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Gold Coast Broadwater

August 22, 2017 by David Herd

Spectacular Gold Coast View

Gold Coast Broadwater

Gold Coast Broadwater all add up to a breathtaking view of Surfers Paradise which is located 800 kilometers north of Sydney & 80 kilometers south of Brisbane.

We are looking east to Marina Mirage on the right & the Vercace Hotel o the left.

Broadwater entrance

Beside those rocks is the entrance channel to the Broadwater, or the exit depending on which way you are going. 🙂

Blue Sky Boats Gold Coast Broadwater

Here is a closer look at the rock wall on the southern side of the seaway entrance.

Hundreds of boats use the seaway every day.

Everything from jet skis to huge luxury cruisers, all hoping to enjoy Blue Sky Boats Gold Coast Broadwater & maybe a bag full of fish.

For a great hotel room rate (with free cancellation) just book through THIS LINK.

Some get into trouble when the sea is rough.

The rescue boat is always there to lend a hand.

My friend’s catamaran.

A nice way to escape the rat race of Surfers Paradise. 🙂

Gold Coast Broadwater

A great day out on the Broadwater.

Some guys prefer to fish.

Boats, who needs boats? We are here to catch a big one.

And I’m here for a sun tan.

So no matter what you are interested in you will find it n the Broadwater.

Did I mention the seafood?

You have two great choices, pull into Charis seafood at Labrador & pick up your lunch. Those of you with a sharp eye will notice the mud crabs are $36.90 a kilo, well tat was 2010, sadly in 2017 they have doubled in price.

Direct from the trawler.

This is my preference, they are located just north of Marina Mirage, just call Curly on 0417 668 591, he’s one of the boat owners, he will let you know what they have in stock.

Best prawns in the world.

These medium size king prawns are around $25 aud a kilo. Check out more seafood on THIS LINK.

Decisions, decisions.

Take the at out or……..

Order lunch at one of the many restaurants?

So many decisions & such little time. 🙂

Gold Coast Broadwater

What a fabulous part of the world.

Houston, we have lift off.

The kite surfer is having a ball.

An amazing view.

From my friends apartment, it does not get better than this. By the way it’s for sale3 for a lazy $1.5 million AUD.

I’m guessing now in 2021 it will be closer to $2.5 million.

Here is the view from the opposite side of the Broadwater towards Southport.

Over the years I spent countless hours on my boat in this very area.

Finally a birds eye view of Surfers Paradise

Absolutely spectacular, featuring the Southport yacht in the foreground.

For a great hotel room rate on the Gold Coast just book through THIS LINK.

Thanks for visiting my Gold Coast Broadwater photo blog.

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Plus free cancellation .

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Road Trip South Australia

April 13, 2017 by David Herd

Road trip with Japanese students.

Road Trip South Australia

Road Trip South Australia reminds me of the last frontier and the road trip I took in 2003. Three Japanese students, Yukako, Megumi & Noriko & I travelled from the Gold Coast in Queensland, through Broken Hill NSW to Coober Pedy in South Australia, a fascinating opal mining town where most of the population live in underground houses, then on to Ayers Rock and back home to the Gold Coast via Hervey Bay where we went whale watching. On our marathon journey all through the Australian Outback we traveled 7,300 kilometers which was around 82 hours behind the wheel.

The above photo is at Tenterfield on the New England Highway.

Peter Allen Motor Inn

This famous Australian singer son writer was born in Tenterfield. For a discounted room rate just book through THIS LINK.

Listen to Peter sing one of his famous songs about the Tenterfield sadler.

The first stage

Across NSW to South Australia.

Surfers Paradise Road Trip South Australia

Our first day on the road, we will overnight in Broken Hill.

Trades Hall in Broken Hill.

The Trades Hall is Broken Hill’s most historically important building.

Broken Hill in outback NSW.

Broken Hill over 1,100 km (680 mi) west of Sydney and surrounded by semi-desert.

For a very good discount on a Broken Hill hotel just book through THIS LINK.

