Landing there for 1 year with a small kid was not an easy thing to start. I was too worried. But few days of communication with the locals and I was feeling at second home. Firstly, so many Indians - in the state library of queensland, brisbane square library, cab drivers and some restaurant owners. Everyone was ready to help. From the airport to hotel the driver told about the places which passed by. Things were ready at Festival Towers - no hassle and we got the room within 5 minutes. Later on shifted to apartments near Roma street parklands - the lovely parkland which my kid loved to visit almost daily.
Southbank is the main attraction and then I liked the liveliness of Queen street Mall having Myer’s as the best shopping Mall. Well, there was wednesday Farmer’s market @ Brisbane square and I never missed it. There was a playgroup @ southbank institute of technology which my kid used to visit. Australia Zoo was home of Irwin Family and many other lovely animals - the best was cuddly Koala(. Lone pine sanctuary for Koala, ) then Kangaroos, wombats, cassowaries and Echidna were also there
The best part was train service - Ample and neat. The buses were also good and I used the go card for hassle - free ride. Just top-up ur go card and no need to buy a paper ticket- swipe ur card and done! People were very friendly - always helped me with my baby’s stroller and always offered me a seat / help whenever required! They loved my chicken preparations, Achaars and in general, indian hospitality.
Nearby places were - GoldCoast(1 hour distance from Brisbane Central) which have theme parks like sea world, dream world, movie world and wet n wild, and surfers paradise if you have a flair for surfing.
Then Noosa heads on sunshine coast, Bundaberg Rum factory, Lady Elliot(Live coral reefs) island. Those who love snorkelling / scuba diving can actually enjoy and explore sea life here @ great Barrier reef which is little farther.
Plenty of Alcohol is there(ofcourse not my thing, so not much idea), I saw a shop with taps of different brands - take ur glass, open the tap, fill and have it! But everyone was drinking in a decent manner.
A turkish restaurant named Ahmet@ southbank had the best food apart from the fast food options like hungry jacks. Weather is just like India and plenty of fruits and veges are available. There is an Indian Grocery Shop in fortiMr_customtakeouter valley(station next to Brisbane central) which is quite famous.
Then, there were river walkways meant for cycling and jogging - a nice place, nearby were Toowang Mall and another was Chermside Mall.
Ample parks / chlidren play area within 1 km in every direction! And very pedestrian friendly place. I walked a lot with my baby’s pram without any problem.
Lastly, people were very warm, happy, eversmiling and cheerful, sport-loving - Everything was good - except that, not a very safe place during night.