Queensland weekend escapism ideas: 15 ways to detox from Cyclone Alfred stress
Now the worst of Alfred’s time with us is over, it’s time to consider a treat or an escape as a reward for making it through.
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South East Queenslanders have been through a lot together over the last week.
We started off sharing tips on how to strap down trampolines, our hacks to survive a power outage and where you could still buy a torch.
It ramped up quickly though as we obsessively tracked Alfred’s erratic movements – was he, wasn’t he? And when he did, we all felt it, one way or another.
The panic, chaos, disruption, the recovery efforts and the cabin fever.
But now, the rain has stopped, the sun is out and as we all try to return to some sort of normal, we could use a distraction.
From adrenaline-fuelled adventures, nature walks to comedy gigs, we have put together a list of events that might help you shake off your post-cyclone blues.
So what options are there? We’ve come up with a selection of our own, but if you have some other options in mind, let us know in the comments section below.
Story Bridge Climb
If you’re feeling like an adventure and the chance to see Brisbane like you’ve never seen it before, this one is for the adrenaline junkies. There’s no doubt post-cycle the view from up there will be a unique one.
Jan Power Farmers’ Markets
Our local food markets are surely the hottest place to be this weekend as we try and get our hands on any fresh produce we can from fresh fruit and vegetables to cheese, pasta and bread. They’re on at the Powerhouse on Saturday from 6am to noon.
Brisbane St Patrick’s Day Parade
Whether you’re Irish, just want a pint of Guinness or really like wearing green, the weekend is heavy on St Patrick’s Day celebrations. And what perfect timing, we could all use the party. The official parade is on at 10.30-11.30am, starting at Brisbane Botanic Gardens on Alice St.
Support your team
The Queensland Reds play The Waratahs on Saturday at Suncorp Stadium at 6.35pm. Head to the pub or settle in at home to watch the Brisbane Broncos take on the Raiders on Saturday from Sydney at 7.35pm. Support Women’s football, when the women’s Brisbane Roar team play the Newcastle Jets at Perry Park in Bowen Hills on Sunday at 5.30pm.
Sister Act
It’s the last chance to see Sister Act the Musical now on at QPAC, with the show closing on Saturday. Casey Donovan takes on her first role as a leading lady and her show stopping vocals will have you forgetting all about Alfred. It’s a fun, light and perfect escape.
Get outdoors
If it is safe to do so, enjoy nature and the local hotspots that are in full glory at the moment. Kondalilla Falls near Montville is a sight at the moment or, if you prefer a shorter walk, Mapleton Falls. Of course, follow the safety advice in these areas and only visit if safe to do so.
Dance
Let it out. Let it all out with a boogie. If you’re feeling a bit up for something different after the week that was, Disco Loco, marketed as ‘Brisbane’s Craziest Silent Disco Tour’ is on Saturday from 4-5.30pm at The Wheel of Brisbane. No better way to unleash than to put on some headphones and dance awkwardly in front of strangers. To get involved, visit Eventbrite for tickets.
Live music
English singer-songwriter P.J. Harvey is on at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday at 8pm, Fat Freddy’s Drop is playing The Fortitude Music Hall or if modern pop anthems are more your thing, head to a Chappel Roan tribute show at Felons Barrel Hall on Saturday from 8pm with Worm Girlz covering the hits and, well, it’s Hot To Go.
Pierogi Feast
What else fuels the road to recovery like a pierogi? The Polish Club in Milton is hosting a Pierogi Feast, celebrating Poland’s iconic dumpling. It’s a six-course long lunch on Saturday from 12-2pm, bookings required.
Noosa Festival of Surfing
Noosa is a part of our coast that’s remained relatively unscathed in the aftermath of Alfred so the festival is forging ahead. It kicks off Friday at Noosa Main Beach’s Beach Bar from 12pm and the action in the surf begins Saturday and runs until March 23.
Alliance Francaise French Film Festival
Take yourself to enjoy some French cinema with the annual festival currently on in Brisbane. Alfred delayed the opening to Friday night but the line-up of movies are now in session with the films across the Palace Barracks and Palace James Street.
Get to an expo
If you’re planning a getaway soon and are the outdoorsy type, head to the National 4x4 Outdoors Show which is on at the Brisbane Showgrounds from Friday to Sunday showcasing off-road camper trailers, caravans, tents and all your adventure gear. Then, if you’re a soon-to-be bride, check out Brisbane’s Annual Wedding Expo on Sunday at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Have a laugh
It is true what they say about laughter being the best medicine. Head to The Sit Down Comedy Club (The Paddo Tavern) in Paddington with the Raw Comedy Queensland Wildcard Semi Final on Sunday from 6pm for a nice distraction from the week that was.
Get back to nature – without having to trek for miles
The southeast is blessed with a range of zoos or sanctuaries that give you the opportunity to get up close and personal with some exotic species. Think Australia Zoo, the Big Pineapple and Lone Pine, to name a few.
But for a close encounter of the furred kind that’s sure to bring a smile, there are scores of more intimate destinations where visitors have the opportunity to meet alpacas, camels, farm animals, share cafes with cats, or even do yoga with a goat.
Do little or nothing – but in style
If your idea of the perfect weekend consists of shutting out the world and bunkering down at home, now’s your chance to do it guilt-free – and without the threat of an ex-tropical cyclone outside.
Stay in and order some ridiculously good food, light some candles and take a bath, take a social media detox and just enjoy quiet, binge-watch a guilty pleasure TV show or movie, or grab a new book, board game, or video game and just enjoy some downtime.
Originally published as Queensland weekend escapism ideas: 15 ways to detox from Cyclone Alfred stress
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