Monday, April 29 – Wednesday, May 1
Gold Coast – Broadbeach
Sneaking in a walk between rain storms
After being in big cities with lots of touring to do for the past week and a half, it was a nice change of pace to get to Gold Coast where the pace of life is much slower. The tourist season is over as it’s starting to cool down here so this beach town is sleepy and relaxing.
My Airbnb location here is darling! A beach “shack” only 5 minutes from the water and right near the main location of bars, restaurants and shops in the area. Broadbeach is the name of the specific neighborhood and I love the vibe! There are tall towers of condos and hotels, but also small older beach homes, which is where I’m staying. So charming!
This room is just what I needed! Not bad for around $40/night!
I even opted to head to Woolworth’s for groceries and just enjoy fresh fruits and veggies at home for these couple of days. Plus, my buddy Roger gave me his HBO login so I’m going to binge watch the three Game of Thrones episodes I haven’t seen yet! Quite possibly the perfect evening.
The beach here is intimidating. It’s definitely for those that enjoy kite surfing, traditional surfing, and sailing. Not really a place for swimming, which is fine by me at this point! I’ve loved going for walks every day on the wide coastline. They don’t call it Broadbeach for nothing!
Tuesday it rained off and on, but I made it out for a lovely beach walk between storms. Warning flags are up for no swimming and the lifeguard presence here is really impressive. These waters are not to be taken lightly!
Also, cute koala sculpture in the park and by stark contrast, tell me if this “playground toy” in the park does not look like the Beetlejuice sand snake!?!?
NIGHTMARES
Next up, hop the tram and the train up to Brisbane! Quick 2 hour commute door to door from one Airbnb to another!
Wednesday, May 1 – Thursday May 2
Brisbane
I lucked out with another great Airbnb location in an apartment in the Spring Hill neighborhood of Brisbane. It’s only about a 5 minute walk to the Central train station which was so convenient for me as I took the train up from Gold Coast and it also goes to the airport for my departure. Public transit is clean and so easy to use here, I love it!
Beautiful Central Station exterior
I basically dropped my bags and headed out the door since I have about 24 hours to explore the city. My host gave me great tips on a walking route that covers a great part of the city and I hit the pavement. Brisbane has a wonderful meandering footpath that hugs the Brisbane River all along the downtown. There is a pedestrian bridge that allows you to walk over to the cool South Bank area that has been recently revitalized with a beach, open green spaces, a rainforest walk, a ferris wheel, and beautiful gardens.
Story Bridge over Brisbane River, east side of downtown
Enjoying South Bank, looking back towards downtown
Looking back towards the Goodwill pedestrian bridge connecting CBD to South Bank
Brisbane City Hall
St. John’s Cathedral
It’s a small city though so I felt after about 3 hours of walking I really had seen the majority of the downtown area. I was due for a wine!
I went to a place close to my Airbnb and ended up chatting with another traveler for hours! When that place closed, we went to the closest bar, an amazing gay bar called The Sportsman that was having tranny karaoke night. It was loads of fun. I stayed out way too late but it was worth it! Great random evening.
I was in much need of a good brunch the next day, so I walked over to Jak + Hill only steps from my place. Such a great place with fun music and really great food.
I walked around another hour or so. I found St. John’s Cathedral and went in for a look and they just so happened to be having a free cello concert! Beautiful music in an amazing space, how lucky! But I had to keep moving as it was about time to get the train to the airport. Even though my time was brief here, I feel I got to see a lot and had a super fun time!
Where's Lindsey? 