Brisbane Daily Photo

Abba Cadda!

2012-01-28T08:09:00.001+10:00

I'm a bit of a tough audience when it comes to humorous tshirts but I reckon this one's pretty good!

At Boggo Road Markets.

Mt Coot-tha Lookout Skywatch

2012-01-27T05:43:00.000+10:00

It's funny - where I grew up in London, if you looked out of the window and saw this sky you'd be grabbing a coat but at this time of year in Brisbane, a break in the rain often means the humidity rises, the cicadas hiss louder and things get a little bit sticky.

Part of Skywatch Friday

At Auchenflower Shops

2012-01-26T07:16:00.000+10:00

And now here's Bob with the weather...

2012-01-25T05:48:00.000+10:00

I suppose after last year we're all a bit more alert when the Bureau of Meteorology refer to rain in terms of being an "event".

So what's happening in South-East Queensland at the moment is plenty of rain. 100mm a day with no sign of it letting up over the next few days. The day before yesterday there was a dog on a surf board on a flooded street. Yesterday was a little less light hearted - there were lots of flooded roads and some cars went under in flood-prone areas like Toombul. The good news for me is that Wivenhoe Dam (the big Dam protecting the Brisbane River from drastic flooding and consequently my flat which I've just finished renovating) is only 75% full as of yesterday - the absolute capacity is 200%. Last year it got dangerously close to 200% but I am - erm - anxiously confident that this year they will have the benefit of hindsight and start releasing some of that water soon.

Everything's going to be fine.
>breathe<

Boggo Road Markets

2012-01-24T07:00:00.010+10:00

The splendidly named Boggo Road Gaol first opened in 1883 and closed in the early 1990s. It was known for its overcrowding and poor conditions which lead inmates, during the 1980s, to riot and go on hunger strike.
Since then, the site has been redeveloped into the Boggo Road Urban Village which includes housing as well as a huge Ecosciences Precinct. They recently started up a market on the site every week which I went along to for the first time on Sunday. There was plenty of live music, kids running around, people lounging about on the grass stuffing their faces with all sorts of interesting food and drinking coffee and juices. Without those huge red brick walls, it would be easy to overlook the site's dark past.

If you haven't been and are thinking of going, I went on an overcast day and it was fine but if you plan to go when it's sunny, get there early as there's not much in the way of shade.

I just love the name Boggo Road.

Rusty Gate

2012-01-23T07:00:00.003+10:00

Back To School Contact Paper Debacle

2012-01-22T07:00:00.013+10:00

Tomorrow marks the end of the long school summer holiday and the start of the new school year in Queensland. Every year we go through the tedious ritual of wrapping all of the new writing books (this year for us it's 19 books!) in sticky plastic contact paper to reinforce them. The plastic is very unforgiving. If you stick it on wonky, that's the way it's going to stay forever... and if you get a huge bubble in it but have already stuck the edges down it's almost impossible to un-peel it and do it again. You spend ages trying to smooth out the stupid wrinkles and suddenly, getting a book with no wrinkles becomes a very important thing and if you've got wrinkles all over the place... well you feel like a bit of a failure. And that's even before the first bell goes.

Why don't they just produce the books with reinforced covers in the first place?? I reckon there are some perverted people out there that actually ENJOY it.

Traffic Stopping Art (number 58)

2012-01-21T07:00:00.006+10:00

I really like this newly painted box on Milton Road in Milton. The artwork is really bold and eyecatching - most people looking at them are in a car so the more bright and colourful the better. Also, the box is interesting from every angle. Two thumbs up from me! The artist is Frances Rowland Wregg and as you can see she has depicted John Milton for whom the suburb we are in is named.

Here's the back:

You can look up any painted box in Brisbane on the Urban Smart Projects website. They also show information about painted boxes further afield now in other parts of Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania and even London.

Blooming Yellow

2012-01-20T08:02:00.001+10:00

It's a perfect summer morning right now - blue skies, birds singing, the sun sparkling on the river. I snapped these blooms when I went for a walk this morning - I'm not sure what they are but they're putting on a bit of a show at the moment.

Trying to keep the Scenic Rim scenic

2012-01-19T07:00:00.001+10:00

Coal seam gas is being promoted as clean energy but a group of protesters near Beaudesert - about an hour's drive south of Brisbane - think otherwise; they - farmers, greenies, and other concerned folk - are currently blockading a coal seam gas exploration rig; they are very worried that the process of gas removal will affect their underground water supply as has been the case in other places. At this stage they are asking for an independent baseline water testing study so that the company will be forced to take responsibility for any future problems.

The protesters believe that the only way to prevent the country's water being thus affected is via political intervention - and elections are nigh!!!

