New Farm

Jamie had done some exploring whilst I was at work and had taken the City Cat down to New Farm. He spotted the free bbq's there and decided that we should take a trip on the next sunny day that we both had off work.


It turned out to be a about 3 weeks before we both had a sunny day off together, but last Sunday we did. Which just happened to coincide with the 'World press Photo 2012' exhibition that was taking place in the Brisbane Powerhouse gallery in New farm - good timing! 

http://www.brisbanepowerhouse.org


We had decided to make our burgers from scratch whilst we were there so we packed our cool bag with micemeat, garlic, oliveoil, onions, bread & cheese, some pepsi max and Bundy Rum and we were all set. Headed to the Southbank terminal to catch the city cat.

                                              

Southbank from the riverside. 

You can purchase a 'Go Card' if you're going to be traveling on the cities public transport frequently. It works on the trains, buses and city cats. You can purchase them from the train or bus stations and top up as you use them. You 'Touch on' when you get on the bus/train/ferry and 'Touch off' when you reach your stop. Your fare is automatically calculated. It gives a discount on the regular fare price and as they don't do return tickets here, which I find bizarre, do people only travel in one direction here, or never go home...? 

Anyway public transport is good and runs regularly. I would definitely recommend using it. I have even been converted to using the bus!

Its about a 30 minute cruise along the river to New Farm and the view is lovely. 

                                                                   Jetskiers tried to race us.... unsurprisingly they won!

Upon arriving in New Farm to our dismay its was extremely busy. Everyone was out to enjoy the sunshine. Groups of families had emptied their kitchen cupboards of all their condiments and commandeered all the bbq stations!

A girl and her dog enjoying the viewing. 

We (or rather I) decided that we should check out the photography exhibition and by the time we were finished hopefully we could start cooking, so we headed to the powerhouse. 

The World Press Photo 2012 exhibition was superb. A brilliant collection of photojournalism. In my opinion the photographs from the aftermath of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami are breathtaking. No matter 

how many times I see them I can't begin to comprehend the devastation that is left behind. 

http://www.worldpressphoto.org/gallery/2012-world-press-photo

A great travelling exhibition that you should see if you have the opportunity! 

Unfortunately the afore mentioned families had cracked open some beers and had no intention of moving so we jumped back onto the city cat. As we were approaching Mowbray Park I spotted some BBQs not in use so we jumped off and Jamie started cooking!

       

The burgers were a great success and delish! 

A jazz band was playing on the riverbank, the sun shining and we had plenty of Bundy rum, all the ingredients for a top notch afternoon!

The journey on the ferry map. 

All rights reserved Copyright © Laura Powell

   

Castle Hill

In the heart of Townsville sits Castle Hill. A huge pink granite rock. It stands at 286 metres above sea level and is said to be one of the most distinctive natural features on the Queensland coast. It is a spectacular sight.

   

 The drive to the summit of Castle Hill took around 15 mins, up a winding road.

                            

At the summit there are a few viewing points from which you can see the whole of Townsville - spectacular!

          

      

My Nana put a card with Rhosilli in the Gower photograph on the front in my suitcase without me knowing. It was a nice surprise to find it hidden away! I was looking at it just before we went up Castle Hill and it really emphasises how different the landscape is here compared to the UK.   

 Whilst we were driving leisurely to the summit we noticed a few dedicated people jogging up Castle Hill. When we got home our friends advised that loads of locals walk, jog, run up Castle Hill every evening after work to keep fit. Jamie then decided that he wanted to have a go at jogging it, so I agreed to give it a try the following evening.

It took Jamie about 40 mins to jog to the summit, me about 50mins, I walked more than jogged.... By the time we reached the top it was dark but the view was spectacular. I must say that I enjoyed the lesuirely stroll back down the hill more than the ascent. But if your ever in Townsville the view from Castle Hill is a must see, and if you've got a decent pair of trainers have a go at a jog, its an awesome feeling to know that you've conquered it! 

All rights reserved Copyright © Laura Powell