Stunningly Beautiful on a Perfect Winters Day

06 Thursday Sep 2018

Posted by Lyn Douglas in Brisbane City Botanical Gardens, Queensland

Tags

australia, Botanical Gardens, Brisbane, Brisbane Botanical Gardens, Brisbane River, Photography, Qld, Queensland, story bridge, travel

I have been coming here to these gardens for a number of years. When I lived closer to the city we would ride our bikes in to the Botanical gardens and stop for Devonshire tea at the garden cafe.

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This time, with my friends visiting, we took the bus to Southbank where we hopped on to a city cat to go across the Brisbane river to these lovely gardens, arriving via QUT.

The City Botanic Gardens, which is Brisbane Citys oldest park, was originally planted by convicts in 1825 with food crops to feed the prison colony. These gardens include ancient trees, rainforest glades and exotic species. They run the full length of Alice Street, bordered by Parliament House on the one side and the Brisbane River’s northern banks on the other. Where the park borders the Brisbane river there is a wide tree lined path, which offers a pleasant walk by day or evening, and from here there are views of the many yachts at anchor and in the distance the iconic Story Bridge.

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In the park there is so much space that even when the park is busy you don’t feel overcrowded. There are many walkways which are wide enough to allow for both bicycle and foot traffic to share.

The gardens are an absolutely wonderful display of the most beautiful delights anyone could wish for. A large expansive area is set out beautifully with lots of grassy areas to relax in. The flower displays are truly delightful. The gardens are beautifully maintained and you really can get amongst the shrubs and giant trees. There are several large camphor laurel trees which are fantastic for climbing. The pond serves as a brilliant focal point that is teaming with wildlife including many species of birds, lizards (water dragons) and turtles.

There are several options of cafes to stop for coffee or lunch. We chose to have lunch in The Pantry located at QUT at Gardens point and within the grounds of the Iconic Old Government House. This small cafe offers a great selection of simple morning tea and lunch items, wonderful coffee and an interesting atmosphere.

There are free guided walks available from Monday to Saturdays from approximately 11.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. (excluding public holidays). These walks which last approximately one hour are led by experienced, friendly Volunteer Guides. Just meet at the Rotunda near the Alice Street Main Entrance.

This is a brilliant place to visit with the family. You can wander through the gardens or walk along the river bank all the way to the bridge over to Southbank.

One of the many beautiful camphor laurel trees

An Oasis in a Busy City – Roma Street Parklands

08 Wednesday Aug 2018

Posted by Lyn Douglas in Australia, Roma Street Parklands, Brisbane

≈ 25 Comments

Tags

australia, Brisbane, Parkland Explorer, Photography, Qld, Roma Street Parklands, travel

In Brisbane we are blessed with so many beautiful gardens and Roma Street Parklands is no exception.

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This oasis in the heart of Brisbane with spectacular subtropical plant displays, sweeping vistas and unique artwork, Roma Street Parkland is the perfect place to go exploring – and it is only a short walk from Brisbane’s CBD.

The Parklands which is set on old Queensland railway land has been carefully developed into a very attractive and well manicured parkland that would scarcely betray its former use.

The Parkland is extensive with lovely gardens, a lake and a rainforest area. There are also excellent children’s play areas.

Join one of the leisurely and informative guided walks leaving from The Hub twice daily to experience these beautifully designed and meticulously kept grounds. There are many different sections and themes, fantastic waterways and features, flowers, native and imported, rainforest, water dragons in abundance. The walks are undulating so be prepared for short uphill sections. I could roam and enjoy this parkland for hours, And… It is free!

Or maybe for a Gold coin donation, hop onto the Parkland Explorer, the trackless train for an exciting journey through the parkland’s misty fern groves, past rocky peninsulas and the Lakeside Meadow. This little train operates between 10 and 12.30 each day with its drivers and conductors who are regular volunteers of the Parklands.

The parkland provides well-maintained picnic spots and free electric barbecues so you can prepare your own food. There is also a casual restaurant which you will find between the parking area and park.

There are two playgrounds designed for children of all ages, one at the Children’s Garden and the other along Weeping Fig Avenue.

We drove in to the Parklands as there is plenty of on street pay parking however it is easy enough to walk from the city or the Roma Street train station.

The ground staff and volunteers at Roma Street Parklands are to be congratulated for putting such a wonderful space together. It brings happiness and joy to all who visit. Well Done. Roma Street Parkland is open seven days a week.

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Devonshire Tea in the mountains at the Winery

29 Sunday Jul 2018

Posted by Lyn Douglas in Devonshire Tea in the Mountains at the Winery

≈ 41 Comments

Tags

australia, Brisbane, Devonshire Tea, Mt Tamborine, Photography, Qld, Queensland, travel, Winery

Only about an hour and a half drive from my place in Brisbane and less time from the Gold Coast is the lovely area Cedar Creek, Mt Tamborine.