Thanks to Nell for her help with this post.
Photo: Innes Larkin

Asthetically Pleasing Service Lift Buttons

2012-01-18T07:00:00.003+10:00

Haus of Fun

2012-01-17T07:00:00.002+10:00

This is a rather funky combined chair/table that you can sit on and have your lunch outside the State Library in South Bank. Very handy if it's raining (vertically) or the sun is beating down. It was originally part of the Unlimited Asia Pacific Design Triennial back in October 2010. The designer is Alexander Lotersztain and the piece is called Haus. His website is here.

Anniversary BBQ

2012-01-16T03:36:00.000+10:00

As this weekend passed, so did the anniversary of our flood. There were street parties around flood affected areas and I managed to catch the tail end of one on Saturday night, straight off the plane - to hell with the jet lag! Then yesterday a couple of familiar faces turned up and laid on a celebratory BBQ in the local park... so we came down for a little look.
Does anyone else smell an election?

January Theme Day: Photo Of The Year

2012-01-01T05:25:00.003+10:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I think people in Brisbane are probably sick of hearing about the floods which is why I hesitated before posting this one. Having said that, it was the defining event of the year for my family and many others in Queensland and it is appoaching the one year anniversary so I'm giving it another airing here.

This photo was taken on January 14th at 6am - just before we walked back into our flat to see what awaited us. The water had subsided really quickly overnight - this street had been under two metres of water 24 hours before I took this shot - and the belongings which had been floating around in the murky water for days landed haphazardly all over the streets. Our first floor flat got about 30-40cm - not enough to be a disaster but enough to have to dismantle cupboards and floorboards and get rid of some of our larger furniture.

We were among the lucky ones - Aside from the hard work put in by countless volunteers during the immediate aftermath, we had friends with enough room to take us in and give us the phone number of a good plumber, plasterer, electrician and tiler. The son of a friend of ours painted our walls for free. We had enough money to bridge the gap before the claim money came in. We moved back into our flat with a brand new tiled floor on Valentine's Day and had a brand new kitchen fitted by about April. By that time a lot of people were still waiting for insurance money to come in before starting to rebuild.

Aside from the story behind the photo, I just like the oddness of stuff being where it's not supposed to be.

<a href="http://www.citydailyphoto.com/portal/themes_archive.php?tid=65">Click here to view thumbnails for all participants</a>

I'm off on my holidays for a couple of weeks - back mid January!

One of these things is not like the others.

2011-12-31T07:00:00.003+10:00

Wattles

2011-12-30T08:50:00.000+10:00

Another floral offering from Ian De Gruchy is being projected onto the William Jolly Bridge for the next few days. This one is called Wattles. As I learned when I became and Australian citizen last year, the wattle flower is Australia's national flower and is bright yellow just like it is here.

This is the last in the current series of projections and you can see it each night until Tuesday. To see all the projections I have managed to catch, click on the "WJB Projections" label below.

Retail Therapy, Queen Street Mall

2011-12-29T07:00:00.002+10:00

Salad Days

2011-12-28T07:00:00.017+10:00

Bloody Marys all round! With plenty of Worcester and Tabasco. And Vodka.

No Pressure

2011-12-27T07:00:00.004+10:00

This is two dads on Boxing Day morning, perhaps after a one or two festive beers the night before, constructing a complicated trampoline in the boiling sun with 6 children watching their every move ...and advice from the gallery too.

They did a fantastic job - it took about two hours - and the kids were over the moon.

The base of a palm tree in the rainforest at Mt Glorious

2011-12-26T07:00:00.002+10:00

Mount Glorious is less than an hour from Brisbane and you can go frolicking in the rainforest and searching for waterfalls, huge plate fungi and giant tadpoles and all sorts of bugs and birds. That's where I'll be today. Poor old me.

Deck the bridge with blooms of Poin...er...

2011-12-25T07:00:00.003+10:00

Doesn't our bridge look good at the moment? This is Poinsettias by Ian De Gruchy and will be projected onto the bridge each night for about 5 hours from when it gets dark up until tuesday night. Poinsettias are Brisbane's floral emblem. At the risk of sounding like a smarty pants, I reckon that these flowers are actually from a Poinciana tree. What do you think?

Either way, the floral tribute is very Christmassy as both red flowers are blooming in Brisbane right now. If you are celebrating, Happy Christmas to you!

Off With His Head!

2011-12-24T07:00:00.003+10:00

This one just makes me laugh - it's of a cameraman and a journalist taken at work a few weeks ago. The cameraman on the left is about 6' 8".

Delicate Bokeh

2011-12-23T07:00:00.003+10:00

Twas the night before the night before the night before Christmas last night so that's more than enough reason for me to have a glass or two of vino, right? Besides which, I needed something in the foreground of the shot, didn't I? Yesterday I learned a bit about putting some bokeh in your photos (say "bouquet") which is when you get the lights all out of focus like this. This was using the lights on the Christmas tree.

Shady Characters

2011-12-22T07:00:00.003+10:00

Here's another look at these street lamps in Woolloongabba. Smart!

