Taringa

The older inner Brisbane suburb of Taringa sits comfortably between the broad reaches of the Brisbane River and the wooded slopes of Mt Coot-tha Park. Taringa lies between the business districts of Indooroopilly and Toowong, with their shopping, cafes and offices.

A visit to Mt Coot-tha is a departure from suburbia. Formerly known as One Tree Hill, the 1500ha reserve is networked with gardens and walking tracks. The 52ha Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens complex lies at the base of the park and contains an extensive collection of more than 20,000 native and exotic sub-tropical plants, representing 5,000 different species. Regular events are conducted at the Botanic Gardens, including guided walks, talks and art shows.

Further into Mt Coot-tha Park, along Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, the lookout presents sweeping views of the city, the Brisbane River, Moreton Bay and Stradbroke Island. At night, the view turns into a fairyland of lights. The clearly defined and safe walking tracks snaking through the open eucalypt forest skirt ridges, gullies and a number of waterfalls.

The riverside bike track from Queensland University to the city skirts Taringa. The track is easily accessible at many points and offers cyclists, joggers and walkers a delightful traffic-free route into the city.

For those interested in the pioneer history of Australia, a visit to Toowong Cemetery is a must. It is Queensland"s largest and most historic burial ground. Amongst those buried here are a Prime Minister, two Queensland Governors, 13 Queensland Premiers, 11 Queensland Labor leaders, at least 15 Brisbane Mayors and many other prominent political, religious, sports, arts and business figures. There are guided tours and even a ghost tour of the cemetery.

Visit the University of Queensland, set on a finger of land in the premier suburb of St Lucia and surrounded by the meandering Brisbane River on three sides. Enjoy a restful riverside walk, admire the diverse architectural styles of the buildings or visit the ducks in the pond.

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