BRIS - WHAT???
Often forgotten in favour of the beautiful Sydney or the ever-so-stylish Melbourne, Brisbane is their laid-back cousin. However, with stunning beaches and countryside within an hours drive, more temperate weather, and a far lower cost of living, people are starting to see a bit more of what my hometown has to offer.
I walked the city late one afternoon, early evening and snapped these pics. I hope you enjoy them, and if you get a chance to visit Brisbane...DO IT!
THE BREAKFAST CREEK HOTEL
Ask any local, where to get the best steak? and 9 times out of 10 they will tell you the Brekky Creek. Featuring a
French Renaissance-style pub with 5 bars including a rum bar, plus a steakhouse and a beer garden, the Brekky Creek is regarded as a Brisbane icon and is mentioned in many books about Brisbane. It was also mentioned in the 1987 song "Dreamworld" by Midnight Oil.
THE CBD AS SEEN FROM KANGAROO POINT CLIFFS
Standing across the river on top of the cliffs gives a great view of the city CBD. Starting from the left you can see Southbank and the Wheel of Brisbane, panning across to the city Botanical Gardens and QUT University, and then on to Eagle Street Pier and the Financial District near the Story Bride. Brisbane is not very big.
THE WHEEL OF BRISBANE
A relatively new addition to the skyline, The Wheel of Brisbane is a Bussink R60 transportable Ferris wheel. It is "almost" 60 metres high and was erected in 2008 at the northern entrance to South Bank Parklands.
SOUTHBANK PARKLANDS
After hosting the World Expo 88 in Brisbane, the government was left with a large piece of inner-city land. Thankfully they created South Bank: a cultural, educational and recreational precinct. The site host a large resort stye swimming lagoon, numerous shops and restaurants, markets, and is home to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. The tree-lined river promenade is a popular place to go running or cycling.
South Bank is Brisbane’s premier lifestyle and cultural destination. Located on the southern banks of the Brisbane River, its 17 hectares of lush parklands, world-class eateries, stunning river views and hundreds of delightful events all year round make it the perfect place to relax and unwind.
THE TREASURY CASINO
The Treasury Casino and hotel occupy two of Australia's grandest heritage buildings, the Treasury Building, and the nearby Lands Administration Building. The early 19th century buildings with an Edwardian-Baroque exterior designs were converted from government buildings into the casino, and re-opened in 1995.
THE STORY BRIDGE AND CITY-CAT BY NIGHT
The Story Bridge is a heritage-listed steel cantilever bridge spanning the Brisbane River, from near Fortitude Valley across to Kangaroo Point. It's not quite the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but it still looks spectacular lit up in the evening. In the river under the bridge you can see a Citycat or river ferry, which commuters use to get in and out of the city.