Brisbane Like A Local

Where to Relax

The free CityHopper ferry service gives you the perfect opportunity to take in Brisbane’s urban precincts from the water.  A relaxing 45 minute ferry ride will take you downstream to the shady New Farm Park where you’ll find the perfect picnic spot by the river. A restored industrial power station is now home to one of the city’s most iconic buildings, the Brisbane Powerhouse. Today it’s a contemporary art gallery, bar and restaurant holding regular comedy shows and free live music on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Where to Eat

For the freshest, tastiest food morsels you can’t go past one of Brisbane’s many fresh produce markets. Fill your Saturday morning with the smells and sounds of West End Markets in West End with its live music and chilled, hippie-like vibe. Or head to the bustling Jan Power’s Farmers Markets held every Wednesday at the top of Queen Street Mall where you’ll find loads of cheap eats and can sample some of the freshest local produce on offer.

Where to sight see

Brisbane’s thriving cultural precinct lies on the banks of the Brisbane River at South Bank and is home to Australia’s largest Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA). Visit the Queensland Museum with internationally renowned exhibitions or take your pick from a host of theatrical and musical shows at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). Stroll through South Bank parklands passed the Brisbane Wheel and locals enjoying barbecues to take a dip in the city’s man-made lagoon.  For breathtaking panoramic views of Brisbane a trip up Mount Coot-tha is well worth it, especially for the sparkling city skyline in the evening.

Bargain Hunting

For those in search of a bargain there’s none more favoured than the Valley Laneway Markets. With stalls selling vintage fashion, crafts, jewellery, music records, quirky trinkets and more – you won’t leave empty-handed. Venture to Brisbane’s Chinatown Mall where you’ll find mouth-watering steaming Yum Cha, Korean BBQ and Chinese supermarkets. With a multitude of bars, cafes serving all-day breakfasts and second-hand stores a trip to ‘The Valley’ can take a while!

Where ‘not to miss’

The locals know the best spot for a sunset over the city is the popular Kangaroo Point Cliffs. This inner-city suburb on the banks of Brisbane’s river is a photographer’s delight with unmatched views of the city, river and the famous Story Bridge. Every afternoon Kangaroo Point is a hive of activity where locals and tourists alike can be found enjoying the Queensland lifestyle. Climb the Story Bridge, abseil down the cliffs or grab your friends and spend an afternoon relaxing with a BBQ.

Where to go out

Alfred and Constance in Fortitude Valley is your one stop shop for a great night out.  Gastropub (think pig on spit and woodfired pizza), late night dessert lounge, tiki bar (complete with cocktails, Hawaiian leis and a 90’s playlist you’ll know every word to), and underground cellar all in one, this place offers something for every taste and style. If you’re staying out all night then just around the corner in the main street of ‘The Valley’ you’ll find loads of bars, cocktail lounges and nightclubs to keep you entertained. If you’re after something a little more low key, scattered within walking distance to each other are a mix of clubs, pubs and late night eateries in the CBD.