Typical outback building

In the 19th and early 20th century Broken Hill was home to a community of Afghans. Afghans worked as camel drivers in parts of outback Australia, and they made a significant contribution to economic growth when transport options were limited. The camel drivers formed the first sizeable Muslim communities in Australia, and in Broken Hill they left their mark in the form of the first mosque in NSW (1891).

Wilmington South Australia

Wilmington is a farming community, known for sheep, wheat and barley, but more recently for the planting of olive groves.

Road Trip South Australia, the general store

Wilmington is 305 kilometres north of the state capital, Adelaide.

This was at Byron Bay near the start of our journey.

Such lovely young girls, Noriko Megumi & Yukako. Thanks for visiting my Surfers Paradise Road Trip South Australia photo blog. Next stop is Coober Pedy.

Lots more posts here;

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Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip

March 28, 2017 by David Herd

Surfers-Paradise-Sydney-Road-Trip -Australia-surf-bikini-babes

Chevron Island Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip

Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip seeing lots of friends & in particular caught up with Karen Greenwood an old girlfriend from 1991, 26 years ago. As you can see see still looks fantastic. 🙂 So many great memories came flooding back, it was certainly wonderful week Surfers Paradise. We are at Franks seafood cafe on Chevron Island.

Here we are 26 years ago.

I couldn’t resist posting this photo from 1991.

Melbas on the Park

I first visited this iconic bar on New Years Day 1982, 35 years ago. The reason I am so sure of the date is it was the day after my unforgettable NYE on Sydney harbour with my overloaded boat being showered by sky rockets.

First stop Kingscliff only a 40 minute drive.

Just a quick stop for a very good breakfast and some photos.

Breakfast at Kingscliff

The name of the cafe was Kettles On & the breakfast was excellent.

Miles of deserted beach at Kingscliff

Certainly an idealic place to live.

Kingscliff to Yamba

About a 2 hour drive to Yamba on the Clarence river, this is my first visit to this pleasant little coastal town.

The sea was angry that day my friends….

Many thanks to George Castanza. 🙂

Discounted room rates at Yamba through THIS LINK.

Mexican

Strangely Mexican food has never been on my list of favourites.

Mexican! That’s not a Mexican, this is a Mexican.

My apologies Pablo.

Yamba to Port Macquarie

A 3.5 hour drive with a stop at Grafton for a Maccas.

Old habits die hard…

Over the years I think I have stopped here at Grafton 20 times for a strawberry shake.

Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip, Port Macquarie.

The mouth of the Hastings River in Port Macquarie.

Centre of town

Port has quite a large shopping centre & a population of 80,00 & growing rapidly.

Expected growth

A very popular area with a good climate and about a 4’5 hour drive to Sydney.

Port Macquarie to Gosford.

With a brief stop at Newcastle to say hi to my old mate Barry Madden.

Barry Madden

Barry & I worked together in the mid 90s with NRMA as financial planners.

The Settlers Tavern Gosford

A terrific T Bone at Settlers Tavern at 2 Hely Street, West Gosford. They have a great menu for a local pub, check it out on THIS LINK.

Early morning workout

It was a perfect Sunday morning for a workout for these rowers.

Gosford to Sydney

The final leg of my Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip.

Maroubra Beach

One of Sydney’s famous southern beaches.

Chaotic Coogee Beach.

Late afternoon & most people have gone home or to the pub. 🙂

For a great room rate in Coogee or anywhere in the world just book through THIS LINK.

Classic Australian pub picture

This is the Robin Hood hotel at Waverly, however years ago these fabulous pictures were found on most Aussie pubs.

It was a great drive down from from Surfers Paradise to Sydney stopping at Kingscliff, Yamba, Port Macquarie, Forster-Tuncurry, Gosford & Coogee. Also dropped into Maroubra which is a place I have not seen for over 50 years. Just click on the links to see my photo blogs.

Thanks for visiting my Surfers Paradise Sydney Trip photo blog.

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Plus free cancellation .

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Kitchens Robina Town Centre

March 19, 2017 by David Herd

Fabulous Robina food court

Kitchens Robina Town Centre

Kitchens Robina Town Centre Gold Coast is the largest and most expensive in QLD costing a whopping $160,000,000. Combining bars, cafes, restaurants along with 40 fresh food retailers. Spread over two levels it features eateries from local hospitality heavyweights such as the Honeyeater Kitchen from ex-Songbirds chef Trent Scarr, David Hayles’ Betty’s Burgers and James Brady’s Mr Pigs Bakehouse; alongside celebrity chef George Calombaris’ first Queensland restaurant, Jimmy Grants.

