Murarrie Driver Shocked by Venomous Snake Under Car Bonnet

A driver in Murarrie had quite the fright after an eastern brown snake was spotted poking out from under his car bonnet while out on a recent shopping trip.



The unexpected encounter happened recently when something unusual was noticed under the bonnet. Recognising it as one of Australia’s most venomous snakes, professionals were quickly called in to handle the situation.

Eastern Brown Snakes: Common but Dangerous

Murarrie snake incident
Photo Credit: Snake Catchers Brisbane & Gold Coast/Facebook

Eastern brown snakes (Pseudonaja textilis) are well-known around Australia for their venom and quick reflexes. They are often spotted in dry, open spaces but aren’t strangers to suburban areas either, especially during warmer months.

While their venom is highly dangerous, these snakes usually avoid humans unless they feel cornered. Experts recommend staying calm, backing away slowly, and calling a professional snake catcher if one is spotted.

Why Do Snakes End Up in Cars?

It’s not unheard of for snakes to sneak into car engines, especially when seeking warmth or shelter. The engine bay offers a cosy hideaway, and snakes can climb up from the underside of vehicles without being noticed.

In most cases, they will move on by themselves, but attempting to remove them without help can be risky.

Snake Catcher Luke to the Rescue

Snake Catchers Brisbane & Gold Coast was called to handle the situation. It was snake catcher Luke who arrived on the scene to manage the removal. The eastern brown snake was carefully extracted, with the snake catcher confirming it had likely climbed up from underneath the car’s engine.

The snake was safely relocated to a more suitable environment, ensuring no harm came to either the driver or the snake.

Eastern brown snake under car bonnet in Murarrie
Photo Credit: Snake Catchers Brisbane & Gold Coast/Facebook

How to Avoid Snake Surprises in Car

Regular inspections are advised by snake experts particularly in cases where vehicles have been parked close to grassy areas or bushland. A quick visual check under the bonnet and around tyres will help to prevent unanticipated interactions.

Should a snake be ever seen in or close to a vehicle, the best course of action is to remain calm, maintain a safe distance, and immediately call a qualified snake catcher.



This event in Murarrie reminds people that wildlife interactions can occur unexpectedly. 

Published 7-Jan-2025

Brisbane’s Elevated Workout: Your Guide to the Gateway Bridge Walk

In an era where fitness trackers buzz with daily step goals, Brisbane offers a breathtaking way to clock those numbers – the Gateway Bridge walk. 


Read: Bridge to Brisbane 2024: The Ultimate Challenge from Murarrie


This impressive feat of engineering doubles as an urban fitness trail, delivering around 6,600 steps of your daily target while treating you to panoramic views of the working Port of Brisbane and Moreton Bay. 

For residents seeking to combine their daily exercise with stunning riverscapes, this architectural icon, officially known as the Sir Leo Hielscher Bridge, transforms a regular fitness walk into an elevated adventure.

The Route

Photo credit: Anita Hayward/Google Maps

Starting from Queensport Rocks Park, this well-maintained path takes you on an impressive journey up and over one of Brisbane’s most iconic structures. The bridge’s generous walking path accommodates both pedestrians and cyclists, making it a popular spot for fitness enthusiasts.

Alternative Starting Points

For Cyclists

Photo credit: Karen Natasha Mazarello/Google Maps

Cyclists can extend their ride by beginning at Colmslie Beach Reserve. From here, follow the dedicated cycling path that runs along Lytton Road until you reach Metroplex Avenue. Take a left turn into Metroplex Avenue, and this will lead you to connect with the main bridge path.

For Walkers Seeking Extra Distance

Gateway Bridge
Photo credit: Evening LX/Google Maps

Those looking to add more steps to their journey can also start from Colmslie Beach Reserve. When you reach Metroplex Avenue, take the path to the right of the small bridge. This scenic detour rewards you with wetland views and excellent birdwatching opportunities before connecting to the main bridge walk. The wetlands area is particularly active in the early morning, making it an ideal time to spot local wildlife.

