Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane, with a population of 1.9 million, is the 3rd largest city in Australia (after Sydney and Melbourne). It was settled in 1823, is located in the state of Queensland, and has the Brisbane River running through the city.  The main industries are mining and agriculture.  It was 92 degrees while we were touring the city; locals said it has been a hot summer.

We took a bus and walking tour of the central city, then went up to the top of Mount Coot-tha for a panoramic view of the city.  Coot-tha is an aboriginal word meaning "one tree hill".  Brisbane has an impressive city hall with clock tower, a war memorial park, beautiful churches, and parks with tropical and rain forest plants.

University of Queensland, along with hospitals and many other properties in Brisbane, were financed by the Mayne family.  Patrick Mayne, the patriarch, came to Brisbane from Ireland in 1841 and originally worked as a butcher.  He and his wife made their money by purchasing land and establishing rental properties.

City Hall with clock tower

At war memorial in ANZAC Park
ANZAC = Australia New Zealand Army Corp

Ornate old movie theater, now being used as tourist center

St Stephen's Catholic Church, constructed of colorful sandstone

Inside the small chapel at St Stephen's

The Brisbane River runs through the central city

Windmill built in 1828
by convicts in a penal colony

Lots of lizards in Roma St Parkland

Flowers in Roma St Parkland

Protestant church, constructed of red brick