Queensland Maritime Museum

The 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.

The 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.


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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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.

The 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.

This 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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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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Adelaide Street Bronze Pavement Inlays

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.

All 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!

These 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.

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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.

Historically, 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.

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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.

Construction 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.

The 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.

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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.


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.


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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Brisbane Riverwalks

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.

From 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.


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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City Hall Leadlight

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.

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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.

The 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.


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.

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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.

With 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.


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.

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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.

Antone 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."

Antone 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.

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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!

This 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.

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Little Stanley Street Restaurants

We'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.

The 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.

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