Tips for Walkers

  • Timing: Choose early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak sun exposure
  • Water: Bring a water bottle, despite available fountains
  • Sun Protection: Hat and sunscreen essential – limited shade on the bridge
  • Photography: Multiple vantage points offer excellent photo opportunities
  • Fitness Level: Consider turning back at the peak if the full journey seems challenging

What to Expect

Gateway Bridge
Photo credit: Tomek Jampolski/Google Maps

The Gateway Bridge walk begins gently but quickly transitions into a steady incline. The gradient provides an excellent workout without being overwhelming. Strategic rest points allow walkers to break the journey into manageable segments while enjoying stunning views of Brisbane’s maritime activity and distant bay views.


Read: Balmoral Cycling Club’s Rising Stars Set for UCI Track Cycling World Championships


This walk offers a perfect blend of urban adventure and fitness challenge, making it a must-try for both Brisbane locals and visitors looking to experience the city from a different perspective.

Published 31-October-2024

Celebrity Chef Manu Feildel Joins Murarrie Processing Plant in Celebrating Community and Diversity

To celebrate workplace diversity, celebrity chef Manu Feildel recently visited Ingham’s Murarrie Primary Processing Plant in Brisbane, engaging with over 1,300 team members who are pivotal in delivering fresh, locally farmed chicken across Australia.



Mr Feildel’s visit to the Murarrie plant allowed the team members to showcase their workplace and the intricate processes involved in poultry production. 

The chef, known for his expertise in the culinary arts, actively participated in the day’s activities, which included a comprehensive tour of the processing lines and interactions with employees across various departments.

“Meeting such a diverse range of people at Murarrie and hearing their different journeys was wonderful. Everyone worked so collaboratively together, and I saw in action how the shop floor workers contribute to continuous improvement,” Mr Feildel said, highlighting the innovative spirit at the plant.

Community at the Core

The Murarrie Processing Plant, ran by Ingham, is known for its strong sense of community and dedication to fostering a culture of inclusion and diversity. 

Brenton, the General Manager of Ingham’s Murarrie facility, expressed pride in introducing Mr Feildel to the team. 

“We are committed to fostering strong culture and diversity at Ingham’s, and this is cemented at Murarrie. It was a pleasure to introduce Manu to our team, and to have him contribute to our workplace community,” Brenton remarked.

Christina, the Continuous Improvement Coordinator at Murarrie, shared her enthusiasm for displaying their workflow to Mr Feildel. 

“Showing Manu our processes, automations, innovations, and the consistency and quality we produce was incredibly rewarding,” she noted, adding that Mr Feildel’s approval of their operations was a testament to their hard work and dedication.

Manu Feildel
Photo Credit: Ingham’s Chicken/YouTube

Culinary Highlights and Recipe

A special feature of the visit was the cooking session where the chef teamed up with Meena, the Quality Assurance Manager at Murarrie, to prepare a traditional Sri Lankan chicken curry. Using Meena’s family recipe, this culinary collaboration was a highlight of the day, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the plant’s employees.

“Cooking with Meena was an absolute highlight. I love working with new people and hearing their stories of food and family, and Meena’s Sri Lankan Chicken Curry was absolutely delicious,” Mr Feildel shared after the session. 



 

Below is the cherished recipe they prepared together:

Meena’s Sri Lankan Chicken Curry Recipe

Ingredients:

  – 1kg boneless chicken thighs, cut into 5cm chunks

  – 2 teaspoons turmeric powder

  – 2 tablespoons fresh ginger paste

  – 2 tablespoons olive oil

  – 3 sprig sticks curry leaves

  – 1 stick cinnamon

  – 1 brown onion, finely diced

  – 2 tomatoes, roughly chopped

  – 3 long green chilies, slit, seeds removed

  – 2 tablespoons Sri Lankan Curry Powder (recommended: Kings Curry Powder)

  – 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  – ½ cup (125ml) coconut milk

  – Steamed basmati rice and roti bread, to serve

Method:

  1. In a bowl, combine chicken, turmeric powder, and ginger; set aside.

  2. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add curry leaves and cinnamon stick; cook for 2 minutes. Add onions; cook until fragrant and translucent, about 7–8 minutes.

  3. Add tomatoes, chilies, and tomato paste; cook until tomatoes have softened. Stir in curry powder and cook for 2 minutes.

  4. Add marinated chicken pieces, mix through and fry for 5 minutes. Stir in coconut milk and 60ml water; season with salt flakes.

