The daytime temperature in Brisbane at the moment, 24c degrees, is perfect for a walk in the park. So my friend Barbara and I did just that yesterday but this is what we did on the way.
We took a trip down the river
We took the City Cat down the river as far as QUT (Queensland University of Technology) and Gardens Point.
City Cat coming in to dock
We had coffee at Old Government House
Old Government House is in the grounds of QUT Gardens Point Campus, 2 George Street (next to the City Botanic Gardens). Check out this link to Kane Constructions and you’ll see some beautiful images of the building. It was originally constructed in 1862. Restoration work was carried out by Kane in 2008 to ensure the building was available for Queensland’s 150th year anniversary in 2009.
Old Government House is beautifully restored and my friend and I enjoyed a coffee in one of the inner courtyards, within the beautiful sandstone walls. If you check out the images in the link you can see the courtyard. I’d love to be able to print the image but due to copyright issues I’d be sent straight to The Tower.
We visited The Cube
Barbara’s husband Peter told me about this place months ago so this was the main reason for our day out.
The Cube is one of the world’s largest digital interactive learning and display spaces in the heart of QUT’s new Science and Engineering Centre at Gardens Point campus. The interactive wall soars up to two stories high. It’s great fun. Here are a few pics I took. I had Barbara stand against the wall to give you an idea of the size. The screen is in constant animation so you are transported to the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
Barbara at The Cube
The Cube
The Cube
But that’s only part of the cube. (Obviously – it’s a cube!)
We had great fun on another wall finding my street, and my building, on the big screen. I can only describe this interactive wall as being like playing with the biggest iPad you’ve ever seen! No messing about with little pinkies here. You can use your whole hand! Swish it backwards and forwards and in and out. You really must take the kids to this.
Look! That’s my unit.
I’ve found my unit on the big screen
We dragged ourselves away from The Cube and stepped outside into the sunshine.
We took a walk in the park
We strolled over to the City Botanical Gardens and I snapped away.
Check this out, below. The African Sausage Tree (Kigelia Africana)
African Sausage Tree
Old Government House, The Cube and City Botanical Gardens is all at the river end of George Street, Brisbane.
A lovely day out.
Aug 06, 2013 @ 07:05:36
I’ve loved reading this post Jean! We have certainly been having perfect weather lately ; just right for a ride on the City Cat and a walk around the Gardens…your photos were magnificent! Did you have one of the famous lamingtons that the cafe at Old Govt House is famous for? I read about the Cube in my QUT Links mag but reading about your visit has certainly piqued my interest in going there for a visit too!
Aug 06, 2013 @ 07:37:15
Dear Maria. I am pleased you enjoyed reading about our trip into town yesterday. It was a lovely day and as we walked around the QUT campus and the adjoining gardens during lunchtime the students were taking full advantage of the sunshine, sunning themselves on the grass.
Didn’t know about the famous lamingtons. Looks like we’ll have to go back to Old Government House again. I know how much you enjoy your trips out, I think you would enjoy the Cube, worth a visit.
Aug 06, 2013 @ 07:43:25
Jean, What a lovely day you had. That cube is great and I’d seen those sausage trees in a park at Greenslopes and wondered what on earth they were. Thanks for sharing.
Barb
Aug 06, 2013 @ 07:51:28
Hi Barb. I first saw those sausage trees during a visit to The Big Pineapple years ago. We had just emigrated from the UK, we took the train around the grounds of the pineapple plantation and there was this sausage tree. I thought someone was playing tricks on us.
Aug 06, 2013 @ 09:49:17
What a glorious fun filled day you had Jean. Love the photos you shared. The Cube sounds like a fantastic place to visit 🙂
You have so much to see and do on your doorstop. We have to make our own entertainment here, not a bad thing though 🙂 We spent time in Qld three years ago and were in awe of all the wonderful things that are available 🙂
It has started to warm up here too, we didn’t even light the fire last night lol!
Aug 06, 2013 @ 11:20:50
Hi Tania.
The funny thing is, although The Cube is on my doorstep I first heard about it in March, and it’s taken me this long to get down there!
Pleased to hear that it’s warming up for you.
Aug 06, 2013 @ 10:59:43
I LOVE the cube!!!!! I wish we lived closer so the children and I could go! Heck, I reckon even my husband would like it, and he’s a real bear. Loves his cave. Doesn’t like going out, lol!
Aug 06, 2013 @ 11:22:24
The Cube is great for for kids (of all ages) Mrs Yub.
Aug 06, 2013 @ 17:32:33
lol!
Aug 06, 2013 @ 17:24:04
Wow, The Cube looks great. Fantastical sausage tree!
Aug 07, 2013 @ 14:59:30
I had only seen one of these sausage trees once before, years ago. They look a bit unreal (to me), like somebody is playing a joke.
Aug 06, 2013 @ 23:00:57
What a perfect day! I’ve never heard or seen anything like that sausage tree either – so cool.
Aug 07, 2013 @ 15:00:17
It was a lovely day Heidi, shared with a good friend.
Aug 08, 2013 @ 06:08:12
Jean you are certainly living the life at the moment. What a blissful progression of gorgeous days and experiences. Thankyou so much for sharing them all with us especially those of us that find a jonquil in flower and almost cry with delight just before the tears freeze up and weld our eyes shut that is! ;). A gorgeous scene and again, Queensland should be paying you to promote the state for tourism…I want to go there right now! 🙂
Aug 08, 2013 @ 11:12:08
Hi Fran. Thank you for your kind words. I do love living in Brizzie – but you probably wouldn’t want to be here in the summer!
Aug 08, 2013 @ 13:57:59
I lived in W.A. there isn’t much difference in heat! 😉