFLW Footballer Erica Fowler Loves Brisbane

Erica Fowler is like most Queenslanders: she cherishes the weather. Growing up along the Sunshine Coast, “it’s almost a necessity to own a surfboard,” she jokes. Where she’s not like every Queenslander? Erica is an AFLW footballer. She started her career as a rugby sevens player before moving into AFLW at  the Yeronga South Brisbane Football club in 2017. 

Today, she lives in Melbourne where she plays in the national competition, but the Sunshine State is forever home to her, and she gets home whenever she can, especially for Brisbane’s beautiful warm weather.

Here’s her favourite memories and things to do in Brisbane, not to mention a shout out to a couple of her favourite players as the AFL Grand Final is historically held at the ‘Gabba this week; the first time it has ever been held outside of Melbourne.


Q+A with Erica Fowler

Walk Brisbane: What’s your perfect day in Brisbane? 

Erica Fowler: Sneaking a day trip out to North Stradbroke Island for a surf to be back in time for the centre bounce at the Gabba, or kick off at Suncorp Stadium. 

WB: Any local artists or musicians from Brisbane you love?

EF: Can’t go past Powderfinger! I’ve seen some incredible artists – too many to name! – perform at Riverstage in the  City Botanic Gardens. 

WB: What is your favourite pre- or post-match food or drink?

EF:  A choccy milk post game, it’s the best! Something I definitely look forward to, particularly because the AFLW is played in summer. 

WB: Who are some of your favourite players in the AFL?

EF: Some of my favourite players would have to be Collingwood’s D’Arcy Moore and Brisbane Lions defender Harris Andrews. I love watching them play, their ability to impact in the air is incredible. 

Erica’s Top Things to Do in Brisbane (and nearby)

  1. Exercising along the City Loop from Kangaroo Point to Coronation Drive through the City Botanic Gardens 
  2. Grabbing gluten-free goodies from Nodo cafe
  3. Enjoying a laid-back visit to Milton markets for locally sourced goods
  4. Camping under the stars at Point Lookout on Stradbroke (Straddie) Island  t
  5. Dining al fresco from a variety of good eateries at Eagle Street Pier 
  6. Sipping on a single origin cold brew from Felix for Goodness

Check out some of her favourite spots on a Brisbane Laneways and Café Tour 

01January

Brisbane International Film Festival

The Brisbane International Film Festival opens today!

Presented by The Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), through its Australian Cinémathèque, BIFF celebrates contemporary international and Australian screen culture with new-release features, documentaries, short films and curated strands. Many of the events are accompanied by live music, conversations & panel discussions. Here are some of our highlights we’re keen to see!

High Ground

Opening Night sees the Australian premiere of High Ground, a film that tells the story of World War One army sniper-turned-policeman Travis (Simon Baker)as he loses control of his team during a confrontation in Northern Australia, leading to the massacre of an Indigenous tribe. You’ve got six opportunities to catch it throughout the festival.

   

We Don’t Deserve Dogs

This documentary explores the deep connection people share with their oldest companion-dogs. We Don’t Deserve Dogs illuminates the profound loyalty between humans and their beloved pets. There are two showings across the festival, you can book your tickets here.

Panel Discussion: Film Festivals in the time of Covid-19

On the first Saturday of the festival, join a panel of industry professionals including Lucy Fisher, Festival Director and CEO at the Gold Coast Film Festival, Jenny Neighbour, Head of Programs & Documentary Programmer at the Sydney Film Festival and Al Cossar, Artistic Director of the Melbourne International Film Festival as they discuss the challenges they have faced in 2020 and where they believe festivals will head from here. 

Bloody Hell

Join audiences for the Australian premiere of Bloody Hell, an Australian black-comedy/horror filmed on the Gold Coast but set across Idaho and Finland. It tells the story of Rex Coen (Ben O’Toole), who finds infamy when a video of his actions during a bank robbery go viral. He escapes the country but finds himself in a darker situation – one much harder to escape. Check it out in either week of the festival, book your tickets here

 

 There is a smorgasbord of work to check out over BIFF and it’s not just limited to movies! To check out the full schedule including films, live music, conversations and panels, click here: 

https://biff.com.au/daily-schedule

 

01January

Your Guide to Brisfest 2020

Feeling spoilt for choice? Here’s five picks from the 2020 Brisbane Festival line-up we think are a must see!

  • We love celebrating local acts, so it makes sense that Megan Washington’s album launch makes our must-see list! The eagerly awaited Batflowers premiere will be  accompanied by a silent film at this intimate, not to be missed experience.
  • This one can be done during your daily routine and doesn’t cost a thing! Messengers of Brisbane sees six larger than life giant Gouldian Finches perched atop some of Brisbane’s most iconic locations. Keep an eye out for these gorgeous artworks by international artists Florentijn Hofman around QPAC, Southbank, The Goodwill Bridge, Brisbane Powerhouse, Queensland Museum & Brisbane City Hall.

