We moved her in 2005 and it’s now 2013 so we thought it’s about time we wrote a blog about where we live and some of the highs and lows of living in Australia’s fastest growing city.
We moved here completely on a whim from New Zealand, Why? It’s a complex story for another blog, but lets just say New Zealand has a name in it’s local native language which translates to “The Land of the Long White Cloud” which means it rains a lot!
Brisbane on an international scale is really three cities, to the south is the Famous Gold Coast which sees thousands of tourist flock there every year. It’s known as the holiday capital of Australia and it’s just 45min from our doorstep. To the north of Brisbane’s CBD is the more relaxed and pleasurable Sunshine Coast. When we first arrived here we were great fans of the Gold Coast, but as time has gone by and with the rapid growth of the Gold Coast so came the crime, shootings and violence that grows with any mega city. Don’t get us wrong it’s a great beach and the atmosphere is fine, it’s just not somewhere we would want to live.
Brisbane is a city of two halves divided be a river the separates the north from the south. Some will tell you the one is better than the other, all I know is that living on the south side gives us better free-ways and better public transport to the CBD. We live 23km from down town Brizzy (as the locals call it) yet we can be in the heart of the action in 25 minutes on a weekend day and an hour on the bus during rush hour with the bus having it’s very own express-way system. It’s quick reliable and clean by modern city standards.
We love the place and are proud to pull on the local Queensland Maroon jersey during the only three games of sport that I watch all year. The “State of Origin” Rugby League Game.
There is so much to do in Brisbane and the surrounding areas and if you’re anything like us you like to get out of the city and find little places that stir interest. Make sure you read Mt Tamborine and Kin Kin blogs to discover more about the area we call home
What to do in Brisbane?
Cuddle A Koala
Established in 1927, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary has more than a hundred Koalas in residence, some of which you can pat and cuddle. You can also have your photo taken holding a Koala as a souvenir.
Lone Pine Sanctuary is the only place in Australia where you can actually get up close and personal with this protected and endangered species.
In addition to the Koalas Lone Pine has mobs of very friendly Kangaroos which you can hand feed, as well a huge flock of Rainbow Lorikeets that will also happily feed from your hand.
Mt Coot-tha Lookout
If you take the drive to the top of Mt Coot-tha (7 km west of Brisbane’s CBD) you’ll get a spectacularly breathtaking panoramic view of the whole of Brisbane city and surrounds.
On a clear day you can see all the way to the distant ranges in the south-west and Moreton Bay to the east. At night, the city lights and star lit skies are spread before you – a fairyland of wonder and a perfect backdrop for a romantic proposal or anniversary celebration.
Canoe the Brisbane River
This is sight seeing with a difference! Canoeing the beautiful and iconic Brisbane River you’ll marvel at the picturesque view of the city from water level. Paddle past Brisbane landmarks such as the Gateway Bridge and South Bank in your canoe, what a view!
Abseiling
Introduce yourself to the vertical world! Abseiling provides an exciting, adrenalin filled experience that is a base skill required for caving, canyoning, climbing, mountaineering, remote area bushwalking or just for fun. It is a great way to step outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself.
Brisbane Suburban Attractions
There are so many things to see and do in Brisbane that are not confined to just the city. Here’s a list of attractions to enjoy in some of Brisbane’s suburbs…
Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens are only ten minutes’ drive from the city, and have a large collection of Australian native plants, tropical plants, an arid-zone area and tropical plant display dome, open daily 8am-5.30pm. There is also a Japanese Garden, a Fragrant Plants and Herb Garden, and Australian rainforest.
The Australian Woolshed, Ferny Hills, is a great alternative for those who don’t have time to visit the Australian Outback. Here you can see seven different breeds of sheep, watch a sheep being shorn, and see the fleece spun into yarn. Native animals are also on display, waterslides are open at various times for the hot and sweaty and a nine-hole round of mini golf is also available. Every Saturday night there is a Woolshed dance which includes dinner. The Woolshed is about 20 minutes drive north-west of Brisbane’s city centre.
Liquoriceland, Sumner Park, is Queensland’s only licorice factory.Tours are available, and there is also a sweet shop selling samples.
Chung Tian Buddhist Temple means ‘middle heaven’ and was constructed in 1992 using traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture. Situated between Brisbane and Logan in Priestdale, the temple is surrounded by nature, providing a peaceful and beautiful venue for the community to celebrate their multicultural diversity and multi-faith harmony through Humanistic Buddhism.
Mt Tamborine, Brisbane is surrounded by great attractions just beyond the boarders of the city to – We’ve fallen for Mt Tamborine, just a short drive to the south west of the city. With its cool air it makes a great summer day out, especially popular with motorbike riders like us.
