Guymer Bailey Presents: 10 Queensland Boredom Busting Locations for School Holidays

The school holidays are nearly upon us and if you are like most parents, you are already dreading hearing “I’m bored!”

To save your sanity we thought we’d share some of our family-favourite Brisbane projects to bring you 10 boredom busting activities that are sure to be a hit with the kids these school holidays.

Please note that while we are still impacted by COVID-19 you may like to check the following locations to see what capacity they are operating in.

1. Frew Park Arena Play Structure, Milton

Photography: Scott Burrows Photographer

While the Arena Play Structure provides play experience for all age groups and abilities, it specifically targets players of 10 to 15 years. The play structure includes slides, climbing walls, swings, nets and ropes, hang-out spaces, and interactive spaces designed to fuel the imagination. It even features a Commentary Box, which is a steel-mesh box suspended eight metres above the ground, offering greater thrill to playground goers.

There is a reason why this multi-award-winning playground is a favourite of Brisbane kids and parents alike, the Arena Play Structure resembles no other playground around. Built on the grounds where the iconic Milton tennis stadium once stood, its theme ’deconstruction’ honours its history with contemporary play precincts that reflect stadium spaces.

2. Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Rainforest Discovery Centre, Maleny

Photography: Scott Burrow Photographer

The Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Rainforest Discovery Centre is an iconic conservation, education and tourism Centre located in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland with exceptional views of the Glass House Mountains. The Reserve is a living museum of the diverse plant life including a complex notophyll vine forest that once covered the Blackall Ranges

At the Rainforest Discovery Centre you can view the rainforest from above on the elevated Glider Gallery Boardwalk, learn more about the local flora and fauna through fun interpretive displays or take in the breathtaking view of the Glasshouse Mountains on the observation deck. You can grab a bite at the Mountain View Café or utilise the barbecues and picnic shelters near the playground.

3. Kings Beach, Caloundra

Photography : Scott Burrows Photographer

Looking for a day at the beach but wanting to avoid the busy beach areas of the Gold and Sunshine Coasts? Check out Kings Beach at Caloundra.

Take a walk along the beachfront boardwalk to explore the parkland, make a splash in the iconic Kings crown waterplay area, take a dip in the beachfront pool or enjoy a swim in the ocean.

There are also plenty of picnic and barbeque stations around the surrounding esplanade and grassed areas.

4. Queens Park Nature Centre, Ipswich

Photography: Guymer Bailey Landscape

The Queens Park Nature Centre offers a range of Australian wildlife exhibits that have been recreated to represent local bushland and habitats. Within the park you and the family will Get to see wombats, wallabies, emus, birds, and barnyard animals up close in beautifully landscaped gardens, all for a gold coin donation. Make a day of it by bringing a picnic and letting the kids have fun in the Queens Park playground across the road.

5. David Fleay Wildlife Park, Burleigh Heads

Photography: Scott Burrows Photographer

Located in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast, the David Fleay Wildlife Park is home to many native animals and birds including eagles, brolgas, jabiru, owls, and cassowaries, as well as kangaroos, koalas, crocodiles, snakes, lizards, platypus, and dingoes.

A key highlight is the Fleay’s in Flight show where you get to see the wing spans and speed of the park’s birds of prey.

6. Maroochy Arts and Ecology Centre, Maroochydore

Photography: Scott Burrow Photographer

The Maroochy Arts and Ecology Centre is in the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens and is a specialised arts and ecology interpretative centre that hosts activities and events, with a focus on exploring the relationship between art and nature. 

The Centre showcases green initiatives by mixing both passive design and active systems to allow visitors to witness ecological sustainability in practice through efficient solar, air and water use.

It is also a great opportunity to explore the Botanic Gardens around the Centre, that have been designed based on the four elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water, that shape and influence the natural landscapes of the Sunshine Coast.

7. Eumundi Markets, Eumundi

Photography: Guymer Bailey Landscape

World renowned, the Eumundi Markets are the biggest and best art and craft market in Australia. Open every Wednesday and Saturday, you will find beautifully handcrafted homewares, furniture, artworks, fashion, and jewellery as well as lots of fresh produce, baked goods, and gourmet delights.

8. California Lane, Fortitude Valley

Photography: Scott Burrows Photographer

California Lane is the newest Brisbane laneway precinct behind the popular Brunswick Street in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. The laneway aptly incorporates retro elements from the nostalgic years of California with pastel walls, neon signs and tall palm trees leading you back in time to the 1960s, honouring the old California Café, once located at Carroll’s Corner in Brunswick Street.

The laneway features boutiques, cafés, and eateries, making it an ideal spot for a different dining experience. While you are there, be sure to check out Bakery and Winn Lanes as well.  

