Showing posts with label Brisbane Tourism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brisbane Tourism. Show all posts

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Queensland photography competition

Well, it has been a long time between drinks, as they say. I haven't done many posts on this Blog due to a lot of personal changes. Recently, however, I received an e-mail about a Tourism Queensland promotion for their Where Else But Queensland web site. Basically, it is for an amateur photography competition, which offers the chance to win a $10,000 Queensland holiday. And of course, where better in the world could their be for a Holiday, and you'd have to make sure you came to Brisbane!

The competition is open to any Australians with a digital camera, a taste for photography and a personal photo from their Queensland travels. It runs through until September 2008. They are lookng to invite Australians, whether they are now based in Oz or abroad, to enter the competition and go in the draw to win $10,000 worth of Queensland holiday vouchers. Given my focus on Brisbane, they thought "I Love Brisbane" would be perfect for reaching others that are passionate about Queensland.

I must admit I was pretty stoked to get the e-mail, as even though I haven't been posting, this blog site still gets lots of visitors who drop in and see some of the great things Brisbane has to offer. I've taken so many photo's around Brisbane, that its been hard to pick a favourite, and you can all look back through previous posts to get a sense of the kinds of things I'm in to, be they local attractions and events, sculpture, heritage architecture, pubs or shopping. The Story Bridge photo I have in the banner is one I love, but I might submit this one from a post I did on Streets Beach. To me it represents so much about Brisbane that I love: A Beautiful Day; The Beach in the City; People Having Fun! Let me know what you think!

Streets Beach South Bank Parklands

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Shrine of Remembrance

Shrine of Remembrance, Brisbane
The Shrine of Remembrance is located in ANZAC Square and serves as a State memorial to those who lost their lives participating in overseas armed service campaigns, in particular the First World War. The Shrine houses an Eternal Flame in remembrance of those who lost their lives representing the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs). It holds an elevated position at the Ann Street entrance to ANZAC Square. It was dedicated at 11am on Armistice Day, Tuesday, 11 November 1930.

Shrine of Remembrance, Brisbane
The Shrine is a dominant feature of the Square. The architecture is Greek Classic Revival style, utilising the forms of a Greek sacred enclosure (temenos) comprising of a round temple (tholos). The various columns are made of Helidon sandstone, which stand on a three tiered base of Queensland granite. The eighteen columns utilise doric order, and represent the year of peace, 1918. They support a circular entablature which on its outside edge is ornamented with rosettes and within the shrine is inscribed with the names of battlefields where Australian soldiers fought. Within the middle of the shrine a bronze urn houses the Eternal Flame. Twin stone staircases wrap around the Shrine, descending to the level of the Square.

Shrine of Remembrance, Brisbane
Of all the elements within ANZAC Square, this has to be the most striking. The Shrine is a meeting place for the dawn service on ANZAC Day, and throughout that particular day draws huge crowds who pay their respect. At any time of the year, it is a moving and sombre experience to visit and recognise and remember the fallen.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Thursday, May 31, 2007

Mephisto

MephistoMephisto is the last surviving German A7V Sturmpanzerwagen tank from the World War I. Accessible from the Dinosaur Garden at the Queensland Museum at Southbank, the tank is enclosed in glass with a number of informational displays on its history. The Germans produced only this one type of tank during the first World War. Only 20 of them were built during 1918, and they saw action from March to October that year. This one, dubbed "Mephisto", is chassis number 506. As much as possible, the Museum has attempted to preserve its original condition, so the tank is no longer operational.

Mephisto
The tank was effectively disabled at Villers-Bretonneux during a the first tank versus tank fight on 24 April 1918. On the 25th April in a counter offensive, the ground where the tank had stalled was retaken Australian and British troops. The Germans did attempt to destroy it, however, it remained stranded in a shell hole over the following months until the 28th Batallion, consisting mostly of troops from Queensland, determined to recover it.

Mephisto
How amazing is this? In all the world, a German historic replica ends up in a museum in Brisbane! It got here effectively as a keepsake when it was loaded onto the SS Armagh for transport to Australia on 2 April 1919. Even then Prime Minister Billy Hughes got involved in deciding it could remain in Brisbane as part of the Queensland Museum where it has resided ever since.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Friday, May 25, 2007

Commissariat Store

Commissariat Store
The Commissariat Store at 115 William Street is the current home of the Royal Historical Society of Brisbane (RHSQ). The building is one of the most significant building, having been completed in 1829. Like the Old Windmill, it was originally built by convicts and is one of the only remaining remnants of the original penal settlement on which Brisbane was founded. Today, it effectively runs as a museum to Brisbane's history. It is open Tuesday to Sunday 10.00am - 4.00pm, with adults costing $4.00 to enter, and children $2.00.

Commissariat Store
The Commissariat store's primary role was to hold good for storage and distribution to the military, convicts and colonists. It was also used to control the supply of medicines and hospital equipment, customs and banking. When the penal settlement finally closed after more than a decade of brutal reign, the store became a land sales office, and then a military and police barracks. From the 1880's it became government offices, was extended in 1913, and in 1982 became the home of the RHSQ. It also holds the Welsby library for those who wish to research Queensland history.

