A September 2001 trip to Brisbane by aussiemate
Quote: We headed up to Brisbane for the 2001 Goodwill Games to cheer on the American and Aussie competitors.
Overview
Walking around the Southbank Parklands was terrific. There were many fun kiosks set up, and Vannesa Amorosi performed from a floating stage in the River.
Restaurant
The main difference between the ones in the US and the ones in Australia are the Aussie burgers which arrive complete with beetroot on them. You are better off just getting a cheeseburger, some chips (fries) and a vanilla coke. Your parents will love it here!
Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 26, 2001
Johnny Rockets City Center Brisbane, Australia
Attraction | "Riverfest"
There were lots of vendors selling food and ice cream and drinks to satisfy the cravings that come from being outside on a gorgeous, warm night.
Riverfest ordinarily occurs in October, but it began early this year in honor of the Games. The organizers did a terrific job. Best of all, the shows were free.
South Bank/South Bank Parklands Southern Bank of Brisbane River Brisbane, Australia 4101
Attraction
The structure itself is beautiful as it was built in the Victorian style. For those with small children, be sure to visit the Myer Centre, which houses the country's famous department store as well as an amusement park on the top floor. For those of you who have been to London, this will remind you of Harrod's plus a roller coaster and other amusement rides. The mall also has several theaters.
Queen Street Mall Queen St Brisbane, Australia 4001 +61 (0)7 3229 7833
Attraction | "Final night of Athletics at the Goodwill Games"
The Gabba-Brisbane Cricket Ground Vulture Street Woolloongabba, Brisbane 4102
Attraction | "2001 Goodwill Games Basketball Medal Games"
It was disappointing for the home crowd, but it was a terrific contest. We had second row seats on the side of the long portion of the court. We held a big poster board that we made cheering on the US. The US coach saw it before they went out to the stadium and came over and gave us some Team USA paraphernalia. He was the Minnesota Timberwolves head coach. We were on the side by the Argentinean bench.
The US took on the Argentinean team which had beaten the Aussies on the previous day. After one quarter, USA was starting to run away with the game, and it only got worse from there. USA eventually won by almost 30 points as the young team really came together with excellent play by Battier, Marion, and Serbiak. It was a great game filled with athleticism and slam dunks!
Brisbane Entertainment Centre Melaleuca Drive Boondall, Brisbane (07)3265 8111
Attraction | "Goodwill Games Ladies' Ice Skating Finals"
Even the ice dancing was enjoyable though that's not usually my favorite sport. We bought some flowers and tossed them onto the ice along with koalas, kangaroos and other flowers thrown by the appreciative crowd after Michelle and Sasha skated.
We had never been to a professional ice skating event before and were surprised to see vendors selling sausages and funnel cakes and wine. I don't know if that's standard fare at such events or if that's an Aussie tradition.
The Sanctuary gives people a chance to pet and feed many of the animal species native to Australia. You can get up-close and personal with many different species of koala. I am a huge fan of wombats, and the wombats here did not disappoint. I've attached a photo of a cute one.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Jesmond Rd Brisbane, Australia 4069 +61 (0)7 3378 1366
aussiemate Melbourne, Australia
User Rating: