Sydney and Surfers Paradise

Last breakfast at the Sandbar - for the final one we skipped the healthy smoothie bowls full of fresh fruit and went for the ricotta pancakes.

Tram and train up to Brisbane (with bonus magpie family on the platform).

Brisbane goes on my Recommended Airports list. Doesn't have the cultural displays of Incheon or the gardens of Singapore, but it's light and airy, with full height glass all along one side, and half height along both ends. And it's laid out as a park - fake grass, but all the other plants and palm trees are real. Clusters of wooden seats and tables, some park bench style, others individual seats, and some with cushions. Very few people, very quiet music (unless someone's playing the street piano). Relaxing, and some good food options.Read more