Singapore

10 March 2009

Where we live (Brisbane Region)

For our overseas friends, I thought I'd show you the part of Australia where Diane and I live. Brisbane and surrounding areas are the fastest growing region in Australia with virtually thousands of people moving here from southern parts and overseas every year. We have the best weather on the continent and Brisbane has won the title of 'most livable city in Australia' on many occasions.

The Brisbane river flows through the heart of the city and is a very popular waterway for commuting and recreation alike.

The city centre

The view of Brisbane city from Mount Coot-tha

The Treasury building, now the Treasury Casino

City cats are used to commute within the city

Fireworks on the Storey Bridge


Fortitude Valley is an inner-city shopping area and popular entertainment precinct with many night clubs and great restaurants.
 

China Town is in Fortitude Valley


Southbank is where in 1988 Brisbane hosted the World Expo. The area which used to house wharves and factories was totally cleared before the Expo and is now an exciting area with parklands, apartment buildings and many restaurants. A great place for families to gather on weekends and to socialise.

The Brisbane river flows into Moreton Bay, a great fishing and boating place and a migratory place for whales on their annual travel between the Antarctic and tropical waters. Whale watching is a popular pastime for tourists and locals alike.

The University of Queensland, one of three universities in the Brisbane region.

In walking distance from where Diane and I live in Daisy Hill, is the State Koala Centre, where visitors can observe and learn all about Australia's favorite marsupial.  The centre is in the Daisy Hill State Forest, a popular recreation area and where Diane and I walk most mornings.
The Koala, our favorite marsupial

Wallabies in the State Forest

A short ride down the road is the Gold Coast, with Surfers Paradise at the centre. Many surfing championships are held on the Gold Coast every year, as well as the annual Indy Grand Prix, a street race right through the middle of Surfers Paradise.

Surfers Paradise

Jupiter's Casino on the Gold Coast

The monorail from the beach to Jupiter's casino

Q1, the tallest residential building in Australia

A little further south is Tweed Heads on the border between the states of Queensland and New South Wales. Tweed Heads is well known for its clubs. Overseas artists visiting Australia, usually perform at one of the Tweed Heads clubs, as part of their Australia Tours.
 
Fraser Island at the other end of Moreton Bay is a sand island and popular holiday area for locals because of the fishing and surfing activities possible. Many visitors from overseas stop there in one of the resorts.


Noosa Beach

An hour or so north of Brisbane is the Sunshine Coast. Noosa is one of the towns up there, preferred by many including Diane and myself because it is not as commercial as the Gold Coast and has no sky scrapers. Building restrictions are limited to 6 floors. As a consequence, the beaches have fewer people and the lifestyle is more tranquil.

Hastings Street in Noosa houses many first class restaurants

In the hinterland of the Gold Coast are the pristine areas of the rain forests, popular walking and hiking areas. Such a place is Springbrook

Waterfall at Springbrook

Another waterfall near Springbrook.

Now you know a little more about the greater Brisbane area and you can probably see why we like living here.

Until next time, take care and be kind to each other.


18 comments:

  1. It is a beautiful area, I guess that's why we've stayed here.

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  2. Bill, great pictures about Brisbane and surroundings. No wonder people flock to this area! Gruessli T.

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  3. what great pictures of Brissie and surrounds. I still rate the sunshine coast above the gold coast. While we have great weather here plus fantastic skiing and fishing we still miss the beach

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  4. great pictures of Brissie and surrounds still favour Sunsine Coast over Gld Coast. Loved the Pics from Fortitude Valley they have some of the best food there and especially their fish market is great.

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  5. Very nice indeed....I look out at chimney pots and grey skies and wonder...." WHAT THE **** ARE WE DOING?"

    Son-In-Law. London.

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  6. Hi Son-In-Law. I guess I had you and my daughter a little in mind when I posted these pictures, just to show you what you're missing over here.
    Love, BB

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  7. Dear Daddy BB,
    yes very funny. Here we are in the big smoke and flat white sky and there you are in paradise. Hmmm. Today I am wearing: a thick coat, woolen scalf, jumper, long sleeves, singlet and gloves. Today you are wearing a t-shirt and stubbies? hehehe

    PS I notice the Brisbane river is looking a little more blue than in reality hmm?
    Love,
    Daughter

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  8. PPS can I email this to all my international friends?

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  9. Of course you can, Carol. Go for it. Love, Dad

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  10. Beautiful photos of a beautiful country. The koala bear is soooo darling - and I was so touched by the video and story of the one's hurt by the fires.
    Have a great Sunday -

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  11. These photos are all outstanding, I especially love the reflections in the first 2 pics. Wow.

    Have a great week
    Guy
    Regina In Pictures

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  12. What incredible photos and post! And what a marvelous place Brisbane is! Really enjoyed your tour and the animals! Thanks for sharing a wonderful part of the world for us who live somewhere else!

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  13. These are beautiful shots. I would have the time of my life just exploring the place. Great Job.

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  14. I had no idea it was so beautiful. Amazing indigenous wildlife, gorgeous blues and stunning. Best advert for moving to Brisbane I've ever seen.

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  15. Brisbane area is quite beautiful. I'm not much of a city person, but the natural areas are great. Will add this to my must see list in Australia. Great post and captures.

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  16. That is a great advertisement post for your part of Q'land! Wonderful photograps, better than any tourist brochure I've ever seen of the place. I too think it is a grand place but will not add to the population explosion by moving and stay right here in dry S.A.

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  17. beautiful overview of a beautiful city...

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  18. Such vibrant blues. Very pretty pictures highlighting your world.

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