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Anzac Square, Botanical Gardens, Brisbane, Brisbane arcade, Brisbane city hall, Brisbane River, City Hall, Government house, Greeters. Brisbane Greeters, King George Square, Photography, Queesland University of Technology, QUT, travel
This is another post from my archives. Exploring Brisbane on foot was such a wonderful experience I am sharing it again.
After over 20 years of living in Brisbane I thought it was time that I learned some more about my city. Although I have been in to the city many times I have never actually taken the time to explore it.
So, I booked a tour with Brisbane Greeters. It was by accident that I recently learnt of this wonderful program here in Brisbane. I contacted them and organized to do a walking tour of Brisbane precinct. I met with my guide Bruce, at King George Square outside Brisbane city hall. I was excited to do this tour however I was not prepared for how good it was.
Lucky me, I was the only “tourist” for this guided tour of our city. We started our tour in the square discussing Bruce’s plans for the tour. He made some suggestions and then with my input he customised the tour to fully suit me. Bruce gave me a brief overview of the history of Brisbane before we headed off.
We started our tour in the City Hall. City Hall is considered to be one of Brisbane’s finest buildings. The building has been used for royal receptions, pageants, orchestral concerts, civic greetings, flower shows, school graduations and political meetings.
City Hall does offer its own guided tours of this lovely building so my visit with Bruce was certainly enough to whet my appetite to return one day for a tour. In the meantime, from Bruce, I learned that the white marble staircase in the entrance is made using marble from Carrara in Italy, the bell tower was inspired by St Mark’s in Venice and the dome was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome.
From the city hall we walked over to the Brisbane Arcade which is a heritage listed shopping arcade and was built in 1923. Definitely one of if not the nicest shopping arcade in Brisbane consisting of beautifully designed shops offering high-end jewellery, clothing, antiques and much more.
Our tour continued up Queen St to North Quay to the heritage listed Treasury building, which now houses Brisbane’s Casino.
The tour included many of Brisbane’s original buildings – the commissary which is home to the Royal Historical Society of Brisbane, and Old Government house which is located on the grounds of Queensland University of Technology at Gardens Point.
The QUT campus is home to public arts venues, museums, top fitness facilities, and our state-of-the-art Science and Engineering Centre.
We stopped at the Pantry café on campus for our well-earned lunch and coffee. After our small rest we headed off through the botanical gardens which is on the river and which Qut is attached to.
We had many stops along the way to our destination of St Stephens Cathedral the heritage listed cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of the city of Brisbane.
I learned from Bruce that part of the stone used in the construction of this magnificent building was taken from Kangaroo point just across the river.
Bruce’s wealth of information was fantastic. He is very passionate about Brisbane and was so informative the entire time.
I have been on many walking tours around the world but this would definitely be the best guided walking tour I have ever done, and, it was free. Bruce informed me that there are many cities around the world offering this personalized free service.
I later googled Greeters Organisation and discovered there are in excess of 90 cities world-wide offering this fabulous service including several cities in Italy.
wonderful place….
How fun to have it all to yourself and your guide! Great photos!
I know Katelon, I felt very privileged. When we stopped for lunch it was like enjoying a meal with a nice friend. Thanks, Lyn
That was a lovely tour – and we are sooo lucky to live in Brisbane!
I would recommend this tour to anyone Kay, and especially visitors to our city. Thanks, Lyn
Love your downtown Brisbane! Your photos are stunning!
Thanks Linda. It is a great city which I realised on that tour. Lyn
What a terrific experience! Your photos are fantastic. :)
Thanks Lynette. It was a great day. Lyn
Tours like this are so great. A chance to get to know a place a bit from the inside, with someone who lives there. Lucy you, to have the guide all to yourself!
It was such a good day and so great to discover so much about this lovely city. Thanks, Lyn
This original post prompted me to extend our stay in Brisbane well beyond my husband’s attendance at a dental exhibition and we were not disappointed. It’s a wonderful city.
I am delighted that I played a part in your decision. Brisbane is a great city if you get the chance to explore it. Thanks Sheree. Lyn
No, thank you!
Only been there a few times many years ago, but they were too short and quick. The photo’s look like I missed a great ‘wander’ around the city. I have wanted to see the gardens while the markets were on, I think it would be a great visit Lyn 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋
Thanks Mark, Brisbane has really grown up and has everything you could possible want on offer. We have so much happening along our river. A trip down the river on the city catamaran is a wonderful way to experience Brisbane. Thanks, Lyn
How beautiful! Although I connect on the computer about monthly with a healer in Brisbane, I haven’t seen anything beyond her pretty face and the wall behind her. What a treat to see some of the history and beauty of the area.
I will write another story one day about Brisbane.
with lots of nice photos. It has really grown in to a beautiful city. Thanks, Lyn
My father had 1 week R&R during the war in this city and he always wanted to go back. I think he would have been happy to see how beautiful it remained.
Thanks GP. Brisbane is all grown up now and is a beautiful city with so so much to offer. Lyn
My former doctor is from Brisbane so I appreciate seeing these photos.
Thanks Gigi, my bestest friend lives in Hawaii and visits here often. She loves it. Lyn
Thanks much for the lead on the Greeters Network. Will definitely try them out on one of my travels. 😊
I hope that you do and that it is worth it. I cannot speak highly enough of these volunteers. Thanks Rama, Lyn
Most interesting. Were you able to see the Anglican cathedral as well?
I have visited St John’s Cathedral, it is very beautiful. Lyn
Loved Brisbane-as you already know 😎
Yes Cristina, especially the Story Bridge. I am so looking forward to getting out and appreciating my city again very soon. I am starting to socialize again with friends , thank goodness. Thanks. Lyn
I’ve been there quite a few times. The last time I was there in 2016 I spent several days traipsing around looking for street art. I went all over the place and probably walked about 1000 miles (well may not that many but it felt like it anyway). Here’s some of the street art I took shots of – still some more to post yet: https://theartblogger54.wordpress.com/category/street-art-australia/brisbane/
Yes Brisbane sure is growing up with so much to offer and catering for most tastes.Thanks, Lyn
I think walking tours are a fabulous way to see a city Lyn; clearly you had a wonderful time.
Yes Sue, they are; actually, walking anywhere , we get to see so much more. But, most of the time we are in too much of a hurry. Thanks, Lyn. Hope that all is OK in your world.
Invaluable information to have access to even in your own city. Thanks Lyn.
It certainly is a fabulous way to see our lovely city with volunteers that know it so well and are passionate about what they do. Thanks Gail, Lyn
It’s great that you decided to learn more about your city. When I travel to new cities, I immerse myself so fully in their attractions and history. Your post makes me think that I really should take the time to learn more about my own city.
Walking tours are my favourite way to see a city.
I know Caroline. We see more when we travel than we do of our own country. It really is only when I have interstate or international visitors that I really see my own town. Well worth doing. Thanks. Lyn
Nice blog
Thank you, Lyn
Beautiful city! You did it! Now I can see all the pictures and the beauty of places you present in details. Thank you.
Thanks Alexander. I appreciate your comment. Lyn
This sounds good 😊 Was there last year. Who knows when next 😊
Brisbane is an easy comfortable city. Thanks, Lyn
I loved it 💕
What a lovely city! And thanks for the information about the Greeter Network. 🙂
Thanks. Brisbane has certainly grown up. Thanks for reading my blog. Lyn
very interesting, thanks for sharing
Thanks Denise. Lyn