Sunday, December 30, 2007

Christmas in Brisbane

Aidan Brisbane Peace Love and JoyI know I've been slack of late, but it would be remiss of me not to do a post about Christmas in our fair city. Unlike our Northern Hemisphere neighbours, Christmas Down Under is not about snow and shovelling driveways, but rather about beach swimming, sand and sunburn (all of which I've been doing!) Queensland knows how to turn it on, and even though it has been a relatively mild Summer, its still Summer none the less. Even with the sun, Brisbane still does bring out some of the regular sights of Christmas, so I thought I'd bring them out here to share with you in the spirit of Peace, Love and Joy of the Season. My son and I had a walk around the city on Christmas Day, and here are some of the things we found.

Santa in Brisbane Tourist Shops
Commercialism is still alive and well on the city streets. There were a lot of people in and around the city, and the main restaurants on the Mall were doing a brisk trade. There were also a number of souvenir shops open, and this particular Santa took my eye. Although he's didn't seem as "tanned" in the flesh before we took the photo, the camera doesn't lie. Obviously he'd been out in the Queensland sun as well! Probably taking in the new swimming pool over at South Bank Parklands after his evening of present deliveries. Hey, what better place in the world to have your after work break up?

Uno's Garden Myer Brisbane WindowsAt the Myer Centre, the tradition Christmas Windows this year featured "Uno's Garden". Based on the excellent illustrative story by Graeme Base, it depicts a forest, filled with wild and wonderful animals, Uno's unique family and friends. With animals such as the Snortlepig, you know it is going to appeal to kids! Graeme has created some wonderful characters, and it is great to see them brought to life, or at least 3D, in this format. Each year, the Myer window decorators depict scenes like these, along with a traditional Christmas themed window for everyone to enjoy.

Angels in the Queen Street Mall
Christmas on the I Love Brisbane Blog wouldn't be complete without a few sculpture images. Within the Mall there are a number of Angel sculptures which have been used to stunning effect overlooking the shoppers and reminding them that it isn't all just about bargains. Surrounded by snowflakes, these works are spectacular, and at night are lit up with small lights to add to the dynamic effect. These sculptures were created by Iceworks Design of Paddington, who spent several months designing and creating sculptures to adorn the Mall.

Santa Scultpure Queen Street MallAlong with the Angels and snowflakes, at the top of the Mall beneath the Christmas tree is a large sculpture of Santa and his reindeer. Riding his sleigh, with it packed full of gifts, he's ready to go. The intricacy of the design is quite astounding, and you can see the immense effort which has gone into these works to highlight the skill of the sculptors. The sculptures are all handmade from stainless steel and acrylic and are illuminated by thousands of LED lights. And on that note, as this will probably be my last post for 2007, I would like to wish everyone a post Merry Christmas, and more importantly a fantastic and Happy New Year. All the best to the readers of this Blog, and I look forward to more posts into 2008.

Christmas Tree Queen Street Mall Brisbane

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for the Google Map Reference for this post. (The Queen Street Mall)

Sunday, November 25, 2007

The Cliffs Boardwalk

The Cliffs BoardwalkIf you cross the Goodwill Bridge from the city side, and venture around to your left, just under the Captain Cook Bridge (the Riverside Expressway) you'll find the start of The Cliffs Boardwalk. The walk runs adjacent to Lower River Terrace on the South Bank side of the Brisbane River. It stretchs along this reach of the river through Kangaroo Point Park to the Riverlife Adventure centre.

The Cliffs Boardwalk View
The Kangaroo Point cliffs are a results of a violent volcanic event which is estimated to have occurred some 220 million years ago. When the volcanic material settled, it was so hot it welded together. The fine grained rock which was formed is known as Brisbane Tuff. In the early years of settlement in Brisbane, convicts would quarry these cliffs to obtain the building stone which would be used in many of the city's original buildings.

The Cliffs Boardwalk City View
This is another of the great walks within easy reach of the Central City area of Brisbane. The views and atmosphere are fantastic, and you'll often find people scaling the cliff walls in search of their own adventure. The park areas include barbeques, play areas, grassed lawns and even a nature reserve. Both bike and walking tracks are available. As an afternoon of outside exercise there aren't many other things which come close as part of a family activity.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for the Google Map Reference for this post.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

The Gabba

The Gabba Panorama
Whilst not strictly part of the Brisbane CBD, the Gabba is one of the two major sporting complexes at least within walking distance, or a short taxi or bus ride from the city. Otherwise known as the Brisbane Cricket Ground the name "Gabba" comes from the suburb of Woolloongabba in which the ground is situated. Major sporting activities held at the ground include Cricket and Australian Rules Football, along with Soccer and Rugby Union. The Gabba is the home ground for the Queensland Bulls cricket team.the and the Brisbane Lions AFL team.

