When I first landed back in Australia, I spent the day here in Brisbane – if you’ve been reading my rambles since then, you may remember that there was a Hare Krishna festival on at the time! In retrospect, I was far too travel-weary to notice much else, and the change in climate from the UK was distracting too! Now, weather-and-time adjusted, I’m back.

Brisbane is a city of bridges, and seems to be trying hard to blend the contrast between architecture and nature. It’s a strange mix, in parts, of a serious business/retail centre, a playground and a stage for history and arts. I walked across the Brisbane River from the city centre, via the Kurilpa pedestrian bridge, to the library and art galleries of the South Bank. There are several bridges across the river, or you can just hop on board a City Cat or City Hopper. Cycling is encouraged and given priority along the boardwalk – it’s easy to hire a bike from several hire-stands dotted around the city, and on the South Bank there’s even a free bike fixing station:

Nature is determined not to be pushed out by architecture, and can be seen insisting on its place, softening the built environment. It was interesting to see that a sprawling old tree has been given metal ‘crutches’ to support its spreading branches.

It’s not unusual to happen across random pieces of sculpture in this city of surprises either. I guess you’d expect to find something in the area of the library/art galleries, but maybe not a head-standing elephant? The ‘Diggers’ sculpture is perhaps more to be expected here, but I came across it quite by accident in a  a city side-street:

If you ever have the opportunity to spend some time here, do walk along the South Bank. Whether you want to stroll by the water,  walk through some rainforest, eat delicious food, find a safe swimming beach (yes, really!) and play area for the kids, some Japanese influence,  a cycle,  a run, or just to watch the world go by, it’s all here. Oh, and nobody turns a hair if you just want to find a shady spot to do your daily exercises: