Tuesday 17th April

Brisbane.
What a journey!?! It took 22 hours of bus travel to get here so I headed straight to bed when I arrived. Luckily the hostel was around the corner from the bus terminal.
So I've spent today wandering the streets of Brisbane. I have to say, I'm very relieved I only booked one night here, there isn't that much to see and do. Brisbane is a very busy, growing city like any other city I've visited. There are many areas being developed and, unfortunately, lacks character. I've walked around the CBD, where I'm told all the 'sights' are, first I visited the City Hall. This had an art display in and a clock tower which you could catch the lift up behind the face. I did this, probably not the best time though, just as it stroke 10:45am!!! It was rather loud Westminster type chime! There was a great view of the city from the top, however I wasn't impressed, no outstanding features I'm afraid and all incredibly flat.
Next I wandered down to the Anzac square. This was small but quaint and nice to sit in the shade for a while. Saw St Stephen's Catholic Cathedral. Then went to admire the parliament buildings. I was able to see the Old Parliament house (a Victorian style building), but not the recent building as Parliament was in session.
Brisbane was developed on the banks of the Brisbane River. So I caught a quick, I mean quick, ferry accross to the south bank. I was amazed to see a man-made beach on the south bank. It was incredible, it even had life guards.
In the heat of the day I decided to go to the mueseum, hoping to find out a little about Brisbane itself, there was a display on Queensland, but nothing about Brisbane. I did sit and watch a documentary about the Australian Ballet Company and also saw some of the costumes that they have used. This was interesting after seeing them in Sydney briefly.
I have to say, I think I've seen most of Brisbane, so I'm catching the bus to Surfers Paradise, where I plan to learn to surf!!!!