The Gabba QCCThe history of the Gabba dates back to 1895, when the land was designated as the site for a cricket ground. The first event conducted there was a cricket match between Parliament and the Press on 19 December 1896. Whilst now the ground is considered one of the premier venues for cricket in Australia, there was no state or international cricket played their until 1931. Aside from Cricket, it has also been a venue for cycling and later greyhound racing and trotting, amongst those other primary sports listed earlier. Over the years the ground has been redeveloped in stages, gradually becoming the modern concrete colosseum beheld today. The seating capacity of the ground is now 42,000.

The Gabba Cricket
I had the good fortune over the weekend to attend the Sri Lanka versus Australia 1st Test. Unfortunately, it was an overcast day and the game was broken by intermittent rain showers. The crowd was also down because of both the rain, and the slow play of the Sri Lankans. The ground is also now fully enclosed, so gone are the old days of "the hill" and drinking until you fell down it. The Australian's won yet again, and now are on a run of 17 matches won at the Gabba in a row, having not been defeated here since 1989!

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for the Google Map Reference for this post.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Big Sister

Big Sister SculptureJust outside the Pig 'N' Whistle pub and Michael's Restaurant at 123 Eagle Street is a unique and fascinating sculpture. Entitled Big Sister, the work by J. Seward Johnson Jr depicts two very lifelike characters. The younger girls awaits as the big sister ties her shoe, in a childlike scene reminiscent of many a familiar family scene. The kneeling teenager wears a blue skirt and a white blouse. Both figures have hair pulled into ponytails and held in place with blue barrettes.

Big Sister SculptureClearly the piece is identified as the work of J. Seward Johnson Jr, a renowned American sculpture, and part of the Johnson & Johnson dynasty. After initially having a career as a painter he turned his talents to sculpture in 1968. Since then he has created over 250 lifelike and life-size cast bronze statues of people of all ages engaged in day-to-day activities. This technique, Trompe-l'œil, involves the artist providing extremely realistic imagery in order to create the optical illusion that the depicted objects really exist.

Big Sister Sculpture
What most fascinates me about this work is whether this is an original, or a copy. If it is the original as I believe, I have no clear path as to how it made it to Brisbane. It has been located, as far as I can identify at various times, in Las Vegas, NV, Hamilton, OH, Phoenix, AZ, and Geneva, IL - all in the U.S. The original work can be seen in its original placement and in more vivid colour on his Web Site under the Collections section, in the Children and Families - Children area. Regardless, it is still a fantastic piece, and no matter how it got here it is another fine example of worldly public artwork in our great city.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for the Google Map Reference for this post.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Queensland Maritime Museum

Queensland Maritime MuseumThe Queensland Maritime Museum is located at the intersection of Sidon and Stanley Streets at the southern end of the South Bank Parklands. Staffed by volunteers, the museum offers an engaging look into the long maritime history of Queensland. The museum is open most days of the year from 9:30am to 4:30pm, and also is available outside these hours for private functions. Admission charges range from $3.50 for kids to $7 for adults, with family and group discounts also available. There is also a Museum Shop which stocks a collection of maritime books, gifts, and souvenirs. Great views of many of the outside exhibitions can also be seen from the Goodwill Bridge.

Queensland Maritime MuseumThe museum was founded in 1971, and is run by the self-funded voluntary Queensland Maritime Museum Association. The main entrance incorporates a two level exhibition building presenting historic sailing ship models together with merchant shipping from early cargo ships to modern container ships, tankers and cruise liners. Of particular personal interest is the large wall map showing the location of approximately 200 of the 1500 vessels that came to grief in the graveyard of ships along the Queensland coast, in part due to the various coral reefs.

Queensland Maritime Museum Forceful
Outside you get to see some of that history come alive. The HMAS Diamatina currently sits in part of the South Brisbane Dry Dock, itself a landmark due to and the century of service it provided to ships and submarines of all types. There are also exhibitions to lighthouses, and other vessels such as the Penguin, and my personal favourite, the Forceful. Built in 1925, for most of her career she acted as a tug on the Brisbane River with brief trips to the Middle East, Fremantle and Darwin during the war years. Her life as a museum ship started at the same time as the opening of the museum back in 1971, although ever now and again she has runs out and about on the river.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for the Google Map Reference for this post.

