Gateway Bridge

This 5 km return medium level walk-ride begins in The Queensport Rocks Park vicinity, on the site of an old meatworks and nearby what was once the Queensport Aquarium and follows the designated path up and over the replicated Gateway (Sir Leo Hielscher) Bridge before returning. There are several shelters with seats and water at intervals on the bridge. In summer this highly exposed walk is best done early morning or late afternoon.

Young children without a pram option will find this walk too taxing as will younger cyclists and the aerobically challenged.

1. *Park where possible in the Metroplex Ave/Riverview Place vicinity and head to the river via either the end of Metroplex Avenue or the path that is a continuation from the mini wetland alongside the avenue.

2. A barbecue table and a fishing jetty keep a lonely vigil on the first part of the path before it hits Queensport Rocks proper on the approach to the towering bridges. Queensport Rocks is an embryonic council park with a handful of picnic tables in the shadow of the two Leos and a rich history.

3. In 1889 an aquarium was built in the vicinity, with a mini zoo, flying machine, rollercoaster and grand concert hall with mirrored dining room and verandahs overlooking the water. For a while it was the in-spot to go, with paddle steamers and Aquarium owned boats bringing the visitors in from Customs House wharf. All was short-lived however, when in 1892 a fierce storm destroyed the roller coaster and some of the animal cages and shortly after the 1893 floods hit, destroying the Aquarium altogether. Today no trace remains however the meat works which were built on the site under the bridge in 1881 on an old quarry site and operated until 1929 when it was sold still have relic stairs which can be seen leading down to the picnic table area.

Follow the path gradually up the hill until it comes to the designated bridge walk car park and from here there's a further hike up hill to the pedestrian and bike entrance to the bridge.

The incline to the peak of the bridge has a halfway shelter with bench, water fountain and Perspex window to view the working river and Port of Brisbane and beyond to the bay. Another of these is situated at the top and another half way down the other side. Take the option of returning once the peak is reached of head down the other side for more aerobic exercise.

Cyclists looking for more challenge or interest should start at Colmslie Beach Reserve, leaving the car there and take the designated cycling path along Lytton Rd to Metroplex Avenue on the left. Similarly walkers can also start here and, at Metroplex Avenue, take the path on the right of the little bridge to pass some bird wetlands before hitting the river and the above mentioned start of the walk/cycle.

*During the week parking during office hours can be difficult to impossible, in which case it is best to avoid turning left into Metroplex Avenue from Lytton Rd. Instead continue on almost to the bridge, before which take a sharp left turn into narrow Administration Road – this leads down beside and then under the twin bridges to a fantastic dedicated free parking lot with bike racks and signage to get to the bridge.