Lunchtime visitor

It was a glorious sunny day and we had lunch with friends, starting on our balcony. This large grasshopper watched us closely. I suspect it's Valanga irregularis, the Giant or Hedge Grasshopper, which is said to be common in our area. The Brisbane Insects webpage mentions the spines on its hind legs, which are used in defence if they are caught by a bird or in a spider web.