Bye Bye Bris-Vegas (Brisbane)

During the planning stages, Gareth and myself spent what seemed like years stuck in the flat. The days were extremely pleasant-dry and sunny-the evenings brought about some spectacular storms, most of them dry and silent with violent forks of electricity splitting the sky leaving you to expect the sonorous growls of late accompaniment which would sometimes not come. Night time was a little cool so jumpers were needed, but only just.
We managed to catch some of the fireworks for the Valley Festival, during our planning stages, before the countdown to our Cheeky Trip began. What a great evening it was.

Our Australian Cheeky Journey begins in Brisbane, affectionately referred to as Bris-Vegas. Population 1.81 million Brisbane has a great community feel to it although it is a lively, thriving city. Something for everyone as each district has a distinctly different feeling to it.<

Brisbane city council has spent a bit of money grooming and filling the city with wonderful pockets of artwork. For example, each and every electic box for traffic lights in Brisbane centre has been paited by a local artist in eclectic funky styles. That small box on the corner of every street adding some vibrant colours to the city really adds interest to your walk to the shop, and I am always pleased to see a new one as I walk though an area I haven’t explored yet.

The Brisbane River winds through the city centre and gives most places a good view of the water with its various river shore fronts. The river side makes, for those who like to keep fit, a great place to exercise on the various stretching and workout spots dotted around, and for joggers, a very scenic circuit. With much of the city high-life centred alongside riverside bars, cafes and other waterfront recreation, the CityCat high speed catamarans make for a very pleasant way to get around. There is even a beach with lifeguards on the South Bank shore front. Where else would you get that in the middle of a city?

We have clothes, we have a van, we have a few toiletries and most importantly all three of us have been given plenty of cheer and support by the good people of Brisbane.
Our first three nights of giving up everything was spent in Brisbane City. Thanks for the room Jeremy! Using Base Brisbane hostel as a very central, convenient base for a little sight-seeing, we wandered around the city.


With the new floating walkway along the river you get the most incredible view of Brisbane city behind the Story Bridge. A very romantic walk indeed. We have found Brisbane city to have a little something for everyone, each district has a very different flavour and the flavour in each district changes as the hours pass through the day.



Here is a picture taken from the walkway.


Shrine of Remembrance built in 1930. It’s eternal flame honouring Australian soldiers who lost their lives in WW1 sits at the back of a grassy area filled with city birds and people taking a break from office work or shopping.
Various forms of art scattered around the city add to Brisbane's character. The art changes at night as lights and reflections from street lamps illuminate another side to the many statues and memorial pieces.