Reflecting on Brisbane

by Ffion Davies, University of Queensland, Australia

Having been home for 2 weeks, I’ve been reflecting on my time in Brisbane. I’ve narrowed down some of my favourite things to do and experiences which are must dos if you are moving there or visiting soon.

Hikes

My favourite hikes were Mount Coot-tha and the Glasshouse mountains. It’s a good way to take a break from city life or the stresses of assessments and engage with nature and wildlife. The hikes are rewarding with the amazing views at the top. You can make these day trips or simply just spend the morning or afternoon there.

Day and weekend trips

Brisbane is close enough to many beautiful spots in Queensland. My favourite weekend trips included Byron Bay and Noosa. These beach towns gave a taste of the stereotypical Australian lifestyle – plenty of surfing, sunbathing and ice cream, etc. A chilled day at the beach, some shopping then heading to Byron Bay’s Piano Bar in the evening was the perfect Saturday for me. Day trips included North Stradbroke Island, Moreton Island, and Springbrook National Park. You’ll see kangaroos hopping around and koalas on top of trees in North Stradbroke so this is a must to fully experience Australian wildlife. And of course, the iconic Gold Coast is only a train ride away. Soaking up the sunshine and the views in Surfer’s Paradise or Burleigh Heads is a great way to spend a day off or a weekend.

Coffee

The coffee culture in Australia is massive! There are heaps of coffee shops around the city and surrounding suburbs. Picking up a coffee became a part of my daily routine. They have some of the best coffee and it’s so cheap!! It was a must during long study sessions during exam season.

Visit markets

Brisbane loves a good market! From the farmers markets on the weekends in West End and Milton to the mid-week market in the city, there’s always something to do! The fresh produce from the farmer’s market was second to none and was always a nice way to spend a morning with friends.

Watch the Broncos

The Broncos are Brisbane’s Australian Football team. I didn’t know anything about AFL before I moved there and even after watching some matches I still don’t fully undersant! It didn’t seem like there were many rules but it was very entertaining, to say the least. The atmosphere was amazing every time and is definitely a must do activity.

Southbank

Southbank has everything you need in one place. Whether you’re looking for a bar, restaurant, bakery, or café, it has it all to offer. Even a man-made beach for the days you don’t want to travel to the Gold Coast. Taking a scooter to explore the area is the best way to get around and to see everything.

Australia Zoo

If you’re in Brisbane, a visit to one of the most famous zoos in the world should be on your bucket list. The home to many Australian native animals will definitely not disappoint. The highlight for me was the crocodile show, so be sure to check that out!

Picnics and BBQs

Picnics and BBQs became a regular occurrence with my friends. There were BBQ areas in most of the parks so it was easy to pull up with some food, cook all together and enjoy life outdoors.