Heavenly Beverley : Brisbane Versus The Beverley Hillbillies

Monday, 26 February 2018

Brisbane Versus The Beverley Hillbillies

A week ago, we had just completed our first day's activities in Brisbane. Our Airbnb in Kangaroo Point had turned out to be excellent in all aspects. Close to the Story Bridge and two ferry stops, just up the road from the Pineapple Hotel, a 24-hour IGA and a doctors' surgery. (For those of us who had run out of medications. Whoops!)

David and Brett were hosts in absentia, as they were enjoying a well-deserved holiday themselves. In their place, the admirable Richard was holding the fort, caring for one tottering ancient dog and her granddaughter, the garden and random guests such as ourselves. Richard deserved a medal.

If visiting Brisbane, this Airbnb is perfect for getting around the city. Catch a river CityHopper (free) or a paying ferry across to Eagle Street and the possibilities are endless. Brisbane certainly knows how to use her river.

The accommodation was under an old Queenslander which doesn't look the best from the street. However, the "man cave" as we christened the space, was cool and comfortable with an ultra sleep-inducing bed, a tidy bathroom, a kitchenette and a lounge to relax. Richard had even ironed the sheets...

The rear garden was a quiet oasis far from the madding crowd. A large pond populated with tiny fish of all sorts keeps the mosquito population under control. The garden is jungle-like and reminds us all that plants grow in Queensland very rapidly indeed. Not forgetting the artwork which is bold and creative and thought-provoking. And if you like to watch TV, there is none. We had no issues with the lack of an idiot box. In fact, it was bloody awesome.

Just as well we could navigate our way around the CBD by ferry as driving was terrifying. Every time we ventured forth in Tonto (our silver Corolla), any trip ended in disaster. Brisbane is hilly and the signage is not brilliant. We would hurtle past the street we were supposed to take, due to a complete lack of identification.

Added to the mayhem was the multitude of one-way streets. Plus, whenever I tried to use Google maps on my phone and get a sense of direction, the map would swing uninvited upside down. My navigation skills, or lack of them, almost led to divorce on occasion after occasion. And I was tempted to stab Michael through the eye as his semi-panic led to his profound deafness of my instructions. Turn left here, I would say. What?! Here?! he'd respond. YES HERE! I'd bellow as we found ourselves immersed in yet another fine mess.

There were some high spots. George's Paragon Seafood Restaurant and the Ship Inn were outstanding lunch venues. The Maritime Museum at Southbank captured us for an entire afternoon. The Pineapple Hotel provided good pub tasting plates. The last night we ate in our man cave with meals from the IGA.

Brisbane's CityCats are fantastic vehicles to view the city, attractions and inner suburbs from the river. We were in awe of the medium and high-density housing all along the river's banks. Due to the presence of this water transport system, areas of Brisbane once considered less than desirable are now booming with accommodation options for her residents.

Needless to say, our final drive to the airport was full of drama. By sheer bloody accident, we found ourselves on the Airport Link M7 and headed there without further ado.

I was sad and happy and contented and relieved to be headed home. We'd had a fantastic time with family and I was already looking forward to seeing my brothers the next time.

However, if I ever step foot in Brisbane again, I will be armed with a hold-in-my-hands hard copy street directory.