Australia: Brisbane

From Auckland, the best airfare to the east coast of Australia was to Brisbane, so we started our mainland Australian tour in Brisbane, home of the 2032 Olympic Games. They look to be ready even now.

Auckland has lots of housing, even more public transport. Last year the liberal Queensland government introduced a flat 0.50 AUD (0.32 USD) transit fare regardless of distance on trains, buses, and ferries. That's even more extravagant public spending than French departmental buses. So we went joy riding on the river ferry. And took the bus to Mount Coot-Tha Lookout, then walked to the very expansive botanical garden.

We only scratched the surface of the museums at the Queensland Art Gallery. I was very happy to see Brisbane, such quality of life is rarely seen around the world.

Brisbane Metro Tri-Articulated Bus


The Brisbane River snakes through the CBD (Central Business District). Riding the CityCat catamaran ferries is a fun way to spend a morning.










There are more than several iconic bridges over the Brisbane River: Kangaroo Point Bridge (1st below), Story Bridge (2nd and 3rd below). One can "climb" the Story Bridge.








There were food stalls in the City Botanic Gardens. We had some tasty vegetarian Korean street food: Vegetarian Japchae (Korean Noodles -Top) and Vegetarian Dong-gi (with Tofu - Bottom).


We were surprised to see more than several black-headed ibises at the City Gardens, then later figured out they're everywhere in Australia.


The jaw-dropping dome of the Brisbane City Hall Auditorium.


We rode the bus from the CBD to the Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout (1st below). Wow! Then walked down to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens.












The QAG (Queensland Art Gallery) was hosting the 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art. Some pretty cool stuff. First and second below are stills from videos by Kawita Vatanajyankur. Captivating.


"Tunnel" by Thai Artist Mit Jai Inn


A Textile Mandala by Yim Maline


Not to mention our introduction to painter Ian Fairweather. Below is "Cafe in rice field".


Queensland Brewery Company Building.


McWhirter’s Building


Hotel Orient


Tofu Noodle Salad at Black Drip Coffee Vietnamese Resto


The Regent Theatre Entrance Hall and Grand Foyer.


And finally, another shot of Brisbane CBD from the Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout.