Brisbane lies 27.5º South of the Equator, close to the 30º latitude where Deserts are found. However, this holds for the western side of major land masses, Brisbane is on the east coast of Australia. The east side of major land masses behave differently, as in, no Geography teacher has ever been expected to fathom the rainfall pattern. Still, arriving after the Spring Equinox, it was to be assumed that the rains would have shifted north, not so.
Brisbane Airport, arrival and immigration is simple if one has the correct online visa and correctly filled landing card.
The passport gates are electronic for UK visitors, therefore no stamp. A printout is then issued which is surrendered when one gets face to face with the chap who is going to ask if you are bringing in anything you shouldn’t. So don’t.
From the airport, frequent trains take you to the heart of the city, and beyond. Tap on/off is in operation with any bank card. If one requires to travel by bus the Translink card is required to Tap on/off. This also works on the trains and is available at WH Smiths, 7/11. You can top up at these stores, or download the Translink app.
SIM Card. We were presented with Woolworth’s – everyday mobile – SIMs. The card is registered via the eponymous app. An Australian address and phone number is required to register, the hotel’s worked…in the end, but the app does not advise when the process is complete. If the phone signal doesn’t kick in after thirty minutes, seek advice in a local mobile phone shop.
Notable places of interest visited:
Mount Coot-Tha
Anzac Square
Botanic Gardens
Breweries, bars, restaurants, cafes, visited:
Range Brewing – 4 Byres St, Newstead, Brisbane QLD 4006
Felons Brewing Co. – 5 Boundary St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Aether Brewing – 340 Melton Rd., Northgate, Brisbane QLD 4013
Fick Brewing Co. – 108 Old Toombul Rd, Northgate Brisbane QLD 4013
The Charming Squire – 3/133 Grey St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Saccharomyces Beer Cafe – Fish Ln, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Frog’s Hollow Saloon – 26 Charlotte St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Death and Taxes Brisbane – 36 Burnett Ln, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Sugar ‘N Spice Cafe – 210 Adelaide St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Brew Cafe & Wine Bar – Lower Burnett Ln, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Criterion – 239 George St., Brisbane City QLD 4000
Julius Pizzeria – 77 Grey St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Lü Cha Kitchen + Bar – Shop 3/97 Elizabeth St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Bellezza by BG – 226 Queen St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Max Brenner Chocolate Bar – South Bank – 2 Little Stanley St, South Brisbane QLD 410
Thai Street Kitchen /Melt Brothers – Uptown Food Centre, Queen St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Punjabi Rasoi – 401 Edward St, Spring Hill QLD 4000
Punjabi Palace – 135 Melbourne St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Ginger and Garlic Indian Cuisine – 1/168 Adelaide St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Nando’s – Festival Towers, Shop 6/108 Albert St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Back to : Brisbane – Days 6 – 11