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Parliament House

Parliament House
Queensland Parliament House is located at 69 Alice Street, at the intersection with George Street and adjacent to the Botanic Gardens and Queensland University of Technology. A building of rich historical significance, Parliament House was constructed between 1865 and 1867 as the seat of Queensland government after separation from New South Wales in 1859. Aside from government obligations, there are free public guided tours at various times, and a gift shop, selling souvenirs and memorabilia, is located in the main foyer. There are also regular public art displays held in the parliamentary annexe.

Parliament HouseThe building was designed in what was then known as French Renaissance style (although now referred to as classical revival) by Queensland's first Colonial Architect Charles Tiffin. Various forms of Queensland sandstone were used in the building process, along with Mount Isa copper being used for the roofing. Additions were made several times during the late 1800's, although from that period on the building has remained largely unchanged except for maintenance work. A 22-storey Parliamentary Annexe was built during the early 1980's with a new Legislative Chamber on the 5th floor.

Parliament HouseThis week there has been a raft of activity at Parliament House due to the change of Queensland Premier from Peter Beattie to Anna Bligh. Anna Bligh becomes the first female Premier of Queensland and suceeded Mr Beatie with his retirement after nine undefeated years. I imagine that for her, walking through the doors of parliament as a new leader would have held as much special significance has it has for the 36 other leaders who proceeded her. How fantastic that they have such a culturally and architecturally splendid building to operate from.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for the Google Map Reference for this post.

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Balloons over Brisbane

Balloons over Brisbane
One of the great tourist attractions which are available in Brisbane means you need to step away from the city to partake in it. However, it still meets the criteria of being involved with Brisbane City, its just that you generally go right over the top of it! The activity is Hot Air Ballooning. Flights will generally take you over the Brisbane River and allow amazing views of the Brisbane City centre and buildings. On clear days the in-flight views to extend north beyond the Glass House Mountains and south to the Border Ranges, with Moreton Bay and the islands visible to the east. Most hotels in the city will have a booking service for the various ballooning operators.

Balloons over Brisbane, Floating Images and Fly me to the Moon all offer flights at dawn. Sure, you have to get up early, but for the flight, the spectacular views, and the chance to see the sunrise over Moreton Island its worth that little less shut-eye. Flights run year round, weather permitting, with an early start during the summer months. Flight time is around one hour, although the whole event tends to take three to four hours. Prices range from around $200-$300 depending on inclusions and time of week. Group and children's discounts are often available.

What a great way to experience the city, although I've never done it! The reason why I haven't is because I'm scared of heights. Everyone assures me that this isn't an issue in the basket, and that it is quiet and exhilarating once you're aloft. All of the sites promoting each operator provide fantastic shots and even video of the views. I prefer to watch them from the river or outside the city to see their colourful displays enhanced by the backdrop of the city.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for the Google Map Reference for this post.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Adelaide Street Bronze Pavement Inlays

Our Neighbours Cat
In 1996 there appears to have been a lot of public artwork by artist Brona Keenan installed around Brisbane City. Not only did she do all the artwork on the bronze inlays which form the Albert Street Literary Trail, she also created a number of pieces located in Adelaide Street, between George and Albert Streets. These are all ostensibly themed around the Brisbane Bus network. The titles include: An Angel at my Bus Stop; Our Neighbour's Cat; Still Life with Reclining Bus Ticket; and When I was Six. Although I have been unable to find much about Brona, I do know that aside from public artwork she has also illustrated children's books.

An Angel at my Bus StopAll of these pieces are bronze and brass inlays, with a variety of recollections of bus travel as a child. The wording on Our Neighbours Cat is "Our neighbour's cat often tried to catch the bus with her to work but he never had the right fare." Anyone who has travelled by bus can also sympathise with the phrase "When I was Six I accidently discovered that eating my bus ticket was a great way to start a conversation with the bus inspector." I tried that once when I was in my teens, but it didn't quite cut it so I was thrown off the bus!

When I was SixThese are more of the artistic gems dotted around Brisbane City. After being in place for over 10 years, they are still remarkably resilient. The inlays are doubled up, that is, you will find examples of the same piece on both sides of the street. That just means that you have double the opportunity to enjoy them! If you're a public transport user hopefully you get the chance to see them, remembering them when you are stuck in traffic.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for the Google Map Reference for this post.