Light Entertainment

2011-12-21T07:44:00.000+10:00

Right near yesterday's traffic signal box is the top end of Logan road. One of the things that sets it apart is that it is a no through road and so, in this really busy area of town, it is a bit of an oasis (although I haven't really captured that calm in this shot, I realise). There are several fancy restaurants and some antique shops and the cars park down the middle of the road like in country towns. But the best thing about it for me is the lamp shades. Aren't they great??

Traffic Stopping Art (number 57)

2011-12-20T07:35:00.000+10:00

It's been a while since I showed you another of our traffic signal boxes. Today's artist is Pen Donovan who has been very busy around town - she's painted 44 traffic signal boxes so far! See them here. This one is called "Footy" and as you might be able to see is controlling traffic outside the 'Gabba football/cricket ground.

Here Comes The Sun

2011-12-19T07:25:00.000+10:00

It'll be our longest day soon and then the sun will head north so we can only sing that song for a couple more days.

Right now there is a projection on the William Jolly Bridge called "Summer Solstice" by artist Kate Shaw. See more of her stuff here.

(Little darling) It's been a long, dark year for this side of the bridge since the floods so it's really satisfying to see the little lighthouses back up and running again. This slide will be on view until tomorrow night. Then on Wednesday we've got two weeks of Ian de Gruchy - that's one week of Poinsettias and one week of Wattles. The projections start at dusk and go for about 5 hours.

Yule-kulele jam

2011-12-18T07:58:00.001+10:00

On Thursday night we trotted down to The Joynt on Montague Road for a festive final BUMS meeting of the year (that's Brisbane Ukulele Musicians Society). We played Santa Baby which turned out really well - and a stonking rendition of Blister In The Sun by the Violent Femmes (not very Christmassy but still lots of fun). It helps that we have a double bass and some very good ukulele players amongst us who carry the others. You can't hear the wrong chords at all. At one point I had been confidently strumming away and concentrating on the words projected overhead - then I looked down to see my hand curled into the right shape but in the wrong position... which would have been resulting in a deliciously awful dischord. I am getting better, though!

Portable DVD Player

2011-12-17T07:30:00.000+10:00

We had a street party recently. Some of us got stuck into a game of street cricket, some stood around with a beer and had a chat and some took charge of the BBQ. These two must have found us all a bit boring!

All Aboard The Six White Boomers Bus!

2011-12-16T09:48:00.000+10:00

Each year for the last 15 years the bus depots in Brisbane have had a competition between themselves. They each dress up one of their buses for Christmas. This is the winning bus from this year's comp courtesy of the Bowen Hills depot and I think yule agree they have gone that extra mile. We've got tinsel on every pole, gum nuts and gum leaves, a huge Aussie flag and a fleet of kangaroos (Six White Boomers, no less) all roped up to a "sleigh" piled with presents at the back. There are all sorts of Australian Christmas references like...

A day at the beach! Inflatable palm trees, a bucket and spade, junk food and tinnies!

There's even a thong tied up to one of the railings:

(That's the footwear variety)

And let's not forget the native animals riding up the front - kangaroos, an emu, a kookaburra, a platypus, a wombat... and a few other things I don't recognise... all festively draped in tinsel!

I was having a chat to the driver (Hi Lyn!) and she said passengers love it. Everyone smiles. People take photos and really get into it. Some of the drivers dress up as Santa - it's hilarious.
One woman even told her that she hadn't been looking forward to Christmas until she got on the bus.

In case you were unaware of the Aussie classic hit "Six White Boomers" well I have a little treat for you here.

Vintage Frocks

2011-12-15T07:00:00.002+10:00

Despite Brisbane being extremely hot and humid in the summer, there are quite a few outlets around selling vintage 100% polyester non-breathable frocks in every colour of the rainbow. Why are they here?

* because women continue to sacrifice comfort in favour of fashion
* because the fabric has a half-life of 500 years
* the people who bought them the first time round can't give them away
* or maybe they died from heat exhaustion/asphixiation/spontaeous combustion

Either way, if you like looking like Margot from "The Good Life" while smelling like a Cornish Pastie then head one of Brisbane's many vintage fashion outlets.

P.S. If any of the friends who bought me a very special vintage poly frock recently are reading this, I love it and will be wearing it on Christmas Day all day even if it is 33 degrees and 90% humidity.

The Fast Bit

2011-12-14T07:00:00.002+10:00

If you travel by CityCat, it can be a bit slow when it chugs from one stop to another in the centre of town... but once you get out of town a little bit you can have a "King Of The World" moment by leaning on the rail at the front and singing "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion really loudly.

The Movement Spreads

2011-12-13T07:00:00.005+10:00

It's been a big deal in Rural Queensland for quite some time but the anti-coal seam gas movement's trademark "Lock The Gate" signs are now cropping up in Brisbane. The crux of the matter is that the government are set to make billions of dollars extracting gas from underground... a nice little earner, that's for sure... and they've even promised a huge chunk of the profits to schools. BUT the extracting method ("fracking") is potentially lethal to the land above it including prime agricultural land and areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Read more here.

