CITY GUIDE
CITY GUIDE
One of Brisbane’s oldest suburbs is not fringed with kangaroos but rather offers one of the best vistas of the River City’s skyline. Follow the path along the river which runs from the Queensland Maritime Museum and along to Captain Burke Park or meander at the top of the cliffs from Kangaroo Point lookout to Bar Spritz. Along River Terrace, there are picnic tables and barbecues if you fancy sitting up a lunch spot. It is also possible to abseil from the top of the cliffs with a registered company.
NOTE! Please do not scale the low brick walls. This is the only barrier preventing people from falling over the edge.
Whatever Sydney can do, Brisbane can do just as well! The Story Bridge Adventure Climb offers a unique perspective of Brisbane’s skyline and Moreton Bay. On a clear day, one can see the Glass House Mountains towards the north and the Scenic Rim Mountains to the south. Climbs are offered at dawn, daytime, twilight (most popular) and night and will see you ascending Australia’s longest cantilever bridge above vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. For the daredevils, a cantilever lean out or walk the plank option is now also available!
Brisbane’s newest entertainment and lifestyle precinct, Howard Smith Wharves, sits below Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge, with the Brisbane City Council breathing new life into this riverlife area that had remained largely vacant since the 1960s. Come sit on the lawn at Felon’s Brewing Co for a beer and live music, pop into Mr Percival’s for a cocktail or dine-in for some delicious food at GRECA Greek Taverna. Looking to stay? Consider booking a room at the brand new boutique hotel by Art Series “The Fantauzzo” – check out our review below!
For more breathtaking panoramic views, make your way to Brisbane Lookout. Nestled 7km from the CBD amongst the leafy suburb of Mt Coot-tha, the view is equally stunning during the day as it is beautiful with the city lights at night. Unfortunately, the Summit Restaurant and Kuta Cafe are now closed but you can take advantage of the walking tracks through the National Park. Mt Cootha is also home to Brisbane’s Botanic Gardens and to the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.
A visit to Australia would be incomplete if you didn’t snap a photo cuddling one of our famous furry, big-nosed native marsupials. The world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is 12km from Brisbane City and set across 18 hectares. Originally opened as a safe refuge, Lone Pine welcomes local and international visitors to meet and engage with Australian wildlife.
Sample some of Queensland and Australia’s freshest seafood with an Italian twist at fine-dining establishment, Otto Ristorante. On a clear day, enjoy a drink on the alfresco terrace before taking a seat in the light, elegant restaurant. With stunning riverfront views, select from the a la carte menu, tasting menu or vegan menu and let the sommeliers help you pair some impressive wines with your meal.
This cosy breakfast and lunch spot is located in one of Brisbane’s quieter laneways. The small flight of stairs leads into an airy loft-like eatery. Felix’s menu changes with the seasons so in winter, you could be sampling one of the soup specials and potato rostis while summertime offers vegetarian pastas and falafel wraps. There is a selection of natural wines, craft beers and spirits too for when the clock ticks past midday.
With the original flagship in Melbourne’s Fitzroy, Industry Beans has spread its wings and fortunately opened a beautiful cafe/restaurant in Brisbane’s trendy Newstead. Coffee is what these guys do best and they have cleverly spread the flavour throughout their drool-worth brunch menu. The dishes are as beautiful as they are tasty so mark this place on your Google Maps.
A long time favourite of New Farm locals, Gerard’s Bistro is an award-winning Brisbane restaurant tucked away on James Street. Come for an indulgent dining experience, sharing plates featuring flavours from the Middle East and wines carefully selected to round off your meal. For a nightcap, pop across the carpark to Gerard’s Bar.
Those after a bit more sizzle and spice will enjoy the offerings at Chu the Phat. The double storey restaurant and bar is nestled on Fish Lane in South Brisbane. Inspired by the hawker stalls of Hong Kong, Korea and Taiwan, Chu the Phat delivers authentic Asian street food that is sure to delight the tastebuds. Banquet options available for those who want to try a little bit of everything.
Well of course we’re going to tell you where to find some of the best coffee in Brisbane. John Mills Himself is one of those spots that a visitor wouldn’t come across unless a local told them, so lucky for you, we’re going to share this uber cool coffee shop with you! Pocketed in a historic space between Elizabeth Street and Charlotte Street, John Mills Himself whips up espresso blends with beans roasted by Five Senses and regularly rotate their feature coffee with Australian roasters. There’s limited space inside and that’s totally fine when the baristas brew a fine cup of coffee.
Brisbane born and based, this independent brewery and taproom in Newstead is dedicated to all things beer. The inner-city brewery features an indoor space only with several high seat bench tables. Specialising in a rotating lineup of hoppy, dark and sour beers, Range arguably serves the best sourdough pizza in Brisbane too.
This contemporary pub will be a firm favourite for those wanting a beer and the sports channel. Ideally located in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, the Osbourne has a large selection of local and international beers and wines and a good menu for when you’re starving or feeling just a little bit peckish. Booths can hold smaller groups whilst the airy Backyard area features some kick-ass graffiti art on the surrounding wall.
For something a little more refined, a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap, make your way to Dutch Courage. Queensland’s first gin bar and restaurant is set over two storeys, with the decor (vintage campaign furniture and hessian curtains) invoking a sense of adventure, discovery and exploration. Stocking 250+ spirits, the talented bartenders can help you flip through the impressive cocktail menu before shaking up a few tipples for you.
