Day 53 - Brisbane

Day 53 – Tuesday 4^th March 2014 – Brisbane

Awake at 07.00 and the ship is alongside at the commercial port, with container cranes to the front of us, while we are beside a large conveyor belt.

Breakfast is taken in the Britannia Restaurant, so ensuring a good feed before going ashore.

At 09.15 we were sitting on the shuttle bus to take us into to city centre, where we arrived at 10.00.  On the way we passed the famous sports stadium called ‘The Gabba’, well known for its cricket and rugby matches.  I would have been very pleased to go inside, but limited time ashore would not allow this to happen.

The best way to see the city is from the river and we bought a two hour ticket on the City Cat a regular service ran with fast catamaran ferries.  The services criss-crosses the river on its way up to the University of Brisbane which is the upstream turn round point.

Walking Bridge

After a ten minute stop, we commenced our journey back down the river, we were sat on the front end of the ferry in the open and taking advantage of being able to take photographs, while admiring the city sky line with the many bends in the river, giving you a different aspect of the city buildings.  The tallest building which is an architectural wonder, as seen from different angles, the building appears to change with the different patterns built into the structure.  The walking bridge is also fascinating, and unusual amongst the many other bridges.

Bretts Wharf

We passed the Dockside ferry stop, where we had got on the ferry and carried on down the river, passing the wonderful shore side residents, built on the riverbank.  All of the old wool warehouses have now been converted into residential apartments.  We got off the ferry at Bretts Wharf, apart from our two hours being up.  It was here where the ships’ I was on 40 years ago used to tie up, and the quay has now been taken over by blocks of flats.

Alex with oysters

  

Colin with clams

I was getting my bearings, as we walked ashore and came across the Hamilton Inn, once inside, although greatly altered, it was the pub we used to always go to, all those years ago. 

The reputation of this place was for very good sea food and steaks and this had not changed.  Lots of happy memories having lunch and beers, a wonderful experience in being able to return to a place, and see how it has changed, while still retaining the buzz you had for it, many years ago.

Masonic Hall

On the ferry at 14.00 which took us back to the city centre and time for a stroll around. We came across this imposing Masonic Building and went inside to the office, but we had just missed the tour of the building and unfortunately we would have wait until tomorrow for the next one.

Anzac Memorial

  Opposite the main entrance to the central station amongst all of the tall office blocks is the Anzac War memorial with its eternal flame, and below the attended gardens.   A peaceful area, amongst the hustle and bustle of city life.

We boarded the shuttle bus at 15.15 for the ride back to the ship and promptly went to the Golden Lion for a refreshing Speckled Hen.

For pre-dinner drinks we went to the Commodore Club on Deck 10, apart from the view looking forward, as the ship made her way down the river.  We also wanted to see the Café Carinthia bar staff, Verica and Alfie who had been moved up here, and rekindled our times in the other bar.

Dinner consisted of prawn salad and lamb shank which was wonderful. I even gave up having a pudding, as I was stuffed.

Earlier to bed than usual, as it had been another great day.  Thoroughly enjoyed Brisbane but once again not enough time, memories of this visit, and from the past, will keep me going and wanting to return.