By the way - cheers, Phil/Nell for this photo.

Tea and Cupcakes at Donna's

2011-12-12T07:00:00.003+10:00

Donna had cooked a surplus of fairy cakes for one of her kids' end-of-year class parties... so I helped her out there. Not normally photo-worthy until she brought out the fancy china. Dead posh or what?

Green Wall

2011-12-11T07:00:00.003+10:00

Burnett Lane has some interesting things to look at if you happen to walk through it... like this. It is a giant print on a vinyl mesh so you can kind of see parts of the building and lights behind it.

The artist is Simon Suckling and it is entitled "The Green Wall".

High Rise Reflections

2011-12-10T07:30:00.005+10:00

Part of Weekend Reflections.

I Spy Another VIET

2011-12-09T07:00:00.015+10:00

To see it properly you need to be about 2 metres higher than where I was standing when I took this shot... but you can more or less see it: the letters "VIET" stylized in four images.

Yesterday I said I'd seen the Viet graffiti tag around West End but I realised when I went looking that this was the only one and it's not really a tag (the other one was a big spray-painted "Vietnam"). I'm wondering if that "2010 Still Vietnow" is relevant? Vietnow is a rap song by Rage Against The Machine that's about 15 years old with an anti right-wing sentiment. Maybe it ties in with the Occupy movement? Vietnow is also a Vietnam Vets' group. Surely they'd be getting a bit long in the tooth for all this sort of thing? Maybe not... who knows?

If I see any more interesting Viets around the place, I'll stick them up here for you to check out.

VIET

2011-12-08T07:00:00.002+10:00

If you stand in the doorway of the Gallery of Modern Art with your back to the gallery and look right, you see this. Naturally I thought it was to do with the gallery and looked it up on their website but couldn't find anything. I did a Google search for Viet and Scrabble Tile Art but still nothing came up. I called the gallery and they say it has nothing to do with them at all and they think it's a piece of street art. I have seen the graffiti tag "Viet" around West End in spray paint but this is something new.

Story Bridge Climbers

2011-12-07T07:00:00.025+10:00

You can do a "Story Bridge Climb" which means donning a blue and grey jumpsuit (so that you blend in with the bridge and the sky) and climbing the steps to the summit and checking out the river 80 metres below. I went on the climb a few years ago and loved it but I found it frustrating not being able to take pictures. Anyway, the organisers of the climb have introduced a Photographic Climb where you can bring your own camera and snap away to your heart's content. It's limited to just the camera - no bag, extra lenses, tripod or anything else.... but it looks like you get some great shots from up there. That is on my list for 2012.

Adelaide Street Looking South

2011-12-06T07:00:00.002+10:00

1,2,3 What Are We Fighting For?

2011-12-05T07:00:00.001+10:00

It's probably a bit old now but while I was on my little blogging holiday in October, Brisbane had it's very own 'Occupy' folk. They camped out in Post Office Square (pictured) for about 4 weeks until they were moved on by the council (there were a few scuffles which was quite exciting). Then they went to Queen's Park for a night or two and now it looks like the full time camp-out has stopped in favour of "flash mob occupations". I think this is because numbers are down and the few committed Occupiers in the area have to make ends meet so they have to go to work. My own opinion is that they needed to have more leadership and a set of attainable goals. But I am all for it... at least they care about what is going on in the world.

One of their recent events (according to their Facebook page) was a Flash Mob Occupation BBQ down at Orleigh Park by the river. Which would have been nice. Hey! Just because they want an end to Corporate Greed doesn't mean they have to live in a gutter and eat scraps, ok?

More wine anyone?

3 Hour Barking

2011-12-04T07:00:00.000+10:00

Woof Woof! This sign is outside the dog-walking park by the Powerhouse arts centre in New Farm. There are other interesting signs nearby there so I think it might not be all that serious.

Don't quote me on that, though.

Rebel Sport

2011-12-03T07:00:00.005+10:00

Appropriately placed art work (or shop sign) in Burnett Lane...

Storm a-coming (15.10)

2011-12-02T05:15:00.006+10:00

It was only the day after I went on my blog-holiday that I took this one from my friend's back yard so I have been waiting since the middle of October to show you! As I remember it was a short, sharp storm as is common in this part of the world when the weather heats up. The best place to be is under cover but outdoors where you can enjoy the show and the cool breezes that come with it.

For other skies in today's Skywatch Friday, visit the portal here.

December Theme Day: Action Shot

2011-12-01T05:15:00.008+10:00

Woohoo! Summer's here! Today is officially the first day of summer although most of November was glorious sunshine. Just the kind of weather for taking a plunge in the pool. Actually this one gets a perfect 10 from me for the ultimate belly flop.

Fab to be back posting again after a much needed break. Happy theme day!

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

1000 images today!

