By Rama Gaind.
Gain a greater understanding of Australia’s military past at Anzac Square in Brisbane. Photo: Rama Gaind
How good is to be able to travel again, albeit, at times with some trepidation about unexpected border closures. Nevertheless, some optimism is returning, further boosted with the availability soon of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Wish lists change all the time, but we can’t miss out on a chance to see the beauty of the great outdoors. That’s exactly why a visit to Brisbane was an ideal change of pace recently as the capital of Australia’s Sunshine State beckoned with an invitation to enjoy the art, adventure and food on offer.
When I visited Australia’s third largest city with a population of 2.4 million, I was struck by Brisbane’s laid-back atmosphere. The maddening hustle-and-bustle, which you find in other major capital cities, was absent. Brisbane is quietly evolving, growing at a rate that is not only appreciated by the locals, but interstate visitors as well.
A rapidly increasing population is evident of cafes, restaurants, bars, galleries, green spaces and add to that multiple multi-million dollar precincts arising, from Howard Smith Wharves to Queen’s Wharf. The city centre, which is constantly changing with new buildings sprouting everywhere, is thriving surrounded by a tropical landscape and the undulating Brisbane River.
The Story Bridge in Brisbane is a heritage-listed steel cantilever bridge spanning the Brisbane River and is the longest in Australia.
Experience the quiet solitude of Queensland’s pre-eminent war memorial and gain a greater understanding of Australia’s military past at Anzac Square and Memorial Galleries in Brisbane CBD. With the spectacular Shrine of Remembrance and Eternal Flame burning at its heart, Anzac Square provides permanent recognition for those who fought and died in the service of our nation. It’s a worthy place to reflect on their bravery and sacrifice.
The city’s oldest park – the City Botanic Gardens – runs the full length of Alice Street, bordered by Parliament House on the one side and the Brisbane River’s northern banks on the other. Originally planted by convicts in 1825 with food crops to feed the prison colony, these gardens include ancient trees, rainforest glades and exotic species.
Cruise down the Brisbane River and catch a glimpse of million-dollar homes, travel under the Story Bridge, visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or walk down to South Bank which is Brisbane’s arts precinct – and home to the Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Queensland Museum and State Library of Queensland. Neither are you far away from dining precincts, shopping, parklands and lifestyle markets.
Novel experiences
Start in the centre at Queen Street Mall … Brisbane city is a fashion lover’s heaven with numerous stores ranging from local boutiques through to international high street and luxury brands. Photo: Rama Gaind
Arguably the most famous watering hole in Queensland, Breakfast Creek Hotel is a popular destination. While it’s a pub steeped in folklore, this famous, sprawling hotel, dates from 1889 and is located on a photogenic bend of the Brisbane River just north-east of Fortitude Valley.
While Queen Street Mall is the heart of shopping in the CBD, neighbouring Edward Street is the spot for luxury, high end and unique clothing, shoes, accessories and gifts.
There’s a surprising amount of green space in the city centre. Dine al fresco in Post Office Square, take a quick break at Queens Gardens or kick back with a picnic at one spot on 16 hectares of the Roma Street Parkland.
You can tour Queensland’s first public and heritage-listed building, Old Government House, and enjoy the restored grandeur of 1860 architecture.
Why not go on a clock tower tour up Brisbane City Hall, watch the sun rise over Brisbane CBD from Mt Coot-tha and dip your toes in Streets Beach, Australia’s only beach located in the middle of a city.
If you’re looking for accommodation, experience cultural getaways and gastronomical adventures at the Sofitel Brisbane Central. Inquire about special room rates with an indulgence package or opt for a relaxing and revitalising escape with a wellness package.
Spend a day (or more) at the City Botanic Gardens that’s a relaxing green space to wander the many pathways and themed gardens or chill on the lawn.
Look out for flexible rates at the Pullman & Mercure Brisbane King George Square where a dream holiday awaits.
I also didn’t pass up the chance to take time out for a quick trip to Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast that are vibrant and alive with their healthy outdoor lifestyles, enticing beaches and ample opportunities for some retail therapy.
We have to indulge ourselves to ensure we don’t miss out on some of the greatest joys life’s adventures have to offer. As Helen Keller so eloquently said: “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.”
DETAILS BOX
Sofitel Brisbane Central
Pullman & Mercure Brisbane King George Square
