I am not sure why I haven't posted about Brisbane yet. Over the past year or so the city has become almost like a second home to me. My parents moved there last year, abandoning my brother and I for the sunny Queensland skies! As you can imagine, it is really strange not seeing them as often as I used to (and by often, I mean everyday) so whenever I get a break from studying I always make sure to get over there for a good catch up (at their expense of course)!
I have seen quite a bit of the city during my time over there so I thought today, I would share with you three of my favorite spots. So, here goes...
1. Southbank
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| The 'Wheel of Brisbane' at Southbank |
Southbank is a must for anyone planning on travelling to Brisbane. It is located right by the riverbank, opposite the CBD. This makes for stunning views, especially at night when the city lights reflect onto the water– so pretty! To get an even better view of the city you can jump onto the 'Wheel of Brisbane' (also known as the 'Brisbane Eye') which is also located at Southbank.
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| Southbank Markets |
Another great thing about Southbank are the weekly 'Southbank Markets'. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays the main pathway is overrun with eclectic stalls. There you can buy one-of-a-kind items that you can treasure for a lifetime or give to friends and family as souvenirs of your trip. Last time I was there, I found the cutest purse ever! I am always getting complements on it and its not hard to see why...
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| Why yes, that is a purse in the shape of a cat! Jealous? |
There is also a man-made beach and lagoon with giant TV screens. It's usually pretty populated during the summer months so, if you're not a fan of big crowds you can always plan for a winter trip, where the average high is still a moderate 20.9º celsius (around 70º fahrenheit)!
2. Mt Coot-tha
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| The view from the Mt Coot-tha look out restaurant and bar |
The Mt Coot-tha lookout is another place in Brisbane where you can find beautiful views. It is the highest point in the city so you know you won't be disappointed!
The 'Kuta Cafe' is a wonderful place for a good cafe style meal. I can tell you now, there is nothing better than good food with a pretty view (even though I only had a hot chocolate– it's not quite "food" but was still really good)!
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| Brisbane Botanical Gardens |
The Brisbane Botanical Gardens can also be found at Mt Coot-tha. Although I haven't had the pleasure of going there yet (I'm planning that for my next trip!), from what I have seen and heard it is pretty amazing; and who doesn't love a good stroll through some pretty plants!?
3. Chermside Shopping Centre
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| Westfield, Chermside |
How could I not include a good shopping destination in this list? And if it's shopping that you want, it's shopping that you will get at Westfield Chermside. This place is huge! It's the biggest mall in Queensland and the second biggest in Australia, so you would be wise to put aside at least a few hours if you want to get the most out if it.
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| The Apple store at Chermside |
One of the most popular shops at Chermside is the Apple store. It is always packed to the brim with people faffing about on iPads and iPhones, most of whom probably won't end up buying anything!
If you live in a big city that has Apple stores around every corner, you will never understand the immense excitement that people like me, from small little island countries like New Zealand, feel when we see one of these stores. The bright lights, the technology and the wide array of gadgets and gizmos is enough to send us into a spin! There is just so much to see and buy!
So there you have it! I am happy to say that I will be going back to this wonderful city during my winter break in 3 weeks time. I am so excited to be able to test my skills as an legit travel blogger and post about my own traveling experiences. It's gonna be great, I can't wait!
Rachel xoxo
P.S. Yay for reaching 1000 page views! This makes me happy :)
