Our trip to Brisbane was more than 2 weeks, flew in and out. Yet, we only wanted to spend one day in Brisbane City? Well, if you have followed my travel posts, we tend to move out of cities. But of course, we had to do at least a city tour to fully satisfy ourselves that we have been to Brisbane. Apart from wanting to get away from cities, the other deterrence was the city parking. Since we have kids and old folk, driving was a necessity and if I needed to pre-book (and pre-pay) a parking space, I would be locked to a schedule. Fixed time to arrive and time to leave, we would rather avoid. Anyway, instead of pre-booking, we decided to just drive-in. If it would cost $50, then so be it. Because amortizing with 7 people, it was still cheaper than park-and-ride in public transport.
South Bank Parklands
Partly influenced by the car park chosen, which after a long search online, offering $17 per-entry flat fee. We parked at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. A per-entry flat fee meant that we do not have any restriction on when to come back to pick up our car, complete freedom of time. The
Queensland Performing Arts Centre was exactly located at the South Bank Parklands, overlooking the Brisbane CBD.
There was this Wheel of Brisbane. I guess London had it first – the London Eye, Then Singapore have our Singapore Flyer. So this Wheel of Brisbane come as not a big deal. Gave it a miss. We just took a lazy stroll along the parklands.
Brisbane River Cruise
There was a free man-made lagoon to cool off from the afternoon heat. My kids had wanted to do some swimming since we had the gears with us. We decide to take the free City Hopper along the Brisbane river to other parts of the city instead.
The city public transport included the CityCat and Translink ferries operating much like water taxis. They were fast, including berthing and slipping off. Just like taking a bus or subway to other parts of the city. The City Hopper was a free service for visitors to roam around the city at intervals of 30 mins. Seated at the top deck, we were effectively taking a river cruise which otherwise we
City Walk
We then walked along the riverfront towards Story Bridge. we wanted to go to Fortitude Valley where China Town was located. We had a good Peking duck lunch at a Chinese restaurant. While we can reasonably survive the entire trip without any Chinese meals, My mother-in-law needs to have some rice to keep her going, so we need the occasional Chinese food.
After a sumptuous lunch, we walked across the Story Bridge, overlooking where we walked in the morning. Long but a scenic walk. We crossed the river and waited for the next City Hopper at Thornton Street Ferry Terminal.
Back to South Bank, we rested for a while sitting under the trees enjoying the cool breeze without any need to rush. Later, we picked up our car and carry on. This was half of the day.
Mount Coot-tha
This was done on another day, but quite the same time we left off the city CBD. So I included this part in this blog entry. This was the request from the boys to go to Botanic Gardens at Mount Coot-tha. Nope, not for the flowers and horticulture, but for them to catch Pokemon! Quite fortunately, the girls also liked the place especially the children’s trial and the Japanese and Bonsai Gardens. Walking around the gardens was like going through a circular maze, which reminded us the classic movie Labyrinth.
Towards the evening, we drove up to the peak of Mount Coot-tha for the spectacular view of the city, in daylight, and at night.
Wished I had a better camera than my point and shoot Canon IXUS. But for now, it has not given me any reason to replace one. We head back to Mango Hill for our home cooked dinner, away from home.
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