Friday, August 24, 2007

Royal Cuban Palms

Royal Cuban Palms
The City Botanic Gardens are home to a vast array of flora and fauna. One such feature, near the Alice and Edward Street Entrance to gardens is a circle of royal Cuban palms (Roystonea regia). These were planted in the early twentieth century by the then curator, Ernest Walter Bick. The palms are indigenous to Cuba, and can grow to a height of 40 metres and live for 200 years.

Royal Cuban PalmsHistorically, the area where the palms stand was once a cricket ground when it was part of the former Queen's Park. Queen's Park was incorporated into the botanic gardens in the 1860s, although it remained as a sports field until it was officially gazetted in 1916. At that point, the gardens was extended to close to 50 acres, a substantial area of city land. In 1919 the lower end of Queen's Park was filled with soil from the newly graded riverbank to reduce flood risk. The circle of royal palms were planted here at that time.

It is fantastic to stand in the midst of these towering palms as they encircle you. These shots were taken just before this weeks deluge of rain in the city, and I can assure you that the whole of the gardens loved the great soaking they received. I love walking through this area of the gardens. It is almost like an organic Stonehenge, as you'll often see people engaged in somewhat strange activities in the middle of the circle. I mean sporting activities, of course! Oh, and passionate embraces!

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for the Google Map Reference for this post.

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Goodwill Bridge

Goodwill Bridge
The Goodwill Bridge is a footbridge which links the South Bank Parklands on the southside of the Brisbane River, to the Gardens Point Campus of the Queensland University of Technology on the northside. Opened on the 21st October, 2001, the Goodwill Bridge was named after the Goodwill Games which had been held in Brisbane that same year. The bridge only carries pedestrians and cyclists although it is used for fireworks during the annual Riverfire festival. It is estimated that more than 3 million people cross the bridge each year.

Goodwill BridgeConstruction was coordinated by Arup services to a design by Cox Rayner and construction by John Holland. The total cost was over $20 million. The total length is approximately 460 metres long, and just over 6 metres wide. There are two main components: the arch, which is closer to the southern side of the bridge; and the pavillion, which is on the city side and holds a river viewing deck. The bridge is the same height from the water as the nearby Captain Cook and Victoria Bridges, to cater for CityCats passing underneath.

Goodwill BridgeThe Goodwill Bridge did attract a certain amount of controversy during construction and when it first opened. It was subject to quite significant budgetary costs, as well as having many critics of its unorthodox design. It definitely isn't your straight and narrow bridge! It does, however, remain an excellent way to get from the City to Southbank from the Botanic Gardens. I think its brilliant, and have incorporated it into my occasional jogs around the city.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for the Google Map Reference for this post.

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Strike Bowling Bar

Strike Bowling Bar
The Strike Bowling Bar is located on level 3 of the Wintergarden shopping mall, off the Queen Street Mall. Offering a twist on the traditional ten-pin bowling environment, Strike provides 12 bowling lanes which can be divided into three self-contained private bowling lounges for functions and parties. The venue also offers a bar and beverage service, although it does cater for both families and the more adult oriented crowd. Strike Bowling Bar prices start at around $13 a game depending on the day, and they are open every day. Paid parking is available at Kings Parking below the Wintergarden.

Strike Bowling Lanes
Each bowling lane has lane-end video projections, special effects lighting, soft comfortable seating, computerised scoring, with food and beverages able to be served to the lanes. Aside from bowling, Strike also has the latest in interactive entertainment. They have a video and pinball games area, and Pool Lane, which has four pool tables. They also offer theme nights including karaoke, sports viewing, a dance floor and a Skybox private function room.

Strike Bowling Balls
I believe these is the only public bowling lanes within the city. It is a great place to get away, particularly if you like to knock down the pins and can get yourself a strike or a spare. I've been fortunate enough to play, and barely win, on a few occasions. Not that I'm any great bowler, but the atmosphere makes it conducive to get others drunk so it becomes a bit easier! Its all in good fun, and a great way to spend a Friday night.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for the Google Map Reference for this post.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Brisbane Riverwalks

Brisbane Riverwalk
The Brisbane River effectively borders the city, and one of the most impressive ways to explore the city is to walk its banks via the many city riverwalks. If you venture down to the river from almost any location in the city, you will come across one of the paved walkways from which you can view the river. You can even go into one of the many and varied cafes or restaurants located along the river to enjoy not only the view, but some of Brisbane's best cuisine. You can even get a Brisbane Riverwalk's Map from the city council. The images shown here are primarily from just under the Story Bridge, through to the Botanic Gardens.

