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Friday, May 16, 2025

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
Brisbane Metro Tri-Articulated Bus - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

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

ON the Brisbane River in a CityCat Ferry - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

On the Brisbane River in a CityCat Ferry - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Brisbane River with Cafe Umbrellas (lower right)  - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

On the Brisbane River in a CityCat Ferry - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

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.
Kangaroo Point Bridge - On the Brisbane River in a CityCat Ferry - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Story Bridge - On the Brisbane River in a CityCat Ferry - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Story Bridge - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Story Bridge with Climbers - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

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).
Korean Food Stall: Vegetarian Japchae (Korean Noodles - Top) and Vegetarian Dong-gi (with Tofu - Bottom)   - City Botanic Gardens - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

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

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

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.
Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

The Bonsai Pavilion -  Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Australian Water Dragon - Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

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.
Kawita Vatanajyankur - The 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art at Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Kawita Vatanajyankur - The 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art at Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

"Tunnel" by Thai Artist Mit Jai Inn
"Tunnel" by Thai Artist Mit Jai Inn - The 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art at Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

A Textile Mandala by Yim Maline
A Textile Mandala by Yim Maline - The 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art at Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Not to mention our introduction to painter Ian Fairweather. Below is "Cafe in rice field".
"Cafe in rice field" by Ian Fairweather - Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Queensland Brewery Company Building.
Queensland Brewery Company Building - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

McWhirter’s Building
McWhirter’s Building - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Hotel Orient
Hotel Orient - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Tofu Noodle Salad at Black Drip Coffee Vietnamese Resto
Lemongrass Tofu Noodle Salad at Black Drip Coffee Vietnamese Resto - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

The Regent Theatre Entrance Hall and Grand Foyer.
Regent Theatre Entrance Hall and Grand Foyer  - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

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

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