Equal Access Adventures

If you've ever wondered what happens when hundreds of people dressed in spectacular gothic and alternative fashion gather for a relaxing afternoon, the Brisbane Gothic & Alternative Picnic is exactly that—and so much more. Held in a welcoming park setting, this community event brings together people from all walks of alternative culture, from traditional goths and metalheads to punks, emos and everything in between. It's a celebration of individuality, creativity and finding a place where everyone can simply be themselves. We recently attended the picnic for the first time, and it quickly became one of the most welcoming and visually stunning community events we've experienced. Here's a look at what made the day so memorable! The Atmosphere I found this event similar to Pride events—everyone was so welcoming, inclusive and friendly. It had such a relaxing and positive vibe. Pair that with a beautiful Brisbane winter's day that was sunny but not scorching, and i...

As well as visiting Hello Kitty Café for my birthday, we also ticked another attraction off my bucket list—Ripley's Believe It or Not! Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, Ripley's Believe It or Not! is one of the Gold Coast's most unique indoor attractions. Known as the "Odditorium," it's home to hundreds of fascinating exhibits that celebrate the strange, unusual and extraordinary from around the world. As you make your way through the attraction, you'll encounter everything from incredible world records and rare artefacts to bizarre animal displays, interactive exhibits, optical illusions and artwork created from the most unexpected materials. Every room offers something different, making it a fun experience for those who enjoy discovering weird and wonderful facts—just like me! The Weird & Wonderful Exhibits Most people spend around 1½ to 2 hours exploring, although you could easily spend longer if you enjoy reading the information panels and...

If your little (or big) ones are obsessed with dinosaurs, or you're simply looking for an exciting family day out in Brisbane, DinoFest at Kalinga Park in Clayfield is guaranteed to be an awesome time! It's a 90-minute session packed with towering life-sized dinosaurs, interactive experiences, hands-on activities and plenty of prehistoric fun. This family-friendly event brings the Jurassic world to life right in the heart of Brisbane. Giant Dinosaurs Come to Life Narrated by the live "Dino Ranger", you'll learn fascinating facts about dinosaurs as they make their way across the grassy area straight towards you. They look incredible, and what I particularly loved was that the sessions aren't overcrowded, so everyone gets a front-row seat! Even as an adult, I was patting and giving belly scratches to the baby dinosaurs—haha! The kids were having an absolute blast. There was nothing but squeals, roaring and laughter. I was actually surprised that not a single chi...

There’s something truly special about stepping away from everyday life and into a world filled with magic, imagination, and wonder. That's exactly what we experienced at Faeries & Folklore at Pine Rivers Showground in Lawnton — where fairy wings, mythical creatures, and fantasy enthusiasts transformed the grounds into an enchanting realm straight from a storybook. A Magical First Impression From the moment we arrived, we were surrounded by colour, creativity, and excitement. Visitors of all ages embraced the spirit of the event, with many dressed as faeries, elves, woodland creatures, witches, and characters inspired by folklore and fantasy. The atmosphere was welcoming and vibrant, with every corner of the market offering something new to discover. It felt as though we had stepped through a hidden portal into a magical kingdom. Incredible Costumes Everywhere One of the highlights of the day was seeing the incredible effort attendees put into their costumes. Delicate fairy ...

When I heard a Japanese drumming performance was coming to Redcliffe, I was so excited. I had seen taiko drumming at the Sake Festival and Matsuri Brisbane before, so I already knew I really enjoyed it. What most people think is that it’s a calm, serene cultural experience—and it is—but it can also feel more like a rock concert mixed with theatre and athletic performance. It’s truly memorable. Redcliffe Entertainment Centre I hadn’t been here before, despite it being so easy to get to. The parking is free and plentiful. We got there quite early (just anxiety things), and the traffic was fantastic (unlike Brisbane and getting to QPAC). My only thought was that I wished the exterior lighting had been turned on earlier. There are many dinner options close by, including food available inside the venue itself, which surprised me. If you want to explore a little before a show, there’s the nearby Redcliffe Jetty, Suttons Beach Pavilion, or you can grab some teppanyaki at Tempest S...

When most people think of Maleny , they think of scenic views, cafés, and hinterland drives. We ended up in a blacklit room covered in neon paint, throwing colour at each other—and it was well worth the drive! I was looking for fun things to do during “birthday month” for myself when my friend reposted an ad for Messy Glow Co on Facebook. I had already tried the Splatter and Splash Paint Room Experience at DIY Invasion, which is similar, and we loved it there. I hadn’t blogged about it though, as it doesn’t accept Companion Cards. This place does! What Messy Glow Co actually is At Messy Glow Co , you can let your inner child (or actual child) go wild with ultraviolet paints on the walls, floors, yourself, each other, or on a canvas you can purchase for an extra cost. Protective gear is provided if you don’t want to get too messy. There are also headphones available for those with sensory needs, as the drum can be quite loud—not to mention the laughing and squealing from everyone ha...

The festive season can be loud, busy and a little overwhelming at times, so this year I was craving something different. Instead of carols, shopping centres or big events, I chose laughter. A night out seeing the Hey Felicia! Christmas Special  at Sit Down Comedy Club  felt like the perfect way to do Christmas without the chaos — and it turned out to be exactly what I needed! The Vibe Inside Sit Down Comedy Club Sit Down Comedy Club has a cosy, intimate feel that immediately puts you at ease. The seating is close enough to feel connected to the show, but not so packed that it feels uncomfortable. The room buzzed with anticipation, that gentle hum of people ready to laugh, relax and switch off for a while. Whether it was groups of friends or possibly co-workers, you could see everyone was in great spirits, and we found everyone to be really friendly. There’s something comforting about a venue where the focus is simply on being present — no pressure, no rushing, just settling in...

A relaxed afternoon by the river turned into a gentle celebration of love, inclusion and community. The Melt Festival’s River Pride Picnic wasn’t about big stages or loud crowds - just sunshine, laughter and the peaceful rhythm of Pride flowing along the water. A Gentle Morning by the River Some days just have a peaceful kind of magic about them. The sun was out, the sky was clear, and the river shimmered like a ribbon of light - the perfect setting for the Melt Festival’s River Pride Picnic. We arrived ready for a slow and easy day by the water. First, we wandered through the markets before the program began. There were so many delicious foods on offer, and I couldn’t resist grabbing myself a coffee and a couple of giant cookies. I think it might have been the best cookie I’ve ever had - but wow, was it rich! Finding Our Spot We found a park bench right at the front with a perfect view of the river. Groups of friends and families had gathered nearby - some chatting, some reading, ...