2011-10-14T07:00:00.000+10:00

The jacarandas are in bloom everywhere in Brisbane at the moment. The evenings are warming up nicely and the weather radar has started to get a bit more interesting with storms starting to come through. Yesterday (while I was at work and couldn't get out with my camera) there was a huge hail storm on the south side of Brisbane blanketing a huge area with piles of hail stones. It looked like snow it was amazing.

So today is my 1000th post - HURRAY!! I'm going to use the occasion as an excuse to take a break for a while and have a bit of a blogging holiday. As those of you who do a daily photo blog know, it can be very time-consuming and hard work. So unless I have a little gem on my memory card that I can't wait to share with you, I'll be off until the December 1st theme day... when, if I may mix my animal-related metaphors for a second, I shall be back roaring like a Bengal tiger and ready to get the bit between my teeth. So until then, enjoy your Spring or Autumn depending on where you are and I'll see you on Brisbane's first day of summer.

Yeehaah!

The Papery Bark of a Tree Around The Corner

2011-10-13T07:00:00.001+10:00

I've heard of a Paperbark Tree. Maybe this is one? It stands with two others on the pavement of a local street with its bark all ragged and falling off. Some parts come away in chunks, others in gossamer-thin leaves that float off in the wind. I love these trees!

Head Lights

2011-10-12T07:28:00.000+10:00

What is this? Well it's a slightly off-centre photo of a chandelier in the Lychee Lounge with Barbie doll style heads plonked on top of the bulbs to make them glow subtly. It doesn't really throw out much light - the heads would probably melt. Purely an art piece, I reckon.

OK it's a bit macabre... but for me, having never been a fan of Barbie dolls, I love it!

2011-10-11T07:00:00.000+10:00

The iconic pub The Regatta Hotel sits on Coronation Drive in Toowong. It's been 9 months since the floods and the ground floor still remains closed while they rebuild. You can pop in for a drink or something to eat, though, as the first floor is open.

By the way - you can't see it very well in this shot but the jacarandas are in bloom again. Expect some purple here soon!

Baby Paw Paws

2011-10-10T09:46:00.000+10:00

Afternoon Beers by the Hibiscus

2011-10-09T11:08:00.000+10:00

Rubber Ducky, You're The One!

2011-10-08T07:14:00.000+10:00

This is the starting line for the Great Brisbane Duck Race which isn't until October 30th but they want to promote it a bit. The deal is, you buy a (normal sized) rubber duck and that money goes to charity. Your duck gets a number on it and gets poured, with all the other ducks, into the river when the tide is going out. The ducks float down the river in a 'race'. They've got people cheering and a race caller on a megaphone and it's all a good laugh. I think the winner this year gets a car.

Read more here.

Life by the river aint so bad....Skywatch

2011-10-07T05:25:00.004+10:00

I took a short stroll down to the CityCat stop early on Wednesday and was greeted with this scene. The sky was breathtaking, making the Brisbane River shine like liquid gold.

Not too shabby at all.

Check out other skies on offer at Skywatch Friday

Messing Around with Night Time Light

2011-10-06T08:25:00.000+10:00

Morning Rower

2011-10-05T08:04:00.000+10:00

The days are getting longer and the mornings lighter. This was taken at 5.35 this morning with the sun a few inches over the horizon. This time in two months there won't be much of an orange tinge - the sun will be much higher in the sky. Remind me again why Queensland doesn't have daylight saving??

Outdoor Inspriations

2011-10-04T07:34:00.000+10:00

The side of this building was only revealed recently after renovations started taking place. I like how the writing and little floral decoration contrasts so starkly with the scarred facade. I'm sure it won't be there for very long.

NRL Grand Final

2011-10-03T07:59:00.000+10:00

It was the Rugby League Grand Final yesterday. If you like big men with big necks getting into a bit of rough and tumble then you'd probably love it. It's not really my thing. I spent the afternoon in the garden sipping wine.

Northey Street City Farm

2011-10-02T10:07:00.000+10:00

Aside from the organic market that's held here every Sunday, Northey Street is home to a City Farm where you can go and volunteer in the gardens and learn all about permaculture. They have tours every Tuesday morning at 9am. Their website is here.

October Theme Day: Mystery Object

2011-10-01T06:00:00.000+10:00

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Bald Spots

2011-09-30T07:45:00.001+10:00

Ok last one from the Bunya Mountains till my next trip. This one was taken whilst walking on the 'Balds' which are hills with natural grassland growing all over them. The balds support a wide range of native plants and animals and are shrinking due to the encroachment of the surrounding forests.

If you want to read a bit more about the Bunya Mountains habitat there's an interesting PDF you can download here.

Prickly Pears

2011-09-29T07:30:00.000+10:00

Well I hope you like plants because you're not getting anything else from me at the moment. I'm still all loved-up from my Bunya Mountains camping experience, frolicking in the natural world and being at one with nature and all that. These cacti are about 2 metres tall. I love the way they are lit from behind. If you look closely you can see a spider web in the bottom right of the picture providing a bit of contrast.

