48 hours in Brisbane
If it’s been a while between visits, those venturing north may be surprised to find a different Brisbane than they’ve known, writes Bree Caggiati
For most out of towners, it’s been a while between visits. So those venturing to the city may be surprised to find a different Brisbane than they’ve previously known. With new precincts firmly staking claim to our riverside and the bustling inner-city suburbs evolving and growing, Brisbane isn’t just a sleepy stopover or one-afternoon wonder anymore.
Streets
James Street is probably our most popular stretch for both tourists and locals, with good reason. The precinct is a hub for contemporary Australian fashion storefronts, with Dion Lee, St Agni, Aje, Lee Mathews and more. But if you’d rather peruse trinkets and tchotchkes than skirts and shoes there’s also Dinosaur Designs and Museum of Small Things. Along with shopping, the street is home to some of our best restaurants, bakeries and bars, a cinema and the stunning Calile Hotel.
If you’re staying in Southbank or the surrounding area, you’ll want to head straight to Fish Lane. While best known for its culinary offering with the likes of Southside, Maeve and Gauge, it’s also home to a budding art precinct. Situated within walking distance from heavy hitters Queensland Art Gallery and GOMA (always worth a visit), Fish Lane has taken a more community-focused approach, with public art installations, events and workshops.
It’s hard to believe The Howard Smith Wharves precinct has only been part of the cityscape since late 2018, that’s how much it’s built itself into the fabric of the Brisbane scene. While technically not a street, this vibrant 1.3km stretch is kitted out with enough options to keep you going over a full weekend. There’s the sprawling Felon’s brewery, perfect for a daytime bev or two, Greca serving modern Greek fare, and upbeat bars like Mr Percival’s or the rooftop Fiume. Once you’re bursting at the seams you can always walk it off on the waterfront boardwalk. Or take the lift up to the top of the cliffs, where it’s just a short walk to the
Valley’s bar scene.
Eats
If you’re close to the CBD, speciality coffee from Coffee Anthology is the go-to, but there are equally good options from John Mills Himself and Edward Specialty Coffee. If a quick takeaway is more your scene Richochet is your best bet.
Brisbane’s cafe scene is flourishing and every local will have their favourite, so you can’t really go wrong. Try gluten-free doughnuts and upscale brunch at Nodo, yummy comfort food with a push towards local ingredients at Alphabet Cafe and stunning light-filled interiors at Industry Beans.
It’s also not uncommon to travel out to the burbs for a bite, particularly as some of our best offerings are hidden among residential streets. Try The Tiller, a tiny gem slinging flat whites out of a shipping container, Bear Boy for Instagram worthy decor and dishes, or Florence for wholesome food made with local ingredients.
Dinner options are just as abundant. If you’re staying on James Street, try Bianca for Italian on the fancy side, sAme sAme for upscale Thai or Hellenika for poolside Greek. Elsewhere Agnes serves an assortment of contemporary dishes cooked solely using woodfires and Joy is a tiny 10-seater providing guests with an intimate and unforgettable dining experience that you’ll need to book in advance.
For late-night nibbles, there’s nowhere better than Snackman. Part of the Votan Brothers cluster of offerings under the fairy lights on East Street, alongside the equally impressive Happy Boy and Kid Curry.
Beats
After two years of restrictions, lockdowns and general crowd avoidance, it’s high time to make live music a part of our weekend plans again. And while it may be a little while before we’re back to a full roster of international acts, Brisbane has some great venues to catch local bands.
There’s the Heritage-listed Princess Theatre, somewhat of a little sister venue to our beloved Tivoli, which reopened late last year after a full refurb. Then there are smaller spots like The Triffid, housed in an old WWII hanger and Black Bear Lodge up the stairs off the Valley’s Brunswick mall.
Sleeps
Brisbane’s hotel scene has had a total revamp in the last five years, with newcomers like W Brisbane (our first 5star hotel opening in 20 years) and The Westin joining its ranks soon after. There’s also the relaunched Emporium Hotel in Southbank with floor to ceiling views of the city skyline and the Crystakbrook Vincent, located right in the heart of the Howard Smith Wharves precinct.
But arguably our best offering in the boutique hotel scene is The Calile. The urban resort offers contemporary designed rooms with coloured marble, organic shapes and breezeblock-lined hallways. It sits in the heart of James Street, making it the perfect launch pad.
If AirBnB’s are more your scene, the city has some good ones. Try this characterfilled loft, with stunning arched windows, exposed brick and an abundance of natural light.
Or for something smaller, this apartment shares all the design features of a boutique hotel with the added ease of kitchen facilities.