Kitchens Robina Town Centre Gold Coast

The whole place is quite spectacular, I will certainly visit again next time I’m on the coast.

Pure Meats

Butchers have come a long way since I grew up, I clearly remember them having sawdust on the floor. Here is an explanation from an old butcher explaining why;

When my Dad and I butchered, we used it as a safety enhancement and for ease of cleanup as was mentioned. No, we wouldn’t have meat on the floor, but it seemed as the floor would get slippery over time, and without sawdust, it was only a matter of time before someone would slip and it didn’t matter much what you had for footwear.

Often we wore cowboy boots as you basically stand for 8 to 14 hours at a time and it seemed easier on you, but as you can imagine they aren’t known for tractive abilities. If you are packing a 135# or so hind, you really want your feet to stay under you. We never would have worked without sawdust on the floor in the back, the front we left sawdust free but eventually it would make its way up there.

It is a pain though tracking sawdust all over the place, in your vehicle, etc.

Naturally the beef must be hung. 🙂

Why is meat hung you may well ask;

Meat hanging is a culinary process, used in beef ageing, that improves the flavor of meats by allowing the natural enzymes in the meat to break down the tissue through dry ageing. The process also allows the water in the meat to evaporate, thus concentrating the flavor.

Fish Lab by William Wu

Not only is this a good looking restaurant they also have a “drying room” next door. Follow THIS LINK for more about it.

The drying room

I have never seen anything like this before in a food court.

One of the many cafes

There is certainly lots of choices where to have a coffee here.

Too many coffee shops are never enough. 🙂

Not too sure if they are all making a living, and I’m guessing the rents are astronomical.

Such a feeling of space.

The high ceilings and open plan gives a feeling of space.

Spectacular roof at Kitchens Robina Town Centre Gold Coast

The architects have really done a great job here.

Lucky Luciano’s

I wonder if it’s a mafia hangout? 🙂

Woolworth’s for some serious shopping.

As you can see Kitchens Robina Town Centre Gold Coast caters for everything.

Farewell from Robina

Thanks for visiting my Kitchens Robina Town Centre Gold Coast photo blog.

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Holiday Inn

Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

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Contemplating life beyond 2000

February 6, 2017 by David Herd

A personal photo collection, not a travel blog.

Contemplating life beyond 2000

Contemplating life beyond 2000 after just completing a huge around the world trip with Tony Murphy & John Martin aka Pothole. The fabulous trip began in November 1999 in Los Angeles then on to Miami, Mexico City, Bolivia, San Paulo, Rio di Janeiro, Salavador, Paris, Bangkok & finishing in Koh Samui.

Consequently I really expected 2000 to be a bit of a let down, after all how do you recover after a two month trip like that one?

The photo above was in Sydney for Pothole’s 50th birthday on February 1st. That’s our good mate Paul Slaughter with the glasses & the lovely Kathy who was Pothole’s girlfriend at the time. He was punching way above his weight as you can clearly see. 🙂

Sadly I was as well.

Punching above my weight also with an Italian princess I met & fell for in Koh Samui.

What a smile

Her name was Barbara Manelli, however to me she will always be “Gypsy”.

Consequently in March I headed to Florence to see if there was any future pursuing this gorgeous creature. I soon found out that a brief tropical island fling was soon forgotten back in Italy. 🙂

Italy to Australia via Bangkok

I figured there was only one way to fix a broken heart & that was a week in Bangkok on the way home. 🙂

Pothole & I with Ian Rich

We took my boat over to Main Beach to see Ian’s new condo.

View of Paradise waters from Ian’s condo the Grand Mariner.

My apologies for the low quality photos, I was using my 1st 1.2 mega pixel digital camera. 🙂

Melbas on the Park

The usual suspects, John Moon, Jim Bell aka “HO HO”, & John “Secrets” Sinclair.

