For my last vacation I wanted to go somewhere that I had never been, but still be able to understand what was going on and able to communicate well with the local people. I chose to visit Southbank in Brisbane, Australia. This was the site of World Expo 1988. Once Expo closed, this beautiful area, located along the Brisbane River, was retained by the government and redeveloped to be a ‘lifestyle area’ and the result is just spectacular. For a few days I was able to wander through 42 acres of shady walkways to enjoy some really spectacular attractions.

I am a nature lover at heart so I truly enjoyed walking leisurely along the startly white sands of Southbank Beach. The whole world seems to slow down and although cars are allowed along the beach, most people seem to prefer to stroll along at a leisurely pace. There are many must see attractions along Southbank and the first one that I visited was the Energex Arbour. The walkway through is approx 1 km going under and around curved pillars that drip magenta bougainvillea. In the evening these pillars are lit up with mood lights and it is not unusual to see a romantic couple underneath them.

The Goodwill Bridge connects the southern most end of Southbank with the City Botanic Gardens and then on to the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). This is a great walk that loops around and since the City of Brisbane boasts that 50,000 pedestrians and cyclists cross the bridge from one side to the other each week, I think a lot of people besides me find it breathtaking.

I have always been fond of river cruises and on the Brisbane River I had several that I could choose from. I find such decisions difficult so, of course, I had to take all three. There was the MV Neptune which took me on a 90 minute cruise through Breakfast creek. On the weekend I took a tour on the tug Forceful. It is a historic steam tug that took me to Moreton Island. The last river cruise that I took was an absolutley delightful paddle wheel ride on the Kookaburra River Queen.

I am by no means a shopaholic, but I do enjoy exploring the shops wherever I go. In 2001, a new retail district opened up on Southbank. Along a strip called Little Stanley Street you can find shops that will delight even the most ardent shopper. I could see such well-known labels as Baby Doll and Princess Highway. There are many shops along this road that give the visitor a wide range from which to choose that very important souvenir.

Since I am very much an admirer of arts and crafts that are created and usually one of a kind, I was thrilled with the South Bank Arts and Crafts Market that is held Friday evenings from 5-10pm, Saturdays from 11 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 9am to 5 pm. It was wonderful to be able to wander among the bright tents beneath the Energex Arbour and along Stanley Street Plaza. It topped off my trip to Southbank.