Unleashing my inner Hemingway one passport stamp at a time; writing, exploring, photographing while celebrating the glory of middle age. Now where's my camera! :)
So here's what to do in Brisbane
If you're planning to visit Brisbane, whether for work or play, I've got some fantastic suggestions for how you can enjoy a day exploring the Brisbane River.
Brisbane is fortunate to have a network of 25 river ferry terminals that stretch from The University of Queensland, St Lucia to Northshore, Hamilton. The Brisbane City Council runs a fleet of 21 City Cats, including the new double-decker City Catt 22 and nine single hull ferries which include the popular and free 'City Hopper'. services.
“Sometimes it's the simple things in life are the most enjoyable. Riding up the front on a City Cat with the wind in your hair is a disproportionatly enjoyable experience. It's hands-down the best ride at the show!”
The William Jolly Bridge (formally the Grey Street Bridge) construction was completed in 1932.
Brisbane River ferries are a convenient and fun way to get around a city like Brisbane that's so established along the river. Sometimes I feel my ferry journey is more enjoyable than the destination, especially if it's work. Sometimes it's the simple things in life are the most enjoyable. Riding up the front on a City Cat with the wind in your hair is a disproportionately enjoyable experience. It's hands-down the best ride at the show!
City Cat navigation lights as she passes Kangaroo Point heading to Eagle Street pier.
The Brisbane Wheel reflecting light accross the Brisbane River, South Bank Parklands.
Great ferry terminal locations
Ok so where do you start? If you're visiting Brisbane, then you'll probably start in the Brisbane CBD, there's a ferry terminal at the western end of the Queen Street Mall. Here is a link to all 25 ferry terminals so you can locate your closest. Exploring the river is an amazing experience and what you do depends on how much time you have. You could catch a Cat around to New Farm Park and enjoy a easy going picnic lunch and afternoon watching life pass you by. While you're there, explore the Brisbane Powerhouse, there are amazing Powerhouse Farmers Markets are on every Saturday.
The best thing about a ferry ride is that it's a quick way to orientate yourself to Brisbane, you'll pass some landmark locations such as Howard Smith Wharves, Riverside, Botanic Gardens, The Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point cliffs, the Queensland Maritime Museum the Botanic Gardens, Goodwill Bridge, Southbank Parklands, the Wheel of Brisbane, State Gallery, State Library, Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Toowong, Milton, University of Queensland (St Lucia campus) and bohemian West End just to name a few.
So you're just in Brisbane for a day or two and you want someone else to do all the work, well then you're in luck. As with all happening cities, Brisbane has countless local watering holes and restaurant options. Little Stanley Street in South Bank Parklands, Howard Smith Wharves, Eagle Street Pier & Brisbane Powerhouse all have multiple options that are excellent.