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.
