Brisbane free day

SUNDAY 2nd November 

Had a touristy day today, doing stuff around the city that was free. 

From Kangaroo point I walked over the Story bridge which was only finished in 2023/24. It's quite an impressive bridge to look at.

I headed for the city Botanic gardens, and wandered round there for a bit.

I am fascinated by these 'crane' like birds they have in the park called The White ibis or 'Bin Chicken'

They were making a big racket in the bamboo tress over head, and I realised they were nesting there. They almost seem too large for the trees, the branches bowing under their weight as they land.

There are so many nesting birds - as its spring - these are so sweet

I was also fascinated by this sculpture which showed the flood line of Brisbane's worst flood since 1893, in 1974. 

I imagined the water - which would have been above my head - January of the same year my Sister was born. They had another really bad one in 2022 too, mentioned on the earlier info about the story bridge construction.

I walked over to City Hall, as I had booked a free tour of the clock tower, and I mused over the names of the streets, clearly named after Victorian Royals of the time.

......and a few of the little differences, or 'alternate reality changes' ......he he

City Hall was built & opened in 1930. I like the art Deco styling. 

I had a little explore, waiting to go up to the clock tower. It is so strange that it's getting close to Christmas but it just doesn't feel like it to me, as my brain says - It's Summer! - In the cafe, they had all the decorations - and snowy scenes! - while it's 28 outside.

I loved the lift up to the clock tower - still the original so 95 years old! It was really cool and the guide was great!

After this I walked down to the river - I couldn't resist filming the pedestrian crossing as the sound just cracks me up!

I then had a ride up the river on the City Cat ferries that run up and down - for 50 cents - they say but I only got charged 5p according to Monzo.

I travelled up the river towards Hamilton, passing some very posh houses along the river, and cafes and restaurants.......and bluey

I got off at a place called Teneriffe - where there were old factory buildings (repurposed into apartments) and there was info about the maritime history with seats shaped like submarines. I had my picnic there

Pelicans along the river-side:

Going back on the ferry I decided to return to city hall and look round the Museum of Brisbane there.

On the way, I find it fun to spot all the old buildings, most of which are now cafes and bars.

The museum was good - stuff collected around Brisbane - a kid's section

Stuff from people's houses:

The convict story, Moreton bay

personal stories

military history of Brisbane:

but one thing haunted me and I actually felt chills as I heard it. It was the voice of an aborigine guy talking about their view of the city and how the land - the original land sat under the city and buildings that had been built over the top - I had been feeling this all day - I have written a separate post about this - Underneath the City.