Neighbourhood watch
The Queensland capital is home to some of Australia’s hottest precincts. Which one will you explore first?
The trending precincts that are redefining Brisbane
Food and drink at Howard Smith Wharves
Beneath the steel-girder underbelly of the Story Bridge, the once-derelict Howard Smith Wharves (howardsmithwharves.com) have been transformed into one of Brisbane’s liveliest dining spots. A meeting place for locals and visitors alike, the neighbourhood has plenty of crowd-pleasing offerings.
Start with a craft brew at the cavernous Felons Barrel Hall (felonsbrewingco.com. au), modelled on a traditional German beer hall. The five regular ales, limited releases and special barrel-aged beers (due later this year) are all made on site.
Among the district’s stellar eating choices, chef Louis Tikaram’s Stanley (stanley restaurant.com.au) is always popular but never more so than during Sunday yum cha service. Graze on Cantonese dishes, from sticky barbecue pork buns and spicy chicken feet to XO seafood dumplings, finishing with the star of the dessert trolley – egg tart. The views from nearby Greca (greca.com.au) may be riparian rather than Aegean but its bonhomie and classic Greek menu evoke memories of island-hopping holidays. Dine on the deck for the city vista and cooling river breezes and settle in for a leisurely meal made to share.
All the Hellenic favourites are here – octopus, lamb shoulder, moussaka and flaky pastries.
Boutique shopping in Paddington
One of Brisbane’s oldest suburbs, Paddington is prized by aesthetes. Meander up Latrobe and Given terraces, where workers’ cottages have been converted into shops selling everything from vintage clothes to homewares.
Supporters of slow fashion should make a beeline for Ra Ra Superstar (rarastuperstar.com), tucked behind a retrothemed laundromat. Owner and former stylist Kathy Szwedzinski scours markets and estate sales for bolts of fabric and pre-loved finds she turns into one-off pieces.
Exclusivity is also a feature of The Gentleman’s Apartment (bakertruesdale.com.au). You’ll find restored antique furniture and art, along with a collection of homewares and gifts – from lamps and leather satchels to watches and whisky sets.
If your taste runs to the bold, stop in at JewelsNY (jewelsny.com.au). Displayed beneath a pair of dazzling Russian chandeliers, owner Leith Anderson-Reid’s jewellery is made from gems imported from New York. You could even pick up a Swarovski-studded collar for the pooch in your life.
More down-to-earth accessories can be found at Wilde Willow (wildewillow.com.au), inside what was once a Salvation Army Hall. With a bohemian vibe, the store has a collection of talisman-inspired jewellery as well as nature-themed ceramics, owner and designer Stella Morton’s own fashion label and a florist.
A night out on James Street
Design-lovers should stop by the stylish Calile Hotel (thecalilehotel.com), just steps away from the cosy bars and intimate restaurants on James Street. The hotel’s arch-adorned façade and accents of pink marble and bronze impart a chic, Miami-meets-South-ofFrance feel.
Wander over to Cru Bar (crubar.com) for drinks before dinner. Tables overlooking the street are prime real estate but for something more private, perch at the bar in the wine cellar. You can enjoy the usual drops and also taste top-shelf wines by the glass from the special Coravin list.
Double back to The Calile for the SK Steak and Oyster Bar (sk-so.com) on the hotel’s ground floor – the restaurant offers Australian produce
prepared with European sensibilities. Ocean-fresh oysters are served with champagne mignonette, steak is Wagyu or premium Angus and black truffle can be added to your mushroom risotto. A pianist, waiters in white jackets and an impressive list of champagne make even a midweek dinner here feel like a special occasion.
Family fun in South Brisbane
Tree-lined bike paths wind along the Brisbane River, past a man-made beach lagoon and lush lawns, making the South Bank area ideal for kids. There’s also an abundance of museums, galleries and restaurants to ensure adults are equally entertained.
Queensland Museum’s
Discovery Centre (qm.qld.gov. au) is perfect for little ones who love to get hands-on. There’s a range of digital displays as well as the chance to examine fossils, peer at objects under microscopes and meet live critters, such as a tree python to a burrowing cockroach. Specialist staff are happy to answer questions and there are regular Meet the Curator sessions.
Nab a deckchair under the trees on the Melbourne
Street Green (qpac.com.au) at the Grey Street entrance to QPAC and watch a free alfresco concert each Friday at 5.30pm. Grab a bite to eat and a drink at the on-site cafe. Just across the road,
Fish Lane’s walls and façades provide a broad canvas for works by some of Australia’s best street artists, including Fintan Magee, Sofles and the mysterious Blu Art Xinja. Take advantage of the Brisbane Greeters Program (visitbrisbane.com.au) with a free tour led by a knowledgeable local.
When small tummies start rumbling, there are plenty of food options – from woodfired pizza at Julius Pizzeria (julius pizzeria.com.au) to burgers and ribs at Big Roddy’s Rippin’
Rib Shack (bigroddysribs.com).