Brisbane 2026: A Junket Journey Down Under

My birthday wish came true — a memorable junket through Australia.

Welcome to Brisbane at wintertime

Having exhausted my 60‑day maximum entry in Papua New Guinea, I needed to exit briefly before restarting the count. With unfinished business in AROB, PNG, I knew I’d be re‑entering the country a few more times before my business visa expired.

This time, instead of flying home, I requested a 10‑day trip via Brisbane, Australia. My company approved the plan and provided free round‑trip tickets; the rest was on me.

Arrival and First Impressions

My Air Niugini flight departed Port Moresby at 10 a.m. and landed in Brisbane around 2:30 p.m. I followed my pre‑planned route: train to Fortitude Valley, then a short walk to BUNK Brisbane, my home base for the week.

At Central Station & ANZAC Memorial Park

After checking in, I ticked off my first to‑do — a $50 haircut at a nearby barbershop serviced by a Filipino halfie. With the crisp winter air energizing me, I wandered through Brisbane’s walkable streets and pedestrian bridges, crossing Neville Bonner Bridge to explore South Bank before looping back. It was my way of getting acquainted with the city’s rhythm.

Brisbane skyline from across the South Bank Park

The Story Bridge at night

Free Brisbane (Almost)

I dedicated my first full day DIY tour to “Free Things to Do in Brisbane.” Starting from my hostel, I walked the length of Ann Street, crossed Neville Bonner Bridge, and strolled through South Bank Parklands, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Captain Burke Park, and the City Botanic Gardens.

At South Bank Parklands

At Kangaroo Point View

At Captain Burke Park

Ironically, my “free” day turned costly when I couldn’t resist shopping for a jumper and NRL State of Origin jersey at Queen Street Mall. Still, the City Hall and Museum of Brisbane offered genuine free experiences — and a glimpse into the city’s heritage.

Museum of Brisbane

Brisbane City Hall

Monuments and Midweek Wanderings

With work resuming in “WFH mode,” I explored Brisbane’s landmarks in the afternoons. My DIY walking tour turned into a photo hunt — capturing Thomas Joseph Byrnes in Centenary Park, King George V on horseback in King George Square, Queen Victoria at Queens Gardens, Confucius in the Epicurious Garden, and the solemn figures at ANZAC Square.

At Queens Gardens

At King George Square

At Victoria Bridge Abutment

Tiny Doors and Big Surprises

It was Friday yet by my weekend began early with a Tiny Doors hunt — whimsical miniature art installations hidden across the city.

• 🔥 Bakery Lane Fire Station Door (Fortitude Valley)

• 🍗 KFC Wall Door (Queen Street Mall)

• 🌼 Yellow Door (Edward Street near Botanic Gardens)

• 🎨 Queensland Art Gallery Door, discovered after asking several museum staff for clues

The art galleries and museums were free to enter, adding cultural depth to the adventure.

Gold Coast Escapade

Later that day, I boarded a train to Helensvale to visit Archie Oplenia, a former student turned close friend. Archie’s luxurious villa in Middle Quay, Biggera Waters was stunning — complete with a private pool, dock, and elegant interiors.

Archie and her lil boys

That evening, she surprised me with tickets to a Candlelight Concert at the Imperial Hotel (Gold Coast). The Paradise Strings Quartet performed a breathtaking ensemble that felt straight out of Bridgerton — romantic, immersive, and unforgettable.

Candlelight Concert at Palazzo Versace

Performance from Paradiso Strings Quartet

After a cozy night of wine and laughter, Archie took me on a mini‑tour of Queensland.

Morning began with Raf’s soccer match near the New South Wales border, followed by a scenic drive to Burleigh Heads for lunch and a beach stroll.

Dining with Asian Fusion cuisine at Burleigh Heads

Ogling at beach bodies in Burleigh Beach

By afternoon, she dropped me at Helensvale Station for my return to Brisbane. Due to reduced train services, I transferred to a bus from Banoon Station, then hopped on a ferry from South Bank to Howard Smith Wharves. The chilly breeze cut the ride short, so I disembarked at Riverside Terminal and walked back to my hostel.

Taking the 50 cent ferry from South Bank to Riverside

At Queen Street Park with the view of the Story Bridge

Farewell Brisbane

With my flight scheduled that Sunday afternoon, I spent the morning searching for souvenirs requested by colleagues. After striking out at Woolworths, I found perfect keepsakes at the airport’s pre‑departure shops.

View of the Riverside Highways at sunset

Despite reduced Air Train service, I managed to reach Roma Street Station by bus and catch the airport train in time. As I boarded my flight, I felt grateful — not just for the junket, but for the unexpected friendships, art, and quiet "me" moments that made Brisbane feel like a second home.

Arriving & departing Brisbane (BNE)