Cruising down the river...

Last weekend Brisbane was hit by a series of storms but by Monday morning the weather was fine and sunny again. Which was just as well as DH had booked us on a day cruise, Brisbane to the Gold Coast. Normally we drive on the motorway to the coast (takes about an hour from our place) but this cruise took us down the river, and along the coast past 300 islands (most are small and uninhabited), mangroves, resorts and coastal settlements in a most leisurely and relaxed manner.
Our departure point was at Brett's Wharf which is on busy Kingsford Smith Drive in Hamilton.

Here's Brett's Wharf at Hamilton where we would board...

The very expensive houses on the other side of the road from the wharf...

Looking over the river towards the city...

 After waiting a little while, our cruise boat came along and tied up at the wharf...

Looking west towards the suburbs of Newstead, Bowen Hills and Herston...

Another view of the expensive real estate of Hamilton

We've started our cruise now and a City Cat comes in to the ferry pontoon

These are newer unit buildings in Hamilton, built on former industrial/mercantile land

Some older docks on the north side of the river...

Heading downstream towards the Gateway Bridge...

Behind here is the Mary Cairncross Drydock...it is still operational

This is the lovely Colmslie Beach (still Brisbane river though)

Raptis Seafood at Colmslie

Even more of Colmslie Beach

This is downstream from Colmslie...loved the reflections...part of the Port of Brisbane (P.O.B.)

Nearly at the Gateway Bridge...

Royal Queensland Golf Course on the northern side of the river

Some of the vessels on the left are ready to be called out at any time...

Picture shows some of the bulk handling facilities at POB plus a couple of pretty impressive boats!

As we cruised towards the mouth of the river, not only did we have a commentary and morning tea but also entertainment. The 'boys' have got their timing right...when there is no commentary Col, one of the crew plays his piano accordion. He expects people to singalong too ! lol

Next time I'll post photos of some of the ships loading and unloading at POB and then continue telling you about our journey through the islands.