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There are a few wineries in the area but we chose Cedar Creek Winery. We were initially drawn to this place to see the area and of course sample the wine. When I told my friends that the winery serves Devonshire tea, they said, they had never had one. In fact, they had never heard of Devonshire Tea and thought it may be High Tea. However, it is not. Devonshire teas have been around for as long I can remember. While growing up, a special treat with my family on a Sunday afternoon, was to take a drive in the “country” and stop at a country home with tea rooms for Devonshire tea. In those good ole days, Devonshire tea was served with a pot of tea however now days coffee is also very popular.

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A Devonshire tea is a form of a morning or afternoon light meal, consisting of tea and scones, clotted cream and jam. Traditionally a speciality of Devon and Cornwall, Devonshire teas are offered in tea rooms in those two counties, as well as in other parts of England, and elsewhere in the Commonwealth, which includes here in Australia.

The restaurant with its peaceful and relaxing surroundings is set in a lovely woodland area overlooking the lake with its abundant birdlife.

It was a cool wintry day and being as we were up in the mountains there was the winter “look” all around including the beautiful coloured leaves and the bare trees.

We followed our Devonshire teas with a wine tasting at the Cellar door which is right next door in the same building. We tried several whites, reds and bubble. All were quite nice.

From the cellar door, we ventured upstairs to the Arthur Hamblin Gallery to see a good selection of paintings of diverse Australian scenery.

Then our next stop was the Frogs Hollow which is home to a diverse range of wildlife, with over 23 species of frogs and many species of rainforest insects. We loved the experience, but you need to be patient and look for the frogs. The more effort you put into looking for the frogs and observing them, the more you will get out of the experience. There are a lot more frogs there than you first realise.

Here at the winery also, they have purpose built Glow Worm caves with guided tours throughout the day. We chose not to take the tour this time and spent extra time exploring this very charming and picturesque setting.

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A Great Night out at Eat Street Markets – Brisbane.

24 Saturday Mar 2018

Posted by Lyn Douglas in Eat Street Markets Brisbane

≈ 43 Comments

Tags

australia, Brisbane, Brisbane River, CityCat, Eat Street Markets, Photography, Qld, Queensland, travel

It is 4 years since I last visited the Eat Street Markets. I said that I would be back, but I had no idea that it would take me so long to return. I don’t even know why it took me so long because the markets are extraordinary.

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This time we arrived by city cat. City Cat is the Brisbane river transport system with terminals stretching from The University of Queensland at St Lucia to Northshore Hamilton. It was then only a short walk from the Northshore ferry terminal to the markets.

Travelling on the City Cat anywhere on the Brisbane river is an absolute delight, both in the daytime and very special at night when you see the abundance of lights along the river banks and illuminating the many bridges.

The first time I went to Eat Street Markets, although we arrived quite early, parking was difficult. However, this time, we arrived about 6pm and there were still hundreds of free parking stalls. But, when we left around 9, there were long lines of cars waiting to come in with traffic controllers directing the traffic. The first visit to Eat Street Markets.

The Eat Street Markets have moved location since the last time I visited and it was definitely for the better. They were originally near Portside where the cruise liner terminal is, and now they are further down the river in Northshore Hamilton.

There is nothing like Eat Street Northshore anywhere in the world. It is a special one of a kind experience. Priceless city & river views saturate & surround the 180 dining and entertainment shipping containers that add a blazing coloured landmark to Brisbane.

At soon as you walk through the gates in to the area you are hit with the exciting vibe of the place, with its millions of lights, beautiful stalls, people having fun and amazing aromas coming from the many food stalls.

There were so many choices of places to eat it was hard to decide. We initially walked around the entire area making mental note of what we thought we wanted to try. We stopped at one of the bars by the river and enjoyed a glass of wine and thought about what we would have for dinner. Then it was deciding time which was hard. But we did decide and we enjoyed the dinner. We each chose differently, my choice was Japanese however we all agreed on the same for dessert. Gelato.

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With over 70 vendors creating delicious dishes from all over the world you are sure to find something absolutely scrumptious.

Live entertainment fills the markets; Solo performers and bands are positioned throughout Eat Street so you’re never far from music. After dinner we stopped by several of the entertainment areas and sat in comfy chairs to watch the performances.

Eat Street Markets is open every weekend of the year. Fri and Sat 4pm to 10pm and
Sunday 12 noon to 8pm. Entry fee is $2.50 – 12 years and older.

