Daily Detours for the Week of May 29
Featuring a treasure trove of vintage superheroes and introspective indie titles.
Daily Detours for the Week of May 29
In partnership with
Featuring a treasure trove of vintage superheroes and introspective indie titles.
When your nine-to-five plays out like a well-oiled machine, it can sometimes feel like each week is a little same-same. But Brisbane is brimming with a fine bounty of things to experience and explore each and every day. So aside from casual laziness and a little lack of inspiration, there's really nothing stopping you from squeezing some adventure and spontaneity into your schedule.
We've teamed up with Mazda3 to celebrate the landmark 40th anniversary of their iconic small cars, and in turn, help you celebrate the little things that bring that sense of adventure to life. Shake things up, as we give you seven different detours to take each week in Brisbane. From Monday to Sunday, enrich your everyday with one completely achievable activity that inspires you to take the scenic route as you go about your daily routine.
This week, explore the serenity of Chung Tian Temple, belt out a karaoke ballad at The Brunswick Hotel and practice your mindfulness with a DIY kokedama class. Plus, we've got your future detours sorted for the new few weeks here.
All require no more effort than a tiny break from the norm — what's your excuse for not trying them all?
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Give your Monday blues the boot with a dose of razzmatazz at the Queensland Ballet — and we don’t mean watching Swan Lake while sipping champagne (though that isn’t without its merits). We’re talking about getting your body moving. Ham it up with a Broadway jazz class, get your swing on with a lesson in jazz dance or find your groove in a contemporary session. The school offers casual classes, so you’re welcome to pick and mix as you see fit. Whichever style you choose, you’ll be under the guidance of a cracking dancer and choreographer, be it award-winning Nerida Matthaei, or another dexterous member of the Queensland Ballet Company.
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Based in West End, Junky Comics is the passion project of Vlada Edirippulige, also known as illustrator Junky. It’s the kind of place where browsing — and taking a seat on the couch while you peruse the shop’s stock — is welcome. “I really hate that feeling of getting in, grabbing something and getting out,” Edirippulige advises. “With comics, you need to look through them too see if you dig them. The unique combination of written word with illustration is a big part of what draws Edirippulige to comics as well. “Comic books and graphic novels cover such widespread content — it’s not just about superheroes anymore! — and I wanted to have a place that showcased that diversity.” Indeed, rifling through the wares adorning the store’s custom-made shelves proves just that, with Junky Comics stocking everything from Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis to vintage Wonder Woman. There’s also a selection of local zines and cards. Take your time, cosy in and browse the comics and art found in this treasure trove of illustration.
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Did you know that Brisbane has its own Zen Buddhist temple? Opening in Logan back in 1993, the Chung Tian Temple is a portal to a different philosophy and a window into an alternative way of life. You’ll feel like you’re worlds away, without leaving Brissie.
You can easily while away your time just looking at the sights of this temple awash in the traditional gold and red of Chinese palace architecture. Explore further, and you’ll discover all that the temple has to offer, from the Chan, Zen and Arhat Gardens, to the art gallery and the on-site museum. Entry is free and you can even do a guided tour — all they ask for is a small donation. And no trip is complete without a hot cuppa and dumplings at the Water Drop Teahouse.
Image: @alwaysdocumentating via Instagram.
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Are you that person who’s always singing along to the radio and secretly wishing you were Mariah Carey? Well, maybe it’s time to find out what your vocal chords are made of by heading along to the Brunswick Hotel’s Thursday night karaoke. Grab a few friends and head to this New Farm local early to grab a prime spot in the sports bar. Flag down the karaoke masters, make your request and wait your turn to flaunt your vibrato for all to hear. If you’re truly stuck on which tune to choose, drag some friends up with you to take turns belting out verses from No Scrubs, or play it safe with basically anything by Queen.
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When the working week is done, folks just wanna have fun. We’re paraphrasing Cyndi Lauper because she knows what she’s singing about. If your idea of taking her advice involves listening to ace musos belt out a few tunes, then QPAC’s Green Jam is the Friday afternoon session you’re looking for.
From 5.30pm, you’ll sit on the grass sipping a refreshing beverage, and QPAC’s roster of talent will provide the soundtrack. On June 2, the Jo Davie Quartet is in the spotlight, unleashing a fusion of jazz, gypsy and contemporary popular styles. Then, hop over to Gauge on Grey Street for dinner. Just remember to book — they’re always busy. A six-course set menu, small plates and regular
Then, hop over to Gauge on Grey Street for dinner. Just remember to book — they’re always busy. A six-course set menu, small plates and regular ol’ dinner are available, but there’s nothing standard about the Good Food Guide Awards’ 2016 restaurant of the year. Go on, try their signature blood taco with bone marrow, mushrooms and native thyme.
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Launch into your weekend with some dirty work with Kent Florist. The florist is hosting a morning workshop dedicated to DIY kokedama. That’s Japanese for moss balls. Literally. But they’re more appealing than this direct translation might suggest. The moss is the basis of a mini, hanging pot plant, featuring your favourite succulent, fern or the like. At the workshop, you’ll learn the history of kokedama while making two of your own. Everything you need is provided, including moss, soil, plants, bowls and other bits and bobs. What’s more, you’ll be sipping green tea and sampling Japanese sweets while you work. Book online in advance, and don’t forget an apron to avoid post-kokedama grubbiness.
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Sure, we all know Cleveland — but when was the last time you’ve actually spent an afternoon there? With plenty of history, the bayside town will make your day trip feel like a mini holiday.
While Cleveland was settled in 1850, the town’s biggest drawcard — other than the ocean — popped up in 1864: the Cleveland Point Lighthouse. Though this seaside watchtower shuttered for good in 1976, it still remains quite the place for scenic snaps and pretending you’re in Round the Twist. Oh, and make sure you complete the experience with a trip to the bar-café-kiosk for some fish and chips. As for the seaside itself, trekking along Brissie’s east coast offers an array of delights. Wander past historical buildings, go for a dip and grab a drink at the 166-year-old Grand View Hotel overlooking Moreton Bay.
Personalise your next adventure via The Playmaker, driven by Mazda3.
By Sarah Ward, Jasmine Crittenden and Laura Dawson.
