When I was kid – back in the days when one car families were the norm – train trips during school holidays were magical adventures.

The journey from your nearest train station to your day-trip destination was almost as exciting as the ice cream and fish and chips you’d get to enjoy on arrival.  I did say almost!

As the wheels clicked and clacked hypnotically along the track, you’d get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of life “from the rails” rather than the road.  As a kid I'd savour the sights of this secret world.  Quick peeks at backyard after backyard, factories, hidden streets and alleys, neighbourhood parks and bushland - all revealed in just a 30-minute journey.

Although the old open-window diesel carriages have long been replaced by electric ones – and believe me… I do appreciate the air-conditioning – I was reminded recently that train trips on school holidays are still a great way to get outdoors, reconnect and share a family adventure right here in your own city.  And getting there is still very much part of the fun.

A few weeks ago, I travelled with a friend and his two children on a Brisbane southbound service.  His 11 and 7 year olds peered and pointed out the window the whole way. Remarkably, they didn’t glance at their smart phones once!!!

Looking for some great destinations close to rail stops?  Here are five spots in and around Brisbane ripe for school holiday fun, games and exploration - all within 800m of a train station.  Feeling really adventurous?  Then travel a train line you've never tried before.

For the best value, plan your trip and take advantage of off-peak fares. Visit Translink for more details.

• Sandgate foreshore (650m from Sandgate Station on the Shorncliffe Line).  Its plentiful fish and chips outlets, foreshore walking path and parklands, children's playgrounds, shallow bayside beaches ready to be explored, and cooling sea breezes tick all the boxes!

• Manly (800m from Manly Station on the Cleveland Line).  A stroll along Royal Esplanade will uncover Manly Boat Harbour (home to hundreds of vessels of varying sizes), eateries galore, and bayside parks and play areas with spectacular views across Moreton Bay.

• Karawatha Forest (250m from Trinder Park Station - via Elizabeth Street - on the Beenleigh Line).  For the more active, Karawatha Forest is one of Brisbane's largest areas of remnant bushland with plenty of walking trails.  With distances ranging from 500m to 3km - almost all rated 'easy' - it's a great place to wander and spot some of the 200 or so species of native fauna that call Karawatha home.  It also has two picnic areas and a lookout at Poets Rock.

• Sherwood Arboretum (230m from Sherwood Station on the Ipswich/Springfield Lines).  Perched on the edge of the Brisbane River, this leafy green park is a picnickers dream.  A trip through time, the Arboretum's origins date back almost 100 years.  Riverside paths, children's playgrounds and its undulating terrain invite exploration.

• Pine Rivers Park (850m from Strathpine Station on the Caboolture/Redcliffe Lines).  From one rail ride to another!  Pine Rivers Park's pedal-powered train will keep the kids racing around for hours... and guarantee a great night's sleep when you take them home.  The children's maze, playground, electric barbecue and many shaded spots make it a top northside location to enjoy the great outdoors.

• Southbank Parklands (400m from South Brisbane Station).  Okay.  I know this is the 6th... but it simply can't be left off a list of train-friendly family locations.  Its parklands, patrolled sand beach, playgrounds and views of Brisbane's CBD are ideal for a catch-up with family or friends as well as some outdoor fun and games.

Although this list is Brisbane-centric, there are plenty of similar examples in other cities –  Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth or anywhere else.  Just select a destination near a railway station (one where you can play outdoor games is always a winner in my books), check the best ticketing deals and get the kids to leave their electronic devices at home for just one day.  Tap into your inner child... you’ll be surprised what you all discover when you observe life from the other side of the tracks!

Rob

Rob is a dad, music lover and avid outdoor games player. He is also the creator of the new Aussie-invented outdoor game, Crossbones®. He is often seen throwing his bones about with family and friends in parks across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.

As you're exploring the great outdoors and enjoying hard-fought Crossbones® games with family and friends, just remember - you're actually following in the footsteps of history and your early ancestors.

Since our very first days on this planet, humans have been trying to out play and out skill their foes, friends and family.

Historic paintings and writings show that ancient cultures across the globe placed a high value on games and play.  And not just for fun, relaxation and enjoyment, either.  Traits like accuracy and coordination didn't just bag bragging rights.  They meant the difference between surviving or perishing in harsh, hostile and unforgiving environments – and securing shelter, clothes and food.

As you plan this weekend's 'battle of the bones', we thought we'd share five throwing games from history.

If you give any of them a try - particularly Kottabos -  we'd love to hear about it 🙂

Outdoor Throwing Games From History

Loggits

In this Tudor England game, players take turns to throw sticks at another pushed in the ground. The stick closest to the target wins. Loggits was banned by King Henry VIII, who feared it would distract soldiers from their military responsibilities. (1)

Kee’an

An indigenous game from North Queensland to develop hunting skills, Kee’an used a large animal bone tied to twine.  The bone is thrown over a net before landing in a hole or pit. (2)

Corn Cob

From New Mexico, players throw two stones at a corn cob standing on a large flat stone.   If the cob is knocked over, and the pebble bounces back towards the thrower, a point is scored. (3)

Gorodki

Gorodki is a Russian game created by peasant farmers. Using a one-metre stick, players must knock over five pins 13 metres away.  The player who smashes the pins out of the playing zone in the fewest throws wins.  The game is still played today - and even President Putin has been spotted getting his Gorodki on!

Kottabos

One for the adults!  Very popular in ancient Greece, Kottabos players take turns to pitch the last mouthful of wine in their glass at a target, usually a plate held by a small statue.  If you knock the plate to the ground while chanting the name of your sweetheart, you win.  Ain’t love grand!

PS - two helpful hints based on painful experience.  Set up the Kottabos playing area away from the washing line.  Have a pressure cleaner on standby!

Sources

1 http://mentalfloss.com/article/58439/29-games-nobody-plays-anymore

2 https://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/sport/traditional-aboriginal-games-activities#ixzz4f92vvEK9

3 http://moa.wfu.edu/files/2012/04/Fun-and-Games-Teachers-Guide.pdf

4 http://rbth.com/amp/492401

5 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2911510/The-ancient-Greek-DRINKING-GAME-Expert-reveals-play-kottabos-revellers-fling-wine-centre-room.html

 

We just love caravanning and camping.  There is nothing better than hitting the road with family and friends, exploring new places and savouring that sense of freedom you only experience when setting up your own special camp site in the great outdoors.

Therefore, we're super stoked to announce that our Aussie-invented outdoor game is featured in the April 2017 edition of Caravan World.

Crossbones® is made for outdoor fun, so it's the perfect travelling and weekend companion - whether it is something to draw the kids away from their ever-present electronic devices, or a way to break the ice and make new friends over a couple of afternoon drinks.  And weighing just over 1.5kg, it adds plenty of outdoor holiday fun to your next trip without slowing you down.

Come and join our growing community of Crossboners!