If you live in Brisbane or visiting at any time, stop by for a visit, you won’t be disappointed.

Purple Season in Brisbane

03 Friday Nov 2017

Posted by Lyn Douglas in Australia, Purple Season in Brisbane, Queensland

≈ 39 Comments

Tags

Brisbane, Brisbane River, Jacaranda, Photography, Qld, Queensland, travel, Yeronga

It is purple season in SE Qld. In mid spring each year the jacaranda trees around Brisbane start to bloom. I usually think of Jacaranda trees showing off their full fabulous purple colour in November however some years they start blooming in October which was the case this year. It really depends on how cold winter was. This mass of colour in our parks and lining our streets usually lasts about 6 weeks.

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Although these trees look very much at home here in the sub tropics they were actually introduced to Australia from Brazil in the 1850’s.

Just a couple of kilometres from Brisbane city centre, situated on the Brisbane River is the leafy suburb of Yeronga. This is where we chose to go for our walk this morning and this is the spectacular sights we experienced.

Here are some of my snap shots taken this morning. Enjoy.

Jacaranda Trees

Jacaranda Trees on Brisbane River

Jacaranda Trees

Also in Yeronga, not far from the river, is the local park called Jacaranda Park, yes that’s right, Jacaranda Park – with its purple sun shade.

Jacaranda Park with purple sun shade

Jacaranda Trees

Jacaranda Trees

Jacaranda Trees

Jacaranda Trees

There are many spots around Brisbane with Jacaranda trees. If you live here and you have the time, I recommend take a drive around the suburbs and feast your eyes on some magnificent displays. You will find the trees on the north and south sides, in the parks, lining suburban streets, and even along our bus ways.

Peaceful Location for a Long Lunch – O’Reilly’s Vineyards

26 Thursday Oct 2017

Posted by Lyn Douglas in O'Reilly's Vineyard and Winery, Queensland

≈ 31 Comments

Tags

australia, Brisbane, Canungra, Gold Coast hinterland., O'Reilly's Winery, O'Reillys, Photography, Qld, Queensland, travel, vineyards, Winery

My friends suggested going to lunch somewhere special however decided it was a surprise for me so would not say where we were going. We drove about an hour and a half south from my house in Brisbane. We drove through beautiful countryside and due to the recent rain everywhere was green, lush and healthy. As we were nearing our destination they told me we were going to O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards and winery which is located in the Gold Coast Hinterland. This area is one of Queensland’s emerging wine growing regions.

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We arrived at the winery about mid morning. Our first stop was the Alpaca enclosure. There is special food available at the winery that you can purchase for $3 to feed the alpacas.

Alpacas

Alpacas

We then walked over to the stream, which runs through the property, to see if we could spot a platypus or one of the local turtles. This whole area is stunning. Sit by the creek and enjoy a picnic hamper which are available from the Vintage restaurant. Although we went on a weekday, we did see a few small groups of people enjoying their picnic lunch on the lawns.

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The stream on this rainy day

After looking for turtles and platypus from the viewing platform on the stream we walked over to the cellar door area to try some of the locally produced wines. Starting with a Verdelho for me, then a couple of reds including a shiraz and merlot. All really good however I decided on a glass of their bubbles to enjoy with my lunch in the Vintage Restaurant.

Cellar door

The restaurant is in the original old Queenslander farmhouse which is a wonderful structure, both inside and outside retaining much of its old world charm and beauty. The 100-year old history of the O’Reilly family in the area is fascinating.

Inside beautiful old house

We sat on the screened veranda with amazing views overlooking the property, vines and jacarandas. The menu for lunch offered a great selection so we were all very pleased with our individual choices. The service was excellent.

Screened veranda

View from the restaurant

The grape vines

The grape vines

The vines with a little sun trying to peep through

What a wonderful way to spend a few hours. It is a perfect location, within a short drive of Brisbane and also the Gold Coast however well and truly away from the hustle and bustle of “life”

My Australia Day Weekend

29 Thursday Jan 2015

Posted by Lyn Douglas in Australia, Australia Day

≈ 23 Comments

Tags

Australia Day, Clarence River, Iluka, Iluka Pub, northern rivers, NSW, Photography, Qld, travel

My family lives in a beautiful area on the north coast of NSW. This area is often called “God’s country” as it is just so unspoiled and lovely. It is the northern rivers area and is about a 3 hour drive south from my home in Brisbane. NSW is the state south of Qld where I live.

For this Australia day I chose to spend the long weekend with my family in this lovely area. It is tradition for families to get together for this special day. The day usually includes a good Aussie bbq with family and friends and if you live near the coast it often involves time at the beach. For me, I was lucky enough to have it all plus more.

