Brisbane Festival 2012 was all the rave when I was visiting the city in late September 2012. South Bank offers some of the best vantage points along the Brisbane River to view the spectacular performance of Santos GLNG City of Lights and take in the full view of closing night extravaganza, Sunsuper Riverfire. It was still early when I reached South Bank after a satisfying dinner at The Little Greek Taverna, West End.
My cousin was pretty impressed with the man-made beaches she saw on South Bank Parklands during her last business trip. On these streets beach, one could hardly tell that you are right in the middle of Brisbane City Centre with the actual beaches miles away.
Other than sun, sand and fun, South Bank plays host to Brisbane’s thriving cultural hub which now has a reputation for securing large scale musicals and international art exhibitions. Together with Australia’s largest Gallery of Modern Art, the Queensland Theatre Company, Queensland Museum, Queensland Performing Arts Centre and State Library Of Queensland, South Bank is a one stop venue for local and visitors to appreciate Queenslanders’ history and culture.
As I walk closer to the main activities area, a radiant display of coloured, multicultural lanterns formed a stunning gateway to South Bank’s Cultural Forecourt.
Designed by celebrated creative director Tony Assness, the Brisbane Airport International Lantern Garden was a feast for the eyes! The traditional Chinese however might not think that its an auspicious sight.
Nestled under the Lantern Garden, the Courier-Mail Spiegeltent’s Garden Bar come alive with resident DJs and live music on weekends. There were also an array of special free gigs performed at the bar. Pity that I missed the performance timing.
Shopaholics can quench their addiction with mini night markets near the fringe of the gardens too!
It’s hard to resist the temptation to board the 60 metres high Wheel Of Brisbane for a panoramic views of the Brisbane River, City and the buzzing South Bank.
The tickets were pretty reasonable so I decided to go for it! I took lots of videos on board the gondola but I lost them somehow… The view was magnificent, perfect for a romantic ride for lovers.
Before we know it, it’s time for the highlight of the evening! Different parts of South Banks offers different perspective of the light extravaganza, take your pick and enjoy.
I have lost my footage for the Santos GLNG City of Lights and the Sunsuper Riverfire, thankfully I managed to find good quality footages on Youtube to share. Enjoy.
Brisbane Festival 2013 will be happening this year from 7 – 28 September 2013, click here to visit their website for full information.
You may also like to check out my posts on other exciting travel destinations here