Brisbane RiverwalkFrom Boundary Street at the Tidal Indicator you can either venture back along the city past Eagle Street Pier, to Garden Point and the City Botanic Gardens. Alternatively you can go the other way along the relatively new floating walkway to New Farm. Further to that, venture up and over the Story Bridge, and you can walk on the Southern Bank past the Kangaroo Point Cliffs and around to the South Bank Parklands. Even from under the Riverside Expressway you'll find a path running beside the pylons.

Brisbane Riverwalk
This is one of the great ways to enjoy the city. The walkways are explored by tourists exploring the river sights and sites, and by city workers at lunchtime or on breaks. You also often see people out for some exercise including walking, jogging, running, cycling, rollerblading and skateboarding. The walkways are wide enough to cater for all activities. During major festivals and on the weekends with market stalls in certain areas, they are awash with people. It really is a great way to relax and watch the world go by.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for the Google Map Reference for this post.

Saturday, July 28, 2007

City Hall Leadlight

City Hall Leadlight by William Bustard
When people think of Brisbane City Hall, the immediate things which spring to mind are its facade featuring the tympanum of the pediment, the Museum of Brisbane, or the spectacular main auditorium. However, if you wander around the hallowed halls, you can come across other, more subtle pieces of Brisbane's history. These include the magnificent leadlight feature windows which can be found in the small entrance halls off Adelaide and Ann Streets on the first floor level. These were designed by artist William Bustard.

William Bustard (1894-1973) is renowned in Australia not only as a painter, but also due to his stained-glass and book illustration work. Born in England in 1894, he migrated to Queensland in 1921. At that time he was already well versed in stained glass work and over the intervening years through to the second world war he did work in many of Brisbane's churches, along with this piece in City Hall. His artworks can also be found at the Queensland Art Gallery.

The history of City Hall has been well documented, having been opened in 1930, but with the idea and foundation stone being laid in 1913. I think that William Bustard would not have worked on this until the late 1920's. What I particularly love about this piece is I believe it would have been reflective of the view one would have had from Adelaide Street back down to the Brisbane River at that time. The crest with the phrases City of Brisbane and Conjunctis Viribus (With united powers) emblaze the sky, and the wealth from the land and growing industry are also depicted.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for the Google Map Reference for this post.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Big Feathers

Big Feathers
Big Feathers is a sculpture in the Queen Street Mall which was commissioned by the Brisbane City Council in 1999. Located in the heart of the mall, near Jimmy's, it was created by Sydney-based artist Bronwyn Oliver. Made from aluminium, the sculpture consists of two large and intricately constructed aluminum feathers which are suspended on overhead wires.

Big FeathersThe associated plaque details how the image of the feathers floating downwards connects the earth and sky. Like birds, people flock together to socialise, preen and display. Given that the Queen Street Mall is the premiere gathering place in the city, the associations of how both people and birds use their "plumage" is represented in this piece. As the plaque says "'Plumage' attracts attention, displays status and virility, beauty and availability, and indicates belonging to one group or another." Also, the feather brings an image of the natural world into the city centre.

Big Feathers
Bronwyn Oliver was born in 1959 and passed away in 2006. She has contributed in a very unique and significant way to visual culture in Australia, with a large body of public works over her 20 years of producing sculpture. I feel blessed that we in Brisbane were recipients of one of her works in the public domain, and that it has made it to such a prominent place in the mall. Again, I wonder how many people pass underneath each day, not knowing that a feather like touch is just above them!

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for the Google Map Reference for this post.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

State Library of Queensland

State Library of Queensland
The State Library of Queensland is located in the Cultural Centre at Stanley Place, Southbank. Next to the Gallery of Modern Art, it reopened at its revamped location on the 25 November, 2006. The library is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with extended hours through to 8pm on Monday through Thursday. There are also commercial outlets including the Library Shop and Tognini's Cafe.

State Library of Queensland EntranceWith its mission of "Creatively linking Queenslanders to information, knowledge and each other", the State Library offers a raft of services to the Queensland public. These include access to traditional hard materials like books, newspapers, journals, family history, maps and audio-visual, as well as a number of electronic services, such as bibliographic and full content databases. They also provide access to key historical collections of Queensland, including the John Oxley Library. The State Library has a distinct focus on Queensland’s documentary heritage, and advocates for as well as partners with public libraries all across Queensland.

