After taking a walk along the boardwalk to enjoy some more of the river we suddenly realised our 3 hour parking limit was running out, so our return hike to Indooroopilly was fast-paced. It was hot, hard work now that the sun was beating down and the forecast heatwave descended. We made it back to the cars quite sweaty, thirsty and hungry, so we drove the short distance to the shopping centre and searched for a breakfast worthy of our efforts. Of course we found the perfect place. |
This week we were overcome by colour - from the vivid flowers of the suburbs to the dazzling Christmas decorations of Indooroopilly Shopping Centre. Colour wrapped us in scents of summer and blazed brightly against a clear blue sky as we headed off early to beat the heat. We walked from Indooroopilly, across the Walter Taylor Bridge, through the beautiful streets of Chelmer, Graceville and Sherwood, enjoying the architecture and flora, and catching peaceful glimpses of the river they hug. After much lingering to take photos and admire all we passed, we made it to Sherwood Arboretum, a diversity of wetlands, wildlife, river vistas and green open spaces. The Arboretum covers an area of 15 hectares, containing approximately 1,100 trees from about 300 species. With our bellies now content we admired the beautiful Christmas decorations around the centre. When we found the central spot where Santa hangs out we just had to go in and explore. Luckily there were not too many children about, so we could play in the maze full of activities leading to Santa's seat. Indooroopilly Shopping Centre is well worth a look if you enjoy beautiful Christmas decorations. And for those who have never been to Sherwood Arboretum, this is also well worth a visit. Season's greetings one and all.
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The Hungry Hikers split again this week - some went camping down into NSW and some of us held the fort here and decided to roam around Brisbane as there is always something new to discover. We weren't disappointed. Brisbane is as colourful as ever, especially with summer and Christmas just around the corner. We began with coffee at Southbank, then crossed the bridge to enjoy sampling the delights of the Jan Powers Farmers Market. Next it was a stroll past the Myers Christmas window decorations (sadly, so politically correct we couldn't find Christmas) and on to King George Square where the giant Christmas tree is on its way up. Next door to the bunker, the Albert Street Uniting Church, nestled amid modern high rise buildings, provided us with a quiet moment as we admired its beautiful interior. Next it was time for some more serious exercise, after all, we are supposed to be a hiking group. Up Jacob's ladder we climbed to Wickham Terrace where we admired the Old Mill before strolling back through the green peaceful King Edward Park to the city below. By now the temperature was quite warm, so it was lovely to make it to the river where there was a cool breeze blowing off the water. We followed it from the Botanic Gardens to the new riverside precinct being developed at the Howard Smith Wharves under the Story Bridge. It is close to completion and looks very inviting. By now we were famished, so we made a stop at one of our favourite riverside restaurants, the Jade Buddha. Burgers and a beer by the Brissy River - now that is living. We lingered over lunch, enjoying the breeze and view, before our final trek back along the river, through the Botanic Gardens and across the Goodwill Bridge to catch a train home. We had packed a lot in today, so it wasn't surprising we notched up double digits in our kilometre count. It was so worth it though. Brisbane is beautiful.
Eagleby is full of surprises, the nicest being its beautiful, rural backstreets that run through wetlands, and farmlands hugged between two rivers - the Logan and the Albert. After an exciting trip to the Melbourne Cup in the big city, we enjoyed this peaceful walk this week with all seven Hungry Hikers present. We met at the carpark at the Eagleby Wetlands and threaded our way through the lush countryside under a blue sky putting on an ever changing cloud display. We passed grazing cattle and bleating sheep, waterways and windmills, cane fields and ramshackle barns, and before we knew it we had clocked up 11 kilometres. Another surprising find so close to home! We began very early to beat the heat and we were finished in time for another surprise - a delicious breakfast supplied by Helen. We devoured this with great gusto and appreciation. We aren't called the Hungry Hikers for no reason.
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