"A Quick Trip To Brisbane" a Brisbane Travel Page by Anne12

VT member Adelaidean and her hubby Bob were heading to Brisbane for a work conference, while there they planned to meet VT members Tattugran and her hubby Grump1. We had all spoken and sent emails for many months so I decided I would join the party. I was the *surprise* for Deb.
Tattugran (Vicky) and I set about making plans. Vicky and Verne live about an hours drive from Brisbane.

I headed off from Melbourne on the Friday night. I had found a good cheap flight with Virginblue. Arriving at Brisbane I jumped on the transit coach from the Airport to the Brisbane Transit Centre which is in Roma Street, Brisbane. My accommodation was opposite here, Abbey Apartments. I booked this on the wotif.com.au site.

It was about 9.30pm when I arrived, the coach driver was a very helpful man and directed me to the lifts at the Transit Centre and on to my apartment.
I was very tired when arriving so I sat on the couch for a few minutes and then headed to bed. I could have done with a bite to eat, but had no idea where the nearest place would be and not sure of my directions I decided I could wait until breakfast.

I was really looking forward to exploring the city of Brisbane the next morning.

After waking up and putting on my walking shoes I headed off into the sun and warmth to explore.
Finding that there were pubs and stores very close to my apartments, I could have found something to eat the night before without much difficulty at all.

I was at the top end of Roma Street. As I walked towards the city centre I passed a number of Backpackers and pubs. Also within 200 meters there were 24 hour general stores (7/11). I had decided to head to the Queen Street Mall. I did a few little detours as older building caught my eye, finally into the Mall and feeling very hungry I decided that breakfast was the first stop.
From my apartments to Queen Street Mall would have been five minutes walk.

I chose Jimmys ( read my restaurant page) for breakfast and then onward towards the river.

I walked along the Boardwalk from Eagle pier and through the Bontanic Gardens, over the Goodwill Bridge and on to Southbank.
Browsed the markets of Southbank and park and swimming areas.
Here there are many cafe's and restaurants as well.

What a wonderful day for a long walk, 23C and sunshine......

After many hours of walking and sight seeing I caught the Cat river boat back to the Riverside area, this is just up from Eagle Pier.

During my exploring it didn't take me long to realise that Brisbane is a lovely small, friendly city. With great transport along the river, water taxis and the Cat boats.
Around the city area you have trains and buses, plus taxis.

If you are into retail therapy you only have to start at the Queens Street Mall and work your way around all the arcades and shops.....there are many!! Something for everyone.

With my legs aching and feet screaming I headed back to my rooms and had a nana nap before heading out for dinner.

I found that the streets were well lite and didn't feel for my safety at all.

SUNDAY
After a good nights sleep again I was up with the sparrows and once again headed out for another explore.

I stopped for breakfast at Eagle pier before browsing the Markets.

On Sunday mornings there are Markets along the Eagle Pier area. Huge amounts of stalls with everything from fresh strawberries to weird and wonderful bits and pieces of woodwork, jewelry food, more jewelry, handmade kids clothes etc etc.

After the markets I then went for a little retail therapy:) I was much slower on Sunday, my feet were still screaming from Saturdays hike.

I went back to my room mid afternoon and sat on the balcony and read, then off to see what I could find for dinner.

Monday morning I had booked my bus to Vicky and Vernes. I left the Transit centre at 8.30am arriving at Plainlands at 9.48am. The stop at Plainlands was at the local service station. I stood waiting for Vicky to arrive.
Vicky found me and then we headed back to her place. A coffee was in order and then the wait for Deb and Bob to arrive.
When they arrived I waited in the lounge while Vicky and Verne greeted them, then Vicky said Deb meet Anne:)))) It was a wonderful start to the day. We were all very happy that we had finally met. really, it seemed as if we had known each other for years. We all decided that we were exactly as we had imagined.
So how does one fill the afternoon in with new found friends....yessss...open the wine and sit around talking, talking and more talking....with lots of laughs in between:)
After a BBQ tea, very well cooked by the men, we headed to bed.

Tuesday morning we all sat around not feeling as energentic as Saturday, maybe the empty bottles of wine had something to do with this!!
1.00pm came along and Deb and Bob and I headed back to Brisbane. I was going to take the bus except they were heading my way so it was a lovely car trip instead.

Deb and Bob dropped me off at the airport and off they went for a romantic stay in cabins in the hills while I headed back to Melbourne.

A wonderful weekend had by all.......now I have to do my pages. Pages!!!!!
When finding this site you find great new friends, you also become a different traveller, always having the tip section in the back of your mind! Each picture taken, each brochure you collect, each building you look at, it's all done in the name of VT!!!!! :)))))

I hope you enjoy my Brisbane page.

Cheers
Anne