The Elders

2011-09-28T12:00:00.001+10:00

Some of the largest trees in the Bunya Mountains are the Australian Red Cedar trees like the one in the middle of the picture which right now in Spring have small red leaves that turn green later on. Most obviously, though, are the Bunya pine trees - that's one on the left. From December to March the trees drop their cones which contain lots of nuts inside. The cones look like a large green pineapples and weigh about 10kgs and the trees are about 60m high. So if one of them drops on your head it'd kill you stone dead. Yes, September is a very good time to go!

Postcard From The Bunya Mountains

2011-09-27T20:23:00.001+10:00

Bunya Mountains National Park is about 200kms north-west of Brisbane. The mountains themselves were formed 30 million years ago supposedly from the remains of a volcano. They seem to rise out of nowhere from the plains around them and peak at 1135m. Walking around the park is different at every turn. It can't seem to make up it's mind if it's rainforest, eucalypt forest or natural grassland. There are idyllic waterfalls and rockpools and you get frogs there that are found nowhere else in the world (with the biggest tadpoles you've ever seen). There are kangaroos and plenty of other native mammals as well loads of reptiles and 130 different species of birds. If you like that kind of thing, it's definite WOW territory.

Roller Derby Girls

2011-09-26T07:00:00.002+10:00

This one was taken a couple of weeks ago during the Kurilpa Derby. The Sun State Roller Girls did a bit of a demo, chasing eachother around, bashing into eachother, cartwheeling and jumping over their teammates who were lying in the road... all in sexy clothes and on roller skates. Excellent.
Learn more about them here.

Interactivity

2011-09-25T07:00:00.000+10:00

This is the Light Scope again as featured in yesterday's post. Some of the lights are interactive such as these dots. They follow you around as you walk, or cluster together if you stand as a group.

Light Scope

2011-09-24T07:00:00.001+10:00

It's a bit like walking through a kaleidoscope with lights and mirrors everywhere. Sometimes there are moving images, sometimes patterns. Sometimes there are little blobs that follow you around. Ace!

It's on each day until Saturday 9am-9.30pm outside QPAC.

Sitting on the Renovators' seat

2011-09-23T07:00:00.001+10:00

This is the seat that some of the contestants from the TV series "The Renovators" made for the people of Brisbane. It's made from steel and inspired by frangipani branches and ibis birds both of which you get a fair bit of round these parts.

Mirror Ball At Night

2011-09-22T08:26:00.000+10:00

I went down to South Bank again last night in the hopes of capturing the laser show reflected in the big mirror ball. Unfortunately the ball is a little bit too far away from the action but it is lit from underneath in light that changes colour every few seconds.

I'm off camping in the Bunya Mountains for a few days so hopefully posting will continue while I'm away. Back next week!

Santos City Of Lights last night

2011-09-21T08:27:00.000+10:00

As part of the Brisbane Festival, there is a laser show to music every night at South Bank. There are huge searchlights that fly around, laser beams from the tops of buildings and laser images projected into the spray of water canons on the river. Not as exciting as Riverfire but if you are in the area, it's worth a look. The best place to see it is between Victoria Bridge and the Goodwill Bridge. There are free shows every night until the 24th. Times are here.

By the way - last night I committed the cardinal sin of photographers and ventured out without realising I had a low battery. My spare battery was sitting in the charger at home so my camera died about 3 minutes into the show. D'oh! Another lesson learned.

In the style of Z

2011-09-20T07:00:00.002+10:00

I am follower of a blogger named "Z" in New York who you may already be familiar with. He's started posting some exciting photos of people in the street under the tag "Chaos and Dynamism of NYC". The photos are close range, shooting from the hip with lots of contrast and saturation. I tried to give it a go, choosing Queen Street and Albert Street in hope of some crowds but there just seemed to be nobody about. This picture was the best of the bunch I took. It was really hard! I haven't quite managed the Hitchcock-esque technicolor look but I'll keep working on that one. Anyway - to check out what I am trying to get at, see here.

Refugee Totems, South Bank Parkland

2011-09-19T07:00:00.001+10:00

For all of us who listen to the almost daily crapping on by Australian politicians about immigration and 'boat people'... here's a refreshing, beautiful, artistic look at refugess in Australia. There are 3 stone 'totems' which have text and artwork inlaid. The plaque nearby has this to say:

This artwork represents 'Memory Boxes and Suitcases' that convey the stories, memories, hopes and dreams of three refugee students that have undertaken remarkable journeys to become valued members of our community.
Each totem follows the story of a young student from their childhoods in far off homelands to their dreams for the future in Brisbane. Being the first example of art representing multiculturalism in the parkand, the work not only provides a voice to their experiences but will hopefully also encourage understanding in the greater community.

