Exploring Brisbane: A Day with the Metro Electric Bus – River Exploits, Food & Culture

Exploring Brisbane: A Day with the M2 Electric Bus

Hi everyone, in this video, I’m exploring Brisbane’s newest public transport choice. Today, I’m trying out the new electric bus that’s running between UQ and RBWH (M2). Figured I’d bring you along showing you the route, the bus itself, and what it’s like to ride. Let’s see how it goes.

Brisbane, the vibrant capital of Queensland, offers an abundance of experiences, and what better way to explore it than with a day trip using its Public Transport System. Ditch the car, ride the city as we experience Brisbane like a local by ferry, bus, and foot. Brisbane (aka “Bris Vegas” a local slang name for the City) is famous for its laid-back lifestyle and today’s day trip is no different.

Coffee, City Cats River Cruising & Culture, our itenary focusing on a relaxed pace, utilizing buses, ferries, and a little walking to soak in the City’s atmosphere.

My day started early, hopping on a diesel-powered BCC (Brisbane City Council) Translink Bus heading towards the city. There’s something about the rumble and noise of a diesel bus that always adds to the adventure, they have been around for such a long time, in contrast to the new sleek, quite electric buses that we’ll be riding on later in the day.

Brisbane is well connected with an International & Domestic Airport, and a network of buses, trains, River City Cats and Ferries. Brisbane is going green, at least with some of the transport system, as the roll out of Electric Buses replacing the diesel units continues on the Brisbane Metro busway. This journey itself offered glimpses of Brisbane’s outer leafy suburbs onto the inner city, a tapestry of Queenslander houses, high rises, and commerce along the way.

My first stop was the Cultural Centre bus station, the best hopping off point for the Cultural Hub of the City situated on the Brisbane River. I made a beeline for the Muse Café, one of my favourites, known for its family-friendly menu and excellent coffee. Open seven days a week for breakfast or lunch, with plenty of seating available, you can enjoy indoor and outdoor dining or grab a take-away to go. In the hot humid Queensland summer, the air-conditioned indoor seating is an absolute winner, the coffee always seems to taste better. 🔥Tip: Clean Toilets are here and being right next door to the QLD Museum, it’s easy access to the Museum, nearby Art Galleries and Queensland Performing Arts Complex (QPAC).

Caffeine fix achieved, I continued on walking through the South Banks Parklands, a green oasis in the heart of the city. The parklands are a mix of Cafes & Restaurants, Gardens, Art Installations, Playgrounds, Picnic Areas and the iconic Streets Beach, a man-made beach and huge pool, perfect for a tip on a warm day. 🔥Tip: More Info on South Bank, click on the link to my post: South Bank Parklands – All The Basics You Need To Know. Also, this is where we’ll find the Southbank City Cat ferry terminal.

Next, I boarded a CityCat, an excellent Brisbane experience. Swiping my Go-Card on entry, then grabbing a window seat in the undercover cabin, I sat back to enjoy this journey, the ferry gliding along the river offering stunning views of the City Scape, water side mansions and the many parks and gardens. I always said that one of the best ways to see Brisbane is from the water and this trip did not disappoint. I was heading up-river, my destination, the University of Queensland (UQ), the journey was scenic and relaxing, a perfect opportunity to enjoy the river breeze and snap some photos. 🔥Tip: Experience a Brisbane River City Cat cruise at ROAD TRIP’N (click here).

Arriving at the UQ ferry terminal, a short walk through the very picturesque University grounds had me arriving at the UQ bus station. I transferred to an electric bus, a stark contrast to my earlier ride. Metros are an Australian first and have been designed for Brisbane, to supply fast, frequent and reliable turn-up & go public transport. We’ve got the Olympic Games in 2032, what a bonus this transport system will be.

The Metro buses are all new and I was very excited to be a part of history taking a ride on this new public carrier.  The electric bus was smooth and quiet, a testament to Brisbane’s commitment to sustainable transport. I rode the M2 (Metro 2) bus route, this busway is one of the first to have the new electric buses rolled out. The ride to King George Square, this is where I hopped off as this route continues on to the RBWH (Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital), was quick and efficient, dropping me right in the heart of the city. 🔥Tip: Check out the video and come along with me as we ride the M2 electric bus – QLD University – to King George Square Station (Brisbane City).

From King George Square, I took a leisurely walk through the city centre, admiring the architecture and soaking in the bustling atmosphere. My lunch destination was Ryan’s On The Park Bar & Restaurant, located in the heritage listed Treasury Hotel overlooking historic Queen Victoria Park. The park itself is a lovely spot for a break, and Ryan’s offered a delicious and satisfying lunch.

After lunch, I began my return journey, walking towards the Cultural Centre Bus Station. My route took me past the Star Casino, a grand building that speaks to Brisbane’s history, via the Neville Bonner Bridge, a tribute to the first Indigenous Australian senator, and onto the South Bank Parklands.

I also made sure to enjoy another detour through South Bank, taking a stroll along South Bank’s winding Arbor. If you’re lucky on the day you’ll manage to enjoy the beautiful bougainvillea that might be in bloom.

A quick detour from the Arbor, it was time for some ice cream. There are not too many more enjoyable experiences than sitting in the shade on a beautiful Queensland summer day and devouring one of the nicest ice creams you can buy in the South Bank precinct.

Finally, I reached the Cultural Centre Bus Station, this is where our exploits began, ready to board my bus for the return journey. My Brisbane day trip proved that exploring the city and surrounds doesn’t need a car. By seamlessly blending public transport, delicious food, vibrant culture, and enjoyable walks, I discovered hidden gems and experienced the City’s uniqueness just like the locals.

🚶This walking adventure offered a delightful blend of exploration, relaxation, and the satisfying pause for lunch amongst the city’s hum. It was a reminder that sometimes the best way to truly experience a place is to slow down, embrace public transport, and simply enjoy the journey. 🔥Tip: All public transport fares in Queensland are a flat 50 cents per journey on the Translink Network (plan your journey – click here). This includes all regional urban buses, light rail, bus, train (excluding Airtrain), ferry, tram and on demand services in South East Queensland. 

Until our next urban ramble, I hope you have enjoyed my Brisbane City Adventures. Let me know in the comments below.