Zoo and West End!

Joe had a challenge to address. He is on a mission to go to a zoo in every Australian State/ territory. So of course today we had to find a Queensland Zoo. Australia Zoo was too far to go and way too expensive, and Brisbane city doesn't have a zoo! We found Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary which was just fine according to Jonas. So his list so far consists of Taronga Zoo (NSW), Canberra Zoo (ACT), Perth Zoo (WA), Adelaide Zoo (SA) and now Queenslandd has made the list too (although I do think that Currimbin last year could have made the cut too). He is determined to find Zoos in Victoria, Tasmania and the Northern Territory in the near future so he can start finding all of the others around the world.... With the 'zoo' checked off the list we decided to explore a new precinct within the city. We saw an ad for a really good second hand bookshop in West End so headed in that direction. We ended up having the most delicious lunch in a Greek restaurant- the baby octopus was divine. The service was also excellent and our meal was quite affordable too! We all left smiling in search of some interesting shops in West End. Today was our last day to enjoy Brisbane. Tomorrow we will be heading south via Armidale and then home. Our holiday has passed too quickly!

Brisbane- the sunny city.

Glorious sunshine! It is so lovely on the balcony of the sun drenched apartment that it is hard to leave. Yesterday we enjoyed the morning sun before heading into the Valley to the beautiful 'Old Museum' for The Finders Keepers market. Oh what an abundance of pretty things!! I am not sure why I came away with so few goodies- I am already regretting a couple of little treasures I left behind. We also stopped in at Annerley to visit the second hand bookshop, comic book shop & the delightful handmade shop. Today the sun continued to shine on us while we went to Southbank markets and the Gallery of Modern Art. Our late lunch at the State Library completed our perfectly lovely morning. The boys were brave enough to try to pool this afternoon!! It is not THAT sunny as far as I am concerned. Today has been my favourite day in Brisbane. We are debating what we shall do tomorrow...hmmmm.

Joe found a tiny little Gecko on the balcony!

The Gallery of Modern Art.

Creating birds.                                                                                    Andrew's beautiful bird on display.

                                    

Crazy boys having a swim!!!!

The Old Museum- Finders Keepers Market :)

Southbank.

It was lovely to open the blinds this morning to soak up the sunshiny views of the river. My cup of tea was savoured with my book while we eased into our morning.We went to Southbank today to see the Museum, Art Gallery and all that Southbank has to offer. We crossed the river to wander through Queen St Mall where we had some lunch- a lovely pizza and salad while we watched the world go by.The boys found an Comic book shop in the mall and came away with treasures. I found some beautiful printed paper in the Art Gallery that I can picture framed and hanging above the lounge. Despite the fun of the city we were all pretty eager to come back to the apartment to rest and relax. The balcony gets the afternoon sun and it was the prefect spot to read. It was still warm enough for a BBQ dinner on the balcony tonight- not a likely option in Sydney in July. We are off to explore the Finders Keepers markets tomorrow!! Can't wait.