After some morning relaxation and a few pre-drinks on NYE, we got ready to make the trek towards South Bank for the New Years Celebrations. Once off the bus, we made our way towards one of the many entrances, were all bags were checked on entry. We had dinner at a quaint little Italian. The city had arranged live music through out the day and evening at various spots in South Bank. After a slight mishap with flying a medical helicopter, the 8.30pm show finally got under away at 8.40pm. The Fireworks during this show was nothing compared to what the countdown and show was at midnight. The atmosphere was electric along the river bank with in excess of 65,000 people gathered for the celebrations. When the countdown to midnight and 2013 began, everyone got into the spirit by shouting and cheering together, and suddenly getting to their feet. The show at midnight included a light show which involved the use of surrounding office blocks across the river, an unreal fireworks display which made the previous show seem like just a warm up act and was fantastic.
Translink, the transport body in South Queensland provided free transport between 9pm till 5.30am including buses, trains and ferries. It was a fun and enjoyable night.
Over our routine coffee on Wednesday in Gloria Jeans, we started discussing and arranged plans for the next few weeks including booking the hostel for our next port of call, Surfers Paradise. It was an earlish start the following morning, to make our way into Culture Quarter to catch the River Cruise Ship, Miramar II, which departed and made it way towards Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary at about 10 am. On route we got a running commentary about historical events and buildings that we passed. We decided to only get a one way cruise ticket, so we could spent more time in the sanctuary.
We arrived at about 11.15, we got a map and schedule and made our way towards our first animal talk of the day, at the main enclosure: Wild Enclosure, Fur & Feathers. From here we went and purchased the photo ticket required for the Koala Hug. It was a surreal feeling holding the female koala.
As we had a few mins to spare before the Birds of Preys show, we checked out some of the adorable koalas, and birds. During the Birds of Preys show, the birds came at times scarily close as they flew over your head.
After this show, we made the sort journey to the Sheep Dog and and Sheep Shearing show. As we watched the Sheep Dog maneuver the sheep, we both immediately thought of the film, Babe. Watching Dan shear the ewe, was an unusual experience, and even more so as you got to touch and feel the sheared sheep after the show. On the way towards the Main Enclosure to see the Snake talk, we got to see various barn animals and reptiles such as Perentie which is Australian Monitor Lizard, next to this exhibit is the Tails and Scales reptile house. This reptile house has on exhibit, various species of snakes, komodo dragon and turtle nursery. At the Snake talk we got to see the python, that wasn't in the reptile house.
As we had free time till the next talk, we decided to go explore more of the sanctuary, along the way we got to see, Crocodiles, Kangaroos, Wombats, Dingos and various species of Birds. Some of the prettiest birds included princess parrot, lorikeet, and kookaburra. During the platypus feeding, we learnt, that this one was a male, and was one of the first successfully bred in captivity in Victoria. The male platypus has a large spur located on his hind legs connected to venom gland and that platypus lives mainly along the east coast near Tasmania. From here, we went the short distance to the Tasmanian devil exhibit for our last presentation of the day. During the presentation we got to see the devils been feed, which was unique as these carnivorous marsupials devour everything including the bone. When they bite down on the bone, you actually hear a bone crushing noise.
On the way out, we went to the cafe, to collect our koala photo and then made our way towards the bus. It was an unique experience and well worth the visit, resulting in a fun filled day.
We decided to spend our last Sunday in Brisbane by going to various different Theme Parks, so we got the 9.04 am Gold Coast train from South Bank To Coomera, where we got the connecting bus to Dreamworld. It was my goal to get on the remaining thrill rides I had so far missed and Niamh's to finally get to meet Po in land of awesomeness. As we had World Pass we were able to skip the queue and go straight in. First ride we got on was the Thunder River Rapid Ride, where poor Niamh got soaked. From here I braved the fears and went on Buzzsaw followed by the Giant Drop, both were scary and nerve-wrecking but yet exciting. We finally got to meet Po at about 11.30 in the courtyard, third time lucky. We went into the tiger lair and was able to see 2 tigers above our heads, was an unique sight.
