The Visitor Information Centre (VIC) in the Queen Street Mall is starting free guided walks around Brisbane’s CBD every weekday at 12pm from Tuesday 30 June.

Starting and finishing at the VIC, the hour-long walk takes in the city’s iconic buildings including Brisbane Arcade and City Hall before venturing down historical George and William Streets to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens.

Brisbane Marketing Leisure Tourism Director, Cathie McBean said last year more than 2.5million domestic visitors came to Brisbane either on holiday or to see friends and relatives[1] and she “expects the free guided walks to be very popular with these markets, as well as the 131,000 people who move to Brisbane each year[2].”

“Free guided city walks are also popular amongst international audiences. It’s a great way to get your bearings and an overview of a city without burning a hole in your travel budget,” she continued.

“Brisbane is a great city to tour on foot. We have balmy winter weather, blue skies and the fabulous river as our city’s heart, as well as a great combination of historical and new architecture.”

Aside from being shown some of Brisbane’s highlights, participants will find out quirky facts such as Old Government House’s claim as the birthplace of the lamington (named after Lord and Lady Lamington who lived in the house from 1896 to 1901) and The Mansions’ history as home to the first female doctor in Queensland.

“As many as 1800 people pass through the VIC each day and we are delighted to provide a service that goes beyond the traditional offerings of most tourism information centres,” added Ms McBean.

Each walk will have a maximum of ten participants allowing for an intimate introduction to Brisbane’s CBD. 

It takes over 3,400 steps to complete the tour, more than a third of the recommended daily exercise required to maintain a healthy weight according to medical experts, making the walks an active and entertaining way to become acquainted with the city.

The walks are an extension of the VICs Roving Ambassador Program where volunteers rove the Queen Street Mall and Reddacliff Place to assist with enquiries about city maps, popular local attractions or public transport information.

To join a guided walk phone the VIC on 07 3006 6290 or for more information on attractions, tours and dining options visit www.brisbaneinwinter.com.au

ENDS

Free Guided Walks Places of Interest:

• Brisbane Visitor Information Centre
• Brisbane Arcade
• Brisbane City Hall
• Queen Street Mall
• Treasury Casino
• Queens Gardens and Statue of Queen Victoria
• Old State Library
• Commissariat Stores
• Immigration Depot
• Government Printing Office
• Parliament House
• Old Government House
• Queensland University of Technology
• Brisbane Botanic Gardens
• Queensland Club
• The Mansions
• Executive Building
• Government Printing Office
• Lands Administration Building

Media inquiries:
Caroline O’Connor
07 3006 6208
coconnor@brisbanemarketing.com.au