Recently I have been getting out and about around Brisbane more often. Primarily to capture some photos, but also to explore some areas of the city that I live in. I have found there can be a bit of a mix of good and not so great spots.
I sometimes wonder if I should have explored my home city before travelling the world. In some ways, I feel that I am comparing Brisbane to some of the cities I have visited around the world. But it could also be a familiarity of being the city I grew up in tainting my view as well.
Toowong Cemetery
It is not often that I take a little time to go and walk around a cemetery, however as part of my photo expedition last Sunday that is just what I did. Toowong Cemetery is the Brisbane General Cemetery and is the largest cemetery in Queensland with some 120,000 graves.
There is a lot here to capture in photo’s however due a little to the time of day and also due to other places I needed to be; there was not a lot of spooky sort of photos, but later in the day this could be a great place for this.
Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens
If you are looking for a lovely peaceful place to visit, then it is hard to go past Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens. Set on 52-hectare gardens is located just seven kilometres, from the Brisbane CBD and is easy to access via public buses.
The gardens are laid out in many different areas such as this tranquil escape. They also combine water in a big way through lakes and ponds and running and falling water.
The contrast from one area to another can be so stark as well. In one area the trees are dense, and it is cool and shady while another area is wide open to the sun and displaying a great range of desert plants.
Of course, while there is plants, grass and water a plenty in the gardens, having such a diverse green space, also attracts quite a lot of wildlife, including lizards, and the occasional bird.
Brisbane Views From Mt Cootha Lookout
One of the best views in or around Brisbane is from the Mt Cootha Lookout. On a clear day you see out to the ocean to the west. South to the Gold Coast Hinterland, and north to the Glass House Mountains. With the CBD right in the centre of the view as you look out towards the ocean.
SANTOS City Of Lights Display
The SANTOS City of Lights display is quite a fun display to see. It has been happening every night on the Brisbane River, throughout September, with tomorrow night being the last night. I shared about this event in the last post about Brisbane as well. However, I stopped to get some more photos and enjoy the show for the second time.
I kind of wish that this show was on all the time. It is a great way to practice getting good shots at night. I only have one more chance to try and get some photos tomorrow night, and then it is all over.
The SANTOS City Of Lights display is a part of the Brisbane Festival. As such, there are some other things going on around the Southbank Precinct. One that made for an interesting photo was the Chinese Lanterns in the forecourt near the Performing Arts Centre.
Where Next?
I am sure there is plenty still to discover around Brisbane. So it will just be a matter of where do I head to next. There are a few ideas in my mind, but you will have to wait and see what I discover. I am also considering a trip to the Sunshine Coast in the near future. So will be looking forward to sharing more photos soon.
If there is somewhere you would like me to photograph, why not leave a comment below.
