Dockside Marina, Brisbane River
Lynn & Mike ..around the world
Mike Drinkrow & Lynn v/d Hoven
Mon 14 Oct 2013 06:19
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27:26.23S 153:02.33E
Dockside Marina, Brisbane River
Following our ordeal getting into
Australia, we have had a wonderful 10 days in Brisbane. We are tied up at the
Dockside Marina very close to the centre of the city. Mark from Gray
Matter came down to the Riverside Customs dock on his bike to
"escort" us up the river, where we have a berth on the same dock as mvGray
Matter ....nice!
Brisbane is a lovely city, the 3rd largest
in Australia and the biggest in Queensland. With great weather and
excellent amenities, the people of Brisbane spend a lot of time outside. There
are bike paths everywhere, lots of parks with great picnic spots (many with
free electric BBQ's) and there is absolutely no threat to personal
safety. The jacarandas are in bloom, so the whole area has a purple
hue. Much of the city is on the banks of the river, including many
apartment buildings, it reminds us a little of Florida - this is where
Time2 is lying.
 There are many ferries moving commuters
and tourists around the city. The City Hopper (a free one) takes us from
the marina to the city centre. Very convenient and I have enjoyed wandering
around the city and getting a little "retail fix". We have also been out
to some restaurants in the area, and a very nice bar at the Story Bridge hotel
that has good live music on a Sunday afternoon. We are starting to feel normal
again. We also took our dinghy about 20kms up the river and admired all
the homes with their own docks. This area was very badly damaged by a flood 2
years ago, but seems to be almost fully restored. Sadly the river is not good
for swimming, as it is very brown and apparently has quite a few Bull sharks
lurking!
  Boat
traffic Some large
houses on the river
This year we have been on Time 2 for 9
months, and travelled a little over 8000nm - crossing the biggest of the oceans,
the poorly named Pacific. We have visited some incredible places, been
introduced to interesting cultures, met wonderful new friends and had many
rough crossings - Now it is time to go home.
Later this week we will take Time2 back
down to Rivergate Marina, to get hauled and stored on the hard for the next 4/5
months while we go home to Simon's Town. We are looking forward to seeing our friends and family, and
getting back into "our other life". The blog will be on hold until we return to
cruising next year.
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