Commissariat StoreWhen I visited, I was amazed at the wealth of historical displays and information on Brisbane held within the building. Not only is the building itself a wonderful historical icon, but the materials kept and displayed here all offer aspects of Brisbane's history which are both insightful and interesting. One specific thing which sent chills down my spine was the gallows beam from Boggo Road Gaol, on which several men were hung during its time as a prison. Then there are other uplifting displays to men such as Thomas Petrie who worked tirelessly for Aboriginal rights. The tour guides do an excellent job as well.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Thursday, May 24, 2007

Brisbane Transit Centre

Brisbane Transit Centre
One of the key places associated with travel to and from Brisbane is the Brisbane Transit Centre. Located on Roma Street adjacent to Roma Street Station, the transit centre acts as a hub for trains and buses travelling within Queensland and interstate. City buses also utilise the transit centre. The complex also includes a number of shops, cafes and restaurants, two office towers, multi-level car park and also a Holiday Inn hotel. The Transit Centre can be entered via ground level, or by a pedestrian overpass across Roma Street, which is accessed by a stairway or escalator.

Components of the centre have a long history. Roma Street Station was Brisbane's first railway station and opened in 1876. Over the years, the station was extended, with new platforms and facilities added. The most recent, and most significant change to the Railway Station occurred in the 1980s when the transit centre, incorporating the Hotel and associated business towers, was constructed.

If you are a tourist or backpacker, travelling around the city and into the far reaches of Queensland on the train and bus will no doubt take you through the transit centre. There are a number of tour operators on the site, and many tours run from here. Baggage and storage lockers are available. Use this as a starting point, and not only the delights of Brisbane and it surrounds will be available to you, but so will the whole of our magnificent country.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Dinosaur Garden

Triceratops
The Dinosaur Garden is part of the Queensland Museum at Southbank. It is accessible from the Museum itself, or the footpath on Grey Street. The main features of the garden are the life-sized reconstructions of a Tyrannosaurus Rex and a Triceratops. The museum is generally open from 9:30am to 5:00pm daily. Admission is free except for special temporary exhibitions.

Tyrannosaurus RexThe exhibit features two of the most well known dinosaurs. Both are indicated as having lived in North America 65 million years ago. Tyrannosaurus is noted as being a giant bipedal carnivore, although less common than Triceratops. Triceratops is noted as a quadrupedal herbivore, and information is provided on its bony frill used for protection. It is postulated that this was used in its conflicts with other Triceratops or Tyrannosaurus. Although not native to Queensland they provide a great example of what dinosaurs could have been like. More information about Dinosaurs, with particular reference to Queensland species, can be found at the Queensland Museum Dinosaur web site.

T-Rex TeethHow would you like to come across either of these beasties? I've seen Jurassic Park, and I'm sure glad that these types of dinosaurs don't still rule and roam the Earth. The chompers on the T-Rex would make short shrift of me. Of course, you can use these stories with your kids, and I'm fortunate because at the moment my three will believe anything! If you snap and growl and roar like a T-Rex you can chase them all around the garden. This is a great location to take the kids for a quick run through, and a welcome place to rest your feet after traversing the museum, and chasing the kids.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Tuesday, May 8, 2007

The Myer Centre

The Myer Centre
The Myer Centre is one of the premier shopping and entertainment centres in Brisbane. Located at 91 Queen Street and spanning from the Queen Street Mall through to Elizabeth Street it is a six floor shopping complex. The Centre is home to close to 170 stores, including the largest Myer department store in Queensland, as well as Target and Coles. It opened in March 1988. A full centre directory can be found on their web site. The centre is open most days with store trading mainly from 9:00am - 5:30pm and extended hours on Fridays.

The Myer CentreAside from shops, the Myer Centre also is home to an eight screen cinema complex on the top level. Underneath the centre is four levels of car parking, and the Queen Street Bus Station is located on the lower ground level. A major food court is also contained on the lower levels, and coffee shops and eateries are interspersed amongst the specialty shops on most levels. If you can't find something to suit your tastes in either food, goods or fashion, then you're not trying hard enough.

The Myer CentreThere are two other things I like about the Myer Centre, and they relate to history. Architecturally, the facades of the buildings facing the Queen Street Mall, all date back to the turn of the century. The former Myer store used to be directly opposite the current location, and those facades have similar architecture. The second piece of history is personal. I remember coming to Brisbane in the 90's, and one of the highlights for me was going to what was then known as "Tops", a kids entertainment area on the highest level, and riding the dragon rollercoaster. Sadly, this was all removed when it became unprofitable, although interestingly enough in this case, the dragon has been up for sale!

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Monday, May 7, 2007

Streets Beach

Streets Beach South Bank Parklands
Streets Beach is the current name for the South Bank Parklands Beach. Completed in June 1992, this man made swimming beach is one of the major features of the parklands. The beach areas main feature is a lagoon containing chlorinated fresh water, with enough water to fill five Olympic swimming pools. Surrounding this are sand beaches, palm trees, rocky creeks and subtropical trees and exotic plantings. Streets Beach is the venue of some of the biggest events held in the parklands, with the annual New Year’s Eve Party at South Bank being a primary example. The beach area was designed by Desmond Brookes International.

