the poinsettia is the floral emblem of Brisbane
Winter in Brisbane is just about perfect. Mornings and evenings can be cool, but the days are usually warm and sunny – perfect for walking around the city. We live quite close to the city, so it is an easy walk.
Brisbane City Hall
from the side with palm tree
City Hall with palm tree - this is a grate around a tree in the street
City Hall was the tallest building in Brisbane for quite a long time. It seems hard to imagine now, but I can remember coming to the city as a child and being quite impressed by its size. The building is closed for renovation for a few years. Hopefully it will be back soon better than ever.
Adelaide St with its lovely leopard trees
old and new in the city
The Botanical Gardens is a wonderful green space close to the centre of town. It was good to see it full of people taking advantage of a beautiful day, to take a walk, excercise or just sitting down to have lunch.
circle of palm trees in the gardens
winter colour
a lovely old fig tree in the gardens
The Brisbane river winds around the city in a loop. The river is now busy with City Cats and ferrries transporting people all over town. It is a fun way to get around Brisbane. Mangrove trees still grow along the river in places. A walkway has been built to enable people to wander through the mangroves in front of the gardens. I think it is great to see this area thriving so close to the city.
Looking across moored boats to the Kangaroo Point cliffs
a city cat
city mangroves
ther mangrove walkway
I walked across the Goodwill bridge to the Maritime Museum and Southbank. Expo 88 was held on this site and when it was finished the area was turned into a huge park. It has continued to evolve since 1988 and is now full of restaurants, cafes, shops, apartments, weekend markets and a man made beach. It attracts locals and tourists alike.
the old lighthouse at the Maritime Museum
the Diamentina in the old dry dock
the impossibly cute Carpentaria
Southbank gardens
the bouganvillia arbour
part of a mini rainforest at Southbank
part of the childrens' water play area
the beach with city views
There are dozens of places to eat at Southbank. I decided to try one I hadn’t seen before – The Sardine Tin. Obviously, it is tiny, but very appealing. I had the charcuterie plate , which was very good. www.sardinetin.com.au
The Sardine Tin
in the tiny restaurant
the open kitchen
table and chair - made from sardine tins?
shop 3A Arbour on Grey, Southbank
It is fun walking around your own city with the eyes of a tourist.
Looking across to the city from Southbank
love sardine tin !
By: OPTIKO on June 23, 2010
at 7:12 am
Deb, you have shown me Brisbane with new eyes. I often wonder what tourists will think when they see Brisbane.
Pam
By: Pam on June 23, 2010
at 7:27 am
It’s wonderful to see pictures of my home town! Your photos of the city and its gardens brought back many lovely memories for me. My grandmother lived in Kangaroo Point. When my sister and I were small, she used to walk us to the ferry, to chug across to the Botanic Gardens. We spent a lovely afternoon admiring the tropical plants and old trees. There was a small zoo in the gardens at one stage. We were fascinated by the monkeys. Occasionally, festivals will fill the Botanic Gardens with some fun and colour. Now, that has been transferred to the Southbank.
Deb, can you please take some pictures of Manly in November, when the jacarandas and the poincianas are in bloom?
Sandra.
By: Sandra Hoopmann on June 23, 2010
at 1:37 pm
Beautiful pictures Debra – I have not been to Brisbane for 10years. I am sure I would see a big difference.
Pam Proctor
By: Pamela Proctor on June 24, 2010
at 11:50 am
Brisbane has certainly changed over the years – like all cities. It is a great place to live, except, perhaps in high summer, when it is just too hot for me. That’s when I head off to Italy.
By: bagnidilucca on June 24, 2010
at 10:17 pm
Palm trees were put there right? they don’t grow naturally in Brisbane?
Brisbane is so beautiful Debra, I had no idea!
Every time I read your blog I go on Google map to see the cities lolol…I am learning so much from your posts!
Thanks
Mirella
By: mirellamccracken on June 25, 2010
at 8:30 pm
Hi Mirella,
Brisbane is subtropical and while I am not sure that palm trees are native to Australia, there are certainly plenty of them here.
By: bagnidilucca on June 26, 2010
at 8:59 am
[…] love my time in Australia – the best of both worlds really. I love coming home to Brisbane and heading to the beach occasionally. early morning at Main […]
By: My favourite places in 2010 « Debra & Liz's Bagni di Lucca Blog on December 30, 2010
at 10:28 am