Boardwalks, Bridges, and Broccoli in Brisbane

After sailing across the Coral Sea and spending a week in Bundaberg, Australia, with Tom and Di of SV Avalon and the other Down Under Go West Rally participants, I packed my bags and departed on a 4-week walkabout in eastern Australia.

I didn’t really have a formal plan or any online bookings; but I did have a general idea of cities and sights I would try to visit. As per my normal travel routine, I would take my time and not try to conquer too much. I knew I’d be back in Australia someday to see more.

Before setting off, I shipped my sailing gear back to the U.S. This would enable me to travel super light for the next four weeks. I was a bit nervous as I boxed up and bid farewell to my pricey foul weather gear, personal flotation device, boots, knives and tools, electronics, etc. I did question whether I should keep my personal locator beacon and rescue laser with me since I did anticipate hiking in some rural locations. But in the end, I hoped to rely on my iPhone and common sense. So, taped and labeled, the box of gear shipped. (And yes, in a couple of weeks I received the email that my gear had been delivered. Phew!)

With my light pack on my back, I said goodbye to Tom, Di, and the Down Under Go West Rally group, and headed to the Bundaberg train station. Next stop: Brisbane.

The train ride to Brisbane was smooth, comfortable, and scenic. The Queensland Rail train was one of the last remaining “Tilt Trains.” The train actually tilts as it goes around corners, enabling it to travel faster. I enjoyed the relaxing 4-hour ride.

Arriving in Brisbane, I walked through the fancy Roma Street Station, across the street, and down a block or two, where I found my conveniently-located hotel, Meriton Suites Herschel Street, less than 5 minutes away. The hotel was fantastic; my room was large, clean, and equipped with washer/dryer, kitchenette, and fast WIFI. The lively City Reach Boardwalk and South Bank areas were only 20 minutes away.

I spent the next few days and nights in Brisbane, enjoying walks along the well-maintained boardwalks on either side of the riverfront. One side (City Reach Boardwalk and Eagle Street Pier) was lined with restaurants; the other side (South Bank) was lined with art galleries, parks, and even a man-made beach! As I walked, I managed to stay out of the way of bicycle- and scooter-riders, joggers, and strollers; I had to remind myself to stay on the LEFT – just like driving down under. I did witness one collision of two not-so-lucky commuters.

Several bridges spanned the Brisbane River, the most famous of which is Story Bridge. I walked across it, but opted not to do the expensive bridge-climb.

In the evenings, I enjoyed the broccoli-avocado bowl and beer at Felon’s Brewery and the gin-and-tonic and view at Mr. Percival’s. Both of these locations were down by Story Bridge.

At this point (mid-November), the wildfires in New South Wales and Queensland were spreading rapidly. Smoke from these fires was clearly visible in the skies around Brisbane.

From Brisbane, I took an hour-long bus ride down to Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. I spent two nights at the Island Gold Coast Hotel, which was centrally-located only a couple of blocks from the shops, restaurants, and beach.

Lined with big resort-type hotels, this famous beach town wasn’t really for me. I’m not a big sun-bathing beach person, at least not anymore. The waves and water looked tempting; I almost took some surfing lessons, foolishly thinking I’d be able to pick up from where I stopped decades ago in Newport Beach, California, and Phuket, Thailand. Even if I could, two days wouldn’t be enough time to learn and enjoy. So, I just relaxed in the shade and on the shore, enjoying the coastal view and breeze.

From the Gold Coast, I took the bus back to Brisbane. I checked back into the Meriton Suites Herschel Street, where I spent the night doing laundry and studying my next destination: Tasmania.