14 March 2016:- AUSTRALIA & NZ :- Cairns>>Brisbane

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND :- Cairns>>Brisbane

9th Day  : 14.03.2016

I woke up around 07:40 even I had to sleep until 8 o’clock. The weather in Cairns is so hot and humid that all night long I had to operate the A/C Unit of my room. I have my flight to Brisbane at 10:10 o’clock. I packed all my stuff and carried my luggage downstairs to the car. I went to the breakfast room of the hotel and reluctantly I took the poor breakfast.

Butter, jam, toasted bread and coffee. In addition to these I also ate some fruit salad which is good.

After doing the check-out at the Hotel I drove away to the East Coast Car Rental Company. I left the car there and the lady hurried me to the shuttle for airport. It was the right time and I caught the shuttle on time. Together with some other guests we have been driven to the airport in 15-20 minutes.

I finished my check in and moved to the airplane. It took off punctually. We are heading to Brisbane which is a modern and industrialized city in the Queensland State. Unfortunately I was sitting at the window side and the flight was longer than I expected. Both guys on my left were sitting and sleeping all the time and I couldn’t stand up and “breathe” a little bit.

As we landed at Brisbane airport someone can get the impression about the cultural and economic level of the city. Very close to the carousel where I claimed my luggage I saw a desk for the train connection to the city. The guy there said that it is fastest and convenient way to go to the center. One way is 17.50 AUD and two way is 33.-AUD with the discount.

I bought two way and went directly to the train station which took only 4 minutes on walking. I reached to the Center Station. I walked to my Hotel Mantra Midtown at the Charlotte Street. It is only 15 minutes on walking with my rolling luggage and back bag.

The hotel is right in the center of life and very neat and clean. They gave me room 705 on the 7^th level. It is an apart house with a big space and private shower & WC. After 1 hour I changed my pants and went out to discover the city.

I walked down the Charlotte Str and then took the Albert Street and through the pedestrian shopping street I reached to the Victoria Bridge. The view from the bridge is challenging.

Nord bank of the river and the river itself is attracting. I took a lot of pictures with my camera. There are a lot boats and ferries transporting the people from one side to another or along the river. There is no freight transportation at all. CityCat is a well known public transportation company on the river Brisbane.

Foot of the old Brisbane Bridge (Victoria Bridge)

Victoria Bridge and Tall Building at the North bank

From the Victoria Bridge looking to the North Bank

On the south bank there is still the foot of the old bridge which had been constructed in 1865. As a brief story, it is interesting that the people had built the bridge out of timbers in two years and then the wood worms have eaten the bridge in the following two years and the bridge had collapsed. Later on Brisbane people have built some more bridges connecting same points. Now, so far I remember is the 4^th (maybe 3^rd) version which is in operation.

After spending some time at the foot of the old Victoria Bridge (at that time they called it Brisbane Bridge) I went down to the South Bank of the Brisbane River. I took some pictures while walking in the (east) direction to the Maritime Museum. There is the big “Wheel of Brisbane” at the south bank. The parkland is extending all along the river‘s south bank. It is approx. 1 km in length and 70-100 meter in width.

Brisbane - Background North Bank

Wheel of Brisbane on the Parkland-South bank

I stopped somewhere close to the wheel and ate a wrapped “Doner” in a Turkish food corner. Then I walked further. Brisbane has got the man-made public beach which is free for everybody.

Brisbane South Bank-Public Beach

Public Beach in the Parkland of Brisbane (South Bank)

70 meters further out the Parkland  I discovered the chocolate shop called “Chocolate by the bold man – Max Brenner”. This one is on the parallel street to the Parkland area.

Hot chocolate (dark) and chocolate soufflé was fantastic. I recommend to everybody.

A few shops further I found the tourist information center. I talked to the guys there and fixed a ticket at the Lyrics Theater for the next day at 18.30. It is the well-known “Sound of Music”.

From the Goodwill Bridge, Brisbane

Victoria Bridge seen from Goodwill Bridge

From the Goodwill Bridge

I walked cross the Goodwill Bridge and came to the north bank of the river. It was getting dark and I walked through the long Botanic Park all along the river to the Eagles Street. At this point there are a few exclusive restaurants with attractive ambiance and nice view over the steel Storey Bridge.

I decided to eat at the Pony Restaurant. I liked king prawns and wine. It was very delicious food.

Eagles Street is also within the Business district of the city Brisbane. There are a lot of tall building as headquarters of the well known corporates. The upper end of the Charlotte Street is extending up to here. I walked all along the Charlotte Street and came to my Hotel Mantra Midtown.

I can suggest the Hotel to everybody. Very good location, big clean rooms. Especially very efficient for those who are going to stay as couples.

After having all the washed items from the wash machine in my room I slept with some plans in my mind.