John Sinclair aka Secrets at Main Beach.

Here is John with one of the gorgeous Main Beach waitresses.

The dreaded black list.

Over the years Secrets has always had a black list of people who have been guilty of some indiscretion of which he has not approved of. I have been on & off the list a few times over the years, now in February 2017 I am, with quite a few others, most certainly firmly back on the list. Consequently to commemorate this honour I designed a T shirt & Pothole has arranged to have them printed. 🙂

Melbas was our favourite bar.

Owned & run by Paul Allen a larger than life Gold Coast character, passed away far to young in 1013.

Celebrated my birthday at the Boardroom in Southport.

Always a few sexy girls at the Boardroom which was owned & run by Malcolm Pearce.

Always a lot of fun

As you can clearly see I was being totally dominated here. 🙂

Skye from Launceston

What a knockout, here we are having lunch at Melbas.

Let’s go back to Italy

A flashback to March when my pursuit of the beautiful Gypsy crashed & burned. No that’s not really true, after Samui it never really got off the ground. 🙂

San Gimignano

We did all the tourist things then I headed south to Rome to hook up with my friend Paul McNeil & Scooter Boy.

The Spanish Steps in Rome

I hired a car & the 3 of us had a great road trip through Naples, Sorrento, Positano all the way down to Reggio in Southern Italy, the biggest city and the most populated comune of Calabria.

Artist at work in Positano.

We covered a lot of territory including Isle of Capri, this quickly became my favourite part of Italy until 2010 when I discovered the Cinque Terre. 🙂

Xmas lunch

Tradition dictated we would gather at Melbas each year for a Xmas lunch, here we have Jim “Ho Ho” Bell, John “Secrets” Sinclair, David Herd & Tony Murphy.

Best ever Melbas barmaid

Her name is Aurora & we all fell in love with her. 🙂

Family & friends come to visit

My brother Warren & his wife Kerry with my cute little niece Laura. On the left is Chris Lockwood & his partner in happier times.

My best friend Ziggy

We had lots of fun together, plus he was an excellent guard dog.

At the end of the day 2000 certainly was another good year.

From the top left is Malvina from Paris, Rush from Thailand, & Kerry & Simone from Australia.

Thanks for visiting my Contemplating life beyond 2000 photo blog.

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through these links below. Book now & pay later.

Free Cancellation.

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A-One hotel on Beach Road

For a great room rate at the A-One hotel opposite the beach just book through THIS LINK.

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Brisbane City South Bank

August 29, 2016 by David Herd

Brisbane City Hall

Brisbane City South Bank

Brisbane City River South Bank was a pleasant surprise for me, it had been many years since I last visited and the changes were many. Way back in the 90s when I worked for Metway Bank and the NRMA I would travel there regularly for the endless tedious meetings banks & insurance companies were famous for. This trip was purely for pleasure after spending 10 days on the Gold Coast.

Uniting Church Albert St

Across the road from City Hall stands this delightful old church which was originally built in 1888.

From the old to the new

Infinity tower is the magnificent tall building (81 floors) on the left and the monster on the far right is 1 William Street which will house only government departments. The photo was taken from the William Jolly Bridge.

The William Jolly Bridge

The art deco design bride was built during the depression and opened in March 1932.

Sunday Suitcase sale August 21st 2016

The majority seemed to be backpackers selling their old clothes.

Treasury Casino

Treasury Casino was formerly the Lands Administration Building until it became a casino in 1995.

Many cranes on the skyline

There is no doubt Brisbane is in the middle of a building boom, just count the cranes on this small part of the city.

CityHopper is free

The CityHopper lets you travel the Brisbane river for free, the ferries run every 30 minutes between 6am and midnight, seven days a week. Follow the link below for all the information.

Simply hop on and hop off and enjoy all the Brisbane River and city sights.

City Cat

Another great way to see Brisbane’s city and suburbs. Check out THIS LINK for my photo blog.

A sunny Sunday afternoon at South Bank.

Lots of people cross the river to visit South Bank with its many attractions.

South Bank tranquil garden

The garden has a genuine rain forest feel.

A beautiful pagoda.

