Sun, 23rd Feb, 2025 Jetstar flight to Brisbane to Meriton Suites, Brisbane City, WA (exploring Brisbane)

Great views over farmland, hills/mountains then over two layers of clouds. Top lot was light like cotton wool and next layer looked like whipped cream. We flew out over the sea then an island. Saw a line and wide area of bright green which must have been algae bloom or something - iridescent. Turned back to the coast and landed at the airport into a shower of rain.

Arrived at 6.30am, got our suitcase and made our way to the Airtrain. Sent Leanne a text that we had arrived and Margaret one to say we got here safely while we waited 15 minutes for the train to come.

Into Roma Street Station then across the road and down Georges Street to Herschel St where Leanne was waiting for us. The ‘hotel’ suites was just up the road. I just chose one close to the station as we will be catching the train to Bundaberg on Tuesday morning. I didn’t realise they were self-contained units. Meriton Suites was built by Harry Triguboff, along with many more places.

Our room wasn’t ready yet so we went up to Leanne and Rick’s room on the 20^th floor. Good view up here. Left our bags there and headed across the road to a pub for breakfast.

Headed off then to explore. Rick still has is faithful hat that Steve gave to him in Tassie after he lost his big hat to the ocean at Trial Harbour on the west coast. Easy walking down the street - no workers clogging up the footpaths.

Lots of Police about in front of the Treasury Building. Rick asked why and there is some protests. The two police officers were very friendly and chatted with us for a while.

We headed down the next pathway to The Star Casino. It was still under construction on our last visit. There is another building behind the front part.

Spotted a history sign off to the side. Above here is the Commissariat Stores (1829) which I wanted to see but it is closed Sat, Sun & Mon!

Paid our 50 cents to go on the river ferry upstream to the last stop at the Uni. The new price came in to try and get more people to use the public transport and lessen the traffic on the roads. Not sure if it is working but we certainly don’t mind as the Airport Train cost us $16 each! Interesting looking at all the different buildings. Spotted a few old ones - this one stood out.

Better shot of the casino as we head back to where we got.

Followed the signs into the casino. Not many people about. Lots of pokies but no interest now with Mum, Erica or Val to play with. Nice views from here.

Found the lift to the Sky Deck (100m up) and up we went. Great view - very windy too.

Steve got brave and tried out the glass deck - long way down. Worth a selfie!

The Sky Deck Bar then view over the bridge again and along the river. You can just see our ‘hotel’, 2^nd tallest on the right.

Walked around the edge, view down then back along the flat platform that joins the front section to the tall buildings behind.

Then down into the centre section, up to the back of the Sky Deck and across to the other platform to the other tall building.

Back to the lift for the quick ride down and back onto the street again. Headed back then stopped at another hotel Leanne & Rick have stayed to have a look inside. Beautiful.

Big Bank of New South Wales on the corner of the Queen Street Mall.

Steve found a friend on George Street. Leanne & Rick met the artist on a flight once so had to come back and find his artworks.

Stopped at the Metro Woolies and picked up something for lunch rather than eating out again.

Our room is ready so we got our bags from Leanne’s room and checked out ours on 8^th floor. Not a very good view compared to Leanne’s but we can see the river! It has a TV and Steve found out that the first rounds of the Supercars was on this weekend in Sydney. We got to see the last half of the 3^rd race of the weekend. Ford reigned over all three races.

Leanne and I went to the indoor pool for a dip - chilly but the spa was heated so we relaxed in there. There is a sauna too but we have to take off our jewellery - too hard!

Had a drink then headed off again to find somewhere for dinner. We checked out the pub around the corner but it was closed! Wandered along George Street, very quiet on a Sunday night. Eventually we found the Criterion, the restaurant is set below the road level. The steak meals were perfect and all of us thoroughly enjoyed our dinners and chatted into the evening. Wandered back along the road to our hotel.

Feeling very weary after our big trip over so headed off to bed which is very comfortable and big!