I basically grew up at the Stafford Skate Centre…read more It's "Skate 'N' Blade" signage at the front of the building always made me feel tough, even if I was nine, wearing a helmet, sweat bands around my wrists and pads around my knees. I'm still not crash hot at skating, but boy, do I love being out there on the rink. Armour and all. More than 15 years on, I'm glad to see that nothing has changed. The candy bar is still in the business of keeping kids bouncing off the walls, and the whole place seems to be run by 15 year olds. They've added in a few additions like 'learning how to skate 'n' blade' classes which are held on Saturday mornings and Wednesday nights which are only $10 for an hour lesson. Score! Skate hire is $2.50 and blade hire is $3.50. It's cheap, and it's unabashedly old school. There is no doubt in my mind that they still put the strobe lights on of a night time and play classics like "I will survive". Lets' not forget the overexcited announcer directing everyone on the rink with shout outs like "Ok! Now, everyone, when the music stops, we're going to reverse! ONE....TWO.....THREE...REVERSE!!". The young and agile glide in the opposite direction, and the crusty and rigid like myself just continue to slowly roll along and squat until they can stop themselves with their hands. Despite my obvious lack of skill, skating is one of my favourite past times. There's nothing quite like going back to your childhood haunt after 15 years and still finding yourself doing the same things you did back then. Yes, I left there today with a packet of clinkers, just like I did when I was 9.

Yep, this place is dripping in my childhood from when I was a little'un unable to stand up straight…read morein a pair of skates to when I thought I was a really cool rollerblading aficionado. I remember getting so angsty about the group activities/competitions like red rover because I so desperately wanted to win or at least, be as cool as my brother who was already miles ahead of me. Alas, I always fell behind but enjoyed myself regardless. My favourite times in this skating ring were freetime where they would play some awesomely relevant song like Hit Me Baby One More Time or Backstreet's Back and I would jive a little as I skirted the edge of the rink, careful to avoid falling and bringing down three other people with me. My high school used to love including this place in a list of appropriate venues for sports activities, and even then I was overly enthusiastic to go. Such fond memories. And then my friends and I would sneak off to get snacks and drinks and then gaze in wonder at the professional rollerblades and skates inside glass cabinets, signed by people we had never heard of. Stafford Skate Centre is the perfect venue for group activities because there's room for hours of endless fun. Who's have thought that skating in a circle for hours could be so entertaining? But there you go. You can hire skates and blades or bring your own. This place has a massive car park to accommodate the influx of visitors - particularly during school holidays - but it's probably in your best interest to get in early to avoid huge crowds. I think every parent should bring their kids here or to some other skating rink because it's the best place to spend time as a kid and it gives you some really cherished memories. Sigh.

Snow and ice is not just a novelty in QLD, it's a statistical improbability. If it ever does snow…read morehere I'd be running to the hills as obviously it can only be a matter of time until the world ends. This is in general a good thing, however it does mean that kids miss out on the joy of sports such as sledding, skiing and of course ice skating. I haven't heard of any indoor sledding arena's in Brisbane, however we do have a couple of ice skating rinks. Kids seem to love ice skating (possibly for the novelty of it all) and are usually much better at it than their clumsy parents grabbing on to the side. After an hour or so of vigorous exercise you get to treat yourself to a hot chocolate - another memorable experience as hot chocolate is AMAZING when you're cold.

This is my favourite ice skating rink in Brisbane. I should point out that it's also the only one…read moreI've ever been to. The point is that it's almost as cheap as a bus fare, the ice is hard, cold, and there's lots of it. The skate hire system is quick and easy and the staff are helpful if you're not sure what size you need. The rink is nice and spacious so that even when there are lessons or games happening (which is pretty much all the time) there's enough room to wobble around unsteadily without being taken out by a medal-winning four year old. Speaking of medal-winning four year olds, when I'm all skated out and need a sit down I like to buy some lollies from the canteen and sit on the sidelines and watch the kids do their lessons. A lot of the kids in training here are state champions etc. so it's a spectator sport in itself. A bit of exercise, a lot of fun, a few stacks, some lollies, and lots of talented skaters to be jealous of. Sounds like a good afternoon to me. Especially when it's 30 degrees outside!

nobody follows the rules of the estabishment, the instructors don't care whether people are…read morebreaking them, 3/6 pairs of skates my family tried were broken and in about an hour there are holes in the ice everywhere. Boondall was so much better and I will be going there from now on.

Where else can you ice skate on the southside? Where else but Queensland (ha ha)…read more Iceworld is super awesome... as a school kid, best $11 I ever saved up and spent with my friends, a great time out, hang out, day out, whatever you want to call it. As an adult, now that I've gotten over falling on my butt several million times and can actually skate, it's developing that backward skating and twirling skill without falling down. Ice hurts y'all. (Idea - they should invent bum pillows for hire for newbies on the rink. Come to think of it, chest pillows as well, how fun would it be!) It's $16 and you can skate your little delightful whirly twirly Yelpy heart out for the duration of that session. You know what's really cool? They play Red Rover and other games during holiday times, it makes it fun for the kids, fun for you, fun for your dog really (but don't bring your dog, they aren't allowed). It's a great day out for everyone, it's a bit chilly so remember to bring a jumper and maybe some gloves. Remember guys, foetal position when you fall because you don't want those fingers sliced off (just joking... but not really).

Great fun for adult and child alike and great upon a warm summers day. Popular and well managed…read morewith ample parking. The ice rink is run in sessions so check the bochure photographed to ensure arrival at the correct time. It is also worthy to mention that games with prizes happen during sessions which ads to the fun!