Arrived in Brisbane at the peak of noon, and a swift 30-minute Uber ride whisked us to the heart of the city.
Brisbane Accommodation (near the station):
Soho Brisbane
333 Wickham Terrace (cheaper on Qunar)
The room, though compact, is thoughtfully equipped with all the essentials. The only downside: no elevator, which made for an adventurous climb.

(A huge shoutout to my travel buddy for tackling the heavy lifting!)
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Brisbane always sounded like a warm embrace from afar, especially with its subtropical charm. I once had the pleasure of chatting with a fruit farmer from Brisbane, and if this city were a fragrance, it would undoubtedly be a sweet, feminine scent that never overwhelms.

From the moment the plane touched down, a wave of heat greeted us, signaling the long-awaited summer .
As our stay was a brief stopover en route to the Gold Coast, we dedicated half a day to a leisurely Citywalk. Our journey took us through the bustling Queen Street and the scenic South Bank Parklands, a true Brisbane landmark.

Here’s a previous itinerary map (though we didn’t strictly follow it):
Queen StreetSouth Bank Parklands
James Lane
Museum of Modern Art
Queensland Art Gallery
Fish Lane graffiti
Howard Smith Wharf for a boat ride
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Story Bridge
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Returning to Queen Street, the local snacks were a delightful hit, especially the succulent lamb kebab, a highlight of our trip (Pic 2).

A tiny kangaroo in a gift shop stole our hearts (Pic 17), and I affectionately named her Kiki. Early morning party-goers sipped beer and mused, dressed in tank tops, shorts, swimsuits, and shirts, creating a unique rhythm that defines this vibrant city.
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Brisbane evokes memories of Melbourne’s Yarra River, with its small beaches, night markets, and lounge chairs, exuding a laid-back vibe.

The humid air, cool evening breezes, and the joyful laughter around me also reminded me of Southeast Asia. Witnessing people gathered, laughing, and celebrating, and the colorful array of bikinis, I realized I was unconsciously comparing everything to my own set standards. This “consistency” not only confines me but also keeps me in a state of envy.

It’s time to break free.
Back on the balcony of our accommodation, wearing a comfortable tank top and sipping a refreshing drink before the rain, I felt the fatigue of the transition melt away. The joy of travel, seeing others, and discovering oneself, much like this city preparing for the 2032 Olympics, finds a balance between the characteristics of many cities, maintaining its pace and relishing the climate.

Content with itself, Brisbane teaches a valuable lesson.
Sorry, this transition was a bit rushed; there’s so much more to explore next time.

Today’s Quote
“Some of the most precious moments in life come from insignificant little things.”
— “The Shadow of the Wind”
I love how you managed to cover so much ground in just half a day! The Soho Brisbane sounds convenient for exploring, though lugging luggage up those stairs might be a challenge. I’d definitely want to visit again to experience more of what you hinted at but didn’t have time for. Looking forward to hearing about your next trip there!