The Brisbane Airport (BNE) was a very welcome sight after traveling for what seemed like an eternity. The airport is Australia's third-largest by passenger numbers and the biggest capital city airport by land size. It's the main international airport for Brisbane and South East Queensland. BNE was voted by passengers as the Best Airport in the Australia Pacific Region in the years 2016, 2017, and 2019 at the Skytrax World Airport Awards and has plans for A$5 billion in renovations to both the International and Domestic Terminals in preparation for hosting the 2032 Olympics. Located less than seven miles from the city center, it took me no more than 20 minutes to make the journey to the Brisbane Marriott Hotel, but cost me A$45.
This 28-story, 5-star hotel was constructed in 1998 and overlooks the Brisbane River with views of the Story Bridge. The front desk was located at the far end of the lobby, which featured marble floors and comfy-looking leather chairs. Although I arrived well prior to the official 3:00 PM check-in time, the staff not only gave me a warm welcome, but upgraded me to a very nice suite on Level 22. The nicely- decorated, 355 square-foot suite featured complimentary Wi-fi , flat-screen TVs and an in-room safe. The sleeping room was spacious with premium bedding and a down comforter. A sofa and club chair were placed in the separate sitting room, along with a small dining table and a writing desk with multiple outlets and USB ports. The marble bath was equipped with a whirlpool spa tub and separate shower along with plush towels and herbal-scented shampoos. And the water pressure was nothing short of outstanding.
Having access to the Executive Lounge on Level 26 was an added bonus. The lounge was accessible ‘round-the-clock and I found it to be a tranquil and well-designed space, perfect for working, dining or simply relaxing. From 6:30 until 10:30 in the morning, guests were welcome to partake in the continental breakfast buffet. All-day snacks were served afterwards and beginning at 5:30 in the afternoon, complimentary cocktails and canapés were offered until 7:30 in the evening. A daily beverage station was also available with both sparkling and still water, coffee, tea and soft drinks. The Marriott’s restaurant, Motion Dining, offered steaks and sharing-plate specialties in their open-kitchen grill and the M Bar, which was located inside the restaurant, featured light bites and handcrafted cocktails along with an interactive wine wall with both domestic and international selections.
When it was time to explore the city, I first headed for the nearby Story Bridge. It’s a bit of an icon in the country, notable for being the largest steel bridge designed, fabricated and constructed in Australia by Australians. It’s the longest cantilever bridge in the nation, connecting the northern and southern suburbs of the city. Construction began in 1935 and the bridge opened in 1940. It was one of the major public works projects of the time, providing much needed employment during the Great Depression. Named after John Douglas Story, a prominent public servant, the bridge is a National Heritage Listed structure. It’s particularly famous for the unique "Story Bridge Adventure Climb” during which tourists and locals alike climb the bridge for views of the Brisbane river, Kangaroo Point and the nearby mountain ranges.
My hosts recommended I visit the South Bank Parklands and I spent nearly an entire afternoon wandering about the area. This popular cultural destination included beaches, restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. South Bank is Brisbane's premier lifestyle and cultural destination. Located on the southern banks of the Brisbane River, its 42 acres of lush parklands, world-class eateries and stunning river views made it the perfect place for me to relax and unwind. The highlight for me was a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane, the nearly 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel that’s become an iconic landmark on the South Bank skyline and offered 360-degree views of the city. Its 42 air-conditioned gondolas were designed to seat up to eight persons each and offered a comfortable 12-minute ride that included pre-recorded audio commentary describing key landmarks of the surrounding landscape, as well as some interesting historical insights and fun facts pertaining to Brisbane and the wheel itself.
For a change of pace, I next paid a visit to the Queensland Maritime Museum, which featured a collection of maritime artifacts, historic ships and exhibits. Visitors were permitted to access Diamantina, the World War II frigate built in Queensland in 1943 that is the only surviving example of the River Class frigates constructed in Australia for service during the Second World War. Also on display was the restored Penguin, a historic pearling lugger built in 1907 on Queensland’s Thursday Island. I learned the pearling lugger was used across the northwestern coast of Western Australia beginning in the 1870s. The luggers were involved in the collection of mother-of-pearl shell and have the honor of being among the last wooden sailing vessels to remain in commercial use in the country. I also had an opportunity to board the steam tug Forceful, a historic steam tugboat that was the founding exhibit of the Museum now docked on the Brisbane River. It was built in 1925 and operated on the river until 1970 and was Queensland's last coal-fired steam tugboat. Ship models, charts and maritime memorabilia rounded out the museum offerings, which also included a fascinating library with documents, pictures and other artifacts related to the area’s rich maritime history.
Finally, what’s a visit to Australia without seeing a koala up close and personal? Sorely lacking, I’d say. That’s why I was thrilled to visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in the nearby suburb of Fig Tree Pocket. The suburb with a funny sounding name was easily accessible via a short, 20-minute train ride from Central Station that cost me just a few dollars. The sanctuary is the world’s oldest and largest koala haven. It housed over 100 koalas and 75 other animals native to Australia, such as kangaroos and platypuses. Taking advantage of a guided tour, I discovered that the docile koalas are often referred to as bears because early European settlers thought they looked like bears, when in fact they’re actually marsupials and herbivorous to boot so they are not at all related to the bear, which is a carnivorous mammal. In addition to providing a safe home for Australia’s native animals, the sanctuary conducts a number of conservation projects and also maintains a plantation of eucalyptus trees for the koalas’ benefit as their diet consists primarily of the tree’s leaves.
Before too long, my days in Brisbane drew to a close. But, I was left with fond memories of my time in one of the best cities in Australia!
Until next time…safe travels.
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