Recreation – Moreton Bay and More

A Visit to the Ekka (or the Show).

(Translation for non-Queenslanders: A visit to the Royal National Association Exhibition, an annual city-country fair held in Brisbane. It attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors over its fortnight of operation. Sort of like a State Fair. Because Australians in general and Queenslanders in particular have to shorten names, it became “the Ekka.” In my family,Continue reading “A Visit to the Ekka (or the Show).”

Footy Fever, 1888-style.

How ‘Melbourne Football’ found a home in Brisbane in the 1880s. As the Brisbane and Sydney teams prepare to play the AFL grand final next weekend, Melbourne footy followers have sensibly aligned themselves into South Melbourne Football Club and Fitzroy Football Club supporters. (After all, they argue, both clubs were proudly Melbourne clubs before expansion.)Continue reading “Footy Fever, 1888-style.”

School Holiday Ideas from Old Queensland.

Stuck for ideas for entertaining the little ones over the school holidays? Never fear, colonial Queensland has the inspiration you need. Swimming. Let your children run free in the surf. Preferably, yards from any supervising adults. Or, if it has been raining too much for the beach, consider alternative options. There’s nothing wrong with allowingContinue reading “School Holiday Ideas from Old Queensland.”

The English Cricket Team bowls over Queensland, February 1883.

Ah, Summer! Time to go to the cricket. Something rather unseemly had happened in the cricketing world in August 1882. An Australian side had won the test series against the English, on English soil! A mock obituary was printed in the Sporting Times: “In Affectionate Remembrance of ENGLISH CRICKET, which died at the Oval onContinue reading “The English Cricket Team bowls over Queensland, February 1883.”

Holidays Ahoy!

Two weeks of sweet Spring freedom are drawing near for the State’s schoolchildren. Let Colonial Queenslanders be your guide to recreation and getaway ideas. So, let’s make sure we’re dressed as formally as possible, and remember to bring your paints and brushes or your new-fangled camera. In and Around Brisbane A Trip to the GardensContinue reading “Holidays Ahoy!”