Brisbane

Brisbane is a modern metropolis by the sea.  With a mild sub-tropical climate and ringed by parks and wild lands, it is easy to see why millions of Australians call it home.  Of course, don’t ask anyone about housing costs, you might not get away unscathed. 

We opted to do a one-day tour of Brisbane’s Central Business District.  There were no convenient places to leave the van and ride the trains for a multi-day visit. 

The CBD is a eclectic mix of modern high-rises and hundred-year-old stone and brick buildings.  




We started our tour at City Hall.  A testament to the wealth and prosperity of the city, it was built in the 30s, with its 85-meter clock tower, when the surrounds were nothing but docklands, and empty fields.


They don’t do things in half measures here.  The building was designed to host visiting politicians and foreign dignitaries, as well as a hub for local activity.  At the time, Brisbane was very remote, only accessible by sea, or the long rough road from Sydney and Melbourne. Note the Corinthian columns. We also got a chance to climb the clock tower, and visit the in-house museum.


Check out that banquet hall!  The huge domed ceiling is intense.




The plasterwork makes my neck hurt just thinking of it.


We continued on to visit the Gallery of Modern Art across the river. Brisbane is situated on the mouth of river Brisbane. As such, the CBD is built right up against its banks.  Bridges, roads, parks, and the swankiest apartments line and crisscross it.