Bed and Breakfast à West End, chez Paul

The Brisbane River

The Brisbane River has got to be one of the city's best features. It meanders around the City Center. South Bank Parklands occupy 1 km of the South Brisbane Reach. And you can walk or ride along many sections on both sides.

But the best way to experience the river is to take one of the CityCats, regular ferry services, which you can stay on for a 2-hour round trip if you want. (And public transport is cheap in Brisbane.)

West End

There are dozens of good restaurants and coffee shops in and around Boundary Street at West End. They're all within walking distance and the variety reflects the countries of origin of the people of West End. There's Japanese, Italian, Lebanese, Greek, Thai, Swiss, Mexican, Vietnamese, Chinese, Portuguese, Indian and more.

City Highlights

City Highlights is an 80-minute narrated bus circuit provided by the Brisbane City Council. It passes many of the key attractions in the inner suburbs. You can catch it nearby at Southbank.

Southbank Parklands

The Parklands were established on the site of Expo 88 at South Brisbane. Each day, especially on weekends, thousands of locals gather there to relax, swim in the artificial lagoons, have barbecues, eat at the restaurants and visit the street markets.

Southbank is just 1 km from Eskdale.

Queensland Cultural Centre

Also at South Bank is the Cultural Centre—the Performing Arts Centre (which has all the big stage shows in Brisbane), the Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Museum, Museum of Modern Art and State Library.

Mt Coot-tha

Mt Coot-tha (don't pronounce the first T—just the TH) is a large bush area in the hilly suburbs to west of the city centre. There's a good view over the city and the main Botanic Gardens are nearby. You can also go bush-walking and visit JC Slaughter Falls—all just minutes from the city.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Just a bit further on the banks of the river is Lone Pine, a good place to see Australian animals and the best place to hold a koala.

Moreton Bay islands

The islands off Brisbane in Moreton Bay have good surf beaches and crystal-clear waters on the protected side. They are popular recreational spots that aren't crowded or over-developed.

Take a tour of the old convict settlement on St Helena Island or spend a day or two loafing on one of the sand islands, especially North Stradbroke Island or Moreton Island.

Sport

The Woolloongabba Cricket Ground is in Vulture Street not far from Eskdale B&B. In summer you can go to the cricket, but in winter they rip out the pitch, stick up the goalposts and play Aussie Rules (Australian Rules Football). That's really worth seeing.

For those who prefer other sports, Suncorp stadium is the home of soccer in the summer and rugby league in the winter. It's just over the river in Milton. Rugby union is played at Ballymore on the other side of the city centre.

Active pursuits

Join the rock-climbers at the Kangaroo Point cliffs just across the river from the city centre and 15-minutes walk from Eskdale.

Take an early-morning hot-air balloon flight over the city. Balloons are launched from Davies Park, 1½ km from Eskdale.

Go sailing on Moreton Bay, cycling along the river, walking in the bush—or any of dozens of other activities available in and around Brisbane.

There are 4 guest bedrooms, each decorated individually.

Single, double and twin accommodation is available. There are long single beds, double, queen and king-size.

Each room has a desk and chair, wardrobe, armchair, electric fan and oil heater.

Bathrooms

The bathrooms are new, centrally located and airy. Both shower and bath are available.

Guest lounge

Sit down in the guest lounge to read, talk or watch television. There's a large supply of maps, timetables, and brochures on what to see and do in and around Brisbane.

Dining room and kitchen



The dining room opens onto the deck. A continental or buffet breakfast is served and tea- and coffee-making facilities are always available. If you'd like use of the kitchen just ask.

Veranda


The veranda at the front has direct access to one of the bedrooms, and is available to all guests. Just sit and watch the world go by.

Deck

The deck at the back is a recent addition. Another place to sit. Watch the birds in the garden. Breakfast can be served here when the weather is fine and warm.

Garden

Most of the garden is new. A few bushes survive from the early years of the house, but most were planted early in 1998. The plants are mainly Australian natives, particularly the subtropical varieties native to the Brisbane area.

Car-parking

There's a 2-hour limit to parking on the street during the day. But you can reverse down the driveway and into the parking spaces under the house. Most four-wheel-drives will fit underneath but taller vehicles like vans can be parked beside the house.

Laundry

Guests are welcome to make use of the laundry. It is located under the house.

There's no smoking inside, but it may be permissible on the deck if it won't disturb other guests.