Brisbane, Australia, Zip Code: 4021
Three years ago, I packed my life into two suitcases and took a one-way flight from Mumbai to Brisbane. I remember standing at the airport, watching planes take off, feeling a mix of excitement and fear. I was moving across the world to a city I had never been to, leaving behind everything familiar. But I didn’t know then how much I would fall in love with Brisbane.
The first thing I noticed was the sky. It was such a bright blue, stretching endlessly above me. The air smelled fresh, with a hint of eucalyptus. I always imagined Australia as vast and wild, but Brisbane welcomed me with warmth—both in its weather and its people.
Settling In: Finding My Rhythm in Brisbane
Brisbane moves at a relaxed pace. It didn’t take me long to adjust. Mornings became my favourite time of day. I loved taking long walks along the Brisbane River, watching the city wake up. South Bank quickly became my favorite spot—where I’d sip my morning flat white at Denim Co. Café while watching joggers and cyclists go by. I also loved spending time at the City Botanic Gardens, sitting under a huge fig tree with a book, enjoying the peace of being surrounded by nature.
I had heard about Australia’s laid-back lifestyle, but experiencing it was something else. People here value their free time. I discovered the joy of weekend brunches—smashed avocado on toast, poached eggs, and endless cups of coffee at places like Felix for Goodness or Nodo. I also embraced the outdoor culture, hiking up Mount Coot-tha for stunning city views or heading to the Gold Coast for a beach day. There’s a balance here between work and play that I really admire.
Finding a Slice of India in Brisbane
But the best part of my journey has been finding a strong Indian community in Brisbane. When I first arrived, I worried I would feel disconnected from my roots. But soon, I found little pieces of India all over the city. Woolloongabba’s Indian grocers became my go-to for fresh curry leaves and homemade samosas. On weekends, I’d visit Fortitude Valley for a comforting plate of biryani at Itihaas or a steaming masala chai at Chai Shai. And then there were the festivals—Diwali at King George Square, Holi at Rocks Riverside Park—where I danced, laughed, and felt at home even so far from India.
Making friends was easier than I expected. Australians are friendly and always up for a chat. My workplace had people from different backgrounds, and I quickly bonded with colleagues over cricket and food. One day, at a local café, I met Priya, another Indian expat who had moved here a few years before me. She smiled warmly and said, “You’ll love it here, just give it time.” That simple line stuck with me, and she was right. Soon, my weekends were filled with potlucks, Bollywood movie nights, and road trips to the Sunshine Coast.
Friendships and Connections: Feeling at Home
Over time, I also started exploring Brisbane’s arts and culture scene. The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) became a favorite weekend spot, where I would lose myself in exhibits ranging from Indigenous Australian art to contemporary international collections. I even attended a few theatre performances at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, amazed at how vibrant and diverse the city’s cultural landscape was. It wasn’t just nature and coffee shops—Brisbane had layers of experiences waiting to be discovered.
Sometimes, I do miss home—the energy of Mumbai, the sound of street vendors, the warmth of my family. But Brisbane has given me a different kind of warmth—one that is quieter but just as fulfilling. It has given me space to grow, to embrace new traditions while keeping the old, and to enjoy the present.
Three years later, I still find myself amazed by this city. I still stop to watch the sunset at Kangaroo Point, still take spontaneous ferry rides just because I can. Brisbane is no longer just the city I moved to—it is home.
If you had told me at the airport that day that I would feel this way, I might not have believed you. But here I am, sipping my coffee on my balcony, looking at the Brisbane skyline, and I can’t help but smile. Because sometimes, taking a leap of faith leads you exactly where you’re meant to be.
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