From Noosa/ Queensland 🧡to Brisbane

Before I set off from Noosa (Queensland, Australia) to Brisbane today, I want to share a bit about last night – an experience I definitely want to capture.

The evening in Noosa – foam, piano, and an incredible atmosphere

I wanted to see what Noosa was like at night. I had seen many TikTok videos beforehand promising wild parties and great vibes. So I set out with curiosity.

However, the supposed “hotspot,” the big party hub, was not my scene at all. By half-past nine, it was already a sea of foam, full of young people dancing completely covered in foam. The music was okay, but the whole place was coated in foam – clearly, not my world.

Next door, there was a small pub where a pianist was scheduled to play. So, I sat down there and had something to eat. What happened next was something I hardly believe possible in Germany. At 9 PM, it started, and the atmosphere was sensational. Everyone could make song requests, which were then played. People stood closely around the piano, young and old together. I even made two or three live calls to my family so they could experience the atmosphere.

They played Robbie Williams, the Beatles, Eagles – all anthems that everyone could sing along to. And the big difference to Germany became palpable: The people here are incredibly open. They talk to each other, sing together, laugh together. This kind of shared joy of life impressed me. A truly wonderful evening.

The return trip was then more exciting than necessary. I walked through a nature park in the dark, only with my phone light, and anyone who knows Australia knows: You typically don’t do that. I had immense respect for all sorts of animals that could have appeared there. But in the end, I arrived safely, took a cold shower, and then went to bed.

The trip from Noosa to Brisbane – Driving on the left, refueling, and a different impression

Today, I continued towards Brisbane. Driving on the left is still unfamiliar, but I'm getting more confident. I’m not driving too fast anyway. A real challenge was, however, refueling. Normally, there’s information in the fuel cap about what goes in. Not here. I found nothing in the manual either. In the end, I drove to a Mazda dealer (even though I drive a Mitsubishi), and they explained to me which unleaded fuel I should use. I did that – but I felt hot and cold because I just didn't want to make a mistake.

When I drove into Brisbane, I quickly realized: This city is not for me. Very different from Sydney, which I really liked. Brisbane is hectic, international, but without charm. Not particularly appealing either. After checking in, I walked around a bit and listened to live music in a pub, but the atmosphere on the streets was not inviting. A bit shabby, slightly uncomfortable, hard to grasp. No fear, but definitely no feeling of comfort. Maybe subjective, maybe bad luck with the area – but Brisbane leaves a bad impression on me.

Preparations for New Zealand

In the evening, I settled into the hotel early because I’m flying to Auckland (New Zealand) tomorrow. I had to complete the entry formalities today, including exit papers – New Zealand takes that very seriously. I will probably have to show my return flight from Australia to Germany, as my remaining domestic flights will only be booked on the upcoming three-week tour with a total of 16 participants.

So this is my last report from Australia for now. The big tour will later return to Australia, with climatic extremes from 8 °C to 55 °C. I packed equipment that I have never used before. Hopefully, the guide will explain everything to us calmly later.

I am very much looking forward to your comments – this is a connection to home for me and shows me that you are thinking of me. Thank you for that.

This Christmas movie “Life is Beautiful” touches me particularly deeply on this journey.

Maybe because we, as a family, have already experienced so much together – beautiful moments, difficult times, all that has brought us together and made us strong.

While I’m out here, I often just find myself in tears. Not out of sadness, but because that warm, familiar feeling overwhelms me, which the film shows so well:

Family is the greatest gift.

My sister, my brother-in-law, my nieces and nephews – we are a strong little team that has gone through everything together. That is exactly what I carry with me here every day, no matter how far away I am.

The film reminds me of what I am currently feeling:

The true beauty of life is not the places, but the people you love and who accompany you in your heart.