Head to Brisbane for our very first talktalkbnb experience. For those who do not know talktalkbnb, this is an exchange between traveler and host a bit like workaway. The difference is that you simply give lessons in your native language to your hosts in exchange for accommodation and meals. We were eager to discover another aspect of Australia and especially to meet David and Kayleen who welcomed us to their home.
Talktalkbnb
We took the plane from Darwin at 1:40 am to arrive in Brisbane at 5:50 am. We thought the day was going to be very long because we had not really slept, but in the end it must have been longer for Paul, who kindly picked us up at the airport and then went to work.
The exchange was very natural. We spoke French during activities such as the preparation of meals during the various outings. Paul and Kayleen already had a very good vocabulary. It was necessary to work the structure of the sentences but also the conjugation, and as much to tell you that the French conjugation, it is not what it has more simple. Finally, Ezekiel and I learned a lot from the English language, because Paul and Kayleen were also careful to correct us and explain their language. It was really an incredible exchange. In addition to hosting us, they took the time to introduce us to their region, to meet their friends.
Walk to Deception Bay and Discovery of Recliffe
Paul and Kayleen like to walk, so much the better! Our first discovery was Deception Bay. Poor beach! She has a name a bit hard because I found it very beautiful. We could observe small blue crabs, birds that came to hunt the fish. It is a walk along the beach. Everything is very well laid out. There are benches to sit, tunes of picnic. The most impressive thing is that everything is very clean! No paper on the floor, no bottle lying around. We should take example of the Australians!
Throughout this walk with the sea air, we observed trees that we see little in France, with aspects a little different:
Seagulls meet at specific points:
During this walk, we stopped at a fish shop where Kayleen showed us the fish caught in Australia. The advantage of this fish shop is that it is located virtually on the port. She then receives the fresh fish every day from the fishermen! Ezekiel who does not like everything that comes from the sea or the rivers, it was served by the smell!
Here we are at Redcliffe! The landscape is wonderful. There is a surprising contrast between the red of the bay and the blue of the water. The soil is also very strange. Kayleen explained to us that scientists were always looking for how the soil that is present at Redcliffe could have formed and especially understand the color change. I show you all this in photo:
We ended our walk in Scaborough beach where we could see in the distance the city of Brisbane on one side and Redcliffe on the other. We discovered Australian bugs that are, unlike French bugs, blue or yellow. They are all cute! On the other hand, although they look much more attractive, the smell remains strong.
During our stay in Brisbane, we observed various birds that we meet in Australia. Unfortunately for the majority of them, it was almost impossible to take pictures of them. Paul and Kayleen have, every morning, plenty of birds coming into their gardens. Some are bright, others black and white. We had the chance to listen to their melody daily by having our breakfast on the terrace. However, on the way back, we crossed two specimens:
Bee Gees Way
Did you know that Bee Gees were Australians? They come specifically from Brisbane! And yes! As a result, there is a whole street dedicated to them, which takes up their story, their journey and all in song!
Redcliffe Jetty
Little detour by Redcliffe Jetty! Just the entrance to venture further down the pier. In the middle, you will find the whole history of the Redcliffe Pier, as well as all the changes that have been made over the years.
During our visit there was nobody! Good! But whether in the street or in the pier is closed to cars every Sunday to accommodate a large market The street becomes totally pedestrian over several meters! You can then move for the time discover the market and do your classes but also to walk on the pier.
Pool facing the sea
Right next to the Redcliffe Jetty, we can swim in a beautiful pool with sea views. Everyone can swim! Which means it's totally free! There is even a barbecue area available to everyone. We are feeling good in Australia, right?
Sunset on Woody Point Jetty
What better than to end a day with a beautiful sunset. That's what we had the chance to observe on the Woody Point Jetty. Beautiful pier, to do absolutely!
There are facilities to eat facing the sea, and why not facing the sunset, benches to rest, read a book. There are even facilities for fishermen! They can wash and work their fish on the spot!
Kangaroo hunt
On our first day in Brisbane, Kayleen and Paul went out of their way to see kangaroos. We went for the first time with Paul, coming directly from the airport, at 6:00 am, but without success. We went back a little later in the day with Kaylee, and surprise !!! We saw walabis. That was enough to illuminate our day!
Here are some pictures of the little creatures, have the eye!
