Abseiling & Rock Climbing -- The Kangaroo Point cliffs just south of the Story Bridge are a breeze for first-time abseilers (rappellers) to scale -- so they say. Outdoor Pursuits (tel. 07/3391 8776; www.outdoorpursuits.com.au) stages rock climbs up the cliffs every second Sunday from 8:30am. The experience lasts 3 1/2 hours and costs A$39 (US$25) per person. At 1pm you can abseil back during a 4-hour session for A$39 (US$25) per person. You will fit in four or five abseils in the course of the afternoon. If you want to climb in the morning and abseil in the afternoon, you can buy both experiences as a package for A$59 (US$38).

Biking -- Bike tracks stretch for 400km (248 miles) around Brisbane, often shared with pedestrians and in-line skaters. One great scenic route -- about 9km (5 1/2 miles) long -- starts just west of the Story Bridge, sweeps through the City Botanic Gardens, and follows the river all the way to the University of Queensland campus at St. Lucia. Brisbane Bicycle Sales and Hire, 87 Albert St. (tel. 07/3229 2433; www.brizbike.com), will rent you a bike and furnish you with the Brisbane City Council's free detailed bike maps. Rentals start at A$12 (US$7.80) for 1 hour and go up to A$25 (US$16) for the day; overnight (A$45/US$29), weekly (A$80/US$52), and biweekly (A$120/US$78) rentals are available. The price includes helmets, which are compulsory in Australia. Valet Cycle Hire (tel. 0408 003 198 mobile phone) rents bikes, helmets, and maps for A$30 (US$20) for a half day, A$40 (US$26) for a full day, and A$70 (US$46) for 2 days. The company also operates an easy escorted tour each afternoon for about 2 1/2 hours, departing from the Brisbane City Gardens, which costs A$38 (US$25) adults and A$30 (US$20) children 7 to 12. Bookings essential. The Brisbane City Council at City Hall (tel. 07/3403 8888) and Brisbane Marketing's information booths also give out bike maps.

Bushwalking -- Brisbane Forest Park, a 28,500-hectare (71,395-acre) expanse of bushland, waterfalls, and rainforest a 20-minute drive north of the city, has hiking trails ranging from just a few hundred meters up to 8km (5 miles). Some tracks have themes -- one highlights the native mammals that live in the park, for example, and another, the 1.8km (just over 1 mile) Mt. Coot-tha Aboriginal Art Trail, showcases contemporary Aboriginal art with tree carvings, rock paintings, etchings, and a dance pit. Because the park is so big, most walks depart from seven regional centers that are up to a 20-minute drive from headquarters, so you will need a car. Make a day of it and pack a picnic. Park Headquarters (tel. 07/3300 4855; www.brisbaneforestpark.qld.gov.au) is at 60 Mt. Nebo Rd., The Gap. Here you will find a wildlife display, a restaurant, a crafts shop, and an information center.

In-Line Skating -- In-line skaters can use the network of bike/pedestrian paths. See "Biking," above, for locations of where to find a map, or just head down to the City Botanic Gardens at Alice Street and find your own way out along the river. SkateBiz, 101 Albert St. (tel. 07/3220 0157), rents blades for A$13 (US$9) for 2 hours, or A$20 (US$13) for any time up to 24 hours. Protective gear is included. Take photo ID. The store is open from 9am to 5.30pm Monday through Thursday, 9am to 9pm Friday, 9am to 4pm Saturday, and 10am to 4pm Sunday.