Ahh Brisbane, the big country town. The weekend getaway for anyone from ‘up north’ or ‘out west’. Just big enough to offer different experiences but small enough that you won’t get lost (or pay $90 one way from the airport – just saying.)
And for those of us who have called Brisbane home for ages, we know her pretty well. All the back street short cuts. We know where the best Sunday sessions are held, where all the best coffee shops are and where to have food and drinks before any Suncorp event.
Brisbane was just like your little sister. With no real plans for the day, she just ran around all over the place. She could be described as, well without wanting to sound rude, umm ... casual. With her shoes kicked off and her hair all messy, she was fun, but you never really took her too seriously.
For all you overseas travellers, we know that when you came back, you preferred to hang out with those older girls, Syd and Mel. More mature, you said. Cultured may have been a word you used.
And while we understand the attraction, we really do, we think you should take another look. You might be surprised!
Brisbane is all grown up.
And while she is still friendly, spontaneous and cheeky. Very cheeky! She has made some new friends who live here now. Friends who are …. well, mature and cultured.
Let me introduce you to a few of them. These are just a handful of my faves.
I’ll start with one word, Coffee. She always starts her day with coffee.
Stop its coffee time!
I don’t suggest you visit them all at once, in one day. But I do recommend you check them out if you're in the area.
Sweet treats
Nodo Donuts every single time –
They are in Newstead, Southbank and Camp Hill
Vanilla Pod – Albion
Brewbakers – Albion
Amazing restaurants I love to haunt
Blackhide Steakhouse - Caxton Street and Treasury Brisbane
Tartufo Italian Restaurant - Emporium Precinct, Fortitude Valley
- BEST PIZZA IN BRISBANE, just saying
Gambaro Seafood Restaurant - Caxton Street
Za Za Ta - Ovolo Hotel, Fortitude Valley
Signature - Emporium Hotel
Hai Hai - Paddington
sAme sAme - James street
Nostimo Restaurant - The Greek Club,
29 Edmondstone St, South Brisbane
And of course, a sneaky burger from Betty's Burgers is always a go-to!
Albert St - Chermside - Howard Smith Wharves - Indooroopilly - Newstead
Shop
James Street Precinct is all grown up, and I absolutely love,
Indooroopilly Shopping Centre has everything you need in one place and of course,
Brisbane City Mall should be on your list of things to do.
Play
Looking for a fun night out with the crew? Head on over to Holey Moley Putt Putt and Cocktail Bar, Fortitude Valley
Event Cinemas now has beds to lay and watch your fave new movie! Your cinema, your way!
Retros Night Club guarantees a fun night out for the grown-ups!
South Bank parklands always our go-to for a family day out. We pack the scooters, walk along the river and find a delicious bite to eat from a selection of incredible places, Spaghetti House is always fun and yum!
Please note that I wrote this before the recent COVID19 concerns and I totally understand if you are currently staying in.
My whole purpose for sharing this was to encourage all of us to travel, shop and eat local. So, when you decide that you aren’t social distancing anymore and your world has returned to normal, please visit some of these local businesses.
You will be happy that you took the time!
Do you have any suggestions for Brisbane? Let me know, I love to try new places.
Rach xx