Our last city on the eastern coast visit was Brisbane, the second best kept secret in Australia! ( Perth is Australia’s best kept secret) We flew instead of taking the train as we were still recovering from poor health. Off the plane at the Domestic Terminal and onto the Airtrain which delivered us in the centre of the city. Up two escalators and into the hotel reception area.
Well positioned hotel and a really lovely unexpected upgrade. So comfortable, delicious food and so easy to use public transport to explore Brisbane.
Our first day and off to the Queensland Art Gallery, part of the Cultural Centre. It was an easy train ride. Really enjoyed the QAG collection and spent some time talking to a guide about some of the Japanese art. This was very interesting as I’d just had a long conversation with a Japanese lady who was doing an ikebana arrangement near the entrance to the Gallery.
Chinese Art Collection Sculpture
Across the courtyard to the Gallery of Modern Art to see the Margaret Olley Exhibition: A Generous Life. It was fabulous! After I’d been around once, I watched the film about her life and then went around again. Passionate about her art, Olley’s vibrant use of colour and frequently repeated still-life themes was wonderful to see.
This is Danelle Bergstrom’s “Conversation with Margaret Olley”. It was a finalist in the 2003 Archibald Prize.
Following my Mother’s suggestion, we took the train to the Roma Street Parklands. What a surprise! This 16 hectare garden is in the middle of urban development and next to a train line. In fact the garden is created on what was the old railways goods yard, built up from soil removed to create a more efficient and modern rail system. Lush, cool gardens with wild dashes of colour and water crossed by bridges, it also featured works by local artists. Lots of families playing and picnicking and other people enjoying the garden. We enjoyed it, too!
Friends drove us to the Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre to see several reconstructed rooms of Margaret Olley’s house. Gorgeous views, nice lunch, interesting art on display and, of course, the exactly replicated rooms from Margaret Olleys house, a former hat factory, which was also her studio. She liked a lot of colour and a lot of ornaments!
The next day our lovely friends took us north to see the Glasshouse Mountains and the Sunshine Coast. Particularly liked Marleny but every little town was interesting. I loved the Working Harbour at Mooloolah River. I could sit watching the movements on the river all day. So many interesting little towns.
Glasshouse Mountains. Bit hazy due to recent bush fires.
Water Dragon at The Spirit House, Yandina, where we had lunch.
Mooloolah River
Train back to the City from Landsborough, well, train, bus, train due to an incident on the line. By the time we got moving again after waiting for the buses it was too dark to see anything but we’d like to return to Brisbane and explore more of the state.
The City Hopper ferry was a great way enjoy to Southbank and the skyline. The little red dot just above the bridge is the new moon.
Our room overlooked ANZAC Square, a town square and war memorial commemorating the men and women who participated in the armed services. Very peaceful and very moving.
Also enjoyed hotel flowers and room picnics.
Launched in Milan in 2015, INTERNATIONAL COFFEE DAY is celebrated on the first of October. It marks the global celebration of coffee’s journey from the farm to your cup and is an opportunity to recognize the men and women who grow and harvest the beans.
This is an easy day to celebrate. Enjoy!