Travel Guides and Stories

Travel often... Don’t let life rush by too fast, or you’ll forget the places you’ve been and lose yourself on the road ahead. Friends, grab your backpack and camera — get out there and explore! In the summer of 2006, I visited Brisbane, Australia. I’ve been to Australia several times, and each trip brings a new feeling. Most Australians are of European descent, but in recent years there’s been an increase in Asian immigrants. Each of Australia’s major cities has its own character: Melbourne is an industrial and older city, Sydney has a strong European vibe with artistic architecture, while Brisbane is a rising tourist city. It’s popular among Asian immigrants and has a relaxed, vacation atmosphere. Many places here resemble California in the US, though you can still catch glimpses of European style in the older districts! (Photos taken from the web)

My first stop this trip was beautiful Brisbane. Brisbane is the capital of Queensland, located in northeastern Australia, bordering the Sunshine Coast to the north and the famous tourist destination Gold Coast City to the south. The metropolitan area (including surrounding satellite cities) has a population of over 2 million, making it Australia’s third-largest metropolitan area after Sydney and Melbourne. Brisbane is close to the Pacific Ocean, with the city center on the banks of the Brisbane River, and the city expanding westward from the coast, river, and port. Brisbane’s domestic and international airports and seaports are located at the mouth of the Brisbane River. With a coastline stretching for miles, it’s easy to see why this is such a great travel destination. This photo was taken from the observation deck of the famous Q1 building.

Brisbane borders the Gold Coast to the south, the Sunshine Coast to the north, and connects to Ipswich and Toowoomba to the west. The economies and industries of neighboring satellite cities are closely linked to Brisbane, so the state government refers to this entire area as “South-East Queensland (SEQ)” — the heart of Queensland.

Located in southeast Queensland, Australia, at coordinates 27°28′S 153°02′E. The central business district is mainly on the north bank of the river, with many office buildings, government agencies, international hotels, conference halls, city parks, and stadiums. The Q1 building (Queensland Number One) is a skyscraper on the Gold Coast, with 77 floors. It used to be the world’s tallest residential building until 2008. The previous three photos were taken from its observation deck — highly recommended!

The hotel I stayed at had a huge garden. Walking around in the morning was pure relaxation — it truly felt like a luxurious happiness to live here.

Another reason for this trip to Brisbane was to watch the annual V8 Supercars race held in the city. I was lucky to be in the VIP area — up close to the action, enjoying great food and wine. Not everyone gets to experience this!

Racing action

Brisbane is also known for the Gold Coast, with endless beaches. Lounging on the sand is a way of life for many locals and visitors. Gold Coast is a city in Queensland on the Pacific coast, with a population of 527,000 (2007). To the north is Brisbane, and to the south, it borders Tweed Heads in New South Wales. Bond University is Queensland’s only private university, and Griffith University’s largest campus is also here.

For Australians and international visitors, the Gold Coast is always full of allure. New immigrants, tourists, wealthy retirees, investors, and business people all find its vibrant colors and lively lifestyle irresistible. Today, Gold Coast is Australia’s sixth-largest city and a world-famous tourist destination. It’s a leader in creative industries, fisheries, urban planning, IT, motorsports, water sports, and biotech. Its landmark Q1 Building is the world’s tallest residential skyscraper (as of 2008), standing at 322.5 meters (1,058 feet).

The City of Sydney is located in New South Wales and consists of the central business district and nearby metropolitan suburbs. It’s a local government area, and in 2004, South Sydney City officially merged into it.

Sydney Harbour, also known as Port Jackson, is Sydney’s natural harbor and home to the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a key landmark, spanning the harbor and linking the city center with the North Shore. Along with the Opera House, it’s one of Sydney’s most iconic sights. Until 1967, it was the tallest structure in the city. According to Guinness World Records, it’s also the world’s widest long-span bridge and the tallest steel arch bridge, rising 139 meters above sea level, and the fourth longest arch bridge in the world.

The Sydney Opera House is one of the most distinctive buildings of the 20th century and a world-renowned performing arts center. Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, construction began in 1959 and was completed in 1973. In 2007, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its sail-like design and the backdrop of the Harbour Bridge make it a must-see for thousands of visitors every day.

St Mary’s Cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Sydney and the largest church in Australia, though not the tallest. It’s located on College Street in downtown Sydney. The original church was founded in 1821, destroyed by fire in 1865, and rebuilt in a Gothic Revival style. The twin towers were completed in 2000, making it a city landmark. In July 2008, Pope Benedict XVI visited the cathedral.

Scenery... What is the definition of beauty? Is it in the eye of the beholder, or in the heart? Beauty means different things to different people. If you think it’s beautiful, then it is. The End...