State Library of Queensland Entrance
Despite the new look to the library, many of the traditional services offered have been provided to the community for well over 100 years. Since moving from the Former State Library in William Street in 1988, the Library has continued to grow and expand into a far more varied offering today. They provide services that would have been frowned upon years ago, particularly with the active kids programs (and noise that goes along with them!) Their electronic services are excellent, with wireless access throughout. Being a former librarian myself, I'm incredibly proud that such a great facility is available here.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for the Google Map Reference for this post.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Building Blocks of Life

Building Blocks of Life"Building Blocks of Life" is a sculpture located in the City Botanic Gardens. Created by sculptor Antone Bruinsma, it was gifted to the gardens in 1988. The imposing work features a traditional family, with the father protector stoically holding the mother and two young children under his protective and watchful eye. The mother is with the younger of the children, whilst the older child resides with inquisitive face and the large hand of the father. Standing over 2.4m high, it is sculpted in sandstone.

Building Blocks of LifeAntone Bruinsma is a Dutch born, Australian-based sculptor. Active as an artist for over twenty five years, he graduated from the Queensland College of Art in 1979. This work is reflective of his association with the Warana Festival (which became the Brisbane Festival) in the 1980's. To quote directly from his resume, I think this sums up his approach fantastically: "His sculptures are homages to Mother Earth and the gifts she bestows on us. He uses archetypal and mythological imagery, related to the environment and the community in which the sculptures will be placed."

Building Blocks of LifeAntone is quite an inspirational sculptor and has an obvious affinity with Queensland. His works can be found in many locations around Brisbane and the Great South East. He is an active community member, and I must agree by reviewing his works that he has enriched all of the areas which have had his works and sculptures on display. I love the way he has captured the essence of family within the sculpture, which I agree are truly the building blocks of life. I would highly recommend exploring his sculpture park in the Gold Coast hinterland at Cedar Creek, south of Brisbane.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for the Google Map Reference for this post.

Friday, July 6, 2007

Irish Murphy's

Irish Murphy's
Irish Murphy's Brisbane pub is located at the corner of George and Elizabeth Street. Part of the Irish Murphy's chain, their motto is to offer the best craic in town. They provide live music seven days a week, and have function rooms available. Their gallery restaurant offers more traditional Irish food, and their cafe bar menu offers standard pub fare. They also offer backpacker accommodation from around $30 per night, however, with an opening license through to 3am you need to be a bit of a party animal to stay there!

Irish Murphy'sThis building was formerly the Treasury Hotel. It was built in 1887-1888 and with the Transcontinental is the only building from this era on George Street still operating as a hotel. However, even back then the hotel was a replacement for an earlier hotel, the Dunmore Arms, from 1865. The site therefore has quite a long history. It was named to serve the new government treasury building across the street. The title TREASURY HOTEL still can be seen in the balustrade at the top of the building.

Today, despite being a pub of some repute, you can still see the classical design in the architecture. The upper two stories contain much of the original detail, but the first floor verandah has obviously been altered to serve the drinking consultants who frequent the bar on most evenings. It can be a bit cold to hand out there during winter, but with a few Guinness in your kick I'm sure it warms the cockles of your heart enough to endure!

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for 2the Google Map Reference for this post.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Little Stanley Street Restaurants

Little Stanley Street RestaurantsWe've had some real Winter weather here in Brisbane over the past few weeks, which is a bit of a novelty. What better way to enjoy it, than by spending some time out eating in some of the great restaurants the city has to offer. One precinct which has certainly expanded over the past 10 years is Little Stanley Street, adjacent to the South Bank Parklands. In this particular strip you will not only find boutique fashion shops, but a variety of restaurants as well. Most offer both indoor and al fresco dining, as well as take-away service.

Little Stanley Street RestaurantsThe variety is excellent. Ahmets is a licensed Turkish restaurant. The Gandhi Curry House offers Indian. Ginga is Japanese. Toscanis is Mediterranean / Italian. In addition there are Chinese, Vietnamese, Australian and others offering meals ranging from simple fare through to gourmet. You can even have the Aussie staples of steak and seafood!

I've had the pleasure at eating at a number of these restaurants, and although I'm no culinary master, I'd recommend most of them. The food is usually great. I've also found that the service in Brisbane is generally quite good, and especially in Summer when there is a lot to smile about. That said, given a rainy day in Brisbane when things are a bit slower, the staff seem even more likely to smile to give you a bit more warmth. Its all part of the reason why I love living here.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for 2the Google Map Reference for this post.