• Janette and John
  • Janette and John

2026 - SHOWTIME

Edinburgh Tattoo in Brisbane, Celtic Thunder in Canberra, Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour Read more
  • Trip start
    February 12, 2026

    A year of shows?

    February 10 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    So far this year we have seen one show and have three shows booked in:-
    * January - Lanza and Callas re-imagined in Mansfield
    * February - Edinburgh Tattoo in Brisbane
    * March - Celtic Thunder in Canberra
    * April - Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour

    We fly out of Albury on Thursday 12th Feb. for Brisbane

    Hopefully a few more trips will be planned…

    The Australia Day concert in Mansfield was, as always, excellent - good company, great entertainment and delicious food. One of this summer's heatwaves was in full swing and the temperature was well over forty degrees. Fortunately, our table caught a breeze from one of the air conditioners.

    A SPECTACULAR MUSICAL TRIBUTE NOT TO BE MISSED
    Step back in time to the golden age of opera and Hollywood romance as tenor Roy Best and soprano Alison Jones channel the magic of Mario Lanza and Maria Callas — two of the most legendary voices of the 20th century, reborn for one unforgettable afternoon.
    Enjoy a sumptuous luncheon while these acclaimed artists bring to life the songs that made Lanza and Callas immortal — from heart-stirring arias and cinematic classics to timeless duets that defined an era.
    Enjoy an intimate audience with Alison & Roy at the Ros Ritchie – Magnolia Cellar Door / a delicious tailored 3-course lunch
    by Mansfield’s finest chef Megan Knapp of the Kitchen Door.
    Read more

  • On our way

    February 12 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Left Kevin Cole to feed the cows and do a bit of watering.

    Had early (11.30) lunch in Albury, filled the car with petrol and parked at Albury Airport.

    We decided that regional airports are 'the only way to fly' - no fuss, no crowds, very easy and calm. And time for a cuppa at the Uiver cafe.

    nb - worth googling the story of the Uiver.

    Took off on time and had a great 1hour 20 minute flight.
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  • Checked into Brisbane

    February 12 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C

    Took a taxi from the airport to the Park Regis Hotel.

    Looks good, views are great, but it is quite tired.

    On the receptionist's recommendation, we will walk towards Suncorp Stadium to check the lie of the land. Apparently there is an area called the Barracks on the way where we can eat.

    We joined the thousands of people streaming toward the stadium. The route is lined with eateries and they were all busy.

    We ended up at the far end of the strip in the Beetson Hotel. Janette had barra and I had whiting.
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  • Showday

    February 13 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 22 °C

    Walked to The Barracks for lunch with the idea of planning our route for getting to the show. Theoretically we did this yesterday, but, after looking at the maps and finding that we had to enter the stadium via gate A, we decided there must be a more straightforward route.

    After lunch, Janette 'volunteered’ to walk our potential route while I made my way back to our hotel. On her return she gave it the thumbs up.

    At 6.00pm, after a bowl of soup in our room, we set off intending to get there by 6.30ish for the start time of 7.30.

    The weather forecast was atrocious but to quote the advertising - “the show will go ahead rain hail or shine”.

    Our seats were ideal - at the end of the stadium facing the ‘castle’ where the bands enter and next to the bands’ exit from the stadium.

    The Tattoo started right on time with a welcome to country…
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  • More show

    February 13 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 22 °C

    It rained steadily. You had to feel for the performers.

    We were soaked to the skin.

    It was a great show and we wouldn't have missed it!

    There were quite a few tv cameras around the arena so I suspect we will be able to watch it on channel 7 down the track.Read more

  • Happy valentine’s day 🌹

    February 14 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    We were to catch up with Janette's brother, John Lee, for lunch today. He didn't feel too good and I have a bug so we've taken a rain-check.

    The stadium is a 20/30 minute walk northwest of the hotel. Brisbane city is a similar distance to the southeast. Janette headed off there while I stayed at the hotel.

    For our ‘Valentine Dinner’ we went to the Tiger Eye Hotel at the Barracks. The Tattoo crowds had gone to be replaced by couples out for dinner.
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