9. Kingfisher Bay Resort and Hotel, Fraser Island

Photography: Kingfisher Bay Resort

This was our founding project way back in 1989 and it established the field of eco-tourism. Kingfisher Bay Resort and Hotel offers a unique holiday destination with villas, houses and the main hotel nestled into tree-covered dunes that overlook the Great Sandy Strait.

The Kingfisher Bay Resort and Hotel features four swimming pools, four restaurants, three bars, tennis courts and water sports, as well as a general store, gallery, and day spa.

10. The Local Aquatic Centre

Photography: Scott Burrow Photographer

If you’re lucky to find a warm day through the holidays why not take the kids to the local pool! We can personally vouch for the Clem Jones Aquatic Centre, Ferny Hills Aquatic Centre, Kings Beach Saltwater Pool and Maryborough Aquatic Centre, though let’s face it, on a warm Queensland day, any pool is a good pool.

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve wins 2018 AIA Award for Sustainable Architecture

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve wins 2018 Australian Institute of Architects Award for Sustainable Architecture

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Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Cafe (lower level), and viewing deck (upper level)

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Guymer Bailey Architects was announced as the winner of the coveted 2018 Australian Institute of Architects Harry Marks Award for Sustainable Architecture, for the design of the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, an iconic conservation, recreation, education and tourism asset located in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

The Award, which recognises projects that excel as architecture, and also displays innovation and excellence in terms of environmental sustainability, was awarded to Guymer Bailey Architects in design collaboration with local Designer Norman Richards Design and Interiors.  The new Discovery Centre and Café was designed for the Sunshine Coast Regional Council to strengthen the role the Reserve plays in the conservation and display of local flora and fauna.

The Discovery Centre, which also received a commendation in the Public Architecture category, nestles sensitively into Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve’s complex nitophyll vine forest, one of the last remaining examples of this vegetation community that once covered the Blackall Ranges. Inside, the Centre contains innovative rainforest interpretative displays and has two frontages to provide spectacular views of both the Glass House Mountains and rainforest reserve.

Outside, a long timber boardwalk loops around the building allowing scenic access and learning opportunities for visitors with informative signage featured along the way. Sensitive to the heavily protected forest, the boardwalk was threaded through the existing flora to minimise the building footprint. To further minimise disruption, plant species endemic to the area were used for additional landscaping, and most of the design materials were sourced locally.

Phil Jackson, Director and design architect of Guymer Bailey Architects on the project has this to say about the project and win.

”Mary Cairncross is an incredibly important project to us, and everyone involved. With such an amazingly beautiful and well-loved site, we were conscious of the responsibility the team carried to the community to create a special building and landscape. 

The design and delivery was genuinely collaborative from start to finish, and we wish to thank all those involved. We are humbled by the recognition the project has received, particularly for sustainability, as it reinforces our commitment to responsible, sustainable design for the community.”

To view the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve project click here:

Mary Cairncross | Breakfast With the Birds

Elevated walkway through existing trees at Mary Cairncross (Photography: Scott Burrows)

Looking for another reason to visit Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve? Why not join the Sunshine Coast chapter of Birdlife Australia for morning bird walks. The group meets at the back gate to the reserve, on alternative Saturday and Wednesday mornings.

To book tickets and to find out more visit the Sunshine Coast Council website via the link below.

Guymer Bailey Landscape Wins 2017 AILA QLD AWARD!

Last night, our Principal Landscape Architect, Rob Waddell, accepted the AILA Qld Tourism 2017 Award for the landscape design of the Mary Cairncross Scenic Discovery Centre at Maleny on behalf of the team! Well done to all who were involved! 

AILA Jury citation:

"Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve represents a highly successful collaboration between landscape architect and architect, where the outcome is a seamlessly integrated nature tourism facility. The Landscape Architect’s engagement with traditional owners shows respect to cultural and environmental values of the site. The landscape design greatly enhances the visitor experience to the site, unifying the building with the surrounding rainforest and is a worthy recipient of a Landscape Award".

A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT

The new Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) elevates tourism and education in the Sunshine Coast Hinterlands. It nestles on the edge of the Reserve’s subtropical rainforest and overlooks exceptional Glasshouse Mountain views. The RDC includes a new café and discovery centre where visitors to can learn about the Reserve’s remnant rainforest in its living museum of diverse flora and fauna, even various endangered species.

The RDC’s integrated design captures the natural rainforest setting and the Glasshouse Mountains view-shed by intimately and visually displaying them. Visitors thus experience such environmental, cultural and scenic dimensions. The landscape design essentially connects the user to these dimensions, by blurring the line between inside and outside and reinforcing the Reserve’s character. The landscape experience is two-fold:

Glasshouse Mountains

•   The rainforest boardwalk reaches the rooftop viewing terrace, its large seating platform, and its vine-covered arbor forms inspired by the Glasshouse Mountain landscape.