This Nepalese Pagoda was originally brought to Brisbane for Expo 88, in fact I actually remember seeing it back then. Incredibly this is one of only three Nepalese peace pagodas in the world to be located outside of Nepal.

As you can see from my Brisbane City South Bank photo blog there is so much to see in this great city.

The Wheel of Brisbane

Nowhere near as large as London or Tokyo but it certainly looks very nice at night. ?

Approaching Equilibrium

A rather interesting sculpture

Brisbane City South Bank

This sculpture in front of the Queensland Art Gallery is named “Approaching Equilibrium”, I guess people with more understanding of art than I possess will appreciate it. In my opinion a better name would be “Big Black Mosquito”. 🙂

The heart of Brisbane

The Queen Street Mall is certainly the heart of Brisbane, no traffic, lots of shops & restaurants.

Relax in the Mall

A great “people watching” place where you can enjoy dinner & a glass of wine.

Lots of colour, lots of shops

Day or night the mall is a hive of activity.

Eagle Street pier

Eagle Street is Brisbane’s business hub, jump on a City Cat and cruise along the river past many of the cities landmarks.

Huge towers beside Eagle Street wharf.

Lots of offices and lots of good bars & restaurants to capture the workers for lunch and dinner.

Brisbane City South Bank

Cruise past the wheel on your way to lunch at The Regatta Hotel, you won’t be disappointed. 🙂

The Regatta Hotel

The perfect spot for lunch or dinner, great steaks and good service. Check out my photo blog here.

Regatta Hotel

Thanks for visiting my Brisbane City South Bank photo blog, this city has improved out of sight in the last 20 years.

Here are some other Brisbane photo blogs to check out.

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A-One hotel on Beach Road

For a great room rate at the A-One hotel opposite the beach just book through THIS LINK.

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Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book

through these links below. Book now & pay later.

Free Cancellation.

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That’s all folks

Pattaya live webcam

Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.

Check out these great photo blogs.

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Sydney Harbour

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Good Value Brisbane City Hotels

August 28, 2016 by David Herd

Abby On Roma

Good Value Brisbane City Hotels starting with Abby On Roma which is directly opposite Roma St railway station. The coffee shop you see on the ground floor does an excellent breakfast. Use THIS LINK for an excellent room rate.

The header on this post shows two of the hotels I will mention later, The Park Regis and Meriton serviced apartments. For excellent room rates just book through the highlighted links.

Ibis Styles

Located at 40 Elizabeth Street in the heart of the city. Nice rooms and friendly staff, good shopping arcade next door where you will fine Coles supermarket & Target. Book through THIS LINK for a very good room rate.

Park Regis North Quay

Very nice rooms with an incredible view. About an 8 minute walk to Queen St Mall. My only complaint was the very poor internet service, they give you a miserly 250 meg per day. Book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate.

Good Value Brisbane City Hotels here is view from Park Regis.

One of the best river & city views from my room on the 7th floor.

Park Regis pool & Infinity Tower incorporating Meriton hotel & serviced apartments.

As you can see the Meriton Infinity tower is a spectacular building.

Riverside Hotel Southbank

Just across the road from South Bank and the convention centre. Book through THIS LINK for a discounted rate.

Meriton hotel & serviced apartments aka Infinity Tower

A huge 81 floors with 549 apartments with stunning views of Brisbane and beyond. For a great discounted room rate at the Meriton hotel there just use THIS LINK to book.

Thanks for visiting my Good Value Brisbane City Hotels photo blog.

Each month my posts receive 75,000 visits which I certainly appreciate.

Please check out some of the most popular below, and thank you for visiting.

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Holiday Inn

Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.

Check out these great photo blogs.

Rio beach babes

Florianopolis Brazil

Bangkok river ferry

Fabulous HCMC

Amazing World Food

Lyme Regis Jurassic coast

Hiroshima Japan

Sydney Harbour

Lake Como Lake Garda Italy

Pattaya live webcam

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

August 27, 2016 by David Herd

Harajuku Gyoza

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants I visited in August 2016 included Harajuku Gyoza at 141 Queen St. The service was good and the Gyoza excellent. There are two other branches, one in South Bank the other in Fortitude Valley.

