Brisbane

Two full days in Brisbane now and still no sunshine. Very hot and very humid with rain at regular intervals but it has not stopped us walking all around the city and making full use of the day tickets including the ferries which are great. Yesterday evening we had dinner at a very nice pub in the Riverside complex and took the ferry back after dark; the views over the river and the business district were great.

Today Christmas Day was slightly more difficult with lots closed although the public transport was working a Sunday schedule. We decided to try a trip to North Stradbroke Island (Straddie) but having reached the ferry terminal after a train journey from Brisbane we found there was no ferry for 3 hours and then we would almost immediately have to turn around! So back to Brisbane it was with an interesting train journey, more ferries and finally a very good street restaurant for a late Christmas lunch. Moreton Bay bugs, scallops and enormous prawns for me and a very large steak for the lovely lady wife.

Back to the hotel for a couple of hours rest (and boring washing) before we head for the ferries again this evening. Really warming to Brisbane; a lively and vibrant city.