#treasurybuilding

Brisbane is one of the more enjoyable cities to walk around. Not only can you walk from one end to the other in an hour or less, but there is a mix of architecture as well. You have a harmonious blend of modern buildings straddled next to colonial and roman structures, with parks providing an aesthetic backdrop.

On my second day in Brisbane I completed a walking tour of the city, taking in the varied city landscapes. I started with Roma Street Parkland, which borders the main train station. It has a nice collection of flowers, a waterfall, lake, and grassy areas to soak up the sun. From there I ventured down into the northern sections of the CBD, and took a tour of City Hall and the Treasury Building. Although the Treasury Building may lack collectors, the premise still pulls in its fair share of taxes since a casino took over the lease.

From there I headed over the Victoria Bridge, and headed down the South Bank Parklands. Along the way I stopped at a Nepalese temple, took a stroll along the rainforest boardwalk, saw the Brisbane Wheel in action, and sunbathed at Streets Beach. Most of Australia is blessed with a coastal location and beaches, but Brisbane is shaped by the bending Brisbane River instead. So in true Australian fashion, if you can’t go to the beach, then bring the beach to you. The artificial beach and pools see a plethora of guests every day, and at night time too. Forget infinity pools, the setting is heaps more scenic.

I continued my journey across the Goodwill Bridge to the Botanic Gardens that also housed the Old Government House and the Parliament Building. The Old Government House was one of the best utilizations of space imagined. Downstairs featured information about the house’s history, upstairs was an art gallery, and a café served patrons in the courtyard. The property is probably one of the few self-supporting free museums. My favorite part was an artificial simulation that allowed you to take a tour of the grounds as they were. This allowed them to offer the experience at a fraction of the cost to renovate, and still be able to utilize the space efficiently.