Busy chef at work

The Gyoza was as good as I have experienced in Japan.

Little Singapore is adjacent to Harajuku Gyoza

TripAdvisor rating is 502 out of 3,180 Brisbane restaurants.

Vapiano 191 Albert St Queen Street Mall

Also opposite Harajuku Gyoza and I could not believe the queue waiting for a table. I didn’t eat there myself but if the queue is any indication the food must be good. 🙂

Comuna Cantina

Mexican restaurant in the same complex as the above at 175 Albert St.

Comuna

Latin, Mexican & South American dishes , dine in or takeaway.

Chez Nous opposite Roma St station

Very busy for breakfast, good coffee and quick service. For an excellent room rate at Abby on Roma just book through THIS LINK.

Pony Dining Eagle Street Pier

Great location and some good reviews, however I thought the food was over rated & expensive.

Pony Dining

Ambience & service was fine but I’m guessing I ordered the wrong dishes.

Not my cup of tea. 🙂

I’m positive I won’t return, there are too many other choices in the area that I need to try.

Brisbane Inner City Restaurants

As you can see there are many restaurant choices on Brisbane Riverside, follow THIS LINK for more suggestions.

Jimmy’s on the Mall

One of Brisbane’s most popular restaurant bars & probably the best “people watching” spot in the city.

Lots of choices in Queen St Mall

Sidewalk cafes & restaurants offering all types of food are everywhere on Queen St Mall.

Pig & Whistle

There are six of these popular drinking spots in Brisbane. Based on a British Pub with live sports screens, follow THIS LINK for the locations.

Finally make sure you visit the Regatta Hotel

The Boathouse at the Regatta is an excellent restaurant with very good aged beef & an interesting wine list.

Thanks for visiting my Brisbane Inner City Restaurants photo blog, before you leave please check out my City Cat blog.

Here are some other Brisbane photo blogs to check out.

City Cat cruise Hotels Restaurants

A-One hotel on Beach Road

For a great room rate at the A-One hotel opposite the beach just book through THIS LINK.

Brazil Hotels

Soi Cowboy Nana Plaza Patpong

Please check out these fabulous posts

Gold Coast Pattaya Cinque Terre

Rio de Janeiro Singapore Eastern Europe

Bangkok Bars Tokyo Cape Town Safari

Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book

through these links below. Book now & pay later.

Free Cancellation.

Bangkok Hotels Pattaya Hotels

Brazil Hotels

That’s all folks

Pattaya live webcam

Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.

Australian adventures

Great Ocean Road

Melbourne

Port Macquarie

Sydney landmarks

Australian seafood

Mr Wong

Remembering Melbas

Coober Pedy Opal Mine

Brisbane

My life in 2003

Pattaya live webcam

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Brisbane City River Cruise

August 26, 2016 by David Herd

South Bank Wharf

Brisbane City River Cruise

Brisbane City River Cruise started for me at the South Bank Wharf and took me on a 45 minute cruise almost to the Gateway Bridge and back. This post will highlight many of the wonderful Brisbane buildings along the river.

Treasury Casino

Overlooking the river is the Treasury Casino where they will be very happy to relieve you of your hard earned cash. 🙂

What a monster

I believe this huge skyscraper will house most government offices when completed. That’s the Victoria Bridge in the foreground.

South Bank Ferris wheel

Not as large as London or Tokyo but it does look nice at night. 🙂

Another look at the Monster

A very impressive building.

Executive Building

Called the Government’s new Executive Building it towers over Brisbane river.

Riverside buildings

This is the heart of the Brisbane business centre.

Huge towers dominate the skyline

The city cat stops right here for the workers to commute from home.

City Cat arriving

What a great way to get around Brisbane, my 1.5 hour trip only cost me around $3.

The famous Story Bridge

The Story Bridge first opened in 1940, & is named after prominent public servant, John Douglas Story.

Beautiful old paddle steamer

Kookaburra Queen paddle wheelers are famous for their dinner cruises.

Luxury living

What more could you want than a waterfront penthouse and this fabulous ship tied up in front?

Beautiful old ferry wharf

So nice to see these beautiful old structures preserved.