If you are in the area, I recommend a look. They are located near the big wheel at the top of the steps.

At Northey St. Organic Market This Morning

2011-09-18T11:11:00.000+10:00

I'm ashamed to say that this morning was my first ever trek (15 mins in the car) to Northey Street Organic Markets. Compared to other markets in Brisbane, this one feels more relaxed. There is more space to move around, less people and everything there is organic. It is set amongst a city farm with fruit and vegetables growing all around you as you wander around. There are activities for kids and a rope swing incase you feel the need to release your inner Tarzan.

Are these forgetmenots?

2011-09-17T07:00:00.001+10:00

Spring at last! The weather has really improved over the last week. Temperatures are in the mid twenties, it's really sunny and there are buds and blooms everywhere. These flowers are growing on the pavement on my street. There are white, lilac and purple flowers all on the one plant and they smell AMAZING! Someone once told me they were forgetmenots... I always thought they were blue. What do you think?

Mirrored Skywatch

2011-09-16T05:30:00.005+10:00

As part of the Brisbane Festival, they have erected this large Light Sphere at South Bank (see two days ago for another view) which is just fab. You could spend ages there checking out all the reflections... and you can see the sky from all sorts of angles.

For even more skyviews, visit Skywatch Friday.

City Branch

2011-09-15T07:00:00.001+10:00

If you've ever been to the junction of Eagle Street and Creek Street, right in the heart of Brisbane's skyscraper area, you'll notice some gigantic old fig trees in the middle of the intersection. Read all about them in the very excellent Your Brisbane Past and Present here.

I love the texture of these old aerial roots. They are sent down from the branches until they end up planting themselves in the ground forming gnarly twisted curtains. The contrast to the cars, buildings and construction that surround the trees on all sides is striking.

Light Sphere

2011-09-14T07:00:00.001+10:00

This giant ball of mirrors is down at the new grassy section of South Bank near the Maritime Museum. It's part of the Brisbane Festival which is an annual event here with art, music, comedy, fireworks, laserbeams... all sorts of fun stuff. Read more here. The reflections off it are fascinating AND... it plays music too. Very satisfying. If it's still there by the time I get off my night shifts early next week, I'll nip down and get a night time shot.

Dinner on Boundary Street

2011-09-13T07:00:00.001+10:00

Three of a Kind

2011-09-12T07:44:00.000+10:00

Brisbane is definitely going a bit ukulele mad. This trio provided some great background music while selecting fruit and vegetables at the market last week.

Beer Garden in King George Square

2011-09-11T07:00:00.002+10:00

As promised, here's the beer garden ready and waiting for customers!
Hmmm. It must be beer o'clock by now, surely?

Speigeltent in King George Square

2011-09-10T12:50:00.000+10:00

King George Square doesn't have too many redeeming features these days since the unveiling of the giant concrete slab. As part of the Brisbane Festival, this beautiful Speigeltent is currently sitting in the middle of it at the moment making it look infinitely better. Inside there is a plenty of comedy, cabaret and music. Outside, you can enjoy a beer in the beer garden (I'll show you that tomorrow).

See what's on at the Speigeltent here.

The Urban Grind

2011-09-09T07:00:00.003+10:00

With the weather warming up a bit now, by about mid-morning you can sit out in the sun quite comfortably. This one was taken on Saturday morning at the West End market. It's primarily a fruit and veg market but you can buy other stuff there. You can get your eyebrows threaded and your back massaged, you can buy crafts, clothes and a wide variety of snacks from all over the world. While we sat and relaxed, sipping our flat whites (and strawberry smoothie) a pretty lady sang suitably mellow guitar songs. Tough life, eh?

Crash Landing!

2011-09-08T07:00:00.001+10:00

West End's Kurilpa Derby Day kicked off with a parade of all sorts of weird and wonderful ways to wheel yourself around. There was no shortage of stacks.

Big Hello Outside Lock 'n' Load

2011-09-07T05:37:00.001+10:00

Balancing Acts!

2011-09-06T07:00:00.003+10:00

... and they managed to stay upright! Amazing!

Kurilpa Derby Day

2011-09-05T05:31:00.001+10:00

West End's main street, Boundary Street, was closed off yesterday for a series of wacky races. Prams, bikes, go-carts and pretty much anything else on wheels was eligible. As well as the races, there was a brass band, bicycle polo and a roller derby demonstration. Too much going on for just one photo so sit back, relax and enjoy the next few days courtesy of the folk of West End.

Riverfire 2011

2011-09-04T08:04:00.002+10:00

For the next three weeks, Brisbane will play host to all sorts of theatre, music, dance, wacky races and all sorts of other fun stuff at the Brisbane Festival. Last night was Riverfire which is a spectaular fireworks display that runs all the way from the Story Bridge to Victoria Bridge. Fireworks spray from bridges, tall buildings and barges in the river. Thousands of people line the banks - it's a great night out. I managed to get a good viewpoint from the 16th floor Riparian Plaza. This was shot through glass but I think it came out quite well :-)

Flocking Trendy Wallpaper!

