Brisbane: Deceptively languid

The mild Queensland weather was sending us to sleep at the airport itself. Driving towards the Rydges Hotel one of the best spa hotels at Southbank Sue and I couldn’t help noting the gently curving slope of the Brisbane River. Everything about the town is laidback, from the people to the traffic. There is such an unhurried pace here that one feels relaxed automatically.

A quiet second cousin t the more bustling cities of Melbourne and Sydney Brisbane began to blossom during the 1982 Commonwealth Games.

From the windows of the Rydges we couldn’t help exclaiming at the beauty spread out before us. The landscape of Southbank, especially the riverside region, is extremely fetching to the eyes. It is difficult to believe that it once counted among the city’s ‘sleaze spots’ with run-down establishments, ugly warehouses, dubious pubs et al. Today it is the pride of Brisbane, one of its undeniable pearls.

The beach area too is fascinating (although artificial), with some great eating places. Sue’s favorite was this place called Beastie Burgers on Southbank’s Little Stanley Street whereas I loved the Turkish fare with its varied breads and sauces served at Ahmet’s Licensed Turkish Restaurant on Grey Street.

Southbank isn’t the only picturesque spot in Brisbane, Sue and I discovered. Sue had to meet one of her professors at the Queensland University of Technology which is right next to the Botanical Gardens. Leafy and green with some beautiful shaded spots, I was particularly entranced by the ducks, duck ponds, and the mangroves.

Another of my personal favorites was the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary where we saw these frightfully lazy koalas that seemed to be falling off their hubs atop eucalyptus trees. They also appeared somewhat resigned about submitting to hugs by excited tourists. I, on my part, preferred to leave the poor creatures alone.

Brisbane has a robust nightlife – so much for its laidback, small-town reputation – with a plethora of pubs and bars. Sue and I went to this rather cool place at the Queen Street Mall known as the Treasury Casino. We didn’t play, of course, but had our fill of martini and vodka.

Don’t be fooled by its outward demeanor; Brisbane has a lot of excitement to offer.