Brisbane Wrap Up

As we wrap up our postings about Brisbane, sharing a few "lessons learned" here hopefully will prove helpful, or, at least informative:
There is a lot to experience in Brisbane, but know that this city is not quite as walkable as was Melbourne. With that being said, their public transportation system is excellent, and is easy to use (once you understand it). Like many cities we've visited, Brisbane's public transit runs on a ticket system. Those tickets can be purchased at any of the major downtown stations, or at the many 7/11 stores located around the city. These "Translink Go-cards" are the cheapest way to travel the city, especially for Seniors (i.e. Half-price). You do have to remember to tap the card when you get on the bus AND tap again when you get off, or you'll be charged a full fare (which is the most expensive way to go). As mentioned before, when we first arrive in any city, we tend to take a taxi from the airport to the apartment. Then, once we've become accustomed to traveling around, we use public transportation to return to the airport.

This free City Hopper ferry provides public transport along the central portion of the Brisbane River.

As a country, Australia is younger than the United States. And Brisbane began as a British Penal Colony in the early 1800's. The weather here tends to be hot and humid (much more so than in Melbourne, so it would be advisable to bring a hat and sunscreen.
In every place that we've visited during this journey, one of the first things we do is to find the Tourist Visitors Information Center, not only for a street map of the city we happen to be in, but also to learn about when attractions are open for visits ( every country has its own holidays when places are closed). This is also the place to learn about what attractions are available for no charge (including free walking tours. You can even arrange for an individual free walking tour based upon a particular theme - such as the Aboriginal tour or the World War II tour).

Musgrave Park was the original meeting place of the Brisbane aboriginal tribes, especially for settling disputes.

Throughout Australia, food is expensive, so it is important to compare prices carefully. You can always find bargains if you keep a close eye on things.

One of our favorite lunch places was this restaurant at the Mill Hotel, opposite the Old Wind Mill in Wickham park. For the price shown in the picture, you can get a wonderful rump or sirloin steak meal, or a fish dish. There are always four or five choices on the lunch menu.

Make sure to leave time to visit Mt. Coot-Tha (for great views of the city) and the Botanical Gardens. Bus #471 will take you from King George Square to the top of Mt. Coot-Tha, will wait five minutes while you enjoy the view and take some pictures, and then brings you part way down the mountain to the marvelous Botanical Gardens. This bus runs only once per hour, so you do need to keep track of your time.

Brisbane is very energy conscious and strongly encourages alternate transportation, such as using bicycles to get around the city (as evidenced by Community Bike Repair Stations set up in various locations.).

All in all, we had a great time in Brisbane and would highly recommend you put this on your itinerary if visiting Australia. The folks here are very friendly and helpful; the city is quite cosmopolitan and full of history; and the climate is enjoyable (especially if you're trying to escape the winter doldrums).

Our wonderful guide, Tina, took us on two fantastic walking tours around Brisbane. Look her up at the Tourist Visitor Information Center on Queens Street if you're ever in Brisbane, and say "Hi" for us.