  5. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until the curry has reduced. Serve with steamed rice and roti bread.

Published 14-Aug-2024

Murarrie-based Axiom Holographics Wins Gold at Prestigious Edison Awards

Axiom Holographics, the innovative company behind the world’s first hologram zoo, has been awarded a gold medal at the renowned Edison Awards in the United States.



Axiom Holographics
Photo Credit: Axiom Holographics

Bruce Dell, an inventor and businessman, founded the company, which won the Innovative Entertainment Design & Technologies Award at the event in Fort Myers, Florida.

Named after the legendary inventor Thomas Edison, the awards recognise excellence in new product and service development, marketing, and human-centred design. Past recipients include prominent figures like Elon Musk and Steve Jobs. 

Edison Awards

Dell expressed surprise at the win, initially doubting the company’s chances against such distinguished competition. However, Axiom’s innovative and cost-effective approach to hologram creation, achieving a fraction of the usual cost with superior quality, impressed the judges.

Axiom’s first hologram zoo opened in Cannon Hill 18 months ago, and the company is headquartered in Murarrie, with a manufacturing facility in Yatala. 

The company is now expanding its hologram zoo technology globally, with installations in Melbourne, Darwin, Austin (Texas), Connecticut, and China. Due to interest from American investors, Dell anticipates further expansion.



Published Date 22-May-2024

A Look Back at the History of the Queensport Aquarium in Hemmant

Did you know that during its heyday in the late 19th century, the Queensport Aquarium in Hemmant was well known for having electric lighting, the finest collection of marine creatures, reptiles, birds and other animals, and a near-disastrous but ultimately successful hot-air balloon exhibition ride?



The Queensport Aquarium holds a significant place in Brisbane’s history. Dating back to the late 19th century, the first amusement park located in Hemmant was originally established to transport visitors to a world of maritime adventure and discovery. 

The park, which opened in August 1889, featured various attractions, including a seafront promenade, marine exhibits, and live performances, all of which brought the ambience of the Victorian era. The Queensport Aquarium, which closed in 1901, boasted the finest collection of marine creatures, reptiles, birds and other animals. 

Queensport Aquarium
Photo Credit: National Library of Australia

But the Queensland Aquarium offered more than just animal exhibits. The grand concert hall hosted shows during the weekends, featuring an organ that delighted guests. The Aquarium Band serenaded by the best singers in Brisbane, added to the entertainment. The park’s popularity led to the subdivision and sale of land nearby, known as “The Queensport Aquarium Estate.”

Queensport Aquarium Estate Hemmant
Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

Visitors to the Aquarium arrived by steamer from the city centre, enjoying a package deal that included the return fare on ships like the Natone, the Woolwich, or the Alice. Moonlit excursions to dances in the concert hall became popular activities.

The Queensland Aquarium boasted modern conveniences, including electric light, which was connected in September 1889. During the day, the park offered various activities. Sports days celebrated the New Year, whilst picnics took place on Foundation Day, which was on January 26. 

In May 1891, an extraordinary sight delighted the crowd—a hot air balloon. Professor Fernandez, an experienced aeronaut, made his first balloon ascent in the colony. Though the balloon initially deflated and seemed in danger of sinking into the river, it rose again and landed safely, thrilling the onlookers.

Despite a significant flood in 1890 that affected the wharf in the city, the Queensport Aquarium remained relatively unaffected. However, a more devastating flood occurred on February 5 and 6, 1893, which caused severe damage. 

Queensport Aquarium Flood
Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

The flood tore down fences, leading to the escape of many animals, and ruined the meticulously landscaped gardens. Following this incident, J.D. Campbell and the Aquarium Company advertised the sale of the steamers. Although the picnics and parties were still well-attended, the once vibrant theme park gradually faded from the tourism spotlight at the close of the century. 



Today, the land where the aquarium used to be now partly encompasses the Queensland Rocks Park in Murarrie, near the Gateway Bridge.

Published 23-May-2023

Join the BMX Skills Open Day at the Murarrie Skate Park

Bring the whole family to the fun and exciting BMX Skills Open Day at the Murarrie Skate Park to witness and interact with Australian Olympian Natalya Diehm and other BMX champions.