In Australia, there are not only kangaroo, walabis and koalas. There are also camels! If, if the proof in image:
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
Paul and Kayleen came up with a whole new day, starting with Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve and heading to Montville, Montville and Maleny. For this, Paul had asked a day of rest because we went in full week. Thank you very much Paul!
First step of the day, Mary Cairncross!
It is a 55-hectare reserve, protecting the subtropical forest that used to be much larger. I think they found the exact wording of this place, in other words "a living museum of diverse plant and animal life". The reserve has a cafe and a huge terrace with breathtaking views of the Glass House Mountains.
Before access to the trails, you will find at the reception various activities very fun for both children and adults. There is a cave to discover nocturnal animals, a classification chart of animals, a section where you must recognize or learn the different songs of the birds that you may see in the reserve. Everything is very well organized, impossible to be bored!
Admission is free but a donation of the sum you want is highly appreciated.
The discoveries were numerous during this walk. We could see right in front of us wallabys. Closer it was not possible. Unfortunately, with the weather outside today, it was hard to take pictures. I still try to capture the moment with my phone. We'll do a little game. I'll put the picture of the wallaby and you try to find it. The answer will be at the end of this article.
We were lucky to see bats in the distance. They are not at all the same size as those we encounter in our homes in France. They are much bigger! As for wallabi, a little game of hide and seek is required. Here below is the picture with two bats sleeping. It's up to you to find them. The answer will also be at the end of this page.
We have heard several melodies of birds. It was great! Kayleen and Paul are really good at finding what bird it is for this or that melody!
The size of some trees and lianas were also very impressive. I let you observe this for yourself:
At times, on the trail, we totally change vegetation and thus of ecosystem. We found ourselves walking on a footbridge because the soil was so wet that it was impossible to walk but especially this bridge was present to keep intact the ecosystem set up by nature. On this part, we admire habitats of small crabs called crayfish.
Who says forest says mushrooms! Being a big fan of mushrooms, I could not not expose them in this article, especially since they were so beautiful.
It was a great discovery! We really enjoyed this moment!
Montville
Montville is a charming little town with its old-fashioned, atypical appearance, its houses, its shops, and the details of street decoration. It is a tourist town, which in recent years has seen its economy down causing the closure of some stores. I find it a shame because Montville is definitely worth the trip. You can eat in front of the mountains, discover chocolate shops, a shop of old clocks.
Personally I had a big crush on this city, certainly because its aspect corresponds me enormously. I even found my future home and my tea room!
As I told you right before, decorating is important to embellish Montville. You can see various ornaments at each street corner or in front of the storefront.
Here are some pictures of the businesses that inspired me the most.
Montville even has his church. It is really simple but very pretty to discover.
As you can see, I loved walking around Montville. If you are around, do not hesitate to stop there!
Maleny
Maleny was previously a city dedicated to wood and agriculture. Gradually, the people of Melany developed their city by adopting and proposing an alternative way of life. This initiative has attracted many curious people from the surrounding cities as well as more and more tourists. Thus, Maleny has become a tourist city.
As you walk through Melany, you'll come back from art galleries, shops to organic products, healthy foods, cafes. Thrift stores and second hand book libraries are also displayed along the streets. Maleny also offers its residents schools and alternative medicine.
It is a city where well-being and ecology are of great importance. I found this very interesting and inspiring.
A garden on the roof
During our mop, we stopped at the edge of my road to not only admire the landscape but not only. We observed a house with lawn on its roof. It was explained to us that it was a house embedded in the earth. It was very nice to see!
Dayboro Discovery
Kayleen understands this, we love charming little villages. One afternoon, she took us to the village of Dayboro. To be atypical, this village is atypical. You will understand why with the images that will follow.
We will start slowly in the visit. First of all here is the lovely church of Dayboro. As for Montville, we are far from the stone churches that can be found in France.
Shopkeepers know how to decorate their storefront to attract their customers.
If you're lacking reading, a Dayboro café has set up a free library where you can pick up a book or drop it off. I think the idea is great. There are some in France, especially in Marseille, with giraffes on the Canebière.
Here we are, I present you the particularity of Dayboro when we went there: the trees are covered with knitting! This is not a joke!
I do not know if this is permanent or not, Kayleen could not tell me that either. She was just as surprised as us. In any case, it made us laugh.
As in all villages, some buildings made me crack. Here are a few:
On the way back, we stopped in front of a kind of "monument" that pays tribute to all the people who helped develop the village of Dayboro.