After a while, we entered White Water World through the World Pass area, We got comfy and I finally got to go on the Wedgie Ride, which was different but awesome. I didn't get to go on a few of the previous rides I had been on and we had fun also in the Cave of waves,before deciding to get dressed and catch a bus to Movie World to go on some rides and finally get to see the All Star Movie World Street Parade, as it wasn't on the last time we were there, due to White Christmas. We both got to go on our favourite rides too before we got to leave. Scooby Doo Disco Pop Video was on 2.40 pm which was like a live action mini detective episode, was unusual but neat. About 3.30pm, the Parade began led by Bugs Bunny himself which was full of Looney Tunes Characters and Action Figures, and had elements of dancing and meeting the public which was all fun and energetic.
After the Parade, we managed to get on the Scooby Doo Spooky Coaster before the crowds filled up again. Lucky for both of us, we managed to get onto Justice League 3D ride and for me the Superman Escape before closing time at 5. I just got into the queue at 4.55 before the ride closed. All in all, was a tired but fun filled day.
Monday, we managed to book our greyhound bus tickets and get the packing underway .
Translink, the transport body in South Queensland provided free transport between 9pm till 5.30am including buses, trains and ferries. It was a fun and enjoyable night.
Over our routine coffee on Wednesday in Gloria Jeans, we started discussing and arranged plans for the next few weeks including booking the hostel for our next port of call, Surfers Paradise. It was an earlish start the following morning, to make our way into Culture Quarter to catch the River Cruise Ship, Miramar II, which departed and made it way towards Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary at about 10 am. On route we got a running commentary about historical events and buildings that we passed. We decided to only get a one way cruise ticket, so we could spent more time in the sanctuary.
We arrived at about 11.15, we got a map and schedule and made our way towards our first animal talk of the day, at the main enclosure: Wild Enclosure, Fur & Feathers. From here we went and purchased the photo ticket required for the Koala Hug. It was a surreal feeling holding the female koala.
After this show, we made the sort journey to the Sheep Dog and and Sheep Shearing show. As we watched the Sheep Dog maneuver the sheep, we both immediately thought of the film, Babe. Watching Dan shear the ewe, was an unusual experience, and even more so as you got to touch and feel the sheared sheep after the show. On the way towards the Main Enclosure to see the Snake talk, we got to see various barn animals and reptiles such as Perentie which is Australian Monitor Lizard, next to this exhibit is the Tails and Scales reptile house. This reptile house has on exhibit, various species of snakes, komodo dragon and turtle nursery. At the Snake talk we got to see the python, that wasn't in the reptile house.
As we had free time till the next talk, we decided to go explore more of the sanctuary, along the way we got to see, Crocodiles, Kangaroos, Wombats, Dingos and various species of Birds. Some of the prettiest birds included princess parrot, lorikeet, and kookaburra. During the platypus feeding, we learnt, that this one was a male, and was one of the first successfully bred in captivity in Victoria. The male platypus has a large spur located on his hind legs connected to venom gland and that platypus lives mainly along the east coast near Tasmania. From here, we went the short distance to the Tasmanian devil exhibit for our last presentation of the day. During the presentation we got to see the devils been feed, which was unique as these carnivorous marsupials devour everything including the bone. When they bite down on the bone, you actually hear a bone crushing noise.
On the way out, we went to the cafe, to collect our koala photo and then made our way towards the bus. It was an unique experience and well worth the visit, resulting in a fun filled day.
After the Parade, we managed to get on the Scooby Doo Spooky Coaster before the crowds filled up again. Lucky for both of us, we managed to get onto Justice League 3D ride and for me the Superman Escape before closing time at 5. I just got into the queue at 4.55 before the ride closed. All in all, was a tired but fun filled day.
Monday, we managed to book our greyhound bus tickets and get the packing underway .
No comments:
Post a Comment