We spent the Sunday out in the boat on the Clarence River which runs out in to the Pacific Ocean. The day was spectacular. We cruised up the river calling in to several beaches for many swims as we needed to cool off.

We tied the boat up in front of the local pub in Iluka and stopped for a couple of cold beers before enjoying our lunch of locally caught fish.

On the actual day, Monday 26th, friends and neighbours joined us for an Aussie bbq, Aussie beers and swims in the pool. The day was casual, very casual because that is what suits our climate and that is how Aussies like to have fun.

Australia Day is on January 26 and commemorates the establishment of the first European settlement at Port Jackson, now part of Sydney, in 1788. The First Fleet was led by Captain Arthur Philip. He established the Colony of New South Wales, the first penal colony in Australia.

Australia Day is a public holiday in all states and territories. All schools and most offices are closed. Stores are often open, but may have reduced opening hours. It is an opportunity for Australians to come together to celebrate their country and culture.

Many people have a day off work and use the day to picnic in a park, have a bbq with family and friends, go shopping or to play or to watch sports events.

In some towns and cities, citizenship ceremonies are held on Australia Day. These are ceremonies to welcome immigrants to the country who have been granted Australian citizenship. Although official, these ceremonies often have a festive atmosphere. In addition, the Australian of the Year Awards are presented. These are awards for Australians who have made an outstanding contribution to their country or community.

The locals enjoying their Australia Day lunch

MERRY CHRISTMAS

22 Monday Dec 2014

Posted by Lyn Douglas in Christmas

≈ 24 Comments

Tags

Buon Natale, coffs harbour, Happy Christmas, Hawaii, italy, Merry Christmas, NSW, Photography, Qld, Singapore, travel

Merry Christmas and thank you for a wonderful 2014

I am incredibly grateful to you for all your support and comments in 2014.

I had a fantastic 2014 and now look forward to an even better 2015 with new travels, old friends and new friends.

My year was fabulous with several trips, Including 7 amazing weeks in Italy, 4 exciting days in Singapore, 2 fun weeks in South Australia, 10 perfect days in Hawaii plus many trips to the Sunshine Coast of Queensland and also to Coffs Harbour in NSW

I wish you all

A Merry Christmas and a very happy 2015

Auguri per un Felice e Sereno Buon Natale

e per un Fantastico Anno Nuovo!!!

Carnival of Flowers – Toowoomba

03 Friday Oct 2014

Posted by Lyn Douglas in Australia, Carnival of Flowers, Toowoomba

≈ 16 Comments

Tags

australia, Botanical Gardens, Brisbane, Brisbane. Toowoomba, Carnival of Flowers, Darling Downs, flowers, Great Dividing Range, Japanese gardens, Laurel Bank Park, Photography, Picnic Point, Qld, Queens Park, Queensland, Toowoomba, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, travel

Toowoomba (nicknamed ‘The Garden City’) is a city in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, Australia, located 127 km (79 mi) west of Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane. Toowoomba is situated on the crest of the Great Dividing Range around 700 metres (2,300 ft) above sea level.

A university and cathedral city, Toowoomba hosts the Australian Carnival of Flowers each September. With hundreds of parks & blossoming gardens to explore, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has something for everyone.

Yes, this is not Italy but this was such a lovely excursion and the gardens are just so beautiful I wanted to write about it. It took us about an hour and 45 minutes to drive up to Toowoomba.

Toowoomba has a different climate to Brisbane, it is not as humid, consequently the flowers, shrubs and trees, in my opinion are just so much nicer. The abundance of colour and the spectacular variety of flowers reminds me of many of the lovely gardens in Italy.

This annual garden festival includes prize-winning private gardens, and many public parks.

We started our visit at the Picnic Point which is located on the escarpment of the Great Dividing Range. Picnic Point has panoramic views to the horizon. There is a great restaurant there, plenty of picnic areas and actually you could spend a full day there.

We then drove over to the University where we spent time in the Japanese Gardens. These are probably one of the nicest if not the nicest Japanese gardens in Australia.

After the Japanese gardens we drove over to Laurel Bank Park which presents a splendid display of beautiful blooms, exotic scented gardens, herbs and shrubs in raised garden beds. Here we had a very Aussie lunch which was put on by the local Lions Club. I am always happy to support these type of charity clubs.

Our last stop before heading back to Brisbane was Queens Park Gardens which is within walking distance of the city heart and features Toowoomba’s Botanical Gardens, bright flower beds, avenues of large leafy trees, wide open grasslands, an off leash area for dogs and two well-equipped children’s playgrounds. Queens Park is also home to the Ergon Energy Flower, Food and Wine Festival, and lots more.