A short 2.5 hour north east flight brought us from Melbourne to Brisbane, Capitol of the State of Queensland, the third most populated (and one of the oldest) city in Australia. This area has been the ancient homeland of the Jagera and the Turrbal indigenous peoples, who had named it "Mian-Jin" ("Place shaped like a spike"). The first European settlement in Brisbane (1825) was a penal colony. By 1848, free settlers were making their homes here. During World War II, General Douglas MacArthur placed his Southwest Pacific headquarters in Brisbane.
This is a very vibrant city. Two things we noticed right off following our arrival; Brisbane is a lot warmer than Melbourne;.... And the black flies are nowhere near as prevalent (nor harassing) as they were in Melbourne. Our apartment in the Herston section of the city is lovely and only a short ten minute bus ride from the Central Business District (CBD). We are looking forward to our stay here.
This is a very vibrant city. Two things we noticed right off following our arrival; Brisbane is a lot warmer than Melbourne;.... And the black flies are nowhere near as prevalent (nor harassing) as they were in Melbourne. Our apartment in the Herston section of the city is lovely and only a short ten minute bus ride from the Central Business District (CBD). We are looking forward to our stay here.
We have arrived!
Our apartment is quite comfortable and only ten minutes from downtown by bus (which stops right outside our door).
Located in King George Square, City Hall is one of the main tourist attractions in Brisbane. In addition to administrative offices for the city, it also houses The History of Brisbane Museum, and impressive clock bell tower (with free tours), and the oldest restaurant in town, The Shingle Inn Cafe.
On one of the many hills overlooking the city is the Old Wickham Park Windmill (1828) built and run by convicts of the penal colony here . One of the best (and cheapest) restaurants in the city is located just across the street, in the Old Mill Hotel. It's daily lunch menu is only $9.90 per person and the food is excellent.
The man-made beach area along Southbank is a popular cooling off spot during the summer.
By law, two percent of the annual budget for the city must be devoted to street art and some of it is quite interesting!
Just as Dunkin Donuts is one of the more popular watering holes in America, Doughnut Time is an Australian landmark. This picture does not do justice for the size of these things. They are huge! (A meal on their own).
Speaking of which, this local decided to visit our apartment, not realizing how close he came to being "invited" for dinner!
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