Oct.12 Spotlight on Brisbane

Natural getaways
You shouldn’t visit Australia without seeing its trademark animals-the koala and kangaroo. The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary has both. It is located just outside the city center, in beautiful parkland. You can hold one of the park’s 130 koalas or feed the kangaroos.
Another quiet refuge from the city is Mt. Coot-tha, about 8km from Brisbane. On a clear day, it offers spectacular views of the city. It also has hiking trails and beautiful gardens. A sunset cruise along the Brisbane River is also very relaxing.
The areas around Brisbane are impressive. A coastal drive south of Brisbane will take you along the Gold Coast. This famous coastline boasts some of Australia’s best beaches.
Stradbroke Island is another easy daytrip from Brisbane. A cliff on the island called Point Lookout offers a great view. From there, you can see dolphins swimming below. Brisbane Forest Park, to the north of Brisbane, is a great place for hiking and camping. These great getaways, along with Brisbane’s own laid-back charm, make this city an ideal place to visit.

Word Bank
trademark n 特有
The Taipei 101 building has become a trademark of Taipei.
refuge n
My bedroom is my refuge, where I find a little peace and quiet each evening.
boast v
This city boasts some of the best Chinese restaurant in the world.
laid-back adj
My mom gets nervous easily, but my dad has always been very laid-back.

More Information
sanctuary n禁猎区，保护区
This bird sanctuary protects a very rare kind of wild goose.

My Note

make a getaway: to escape from somewhere after doing something criminal, or to get away from an unpleasant situation

The thieves made a getaway through a downstairs window.

getaway car=a car used by criminals to escape after a crime

trademark n. c. a particular way of behaving, dressing etc by which someone or something can be easily recognized

The striped T-shirt became the comedian’s trademark.

sanctuary n. c. an area for birds or animals where they are protected and cannot be hunted

bird/wildlife etc sanctuary: The park is the largest wildlife sanctuary in the US.

parkland n. u. land with grass and trees which is used as a park   cf. park

laid-back adj. relaxed and seeming not to be worried about anything

I don’t know how you can be so laid-back about your exams.