Brisbane - 17 November

Arrival in Brisbane - Where's the taxi?

37 Floor View

After collecting our luggage from the train, we had to make our own way to the hotel in Brisbane. We knew it was about 6 blocks away, but thought pulling 20kg bags behind plus a backpack each was a bit much. However finding a sign for a taxi was unsuccessful and thought outside the terminal would be a good idea. WRONG!!! traffic galore, no where anything could park, so we had no choice except to hike. Once we got our bearings, with the help of our GPS, we ventured down the sidewalks full of people. It was rush hour and everyone was heading home from work on a Friday afternoon. We arrived at our new hotel the Oak Charlotte Tower where we were assigned a 1br. Apt with full kitchen and in room laundry. To add to that luxury, we were on the 37^th floor, with an unbelievable view of Brisbane.

 

Driving Around or ABC

Another Bloody Church

The next day, we had a tour of “The Best of Brisbane”. First, we drove around with the driver highlighting the different buildings we could see through the windows of our small van-based coach. He pointed out how some of the houses all had tennis courts in the yard. We went inside one Cathedral, that has been under construction for over 100 years and was just about done. On the pews individual cushions, done in needle point, were placed. In the children's area the pillows were designed with different Bible stories. Lots of stained glass depicting Christianity. From there we stopped at a view point where a local TV station was capturing some footage on the storm that was brewing. We tried, in vein to get a photo of the many lightening strikes, but they were too quick for us. Shortly thereafter the rain came down in buckets and the wind was blowing quite strong as well. We eventually pulled over and found 100 yr. old fig trees uprooted and branches off trees. We were heading to the dock for a cruise along the Brisbane River. 

Metal 'roos from the Expo '88 era

CityCat Commuter Boat

River Cruise

 

By time our departure arrived the weather was starting to clear. The cruise was about 30 minutes long, highlighting buildings, parks, and historical sites along the river edge. The river is also a transportation route to get from different points in the city, with at least a couple of different water-taxi services running folks about town. Sure beats the traffic!!!

 Eye of Brisbane

Eye of Brisbane

The river cruise ended at the Eye of the Brisbane, which is a ferris wheel 60 metres high, half the size of the London Eye. We had tickets for this 12 minute ride, which had a glorious view of Brisbane. A pre-recorded tape informed us of what we were seeing and told us the story of the Eye. Lots of fun and wonderful views. A very quick lunch (own expense) and onto the coach. 

Lone Pine Koala's

Clowns at the Zoo

Boarding the coach was complicated by the construction fence that had blown over in the storm and blocked half the road into the Eye. Off to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, a place where Koalas are protected and other native animals as well. Queensland is the only state that still allows Koalas to be cuddled, but we decided to leave them in peace and just take pictures.

Koala at Lone Pine Sanctuary

Bush Turkey cleans up lunch

 

Mt Coot-tha Lookout

Brisbane Downtown from Mt Coot-tha Lookout

The last stop before our day ends is another viewpoint of the city, the Mt Coot-tha lookout. One can see a panoramic view of this huge city, with population of 3 million. You can see how the river transportation is ideal for this area as the river winds quite a bit through the big buildings. The lookout was quite busy with us tourists, and at least one wedding party all vying for the perfect picture.