We started our explorations with a walk through the recently renovated City Hall which has now been restored to its former glory. It was built in the early 1920s of mostly Queensland freestone with an interior rich in Italian marble and beautifully grained Queensland timber. Entering the main auditorium, one is reminded of the Pantheon in Rome for very good reason. Its circular design was based on this building, and the huge copper dome above gives a feeling of wonderful spaciousness. A visit to the museum on the third floor took us on a journey along the Brisbane River, not only along its physical tract, but also through its history. And then we stepped into some Expo 88 memories - a real blast from the past.
Expo put Brisbane on the world stage in 1988 and was one of the happiest six months of my life. I would catch the train to the South Bank on weekends and after work several days a week and gloriously lose myself in the colour and fun of that time. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch at the Groove Train just across the Square from the Hall. Tali, our son, joined us, popping down from his office in a building that also overlooks the Square. Al fresco dining with some fine salt and pepper squid and some even finer chilled bubbles created a delicious, lazy feel that called for a short rest. |
Day 2 dawned clear and warm, so I donned my joggers and set off over the bridge to the South Bank, along the river past the museum, library and art galleries, back across Kurilpa Bridge that looks like the masts and rigging of a sailing ship, through the city streets via King George Square and back to the hotel. I love the sights and sounds and smells of a city waking up. The buildings seem to be stretching and yawning as freshly baked bread and coffee aromas waft by and early morning enthusiasts take their daily dose of exercise. The many trees that share the cityscape mean birdsong too greets the day. |
Well, the night was still young, the sky was clear and the moon was full. Back to City Hall we went to watch the end of the Christmas parade and another light show. Not quite the same as lying on a blanket in the gardens listening to Christmas carols, but not too bad an alternative. Maybe next year we will try again.
We checked out of the hotel the next morning, but before catching the train home we returned to City Hall to catch the first tour of the day to the top of the tower. A free tour, it offers a lovely view of the surrounding area and an interesting insight into the Hall's history. It was a great way to end our trip to the city. As we travelled the short distance home we marvelled at what we had seen and how much we had enjoyed it. We also marvelled at how much we hadn't done and still wanted to do sometime soon. Brisbane is a beautiful city to visit. How lucky are we to live so close? |
1. Jump on a CityCat or CityFerry and experience the Brisbane River from The University of Qld at St Lucia to Northshore Hamilton for a low cost. Or, better still, use the free CityHopper service which runs regularly between Sydney Street, New Farm and North Quay.
2. Stroll through the extensive City Botanic Gardens to escape the heat and crowds.
3. People watch in the Queen Street Mall from the balcony of Jo-Jo's while enjoying a coffee, a cool drink or a great meal. Coronas are $5 all day.
4. Visit the Treasury Casino for an inexpensive meal and a look around its impressive interior. Have a flutter if you must. Afternoon tea cake and coffee at Kitchen at Treasury is only $6.
5. South Bank is a must. One day is not enough. The parklands are beautiful, the water of the beach pools inviting, restaurants aplenty, not to mention the museum, art galleries and state library. Then there is the weekend markets, the free evening movies under the stars, the Nepalese Peace Pagoda, the giant ferris wheel, the rainforest walk and the colourful bouganvillea covered walkway that threads it way through the middle.
6. Visit City Hall. Browse through the museum on Level 3, take a tour to the top of the clock tower or a longer guided tour of the building - all free. Maybe even have a bite at the original Shingle Inn Cafe on the ground floor.
7. Stroll along one of the many paths that hug the riverbank.
8. Visit the Eagle Street Sunday Riverside Markets.
9. Christmas is a fun time to visit to enjoy the lights and decorations, the street entertainment, the nightly Christmas parade, the City Hall light spectacular, the Myer shop windows, the Lord Mayor Carols in the Park, and the whole festive spirit.
10. Check the brochures and guides carefully to make sure you get dates and times of events correct.