  • One of the coolest initiatives we’ve ever seen, Street Serenades aims to perform to 190 suburbs across Brisbane. Over the three weeks of the Festival, pop-up concerts will be delivered in streets, parks, cul-de-sacs and more! To keep updated as to where concerts will be next, check out the Facebook event page here.
  • Every Friday and Saturday night of the Festival, you can catch Sunsuper Night Sky as Brisbane’s skyline plays host to an interconnecting and pulsing laser beam installation. You can view the light show from the street, on your evening walk or by CityCat.

Please note: for those with photosensitive epilepsy, be aware this event involves pulsing laser beams.

  • On the last day of the festival, the Australian Defence Force will conduct an Aerobatics Display, featuring a series of high-altitude formation flyovers over greater Brisbane. It’s worth noting that the display will take place only if the ADF has operational availability on the day. Fingers crossed the festival concludes with this extravagant sky show!

HOW TO BE COVID-SAFE DURING BRISFEST

There’s so much to see as part of the Festival, but it’s important we remain COVID-Safe and keep our community safe and healthy. Here’s some helpful things to remember:

  1. Stay home if you are unwell – if you aren’t feeling great or are showing COVID symptoms such as cough, fever or fatigue, stay home.
  2. Maintain social distancing – Keep 1.5 metres from other patrons. You can attend events in social or household groups, just be cautious of the distance between you and others. 
  3. Wash your hands regularly – hand hygiene is super important! If you can’t wash your hands with soap and water, use hand sanitiser.
  1. Download the COVIDSafe App – The Federal Government’s official app is there to keep everyone safe.

You can check out the full program here.

01January

Brisbane in Spring

Brisbane Spring Festival

 

Brisbane city comes alive in Spring…

… with several of our stand out festivals, yearly highlights, and internationally recognised events coming to the city between September and November. September is the month of ‘Brisbane Festival’, where the city goes pink, and every forecourt, centre, university, restaurant, and public space is coloured in a layer of pink and glitter to celebrate the arts in Brisbane. October brings Oktoberfest (our nod to the German festival) and Brisbane Open House presents some of our historic and most significant buildings for public tours! There’s plenty to see and do in a Brisbane Spring, and as always – the weather is great!

What To Do

Read More »

01January

ANZAC Day in Brisbane

What is ANZAC Day? Why does Brisbane come to a complete halt on the 25th of April? And where can you get the best ANZAC biscuits this week?

 

If you’re traveling to Australia this week, or visiting Brisbane for the weekend, it’s helpful to know that not a lot will be open on Thursday (April 25th). Inconvenient, yes, but it’s also a great opportunity to explore some of Australia’s (short, but) rich history.

Read More »

01January

Good Food month has landed in Brisbane!

Good Food Regional Flavours

It’s that time of year again when all-things-culinary take the main stage in Brisbane city. We are spoilt for choice with Good Food Month  taking place throughout July/early August, and also the always popular Regional Flavours festival being held at South Bank Parklands over the weekend of July 21 – 22.

To tempt you, we’d like to discuss what is happening and where we personally think you should be directing your attention. Read More »

01January

Walk Brisbane Favourites – Markets

Welcome to the Our Favourites series, Issue #001!  Over the next few months we are going to share  with you a series of articles that provide succinct lists of the very best Brisbane has to offer. We will cover a range of subjects – from the most interesting museums, great shops, restaurants, local markets, to where you can snag the best espresso.

To kick off: our favourite markets in and around the Brisbane CBD.  We have enlisted the help of our guides and few locals too.  Let’s get started! Read More »

01January

Street Art in Brisbane – A Cultural Treasure Trove

From bawdy murals in sixth-century Pompeii, to East Harlem’s Wall of Fame in New York, it’s hard to ignore the impact street art has had on the socio-political climate, and art-culture of the world.

 

In almost every age of history humans have been eager to leave their mark, (We’re sure you’re all familiar with the hurried scratchings left by starry-eyed teenagers on the back of the public-toilet-door).   But when you think of street art, what are the places that come to mind?  Who are the artists?  Basquiat in New York?  Pez in Barcelona?  The latest Banksy?

Read More »

01January

Urban Wine Walk – now it’s Brisbane’s turn!

Urban Wine Walk

Perhaps the only thing that can turn a great walking tour into a fantastic one, is the chance to sample some delicious drinks. This is why we’re busy adding the finishing touches to our very own Small Bars tour.  In the meantime, why not join the 2018 Urban Wine Walk  and get a taste of what Brisbane has to offer?  Often hidden in the back-streets, Brisbane is home to a plethora of interesting and innovative bars and restaurants; and they stock some of the tastiest Australian wines to boot.    Read More »

01January

Southbank Regional Flavour Festival

This weekend sees the return of the annual Southbank Regional Flavour Festival.

The festival, which is a becoming an annual July must do, is being tipped to be bigger and better than ever this year. Cooking demonstrations, markets, kids activities ensure there is something for everyone.

The options are endless; Maggie Beer, George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston and Georgia Barnes will all be doing demonstrations and book signings. Or, see our local Queensland celebrities Alistair McLeod and Matt Golinski.

There is also free music, 80 stallholders and food trucks, beer, wine and kid’s activities.

Head on over to Southbank either Saturday 16 or Sunday 17 July to join in the fun.

It’s all free!!

good food 1 Read More »