(just to confirm, we do not know the lady in the above image..)
To kick things off - what’s Sydney famous for? The opera house I hear ya mumble. What’s Melbourne famous for? The Aus Open, ill give it to you. Perth? A direct flight to the UK? But Brisbane? The one that often gets forgotten. The city less well spoken about beyond these shores. I have to say, having cruised round it for a few days - this has to be the unsung hero of the land down under. The Milner of any footie team. There’s no flashy headlines or world famous landmarks - but it does a job, you’ll secretly love it and you won’t want to leave!
The sun shines 300 days a year on this river city. A river city which actually makes use of the river. Free city hoppers give Brissies population free travel on the river, as paid for services weave through private craft and party boats. Modern architecture line the river, with major corporations having a base in this northern heartland. Towering skyscrapers reflect the sunlight, bouncing light onto every street.
We dropped our stuff and headed straight for Eat Street Markets on the north shore. This is Brissie’s take on a container market. But, rather than just throwing in some food options - they have gone the whole hog.
Stages rock to bands and dancers, whilst happening bars buzz to the sound of laughter. Bordering the river, the colourful containers are enough to get you excited - without the awesome array of foods. Greek Yiros and fish and chips were the chosen platters. They were just right.
With a day ahead of us we jumped on a bus to take us into the cultural Centre. I am not a fan of buses, happy to admit it. I don’t get them. They stop so frequently it is quicker to walk and they often have you standing. But, this place may just have everyone salivating at the opportunity of cruising on a bus. Busways transport you high above the cityscape, as though in a plane, away from other traffic. As such, scheduled times are actually accurate. What’s more, their bus stops are like tube stations - below the ground with multiple platforms. The buses are clean. The drivers super friendly. If only the rest of the world adopted the Brissie approach to bus transport - I’d travel them far more frequently!
Much like London’s south bank - the Cultural Centre is heaving with theatres, thespians and quirky street stalls. But, with the weather allowing for more adventurous activity - the river bank is interrupted by a huge outdoor lagoon - where families and tourists drown themselves in cooler waters, to lower their body temperatures from the soaring northern heat. This was a beautiful find and a clear highlight along the south bank.
Having soaked ourselves long enough to bare the temperatures, we headed further along the south bank to the pedestrian bridge. The views from the bridge are superb - spanning the north and south of the city. As you join the land again on the northern bank, a right turn has you amidst the botanical gardens. Immaculately kept gardens are alive with plants from around the world, with blooms of all colors lighting up the river walk way. Imagine a botanists dream - this is it!
A little further and the river walkway meets Eagle Street pier. A swanky, sophisticated water facing hang out for the well to do. Two beers a casual 26 dollars - you pay for the view. That said - the view is impressive. Story bridge to the left and the cliffs of the river bank towering in the distance. Brisbane is beginning to make me question why no one raves about it.
Set back from the Eagle Street Pier - fine dining and cocktail bars make way for the city proper. Businesses occupy skyscrapers and small eateries cater for office workers. A few minutes walk further north of the river and the main shopping district is alive with high street shopping brands. Pedestrian streets allow shoppers to move free from the flow of traffic - as buskers set the beat of the pavement. This is another cool part of town.
Aussie day happened to fall when we were in town. Essentially it is a celebration of the brits conquering the Aborigenee land. As such, the aborigines have something to say - protesting about the ‘celebration’ of Aussie day. That said - they do do it well! We headed to the recommend Plough In, set back from the lagoon on the south bank. Live music had the party rocking at 2 in the afternoon, as others took part in Rib eating contests. The winner - a small Thai lady who consumed 2kg of ribs in 5 minutes. Hideous to watch - but very impressive. I’m not sure why this is tradition - but apparently it is. Good old Aussies!
At night - the sky lit up with the fireworks above the river. A good 20 minute show ended the Aussie day festivities, set to famous Aussie music. Waltzing Matilda kicked off proceedings before Vance Joy brought it to a close. Kids splashed in the lagoon as they watched the night sky come alive - as others continued to sip their beers in the wake of the smoke! One hell of a party - one cool day to have happened to be in town.
With Byron on the doorstep to the south, Fraser Island and Noosa to the north, a lively cultural Centre and ample restaurants and bars - what is not to love. Brisbane is a clean, comfortable and pleasant city - in my opinion paving the way for the 21st century. It had the buzz you want from a city - without the stressful confrontation with hoards of people, slow commutes and unfriendly folk. To me - Brisbane may just be the perfect place to live. I suggest you check it out before buying a place!
