The Canberra Girl’s Guide to BrisVegas

Posted on 21 October, 2020

When temperatures were hovering around the zero-degree mark, and with international jaunts out of the question, I’m sure there was a thought that crossed your mind at some point: “I wish I could fly north to Queensland”.

While every state in the country has had its own border restrictions of some kind during COVID, none have quite made the news like the Sunshine State’s. But it’s finally happened: Queensland has said ‘come on in’ to the ACT.

For Canberrans, there’s now just a flight between you and sunny Queensland. And where better to head than the capital.

While Brisbane was once thought of as a more sleepy town, these days it’s grown into a sophisticated hotspot with some of the country’s best eating and drinking spots, world-class exhibitions and galleries, plenty of warm weather and some of the best beaches in the world a stone’s throw away, all served up with a side of Queensland’s unmistakable friendly, laid back swagger.

Keen to head to Brissy? Here’s what to eat, drink, see and do while you’re there.

EAT + DRINK

Start your day right with seriously good coffee. In the heart of the city, it’s worth hunting down John Mills Himself.

Fire up Google Maps, follow the directions and don’t be alarmed when it leads you through a secret door and into the bowels of a heritage-listed building. During the day, you’ll find an expertly crafted cuppa, and later, it converts into a speakeasy.

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You can find coffee from specialty Brissy roasters Fonzie Abbott in plenty of cafes around town, but why not enjoy it straight from the source in Albion, at their Fox Street Factory, which also houses a cafe, brewery, distillery and barber shop.

Got high expectations for your daily caffeine hit? You also shouldn’t be disappointed at: Bunker Coffee in Milton, Coffee Anthology or Edward Specialty Coffee in the city, and Salt. Coffee Roasters in Newstead.

The ultra-Insta-friendly Nodo in Newstead started as a doughnut stall and their philosophy is still: eat donuts for breakfast—so who are we to suggest otherwise? Ben O’Donoghue’s Billykart Kitchen is a Brisbane classic—they have venues at West End and Annerley, with a crowd-pleasing, seasonal menu.

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Or two words: Breakfast Carbonara. Buzzing West End cafe Morning After has an epic all-day brunch menu, but it’s hard to go past starting your day with their indulgent carbonara, which has been on the menu since day dot.

If eating and drinking your way around Brisvegas is highest on the priority list, your number one stop needs to be Howard Smith Wharves (feature image).

Nestled right under the Story Bridge and boasting some truly jaw-dropping vistas, a heritage-listed wharf has been converted into a vibrant precinct with restaurants, bars, a brewery, hotel, and event spaces. It’s basically Brisbane’s foodie Mecca, right by the water.

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For more feasting, try Gerard’s Bistro, Same Same, Happy Boy, Hellenika, Otto, Detour, or Donna Chang.

Is it drinks o’clock? Head sky-high to The Terrace rooftop bar, atop the Emporium Hotel in South Brisbane. The views alone are worth the trip. For a cheeky single malt, nab a spot on a chesterfield at The Gresham in the city and drink in the old world charm.

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Or pack your best togs (that’s Queensland for swimmers) and head to Nautilus, Brisbane’s only swim-up bar at The Westin Brisbane.

SEE

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No trip to Brisbane is complete without a visit to the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA).

Explore the permanent collection or time your trip with one of their blockbuster exhibitions—like in 2021, a collection of European masterpieces from New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art (and rarely ever leave those walls) is heading exclusively to QAGOMA.

Across the river and nestled under City Hall is the lesser-known Museum of Brisbane. It’s a great place to explore the history and stories of Brisbane, and the gift shop is always a spectacular spot to shop handmade pieces from local makers.

While you’re there, get a ticket for the free tour up City Hall’s Clock Tower (which is apparently haunted).

DO

Credit: Kara Hynes.

The best way to see Brisbane? Via the winding Brisbane River. Get yourself a Go Card and board the CityCat. Grab a seat outside to get the full experience of the wind in your hair, and the best vantage point to ogle over the river-side real estate.

Or back on land, follow the river along the many kilometres of walking tracks and bikeways. Stick to travelling on foot, or Brisbane has both Lime and Neuron Mobility scooters, plus there’s the Brisbane City Council’s CityCycle bike hire.

Another way to take in that magnificent skyline is to head out to Mt Coot-tha. You can drive to the top up the winding road to the lookout, or strap on your sneakers and set out on foot from the picturesque JC Slaughter Falls carpark. It’s about a 30 minute, moderate walk up.

Or if you want more ways to enjoy the beautiful weather, you could also do as the locals do and pack a picnic and head to the grand, old New Farm Park.

SHOP

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The main shopping hub in Brisbane is the Queen Street Mall, right in the heart of the city. Queen’s Plaza down one end is home to David Jones and a range of high-end retailers like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co, and the mall also boasts stores including H&M, Uniqlo, and Zara.

For a more boutique shopping experience, head to James Street in Fortitude Valley. The trendy strip is filled with luxury brands, Australian boutique labels and local flagship stores, including Gail Sorronda, Natasha Schweitzer, Calexico, Samantha Ogilvie, Aje, Gorman, Camilla, Zimmermann, Scanlan & Theodore, Bec & Bridge, Camilla & Marc, Carla Zampatti and Assembly Label to name a few, plus American homewares giants Pottery Barn and West Elm. And while you’re there, pop into Jocelyn’s Provisions and refuel with one of their exquisite cakes or sweet treats.

PLAY

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It’s really not a visit to Brisbane without a trip to Southbank Parklands. Sitting right in the centre of the city, the once Expo 88 site is home to 17 hectares of lush parklands, top-notch eateries, a year-round calendar of events, and oodles of space to run around or just relax.

Take your togs to enjoy Brisbane’s infamous fake beach or the huge river-side pool, plus the kids will be entertained for hours at one of the many playgrounds and play spaces.

If you’re looking for a bit more adventure (and don’t have a fear of heights), get a truly spectacular view of the city at the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, or dangle yourself over the edge of the picturesque Kangaroo Point cliffs and abseil down.

A bit closer to the ground, you can hire a kayak and explore the city at your own pace from the river. There’s a Paddle and Grazing package where you can go for a kayak, and treat yourself to a cheeky wine and grazing board on your return.

Feature image: Kara Hynes