The BMX Skills Open Day will take place on Saturday, 17 December 2022, with slots for kids between six to 17 years old to learn and train from the best! 

If you have BMX enthusiasts at home, the open day is a chance for them to develop some new skills as Natalya and the BMX experts will be conducting workshops and demonstrations at different sessions throughout the day. The workshops will also include a “girls only” session, as well as free bike safety checks from Traction.

Eager participants to the workshops are asked to bring a safe and suitable BMX bike, helmet, closed-in footwear, water bottle and if possible knee pads, elbow pads and gloves. However, there will also be limited BMX bikes for loan, thanks to the Council’s Cycling Brisbane Program. 

Aside from the BMX workshops, attendees may also try out the ninja course or enjoy various foods whilst watching the activities. Someone may also get the chance to win a brand-new BMX bike during the raffle draw. 

Booking is essential or email RampFest at Chris@rampfest.com.au to learn more about this event. 

Murarrie is Getting an Olympic-Ready International Cycle Park

Plans have been set in motion to deliver a new $16.1-million international cycle park in Murarrie, ahead of the Olympics. 



The Murarrie Recreation Reserve International Cycle Park will comprise a world-class cycling track, a 500-metre speed skating track, and a multi-purpose clubhouse where locals may learn to ride a bike, improve on their BMX skills, enjoy picnics and barbecues, and play with their dogs at an off-leash dog park.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said that the budget for the new cycling facility has been secured for 2022-2023.

“In just over a decade’s time, Brisbane’s Olympic and Paralympic destiny will arrive with the Games to be held right here in our home city,” Lord Mayor said. “The investments we make today in sports infrastructure will pay dividends during the Games because local athletes will have world-class facilities, like this cycling track, to learn and train on at home.”

International Cycle Park
Photo Credit: BCC

In mid-2019, Council sought feedback for the development of the Murarrie Recreation Reserve, which was followed by technical investigations and key discussions with sporting groups. 

After these discussions, Council finalised the plan for the new facility that will include the following construction for Stage 1:  

  • Replace the local cycling track with criterium tracks designed to Union Cycliste Internationale standards, incorporating a new 500 metre rollerblading/speed skating track
  • Remediation works
  • New multi-purpose clubhouse catering for events
  • New safety fencing
  • car park upgrade
  • New walkways, ramps and tree planting

Future plans for the cycle park will include the following, subject to funding: 

  • Learn-to-ride facility
  • Pump/BMX track
  • Picnic shelters and barbecues
  • Track lighting
  • Intersection upgrade
  • Dog off-leash area
  • Beginner mountain bike skills course
International Cycle Park
Photo Credit: BCC


Council intends to establish Murrarie Recreation Reserve as a “metropolitan and international-level criterium track, wheeled sport and recreation park” with a range of opportunities for sports and recreation. It will be a safe, and well-designed green space that will be a destination for many locals and visitors. 

Construction work for Stage 1 is scheduled to start in late 2022. 

Experience Brisbane’s First Country Music Festival at Murarrie Muster

Get ready to feel the beat and groove to the rhythm as the Murarrie Muster, Brisbane’s first country music festival, fills the air with music until sundown. Enjoy the event at the Murarrie Recreation Reserve for FREE!



Happening on Saturday, 25 June 2022 from 12:00 pm till 5:00 pm, Murarrie Muster ia presented by Downtown Toyota. With support from Brisbane City Council, Cr Lisa Atwood, The Yard, and BrewDog, country groove will meet city beat as Brisbane producer and director Tom Oliver aims to deliver one boot scootin’ day!

“I was visiting country music festivals all over Australia and thought Brisbane needs this; Brisbane has so many country music artists. We’re going to showcase so much Queensland talent!” Tom said.

Photo Credit: Supplied

There will be a classic country semi-trailer stage at the event, which will feature talented musical acts like Kimberley Bowden, Melody Moko, Women in Docs, The Wet Whistles, Open Season Band, Jason McGregor & Rhinestone Cowgirl.

Photo Credit: Supplied

“It’s so long overdue. It’s exciting that we get to play our original music and celebrate country music in Brisbane,” Kimberley said. “It’s so wonderful that we have a dedicated country music festival right here. It’s just exciting all of us, local artists and country musicians, to come and perform for the locals.”

