An Unplanned Brisbane Vacation.

[drron]

After 6 months working in Tasmania I returned to QLD on 26/2. It was raining cats and dogs. When we came into land at BNE the cloud level was really low.When we came out of the cloud the Captain saw that the runway was flooded and did a go around. This is what the weather looked like as the go around was initiated.
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So down to the baggage carousel. Looked at my phone and there was a message from mrsdrron that she started to drive to BNE but got to the Caloundra on ramp to the Bruce highway and it was closed with signs the Bruce Highway was closed to all traffic.
Collected my bags and rang mrsdrron. She had rung to see if any alternate routes were open -there weren't. She had also rang Con-X-ions shuttles who told her at 4pm they would make a decision as to whether they would send a bus down at 1630.

So I then walked up to the Con-X-ions booth outside the VA terminal. It was closed with a note to ring a 1300 number which of course rang out. I then sent an SMS to that number only to get a reply that that number was not SMS enabled. I decided to hang around. At about 1545 a shuttle turned up for the Gold Coast. So i went out and asked the driver.He rang the office then told me there would be no services today. The trains were also out.

Went to the information to see if any accom available. Ibis full. Novotel and Pullman closed. All they could tell me was that the last woman did an internet search and got a room for $300 a night.

I looked at Wotif and only 2 hotels with rooms sub $200. The Grand Chancellor or the HIE Brisbane central. Well the Grand Chancellor was not a breakfast inclusive rate and I would not get points so the HIE it was plus it was $5 cheaper on a senior rate

So out to the taxis with all my luggage. I headed for the first cab but the dispatcher told me to go to the second cab because I had a lot of luggage. The first cab looked adequate and all my luggage was able to fit in the boot, when I got in the cabbie said thank you as he had being telling everyone to not take his cab. He was a young Indian fellow,well dressed and obviously quite intelligent who had lost his job due to covid so was now driving taxis. He was also honest plotting the most direct route without tolls. The fare came to $46.20 so I gave him a $50 without accepting change. very little for his service. Though about half way he did ask if he could play his music so Bollywood music scores it was.

Arriving at the HIE the checkin was quick,efficient and done with a smile. Very soon in the room with welcome points already posted. The room and the view.
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[Brissy1]

So, how long stuck in brissy?
I arrived here on 27th, drove up from syd (drove, yet I'm AFF??) as I thought I should get up here to check out the house.
I've never seen so much water on the Brisbane roads. After a few diversions due blocked/flooded roads managed to get to the north side. Sheets of water gushing across roads of course, but this occuring ½ way up a hill not just in the low points!
The media will criticise, but I think that the Wivenhoe dam saved Brisbane from far far worse.

 

[drron]

So, how long stuck in brissy?
I arrived here on 27th, drove up from syd (drove, yet I'm AFF??) as I thought I should get up here to check out the house.
I've never seen so much water on the Brisbane roads. After a few diversions due blocked/flooded roads managed to get to the north side. Sheets of water gushing across roads of course, but this occuring ½ way up a hill not just in the low points!
The media will criticise, but I think that the Wivenhoe dam saved Brisbane from far far worse.

You'll spoil the ending but did 2 nights at the HIE.

 

[NM]

You'll spoil the ending but did 2 nights at the HIE.

I wish I had known at the time. NM-Mannor was accessible and open for business with breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as free internet included in the low rate . And a shorter drive home to the Sunny Coast from here too

 

[drron]

Thanks for all the offers I have received. I just felt more comfortable earning points.

 

[drron]

There was one other thing I had to do before going to the HIE. We had been booked at the IC Sanctuary Cove to use my free weekend night. That was to be the Saturday and Sunday night, Simple to swap dates. Everything the same including last years free weekend night certificate. Though the lovely lady did give me one Fact too many. She told me we had been allocated a suite upgrade but could not guarantee that for the new dates.

But back to the HIE. Breakfast on Sunday morning was more than I expected with cereal,yogurts and fresh fruit. Hot dishes were scrambled eggs,bacon and baked beans. Toast and spreads if needed as well.
The weather had improved by mid morning and I was considering going out for lunch. The views-
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However at about 1230 the heavens opened again. Another couple of short bread biscuits and a coffee was lunch. The hotel restaurant only open for breakfast due to Covid.

 

[drron]

By Sunday night I was feeling a bit hungry.The only proper meal I had was breakfast that morning. naturally as the afternoon wore on the rain got a bit heavier, looking at the BOM radar I felt that a bit after 5 should be the time of least rain. That turned out to be pretty close to the mark though there was rain as I walked to the Farah Persian restaurant on Wickham Terrace. The only problem was that there were little rivers at all gutters and some across the footpaths so still got a little wet.

