A Sunshine State Of Mind

Slowing down and exploring Queensland, Australia’s holiday haven

- Eva Mackevic

“In Brisbane, even if you go out on your own, you’re never alone for very long. Someone will come up to you within 15 minutes and invite you to join their group.” I’m chatting with Lauren over a beer in the laidback Botanical Bar and Kitchen on James Street. She’s a Canadian expat who moved to Brisbane two years ago— and the living proof of what she just said: I met her just moments ago, when I stopped by the bar on my evening stroll back to the hotel.

It’s my first night in Brisbane on my very first trip to Australia and I can’t help but buzz with excitement; the sultry day has turned into a delightfully balmy evening—the kind that’s perfect for exploring this bustling city.

As I soon find out, the friendliness of the locals permeates Brisbane’s entire city culture. Wherever you go, you’re met with an chirpy “G’day, mate”, genuine interest in who you are and an anecdote or two that’ll almost certainly lead to an interesting conversation and, who knows, maybe even a new friend.

The next morning, we feast on a breakfast of crushed avocado on sourdough and delicious coffee— Aussie specialities that started a craze back in the UK—at the cosy café Gauge in South Brisbane. It’s only 8am on a Saturday morning but the café’s already full of visitors, filling the room with relaxed chatter over the hissing and whistling of the coffee machines. We’re getting ready for our first stop, Lone Pine—the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, and home to 100 species of Australian animals.