Brisbane and Surfers Paradise

Written by Nadine Zangerle on 13 May 2012. Posted in Australia

Following the Sunshine Coast we finally arrived Brisbane. The city with a pop of 1,400,000 people is the third largest of Australia. Still its atmosphere is more of a small city and the good vibes in the south of Brisbane – the area of the University – was really nice.

Next to the University, on the Brisbane River, they had a city beach with lifeguards. It’s great to get some sun after the lectures – or during the lectures, haha. This is really great about Australia. They offer little city beaches, showers, massive playgrounds and picnic-/barbecue areas and all for free. Well with all the sun, sure life takes place outside.

Brisbane seems to be an attraction because around 1000 people settle down every week. The situation close to beautiful beaches and nice National Parks is a bonus. And the flair of the city is just great.

Afterwards we drove down the Gold Coast to have a glimpse at the famous Surfers Paradise but the city with its skyscrapers was actually not our favorite. It changed a lot since Michael has been here last time. So we continued south to Byron Bay where we can stay with Pete’s parents.

Australia Zoo

Written by Nadine Zangerle on 09 May 2012. Posted in Australia

We stopped at the Australian Zoo on our way down to Brisbane. This is the Zoo of the Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin. Here he seemed to be still alive with all the pictures and statues of him. You could still feel his passion for animals and the nature.

His parents established the Zoo in 1970 but when Steve and his wife took over the management in 1992 the Zoo grew rapidly – from 4 to 100 acres with over 1,200 animals. The animals here came here because they had been injured mostly in car accidents or had to been removed because of danger. Most of them can not be released anymore.

We really liked the educational part of the Zoo. All the time it was made clear why it is important to respect and protect the nature and animals. The kids really learn not to feed the animals otherwise they can become sick.

The koalas were for sure our favorites. Well we didn’t agree with touching those cuddly cute animals.

Since most of the entrance fees goes towards animal projects you feel quite good afterwards. I just say good marketing effect.

Broken River

Written by Nadine Zangerle on 06 May 2012. Posted in Australia

The next morning after the festival we got an advice from one of the guys on the campground to see platypus.

So we followed crooked streets up in the mountains, to Broken River. Already the way beautiful view over the plateau was mind-blowing and we enjoined the ride.

At the river we waited with a few people but most of them where a bit in a hurry, so they mist the platypus. While we were waiting for the platypus a cockatoo played with the camera so we could take nice pictures.

After waiting for about 30 minutes we were so excited and showed everyone around us. This little funny animal was actually quite curious itself and stayed close for its diving sessions.

A little jungle trek and the amazing nature was a nice ending for the day.

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