Bretts Wharf

Hundreds of modern (and expensive) condos are sprouting adjacent to the ferry stops, what a great way to commute to the city rather than fighting the road traffic.

Bretts Wharf up close

The city cats are smooth, comfortable and fast.

City Cat

A great way to see the sights of Brisbane.

Brisbane City River Cruise

You can also sit outside at the bow and the stern.

Enjoy the fresh air and the wind in your face

The perfect spot to take photos of this wonderful city.

The Gateway Bridge

Construction on the Gateway Bridge commenced on 5 June 1980. It was officially opened on 11 January 1986.

Brisbane River

As you can see the river meanders through the suburbs and almost circles the city.

CityHopper is free

The CityHopper lets you travel the Brisbane river for free, the ferries run every 30 minutes between 6am and midnight, seven days a week. The ferry travels along the Brisbane River, to North Quay, South Bank 3, Maritime Museum, Thornton Street, Eagle Street Pier, Holman Street, Dockside and Sydney Street terminals.

Simply hop on and hop off and enjoy all the Brisbane River and city sights.

I leave the City Cat after a terrific 90 minute cruise.

You can take the City Cat in both directions from the city, a nice idea would be to head in the direction of Toowong and disembark at the fabulous Regatta Hotel, a great place for lunch, dinner or a few drinks. Follow THIS LINK to see this iconic hotel.

Brisbane City River Cruise

This city is just getting better & better, it’s now August 2016 and the number of cranes on the skyline indicate a building boom.

Thanks for visiting my Brisbane City River Cruise photo blog. For a discounted hotel rate at the Park Regis Hotel which is in a terrific location just book through THIS LINK.

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Holiday Inn

Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.

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This gallery contains 3 photos

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

August 25, 2016 by David Herd

Regatta-Hotel-Brisbane-river-flood-Australia

Wonderful Brisbane Hotel

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark has been around for a long time. The original hotel was built there in 1874, as a single story wooden building. Located by the river and classified by the National Trust it has been flooded out quite a few times over the years. The above photo shows the rear view of the hotel and highlights the ornate cast iron lacing which adorn the entire building.

1992 Jaguar sovereign.

My great old friend Steve Rado picked me up at the Park Regis Hotel where I was staying and drove me to the Regatta Hotel in his immaculate Jaguar which he recently purchased for $1300.

The Park Regis is in an excellent location, for a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.

What a fit out

Certainly one of the best fit outs I have ever seen at an Australian Hotel.

Designed by a genius

If you are not impressed by the decor here then pubs are obviously not your thing. 🙂

A surprise around every corner

There are lots of nooks & crannies to eat and drink at this fabulous hotel.

Flood levels

Outside they have marked flood levels and the years they happened. The recent level of the 2011 flood was around the bottom of this photo.

Sidewalk dining

The Regatta even have a place where the smokers can continue with their disgusting habit. You guessed it, I’m a reformed smoker. 🙂

Lovely table settings

They certainly have many dining options for parties of any size.

Outdoor bar

So many choices of where to eat and drink and such little time. 🙂

If you cant find a place that suits you at the Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark, you are just not trying. 🙂

Lunch at the Boatshed

Quite a spectacular room with very good food and wine.

Aged beef

If it’s a good steak you are looking for, this is the place. Seeing the aged beef on display gave me a flashback to Gallagher’s Steakhouse in New York City, follow THIS LINK to see what I mean.

Open kitchen

The food was excellent, we both had steaks washed down with a Margaret River red.

Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark

Follow THIS LINK for the Boatshed menu.

City view from opposite Regatta Hotel

In the middle of the photo behind the William Jolly bridge is the Park Regis hotel. The rooms are excellent and so is the cost if you use THIS LINK to book. I had a room with a great view for $109 aud per night, but you must use THIS LINK to get this price. 🙂

Farewell from the Regatta Hotel

Thanks for visiting my Regatta Hotel Brisbane Landmark photo blog. It was the perfect place to catch up with my old friend Steve Rado and reminisce about our life in Adelaide in the 70s.

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For a great room rate at the A-One hotel opposite the beach just book through THIS LINK.

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Free Cancellation.

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Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

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