•   The raised outdoor dining space of the new café offers an ideal vantage point to enjoy the uniqueness of the Glasshouse Mountains.

Rainforest

•   The landscape ‘situates’ the building in the rainforest. Basalt stone walls reach out from the building like buttresses to promote rainforest views.

•   The building’s influence on the natural environment is softened with screening and vegetation.

•   The rainforest boardwalk, courtyard spaces and meandering pathways allow visitors to ‘experience’ the Rainforest without having to access the walking tracks, particularly those with limited time or different ability.

• Landscape spaces mimic the micro-environs of the Reserve to extend the habitat of the Reserve’s fauna.

• The RDC’s landscape opens the Reserve’s walking tracks so visitors may ‘converse’ with the Rainforest.

• The landscape design supports the interpretive function of the RDC, with signage and natural displays.

THE DESIGN APPROACH

The landscape design is intentionally adaptable which allowed modifications to cater for unforeseen natural obstructions that arose during construction (e.g., buttress tree roots or large woody vines). The layout thus incorporated easily manipulated natural patterns and organic forms. Such modifications also ensured significant vegetation was protected without compromising the overall landscape design intent.

This approach was also applied successfully to the rainforest boardwalk design including its landings supported by single columns. This boardwalk was re-routed on-site to avoid the structural root-zones of existing trees. The column footings were also vacuum-excavated to prevent damage to trees roots.

Designing the project meant thorough community consultation so that the views of the local community, previous management committees, and the Jinabara were fully considered. Design partners included a local architect, placemaking consultants, the indigenous community, and the client Council. Landscape, architecture and interpretation cohesively achieved a holistic design. This collaboration motivated the success of the project’s outcomes.

The RDC edifies visitors on the rainforest to ensure the natural assets are appreciated and respected. The landscape design also provides an undercover outdoor seating terrace where the Reserve’s volunteers can educate students and tourists. The landscape design equitably accommodates all demographics and abilities. The Centre fully complies with access requirements ensuring all visitors can experience both the Rainforest and mountain views.

The landscape design minimises adverse environmental impacts, promotes conservation, and enhances nature-based tourism by implementing the following sustainable outcomes:

•  Using only endemic plant species; many were grown from seed collected within the Reserve.

•   Providing habitat by reflecting the Reserve’s natural environs. The design incorporates important habitat plant species, such as the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly Vine, haven for the endangered butterfly.

•   No imported topsoil or mulch was used (i.e., no weeds and pathogens will follow).

•   Materials were sourced locally (e.g., concrete aggregate, stonework, timber) and/or site-salvaged (i.e., boulders and weathered logs). Timbers from existing building were repurposed as structural columns and screens.

•   The design team consulted the project arborist so that the existing cleared land footprint endured and existing vegetation altered minimally.

•   More than 200 reptiles and wildlife were relocated prior to construction. The existing man-made pond was retained because its critical habitat for the endangered ‘tusked frog’.

•   The stormwater-drainage design simulates natural systems to improve the site’s natural hydrology. Sustainable water management involved storage, bio-filtration and natural swales to direct flows.

NATURE-BASED TOURISM

Nature-based tourism is key to Queensland’s $23 billion tourism industry; the RDC’s redevelopment will greatly influence Sunshine Coast’s nature-based tourism by showcasing the Reserve’s natural beauty while preserving it for future generations.

The new facility is predicted to increase the Reserve’s 200,000 annual visitation. This will benefit Maleny’s local economy and tourism providers. The site-planning and landscape design emphasises the relationship between the cafe and the interpretive space. Revenues derived from such cross-patronage from donations, lease fees, and merchandise/educational product sales promises reinvestment to the Reserve.

The building of the RDC created 261 jobs during construction; 92% for locally-based, Sunshine Coast employees.

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Discovery Centre Officially Opens

After more than 3 years of collaboration, consultation, design, documentation and construction, the new Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Discovery Centre has officially opened! Guymer Bailey Architects and Guymer Bailey Landscape worked in collaboration with local Maleny designer Norman Richards; interpretative consultant, Focus Productions & Hutchinson Builders to create this wonderful tourism attraction and educational resource for Maleny and the Sunshine Coast. 

Eumundi Markets Terraces Upgrade - Construction Commences

Guymer Bailey Landscape is excited to see construction under way to upgrade the popular Eumundi Market Terraces. The project will enhance the aesthetics and function of this important community space, while safeguarding the site's significant vegetation, including the large heritage Fig trees. Watch this space!