2011-09-03T08:38:00.000+10:00

I never thought I'd say this but...I'm developing a 'thing' for flock wallpaper. After decades of mocking the flock each time I discovered a patch in a dark corner of an Indian restaurant in England, I'm now seeing it in a new light. This is a bar in West End called Lock n Load. Very trendy.

Traffic Stopping Art (number 56)

2011-09-02T05:45:00.000+10:00

This traffic signal box is by Brisbane-based artist Guido Van Helton and is called 'James Street Style'. It's on the corner of James Street and McLachlan Street in Fortitude Valley.

Find a box or paint a box at Urban Smart Projects.

September Theme Day: Perspective

2011-09-01T05:42:00.000+10:00

This month's theme is "Perspective". I must admit I struggled with this one. In the end I decided on a camera-on-the-floor shot to give a bug's perspective of the City Botanical Gardens on Sunday afternoon just gone. I don't know the couple and don't know if they were aware I took their photo...I hope they don't mind!

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Eagle Street Pier

2011-08-31T07:31:00.000+10:00

This pier is home to a City Ferry stop but also Brisbane's two paddle steamers, The Kookaburra Queens, which are available for hire. This coming Saturday is Riverfire - a big fireworks festival on the river - and if you fancy getting a spot on the steamer and seeing the whole thing from the water, you can book a 4 hour (stationary?) cruise for $165 which includes a complimentary drink on arrival and a seafood and carvery buffet. Alternatively you can stand on the riverside with an eski and watch the whole thing for free!

Bikeway Cautions

2011-08-30T14:00:00.000+10:00

The Bicentenial Bikeway around North Quay urging cyclists to be careful and S L O W. They should put these warnings on the roads around where I live.

Now With Wings!

2011-08-29T14:00:00.000+10:00

Riparian Plaza, as seen from the ground.

Going out for dessert with Oriana

2011-08-28T06:00:00.000+10:00

Oriana had the "lavender creme brulee with frangelico grapes and marble tuille". I went for the "'Spanish-style doughnuts with espresso ice cream and spiced chocolate sauce" (pictured). It's really hard to take a photo of your dessert when you are salivating as much as I was.

We decided that the creme brulee was a bit eggy. But the espresso ice-cream made my eyes cross with pleasure. And the French waiter was gorgeous.

The restaurant was Luxe in fortitude Valley.

CityCat coming in to dock.

2011-08-27T14:00:00.000+10:00

Brisbane's Walk Of Fame

2011-08-26T12:30:00.000+10:00

Yes, that's right. Brisbane is claiming responsibility for the Bee Gees. This plaque forms part of the (mini) walk of fame along Brunswick Street Mall in The Valley.

Loss

2011-08-25T18:00:00.000+10:00

Australia woke yesterday to the horrific news that eleven people including eight kids had perished in an infernal house fire in Slacks Creek just south of Brisbane. They were from two families, one Tongan and one Samoan, and spanned three generations. As the day wore on, we heard about the father who had jumped from the upper floor and called to his wife to help their five kids jump onto the mattress he was setting up but she and all five kids were found later in the ruins all huddled together. Members of both communities arrived at the scene and started singing so beautifully in amongst all that agony. It was absolutely heart-breaking.

See and read more here.

Bottlebrush tree in the rain

2011-08-24T05:40:00.000+10:00

Our recent rainy weather has been really welcome. Yesterday, briefly between downpours, everything sparkled.

Ah yeah, that's the spot!

2011-08-23T14:00:00.000+10:00

Here's one from the archives. It's from Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Fig Tree Pocket. Koalas aside (of which there are loads), you can see a whole host of Aussie native animals there. Everyone loves feeding the kangaroos. Consequently they are so well fed they turned their noses up at the food we offered and instead lounged around waiting for a belly scratch.

I heard this story once about an American film all about Australia being made on Fraser Island, a couple of hundred kilometres north of here. It's a stunning sand island that would have made a perfect backdrop but for the fact that there were no kangaroos on the whole island. So desperate were the film makers to have shots of kangaroos bounding through the bush, they managed to cut a deal with Lone Pine and fly some kangaroos to the island to be film stars. Unfortunately for the film makers, the kangaroos were more interested in wandering up to the cameras and getting cuddles from the crew than strenuous bouncing around so the whole project was shelved.

Europe "Lite"

2011-08-22T07:26:00.000+10:00

Park Road in Milton has a distinctly European flavour to it with French, Italian and Spanish restaurants all spilling out onto the pavement. During the World Cup, this is the place to come - thousands of football lovers from near and far gather for the big matches and party all night. There are Roman-style statues on the street and there's even a miniature Eiffel Tower replica on top of one of the buildings.

Koalas on Brunswick Street Mall Yesterday...

2011-08-21T08:06:00.001+10:00