Some Kind Of Bliss: Let's play... Brisbane or the Alps?

The ski gear is out, necks are being wrapped firmly in scarfs, and gloves are slipping on chilled fingers.

Am I talking about winter making a final fling in the French Alps?

No, the overnight temperature in Brisbane dropped into single digits for the first time in eight months.

After what has felt like an endless summer, it seems as though autumn may be finally making an appearance in Brisbane. Like one of those annoying people who arrive late at the party and then demand attention, autumn seems to have swung by the Sunshine State.

Brisbane braves the winter chill

While the daytime temperature is still cracking the 20 degree mark, judging by the huddled and shivering locals, you'd swear the polar vortex was sweeping across Moreton Bay.

As the woman in front of me at the shops exclaimed: "It's freezing!". I was amazed that she was still using a shopping trolley rather than a toboggan or team of huskies.

You might be surprised to learn that Frozen wasn't filmed in Brisbane, though the city is often mistaken for an alpine hub given it is ringed by mountains: Mt Ommaney, Mt Gravatt, Mt Coot-tha.

Yesterday I met some friends who were visiting from Melbourne at Brisbane's Southbank; they were in t-shirt and shorts while the Brisbanites were sporting polar fleece and faux fur.

It's true we're a sensitive lot and not used to sub-20 degree temperatures.

As a reality check, I present a game the whole family can play: Brisbane or the French Alps? See if you can guess.

Test 1: Mt Coot-tha or Mont Blanc?