Photos of Brisbane Trip

Ok. Was back from Brisbane yesterday. Finally settled everything, and today I am energetic enough to blog again.

I have uploaded some photos (of course, as usual, no photos with faces in them,) and I will give a quick summary of the whole trip :

Day 1 - Kingaroy Wine Tours

Managed to get an earlier than expected start after we picked-up our vehicle. Took a 2 hour trip from Brisbane to Kingaroy area to start our wine tour. Went to Stuart Range, and Cranes (Flower 1, Flower 2 and Vines) before dark. Checked into the hotel and had nice dinner and good rest.

Day 2 - Wine Tours in Morning ; Travel to Hervey Bay

Woke up and hit a few more wineries. Bought some wines to bring home, as well as extra for ourselves to enjoy during the trip. Had to stop at around 3 and start the drive up to Hervey Bay.

Reached the hotel (The Grange) almost 6, bought groceries and made speghetti for dinner. The house we stayed in was wonderful, with 3 levels and a jacuzzi.

Day 3 - Fraser Island Tour

Took a ferry to the Island and boarded a 4WD bus that took us around some parts of the island. Information on Fraser Island can be found here.

Basically it is the world largest island that is formed completely by sand. According to the guide, there are only 4 pieces of rocks on the island. Most of what we see are just compressed sand, or sand with rotting vegetation, etc. So technically, they are not rocks.

And when we were standing near a stream, we couldn't hear the sound of water flowing, because there were no rocks to break the flow of water.

Saw also the The Pinnacle, the Shipwreck and Basin Lake.

The ferry back was also scenic.

Day 4 - Whale Watching Tour ; Travel to Surfer's Paradise

Took a half day tour to watch whales. Saw more than we bargained for. Also saw dolphins and turtles in the ocean joining in the fun.

It was a hot but wonderful trip. Back to mainland about 2.30pm and had to start our 400+ km down from Hervey Bay to Surfer's Paradise.

Day 5 - Movie World

Ok. Enjoyed it but not as great as I expected. Not going to show any photos, as good ones can be found in brochures as well. Ha !

Day 6 - Weekend Markets

Didn't take photos. But just bought some stuff at the weekend market. Not a lot though, and nothing very interesting.

But saw quite a few handcrafts that looked like they are imported from Bali. Now we know why Australians like to go to Bali.

Day 7 - Markets and Shopping

Went to Habour Town for branded goods shopping, and also other shopping malls. Nothing much I have to say.

Day 8 - Dream World

Very enjoyable. Managed to ride all 5 biggest Thrillers and a few others.

Day 9 - Sea World ; Travel to Tangalooma

Spent the morning half at Sea World. Saw cute dolphin shows and other sea animals. Didn't bring camera, so no photos, but you can see the brochure here.

Had to leave after lunch, as we need to catch the 5pm ferry to Tangalooma resort.

Had dinner along the beach and was mesmerized by the wonderful view of the night sky.

Day 10 - Tangalooma Island

Did a Quad-bike tour in the morning and then lazed around the beach. Had fun competing with my friends to see who is the best paper-aeroplane engineer. Also had some archery practise, Robin Hood style (not the high-tech bow that you see during the Olympics. No aiming sights, no arrorw rest.)

Evening, we fed the dolphins. Then took the last ferry back to mainland, and made our way to our to Brisbane.

Day 11 - Picnic and Mount Cootha

Spent the morning and afternoon lazing around the Botanic Gardens and New Farm Park (Rose 1, Rose 2), having our Picnic lunch. Brought along the hotel blanket to be our groundsheet. Grass was soft and dry, the weather was cool under the shade. No sweating even with the sun bathing our skin.

After dinner, made our way up Mount Cootha to see the night view of Brisbane.

The next day, we came back to Singapore on a morning flight.

I will have to say I did really enjoy my trip. Initial estimate of the total expenses should be less than S$2,500. Definitely Worth It !