Hidden Secrets: Brisbane City
A local insight into Brisbane City and surrounds.
By Rachel Carpenter
So your travelling to Brisbane for the first time and not sure what to do? You have your Brisbane Car hire booked and some spare time on your hands…..Keep Reading.
Things to See
Mt Cootha
Head on up to Mount Cootha and enjoy the view over the city towards to sea. The lookout is spectacular day or night and particularly stunning for events such as River Fire.
Brisbane River at night
Cruise up the Brisbane River at night on a River Cat ferry. The city twinkles like galaxy of stars as you see the city from a brand new perspective. Not one for the water then try a stroll by the river along the Kangaroo Point Cliffs.
Storey Bridge Climb
With the choice of climbing Morning, Afternoon or Twilight you can get a birds eye view of this beautiful city while climbing one of its icons.
Places to go
All that Jazz
Located in the bohemian heart of Brisbane the Judith Wright Centre is home of the Glass Bar. If your heart beats to a syncopated beat then this lounge is for you. Great food, good wine and funky jazz.
Tea Party
Fancy a fancy brew then head to Queenies traditional Teahouse in Nundah. Queenies re introduces Brisbane to the art of tea. Here you will find traditional teas like “Earl Grey” & “Darjeeling” mixed in with newer and exciting teas like “Double Happiness” or “Australian Breakfast Tea”. Grab the girls and head to Queenies for a yummy high tea.
Morning Glory
Head to one of the many Sunday Morning markets that are on around the city. The Riverside Markets and Valley Markets are in the city while the Cleveland Markets are on around the bay. These markets have a range of items from Furniture to Plants to Jewellery and much more. Keep an eye out for one of the many suburban markets that are on once a month. Mitchelton Markets are on the last Sunday of the Month and offers some brilliant fresh produce.
Short Trips
Brisbane is surrounded by the Gold and Sunshine Coast’s but there so much more on offer thank just a beachside escape.
Montville
Just north of Brisbane in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Montville is an escape that will revive the body and mind and is perfect for a romantic weekend away. Try out one of the many B&B’s in the area and enjoy the stunning view.
O’Reilly’s Guest House
Directly west of the Gold Coast in the hinterland is a haven that has been owned and operated by the O’Reilly family for close to 100 years. Take a walk through the tree tops on the Rainforest Board Walk or relax in the serenity of the Lost world spa that will transform not only your body but your spirit.
My Favorite Eats
With so much brilliant produce on offer in South East Queensland you are spoilt for choice when it comes to Restaurants and Cafes
Marco Polo
Conrad Treasury Casino
Brisbane City
Visually stunning, this restaurant defines fine dining in Brisbane. For those who are passionate about the grape you will shed a tear of joy at the wine wall and the impressive selection of local and imported wines that are available
The Vietnamese
Wickham St
Fortitude Valley
This busy little restaurant serves excellent Vietnamese dishes in a vibrant and exciting setting. It’s a BYO restaurant with a bottle shop only 100 meters away. Do not be discouraged if it is full as the tables do turn over quickly.
Sono Restaurant
Queen St Mall
Brisbane City
Traditional Japanese cuisine served in the heart of the city. The food is divine, served by staff in traditional kimonos who with the typical grace of a geisha ensure that your party want for nothing. Be prepared to remove your shoes but you will not have to sit on the floor.
So take time out and discover Brisbane, you will be pleased you did.
