SPOTLIGHT ON BRISBANE

While you weren’t looking, Queensland’s capital has been busy building on its food, shopping and culture cred. Here’s our guide to the best of what the city has to offer

STAY THE JOHNSON

The latest hotel from the Art Series group (also behind Melbourne’s The Cullen and The Blackman) is inspired by famed Australian artist Michael Johnson, who counted Brett Whiteley as a friend. Johnson is responsible for much of the art that lines the walls of the hotel and its 96 suites, with the decor also taking cues from his vibrant palettes. You’ll be in the perfect position to explore lively Spring Hill and its surrounding suburbs via a loaned Smart car or Lekker bicycle – that is, if you can tear yourself away from the Michael Klimdesigned pool (it’s already nabbed a “best hotel pool” award) and accompanying sundeck, which has a real LA feel.

artserieshotels.com.au/johnson

SHOP WESTFIELD CHERMSIDE

Just 20 minutes from the CBD is the new-look Westfield Chermside. It’s one of Australia’s largest shopping centres and the ideal place to get your fashion fix from the likes of Furla, H&M and Zara. Dining exceeds usual food-court fare with eateries like Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co – the diner-inspired chain that’s as famous for its custard ice-cream desserts as its burgers. This month, you can also catch 3D collages by mixed-media artist Dina Broadhurst – one is an impressive 40m long.

westfield.com.au/chermside

JAMES STREET PRECINCT

You’ll find local labels Zimmermann, Dinosaur Designs and Aje tucked between galleries and foodie spots aplenty. International designers come carefully curated at Calexico (look for Acne Studios and Isabel Marant), while Maryon’s stocks cult accessories by labels such as Marni and Chloé.

jamesst.com.au

EAT NODO

You’ll come for the gluten- and guilt-free doughnuts, but you’ll stay for the healthy brunch options (such as cauliflower hash browns and sweet potato waffles) that have Phoebe Tonkin hooked – she dubbed the cafe her “kitchen away from home” on Instagram.

nodo.com.au

LOLA COFFEE

Owner Corinne Chilcott competed in the World Barista Championship, so you know her brew is not only one of the best in Brisbane, but the country. If you’re in a hurry, there’s a stand-up bar to have your coffee Italian-style, but the pink interiors are too good not to stick around to enjoy.

lolacoffee.com.au

GERARD’S BISTRO

Gerard’s Bistro mixes North African and Middle Eastern cuisine, with its most popular dishes including laham nayyeh (Lebanese lamb tartare) and morasa polow (a Persian rice dish). Head back for breakfast and you’ll find shakshouka and za’atar manoushe served up with bloody marys – a good time in any language.

gerardsbistro.com.au