I arrived a little before 1730. one other person eating in the restaurant and one picking up take away. I was shown to a table which gave me a good view of all the action.
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The only problem for me was the music. not my style. But to the menu.
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[drron]

To accompany my meal I had a Fat Yak pale ale.
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A small dish of olives came out first.Boy they tasted nice.
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As a starter I had the Mirza Ghazimi - smoked egg plant dip.
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The waiter could tell I didn't like it for some reason.
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For mains I had the Ghormeh Sabzi. A lamb stew served with saffron rice and a side salad. Again really nice.
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After saying I really enjoyed the first 2 dishes the cook served me my dessert and we had a little chat. My dessert was Baqlava with Persian ice cream. really yummy.
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I really enjoyed this place. here is the full menu on their web site. Recommended.

Persian Restaurant In Brisbane | Persian Cuisines | Farah Restaurant

FARAH Restaurant serves traditional Persian cuisine in a relaxing atmosphere accompanied by warm Persian hospitality. The menu includes imaginative and hearty mains including Persian kebabs, fish, and stews.

farahrestaurant.com.au

 

[drron]

All the time I was eating the rain bucketed down and I was a bit worried getting back to the hotel. but as luck would have it the rain stopped as I was paying the bill. there were still areas of running water on return but less than when walking to the restaurant. The rain started coming down but only light rain. Unfortunately the wind had picked up and crossing every intersection my umbrella was blown inside out. At the last intersection the umbrella was totally destroyed. What can you expect from a cheap umbrella from Shiploads in Tasmania. The last bit of the walk was down Wharf street to the hotel and virtually all undercover.

When I got close to the hotel I noticed 8 or 9 cars lined up to get into the hotel. Then as I came out onto the street saw that there were probably at least 50 people lined up to check in with 2 agents on the desk. Possibly flood refugees. Now at this stage I wasn't sure if the Bruce Highway would open on Monday so I thought I should book the Monday night as it could well be full. No way could I get in line and felt ringing the front desk wasn't the best thing with them being so busy so I booked on line. booking less than 24 hours out meant it was a non cancellable rate.

Breakfast on Monday was a little better as they had sausages as well.

After breakfast the sun had come out so I went for a walk down to the Brisbane river. Straight down Wharf street past the Cathedral gardens.
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And past a building that I have helped paying for.
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And to a little monument that I have passed many times in the car going to the old Riverside markets.
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Then across the street and down beside the buildings. There is a walkway alongside the river but today you would have a little bit of trouble.
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[AIRwin]

And to a little monument that I have passed many times in the car going to the old Riverside markets.

I like the old fig trees opposite the monument...

 

[drron]

More of the floods.
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And the walkway along the river. Now truly a Riverway.
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[drron]

Continuing the walk up river.
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Eagle street outside the Riparian Plaza which advertises water views. A bit more than that especially their parking.

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[drron]

Kept walking towards the Botanic gardens. the police boat was struggling upstream.
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And despite the live TV coverage in the morning showing lots of debris going downstream this was the only bit I saw.
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Where the new Green bridge is being built.
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The Stamford garage.
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[drron]

Now if you going to live on the banks of the Brisbane River I suggest this bank..
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The police boat can go faster downstream.
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In front of the Stamford.
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[drron]

I then walked through the Stamford.
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The building site for the Green Bridge.
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And then into the gardens.
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[MooTime]

Now if you going to live on the banks of the Brisbane River I suggest this bank.View attachment 272907.
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The police boat can go faster downstream.
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In front of the Stamford.
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Great photos, cheers for sharing.

Any chance you know how the Southbank area is looking, in particular the pool & sand/beach (not actual River beach/sand area) for the public?
Only cos heading to there on Thursday for few days then further North following week.
Thanks in advance

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

Great photos, cheers for sharing.

Any chance you know how the Southbank area is looking, in particular the pool & sand/beach (not actual River beach/sand area) for the public?
Only cos heading to there on Thursday for few days then further North following week.
Thanks in advance

This is what is open/closed currently in Southbank area. Also it is still raining, + more predicted, the "Mud Army" clean up is on hold ATM.

South Bank Health and Safety Update - Visit Brisbane

Due to recent flooding some sections of South Bank Parklands remain closed. Read on to see what has reopened.

www.visitbrisbane.com.au

bne Times : "South-east Queensland is again expected to be pummelled by damaging winds, heavy rain, and flash flooding on Sunday afternoon, forcing the flood clean-up to stall."

 

[drron]

More from the Gardens.
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[drron]

Bit of trouble if you needed the conveniences. Your feet would have got a bit wet.

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Just after I took that last picture 2 rode through it on their electric scooters. They got their feet wet.

 

[drron]

Leaving the Gardens heading to the CBD and some streets were covered.
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Look at the size of the child on this scooter.
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A basement being drained.
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