Follow that funky feeling
Rediscover yourself on a weekend away in Brisbane where food, wine and culture combine
LIFE as a 40-year-old husband and father of two is great, but, if I am being honest, is not trendy or funky. Early morning kids’ basketball training and school pick-ups don’t scream wild and crazy. Don’t get me wrong, I love those things, but a recent trip to Brisbane reminded my wife and I how much fun it can be to have a weekend of mixing it with the “cool crowd”.
It started late one Friday afternoon at Fortitude Valley’s Hotel X and ended two days later on Sunday morning at Mary Mae’s Bar and Kitchen at Brisbane Powerhouse overlooking Hawthorne mansions.
I am certain I am not Hotel X’s typical target customer, but that did not matter because the hotel’s glamour and decadence set the tone for a weekend of fun.
On arrival our car was swiftly taken and parked by the valet as we were greeted by some house beats played by a DJ as we walked into the foyer. We slid into holiday mode instantly.
Our room that was adorned with lovely fixtures and eye-catching street art. Everyday stresses were a world away.
Being in the centre of Brisbane meant the car stayed parked and our options were endless.
For dinner we wandered through the trendy Howard Smith Wharves, along the Brisbane River and on to Eagle Street Pier - about a 20 minutes stroll.
We dined at Opa Bar and Mezze overlooking the river and the Story Bridge, which lit up beautifully in the summer night.
It was the best date night we’d had for a long while with great food, cocktails and wine.
Saturday was a day of food, culture and taking in the views around Brisbane city.
We again walked to a late breakfast at popular Kangaroo Point venue, Joey’s.
Perched right on the cliffs, views of the city were as enjoyable as the food and drinks, which, for such a great place was well priced.
This stop in our exploration allowed us to refuel and reset for the next stop.
From there, it was 40-minute flat walk to Southbank Parklands and on to the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art.
QAGOMA is usually a favourite for us when we have the kids, as there is often interactive exhibits for them.
This time around we got to be adults and slowly walk our way through three storeys of the 10th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art exhibition.
Each space showcased works from different nations and it was a combined lesson in Pacific history, culture, art and politics.
After a couple hours soaking up the culture, we had worked up a hunger and thirst that only a winery could quench, so we walked over the Victoria Bridge, through the city (browsing a few shops) and back to Eagle Street Pier where we found Brisbane City Winery.
The winery buys in grapes from many Australian wine regions and produces its own wines.
We had a wine tasting, which was four generous helpings, and a two-course shared lunch, that was a very enjoyable way for us to end our time wandering the city.
After a full day of enjoying these trendy and out-of-our-norm places, we enjoyed the comfort of the hotel before deciding on a cocktail at the rooftop bar - Iris Rooftop.
This was one funky, lively and busy spot perfect for people and sunset watching.
There was a great mix of punters, from teens through to seniors, and all dressed sharply and were in for a good time, which made for an enjoyable atmosphere.
With a bounce in our step, we made our way to reception where a car was organised and ready to take us to Hellenika at the Carlile.
The idea of two date nights in a row was exciting enough for us, but the mood-lit, buzzing restaurant took things to the next level.
We feasted on Greek fare and wine and decided the 15-minute walk back to the hotel was needed just to ease the strain on our belts.
Waking Sunday morning was bittersweet - we knew it was time to pack and head home, but not before one last attempt of being cool together.
We checked out of Hotel X and drove to
Brisbane Powerhouse’s Mary Mae’s Bar and Kitchen where we had stunning views of the Brisbane River and across to milliondollar homes on the other side.
The all-day dining menu and coffee were outstanding. More impressive was the waiter’s local knowledge and warm service, exactly what you need on an early Sunday morning. We got home later that morning and loved the big hugs from our kids, but we knew we would be planning another parents’ trip to Brisbane very soon.