After dropping of our Queen, we drove to Brisbane Skytower, where we had booked an apartment for four nights. The location was perfect: very central and the Botanical Garden was right around the corner. We were a bit too early, but could leave our backpacks in the apartment and went for a walk around the city centre.
Botanical Garden & South Bank
After a quick bite, we walked through the Botanical Garden. It was a wonderful day and it was funny to see the places again that I had seen when I was here for a conference in November 2017.
When you look at a map, the city center and the Botanical Garden are located on what looks like a peninsula, bounded by the Brisbane River that snakes its way through the city.
We walked through the Botanical Garden and over the bridge to South Bank Parklands, where previously the World Expo 88 was held. Now you can find grass areas, pools, cafés, bars, restaurants and a wonderful riverfront promenade.
Here you also find the Wheel of Brisbane, where it was erected in 2008 at the northern entrance of South Bank Parklands.
Free Walking Tour
We also booked a free walking tour again given our positive experiences in Adelaide and Melbourne. It was a small group of 8 and the tour started at the tourist information centre, which is located in the old Regent Theatre in Brisbane.
We walked along the City Hall and when we turned around, we saw a church that seemed a bit misplaced between all those skyscrapers.
Brisbane City Hall
Skyscraper behind the Albert Street Uniting Church
In the city hall is a big concert hall, where they give a free concert every Tuesday. Unfortunately, we will embark the cruise ship on Tuesday morning, so we miss that.
Rehearsal in the City Hall
Similar to the other big cities before, Brisbane also has some nice street art:
“City Roos” made of tractor pieces by the Australian artist Christopher Trotter
“Steam” made of vegetable steamers by artist Donna Marcus
City Life
We really enjoyed our time in Brisbane… Strolling along the city through the Botanical Garden and along the river. The food is fantastic and we also mingled with locals in an Irish pub. There we watched a rugby game for the first time and it was Australia vs. Argentina, which was actually played in the stadium in Brisbane. First I wondered why all the players are taped somehow and thought: “Hm… maybe they have tattoos and showing them on TV is not allowed?” 20 seconds in the game I realized how rough this game is and they are probably all hurt in a way. My goodness…!
Rugby Championship 2019: Australia vs. Argentina
It was interesting to watch a game where you don’t know any of the rules and without sound… wondering how they can jump that high… learning thanks to the Internet that this is called a “lineout lift” (which also explained the tapes on their thighs).
I was also super happy that we could meet Gayl, one of my Twitter writing friends, for a lovely breakfast in the Botanical Garden.
Thank you for the sweets, Gayl! They were delicious 😉