Photo Credit: Supplied

Apart from the music, the afternoon will also feature food trucks, craft beers, and ice cream for the children because good music muster goes well with delicious food!

Among the expected establishments include Jack’s Ice Creams, Bayside Beignets, Benz on Miller, Joseph’s Hungarian Langos, Samurai Kitchen, Kraut N’ About, London Spuds & OMG Decadent Donuts Australia.

Tap a friend, bring your own picnic blanket, and then boots to scoot to enjoy good old-fashioned community spirit! 



Meanwhile, if you’re still up for more songs and dances, before and after the festival, the Queensport Tavern down Lytton Rd for more live music. On the night of the country music festival, Doovalaki will perform party rock and pop tunes from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. 

$200-M Rivergate Superyacht Facility, Marina, And Shipyard Expansion In Murarrie Approved

Following a lengthy assessment, Rivergate has finally been granted an approval to go ahead with plans to expand its existing marina and shipyard in Murarrie.


Read: Rivergate Marina Proposes to Establish a Large Superyacht Refit Hub in Murarrie


Tom Hill, director at Rivergate, welcomed the approval, which he said recognised the project’s potential to support a range of industries within Queensland and bolster Australia’s sovereign capability amid increasing global security tensions.

“This approval means our expansion is now shovel ready and just waiting on government funding support to get under way,” he said in a media release.

Rivergate’s $200 million superyacht facility would be the largest superyacht hub in the Asia Pacific once complete.

rivergate brisbane
Photo credit: Rivergate

It will come with a new hub that would be capable of lifting vessels up to 3,000 tonne and the capacity for 8 to 12 vessels in refit sheds and on the hardstand. 

The project, which has been in the pipeline for four years, is expected to “dramatically increase superyacht visitation to Australia while also providing vital new capability to service Australian Defence Force and Australian Border Force vessels.”

One of the highlights of the expansion is the new 5-storey purpose-built facility featuring training rooms, offices, café, world-class crew accommodation and crew recreation facilities.

superyacht
Photo credit: Rivergate

At present, Rivergate is just waiting on government funding support to get under way.

“Brisbane is already an ideal location for servicing and repairing superyachts, several classes of Defence vessels and other commercial shipping,” Mr Hill said.

Mr Hill added that the expansion would provide owners and captains of large recreational vessels with the assurance that world-class facilities are available for both routine and unplanned maintenance works whilst they are cruising in the region.

The development is expected to generate up to $1 billion in revenue for the Queensland economy every year and roughly 2,000 jobs for marine and tourism sectors upon completion.

BrewDog Plans to Open New Murarrie Beer Hotel “The DogHouse”

Renowned global brewery BrewDog recently announced that plans are in the works to create a new beer-themed hotel dubbed “The DogHouse Brisbane” in Murarrie.



Scottish-founded brewing company BrewDog intends to launch a four-storey 730-sqm hotel dubbed “The DogHouse Brisbane” in an empty lot of land beside its brewing facilities and taproom in Murarrie, creating a beer campus of sorts.

The DogHouse Brisbane is a tourist destination based on The DogHouse Columbus, making the Brisbane branch BrewDog’s second beer hotel. 

Finances for the project are being obtained through a crowdfunding initiative titled Equity for Punks which gives Aussie beer enthusiasts a chance to own a part of their own brewery.

A room at the DogHouse Columbus in Ohio, USA.
Photo credit: BrewDog

The hotel will have a total of 30 rooms, each modeled in the likeness of a different BrewDog beer, and guests are free to drink in the shower as beer fridges are installed inside for people to enjoy a frothie whilst cleaning up. Even the DogHouse’s soap and body wash contains beer.

The minibars will be stocked with international craft and liquors. The hotel’s more luxurious suites, aptly named BrewMaster suites, will feature a draught beer tap inside the rooms for guests to enjoy.

Though the bulk of the project’s details are still currently kept under wraps, those interested are free to visit the BrewDog website. For the latest updates concerning the company, The DogHouse Brisbane and BrewDog products, follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram. 

The BrewDog brewing facilities and the future site of The DogHouse Brisbane can be found at 77 Metroplex Ave, Murarrie.