Australian gastronomy
After all these visits, as much to tell you that the appetite is present! This is what Kayleene did to us during our stay in Brisbane.
Kangaroo meat
And yes, I know, I'm sorry for kangaroo lovers. It's part of their culture and I wanted to be part of it.
Kayleen told me that many did not like the kangaroo because it is very strong. Personally I find the wild boar and the bull much stronger. I enjoyed the flavor.
In this dish, I added my little French touch. I made a red wine sauce to accompany everything. Kayleen and Paul are also delighted during this culinary discovery.
A kind of mince pie
I'm really sorry but I do not have the name anymore, I totally forgot to note it. It looks a little like our piehole because there is a layer of mashed potatoes under which there is meat with small vegetables and a slightly sweet sauce.
Kayleen told me it was more typical English but the Australian also made this dish. Let's not forget the origins of Australia.
In any case, English and: or Australian, we feasted!
The Lamingtons
Lamingtons are square-shaped Australian cakes covered in chocolate icing with rapped coconut.
The appearance is a bit spongy but on the palate it is very good. Just be careful with the coconut, do not choke with ... it happens faster than you think ... believe me, I know something ...
Macadamia nuts
On the way to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, we stopped to admire a mountain that looked like a human face. At the very spot where we stopped, Kayleen picked up strange little balls. It was simply macadamia nuts. Arriving in the evening at home, we have opened them with please, the appropriate equipment.
Pavlova
We did not eat this dessert in Brisbane but in Darwin (a little forgetfulness). Personally I thought this cake, consisting of meringue and fruit, was Russian. But in reality not at all. There is even a slight debate around this dessert to see if it is Australian or New Zealand. In any case, we ate it in Australia.
Vegemite
So how to describe vegemite. This is very special especially when you taste it at breakfast. It is a brownish dough spread, based on yeast, which is relatively very salty with a very pronounced flavor. Personally I did not like it at all. Paul eats regularly and, as I understand it, he has been eating vegemite since he was a child. Apparently it's good for your health.
A day in Brisbane
We have seen so many things this day that I hope I do not forget some places.
The casino of Brisbane
It is in an old building that took place the casino of Brisbane. We did not put our portfolios to the test, preferring to keep what we already had.
On this same square, there was a truck show. Indeed, trucks are not at all what is missing in Australia. And be careful! Here the trucks can have up to six loads behind them. To explain better, take a normal truck in France. And of course, on Australian lands, you take six trucks and stick them to each other. This gives you an Australian loading truck. We do not do any more clever, huh?
Among this exhibition, there is a truck that caught our attention:
He also had funny structures made with steam cooking equipment. I let you discover this:
Queen Street Mall
It is the street that is animated par excellence. In any case, this was the case during our visit to Brisbane.
It is also a street full of history with old buildings that are surrounded by new structures. It's a good mix of different eras.
Burnett Lane
Perpendicular to Queen Street you will find Burnett Lane. This is a street commemorating James Charles Burnett who discovered the river bearing his name in 1846.
You can find part of his biography on the wall of an establishment on this street.
All along the street you will find street arts:
City Botanic Gardens
During our day in Brisbane we passed for City Botanic Garden. What a wonder! We were able to admire huge trees, beautiful flowers and some birds still a little sleepy.
In the alleys of the park, an old gun is exposed, which allowed us to play a game.
All the head in the barrel!
We can see the tall buildings from the park:
Walk along the Brisbane River
After crossing the Goodwill Bridge, where only pedestrians and bikes can pass, we walked along the Brisbane River where there are many views of the city.
There is even a space called Epicurious Garden where many aromatic plants grow.
Brisbane under the stars
To finish the day, Paul and Kayleen took us to observe Brisbane in the heights and at night. A sumptuous spectacle.
It was with Kayleen and Paul that we really enjoyed Australia because we could see different faces of this country. It's not just about the city and the heat, it's also about forests and cooler temperatures. Thank you again very much to both of us for all that they offered us: accommodation, meals, time, outings. We hope to see them in France, especially in 2021! You are welcome here!
Et maintenant...
Cost of the stay in Brisbane: 7 days - Airline tickets Darwin-Brisbane: 183,10 euros for 2 - Hosting: talktalkbnb so free - Meals, courses, sweets: 22.05 euros and talktalkbnb - Mary Cainrcross Scenic Reserve: 6.20 euros in donations
Result of the little game of hide and seek:
Comments