Streets Beach South Bank Parklands
The beach is incredibly popular during the summer months. Lifeguards are on duty all year, with extended hours during summer. At the moment for April through August, the beach is patrolled from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Access to the Parklands is free, as is using the beach, although you may have to pay for a locker to store beach going items. At the moment, it isn't too busy, but the unseasonally warm weather we have been having certainly had a lot of people swimming today.

Streets Beach South Bank Parklands
How lucky are we to have a swimming beach of this quality in the middle of the city? I believe it is quite rare to have this type of facility freely available to the public. I love that you can come down here and have a dip in such a great location and with such fantastic surrounds. Even the new Aquativity water area is next door. Streets Ice Cream currently have the naming rights for the beach, which is also great because you are guaranteed to be able to get ice-creams all year round. MMMmmm Magnums. The map reference below shows just how significant the beach is within the parkland.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Thursday, May 3, 2007

MacArthur Museum

MacArthur MuseumThe MacArthur Museum is located on the 8th Floor of MacArthur Chambers, which can be found just down from the corner of Queens Street and Edward Street. The museum is dedicated to honouring the story of General Douglas MacArthur and the Headquarters Allied Forces South West Pacific Area during 1942–1944. This was a pivotal point in the Second World War. The building was used because of its central location and reinforced concrete roof. The museum is open Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 10:00am to 3:00pm, and can be visited with a small admission charge.

MacArthur Museum
There has been much written about Macarthur and his command during World War II. It was on July 20, 1942 that the Southwest Pacific Area headquarters was moved to Brisbane. MacArthur had been appointed Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in the are, and to remove all ambiguity the then Australian Prime Minister John Curtin put MacArthur in command of the Australian military as well. The museum focuses on Macarthur's time in Brisbane, highlighting not only the man, but how the War affected the city, the people at the time, and the interactions with the large influx of American military.

MacArthur Museum
For some time I was unable to easily locate the museum, largely due to the reduced opening hours. This doesn't negate the fact that the museum provides a great reference point for a significant time in Brisbane's history. It is incredible that 60 years on a location in what is effectively a commercial building has still been maintained in such a dedicated fashion. It reminds us of our history through not only the stories of the times, but also in the heritage of the building itself. It also gives us an historical awareness of how successful the allied coalition in the area was.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Tuesday, May 1, 2007

Eagle Street Pier

Eagle Street Pier
Eagle Street Pier is a retail and restaurant precinct located on Eagle Street and lining the Brisbane River. Most restaurants allow diners to have fantastic views of the river from Garden's Point through to the Story Bridge. Some of the premier dining establishments are located here, including Cha Cha Char, Pier Nine, Il Centro, and Vino's.

Eagle Street Pier
Not only are there the fine dining restaurants, there are a number of other retailers who offer either cafe style dining, like the Coffee Club, or fast food outlets like McDonalds. Basically, you have almost anything you could ask for covered. Parking is available on-site, and the precinct is easily accessible by both ferry and bus services. On top of the dining, Eagle Street Pier also hosts weekend craft markets, and has areas for entertainment such as musicians.

Eagle Street Pier
Eagle Street Pier is a must for tourists to Brisbane. At least one meal should be had within the precinct, as there are such great restaurants there. There is no denying that the views are spectacular, and you will spend as much time enjoying the scenery as you will your meals. Once your done you can hop on a City Cat or Ferry or jump on the Kookaburra Queens for a trip up or down the river.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Monday, April 30, 2007

Albert Street Literary Trail

Albert Street Literary Trail - Jill Shearer
In September 1996 Brisbane City Council commissioned a series of 32 plaques as part of the completion of the Albert Street urban refurbishment. On these plaques the Albert Street Literary Trail was born. Quotes about Brisbane from 32 Queensland writers were chosen for the plaques. Running all the way down Albert Street, from King George Square to the City Botanic Gardens, the authors represented include Steele Rudd, Oodgeroo Noonuccal (Kath Walker), Thea Astley, and David Malouf amongst others. A Map and list of all authors is available on the Archived Web Site, and there is also a guide available from the Museum of Brisbane.

Albert Street Literary Trail - Andrew McGahanAt the time, the quotes were chosen with the the contribution of the then Griffith University's Queensland Studies Centre . They assisted in selecting a cross section of authors and quotes for the trail. All are Queensland writers and most are from Brisbane. The plaques themselves were illustrated by artist Brona Keenan in collaboration with graphic designers Dot Dash and the Brisbane City Council's Urban Design Unit. They are cast in bronze.

Albert Street Literary Trail - Gerard LeeIf you search the Brisbane City Council's Public Artworks Database for "Albert Street Literary Trail" you can see digital photos of each of the actual plaques, as there are far too many to cover off in just this one post. Better yet, rather than look at pictures on the web, why not wander down to Albert Street and check out the plaques for yourself. Although not all are in the best condition, on most you can still enjoy the quotes. There's a range of coffee shops and restaurants where after you've chosen your favourite quote, you can sit down and read the book it comes from!

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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