Down Brisbane’s oldest laneway, the entrance to Death & Taxes is a pair of gorgeous wooden doors and lion-head knockers. At first glance, it does look like a private gentleman’s club but don’t let first appearances dissuade you. Step inside to an old-world cocktail lounge and wine bar where the leather covered menu features gorgeous illustrations of each delicious cocktail concoction. Wooden panelled walls and curved green leather couches set the scene for illicit conversations or else snag a couple of bar seats and watch the bartenders shake up some magic.
This upscale thoroughfare in inner-city Brisbane is where you’ll find designer labels from renowned Australian and international designers. Shop apparel, footwear and accessories before taking coffee at Bellissimo Coffee, lunch at Botanica Real Food or an aperitivo at Hello Gorgeous.
The beautiful pedestrian semi-outdoor shopping mall stretches from George Street to Edward Street and is where you’ll find the high-street favourites. The Myer Centre spreads across multiple levels whilst the Wintergarden features some independent stores between its LED facade. For all things ultra-luxe, your destination is QueensPlaza. Make sure to take a stroll through historic Brisbane Arcade and also visit the old-fashioned posh shops in Tattersall’s Arcade.
An icon of Brisbane’s food scene, the Jan Powers Farmers Markets has been integral to championing local produce and supporting communities. Jan Powers Farmers Markets operate in New Farm, Mitchelton and Manly selling fresh farm produce, flowers, breads, plants, organics and more. Check out the website for details of times and locations.
For the best access to Brisbane’s entertainment and dining precincts, river walks and attractions, choose a stay in Brisbane’s CBD. An apartment or hotel room is likely to grant you beautiful river views and the central location is perfect for exploring the city and surrounds by foot. The CBD is much quieter during weekends but Queen Street Mall and Eagle Street Pier is where the city comes alive when the sun goes down.
This is the area to stay for the perfect combination of inner-city living and peaceful suburbia. Older, weather-worn brick apartment blocks are resisting 21st-century development which houses a mix of silver-haired baby boomers and younger city slickers. Former wool-sheds have been converted into studio apartments and riverside properties command an imposing presence by the boardwalks. New Farm features trendy restaurants and cafes, boutique shopping and leafy New Farm Park. The Jan Powers Farmers Markets are on every Saturday morning and don’t forget to check out the gig guide at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
Looking for a beach without needing to leave the city? South Bank is the spot for you. Grey Street is ideal featuring the Emporium Hotel and several apartment complexes. Wander down to South Bank Parklands where you’ll find a peaceful garden walk on one side and Streets Beach on the other. Little Big House is a heritage-listed Queenslander converted into a restaurant and bar, Tippler’s Tap serves up traditional English pub lunch on Sundays and Stokehouse Q by the water is a perfect spot for a seafood dinner. For theatre buffs, check out what’s playing at QPAC down the road.
This hotel will now always be special to us as it’s where we spent our engagement night! Perfectly positioned under the iconic Story Bridge, the Crystalbrook Vincent brings a wonderful display of architecture and design to Brisbane’s hotel industry. Elegant, contemporary luxury awaits you at the Crystalbrook Vincent, a member of the Art Series Hotels. Inspired by acclaimed Australian painter Vincent Fantauzzo, original artworks feature in all 166 suites and throughout the hotel. Spectacular views are guaranteed from the rooftop pool and guests have the choice to dine at on-site restaurant, Polpetta, or go wandering along Howard Smith Wharves.
Brisbane’s CityHopper is a free inner city ferry service along the Brisbane River. You can hop on and hop off at eight different stops including New Farm, Brisbane City and South Bank. Services run every 36 minutes every day. Look for the small red ferry.
Brisbane City Council offers a bicycle hire scheme to residents and visitors and it forms an integral part of the public transport system within the city. Bicycle stations are dotted in and around the city. To hire, simply pay at a bicycle station, pull out your bicycle and helmet and enjoy the cycling paths to get from A to B. Don’t forget to return your bicycle to a bicycle station to end your rental period. CityCycle is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Click here for information on CityCycle terms and conditions including rental rates.
Brisbane has two companies operating electric scooter rentals in Brisbane. The green and white electric scooters are operated by Lime whilst the orange and black ones are owned by Neuron Mobility. The scooters are located in and around Brisbane (they operate within a certain radius of the city) and you’ll see them parked or unceremoniously thrown to the ground on sidewalks. Download the app, register a credit card and swipe the barcode. And don’t forget to wear a helmet.
Uber, Didi and Ola all operate in and around Brisbane. Download the apps and away you go!
The best way to travel on Brisbane’s public transport system is with a go Card. Paper tickets are much more expensive and are time bound. Once you purchase a goCard, you simply touch on and touch off each time you travel by train, bus or ferry. go Cards can be purchased at newsagents or 7-Eleven convenience stores and can be topped up at these same retailers, train stations and major busways. go Cards are available for adults, children, concessions and seniors.
Brisbane has a subtropical climate with warm or hot weather throughout most of the year. You’re practically guaranteed sunshine almost all the time making it perfect to be outdoors and to make a day trip or long weekend to the beaches along the Sunshine Coast or the Gold Coast. Rainy season is during the summer from around November – March where you could encounter tropical rainstorms.
If you’re ordering a beer in Australia, you’re going to need to learn some terminology. And even between the states, you’ll hear different names. In Brisbane, a half-pint (285 ml/ 10oz) is a “pot” whilst in other states and territories, the same size beer is often referred to as a “middy”. And if you’re travelling from abroad, you’re likely to hear the term “schooner”. This glass size is 425 ml or 15 oz – smaller than a pint. Cheers, mate.
The only change you’ll need to make to your watch is if you’re travelling into Brisbane from overseas. Queensland is one of three states and territories that does not have daylight savings in Australia from October to early March.
We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.
