Brisbane

Brisbane is a great walking city. There are plenty of pedestrian zones and bridges, parklands and river walks. At some point though, you’ll need to cross at a traffic light. While you’re waiting, make sure you take a closer look at the traffic signal box. Chances are, it’s a mini masterpiece. Drive Through Art Gallery… Read more

Welcome to the A-Z Guidebook Link Up. If you would like to join, read the A-Z Guidebook tab at the top of the blog and write a travel post relating to the letter of the month. *Hello readers and contributors. As you read this, I am celebrating a significant birthday in New Orleans. Huzzah! This… Read more

It’s been a while since I’ve done a Local &/or General story but with my new found freedom, I have been hitting the footpaths of the suburb. The premise of Local &/or General is simple: local coffee shops within walking distance of my TIFFIN HQ in Camp Hill. Jacu Espresso is hardly a new addition to… Read more

Welcome to the A-Z Guidebook Link Up. If you would like to join, read the A-Z Guidebook tab at the top of the blog and write a travel post relating to the letter of the month. *Q may pose a challenging letter for some. You can always use the alternate theme for some additional inspiration. This… Read more

The Jacarandas are blooming early this year. Typically the Brisbane Jacaranda season is towards the end of October through to late November but a wet winter has given them a head start. From pale mauve to brightest ultra violets, the city is awash with a purple haze. Despite what many think, Jacarandas are not native to Australia… Read more

I’m sharing some of the bars I’ve visited recently so you know where they are and can seem like you’re ‘in the know’. I was invited* to the opening of Tomcat along with the bright and beautiful of Brisbane. A few days in, and it already appears to be a roaring success. Name: Tomcat Location: Fortitude Valley Vibe: Fun & Lively… Read more

As I was looking out of my office window, I noticed a curl of blue smoke coming out of one of the small chimneys across the road at Central Station. It piqued my interest as I thought it unlikely that in these rules driven, workplace health and safety times that the building would have any working… Read more

I thought my bar hopping days were over. It’s not that I can’t take the liquor. What I can’t take, are the prices. Where are the days of $3 vodka and cheap OJs at White Chairs? It seems that at least some of the crowd I run with are still very much into bars so… Read more

I thought my bar hopping days were over. It’s not that I can’t take the liquor. What I can’t take, are the prices. Where are the days of $3 vodka and watered down orange juice at White Chairs? It seems that at least some of the crowd I run with are still very much into bars… Read more

NAIDOC Week is held in Australia at the start of July every year.  It celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. *NAIDOC is observed by the indigenous and wider Australian community and is a chance to come together and learn more about the original culture of Australia. NAIDOC Week is an important part of… Read more

Lady Marmalade Cafe has been around for several years, started by Brisbane My Kitchen Rules competitors Mal and Bec but has since changed hands to Howard and Sonja Searle. It sits in an absolutely tiny triangular shaped shop right on the tip of the Stones Corner shopping area. The building was once, amongst other things… Read more

July in Queensland means clear skies and a chance to slip into a second layer. It also means lots of outdoor, food focused events before the temperatures start to rise again. Mark these Queensland Food Festivals on your calendar and take advantage of the great weather. Scenic Rim Eat Local Week I’ve written before about… Read more

After the success of Brisbane – 10 Things To Do For Free, I am sharing some more activities and places to visit in Brisbane that will cost you nothing. Nix. Nada! Some of these are places you would expect to see on a list but some are tucked away or not as well known. All are… Read more

This year is a biggie for Paniyiri, Brisbane’s Greek Festival. They are celebrating their 40th anniversary. It’s come a long way from a small celebration within the Greek community to a huge festival over an entire weekend where the whole of Brisbane comes together to celebrate all things Hellenic. Paniyiri is actually Australia’s Big Fat Greek Festival… Read more

You’ve heard me complain often enough about crowds and queuing and parking and all the things that come with trying to enjoy breakfast at a café on the weekend. I have previously suggested that one solution is to get up early but I find that a rather extreme measure. An alternative is to take some… Read more

Tuesday, March 8th, is International Women’s Day. It’s an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements and to call for greater equality for women, no matter where they are in the world. The theme for IWD 2016 is ‘Pledge For Parity’. The theme recognises the progress women have made throughout the world but also recognises that the pace… Read more

You’ll have oft heard me grumbling about not queuing for breakfast and the dire state of parking in popular hot spots around Brisbane on weekends. Well here’s an idea I hadn’t encountered…getting up early. I recently met up with some friends on Saturday morning to fuel up for a road trip out to the Scenic Rim. Whilst… Read more

Brisbane is a compact city, easily navigable by foot but sometimes those feet are tired. Thankfully, we have a great Brisbane public transport network that will take you to many of the attractions, events and destinations you want to see. Like most public transport, it can be confusing. Trains, buses and ferries are operated by the Brisbane City Council… Read more

Regular readers will know how much I enjoy Malaysian cuisine with its melting pot of spicy noodles, tantalising curries and excellent rotis. There are a few Malaysian restaurants scattered around Brisbane’s suburbs but none that are centrally located. When I was invited* to try newly opened PappaRich in the Wintergarden, I wasn’t at all surprised… Read more