The Brisbane Weekender
- 6 days ago
- 7 min read
The Gold Coast is a stellar place to live, work and play. But let’s be honest: even the best backyard benefits from the occasional escape. Just over an hour’s drive when the traffic gods are smiling, Brisbane is perfectly placed for a change of pace and scenery. Think world-class museums, art galleries galore, a devilishly good dining scene, a sun-drenched urban beach (because, why not), and a host of stylish stays that make lingering longer all too easy. Best of all, you don’t even need a car to get there.
written By Chris Ashton
For just a single dollar, the train from Varsity Lakes becomes your noble steed, whisking you from the coast to Brisbane Central in around 90 minutes. All you need is a small bag, a good book and a loose plan for what awaits on arrival.
Once there, getting around Brisbane without a car is refreshingly easy. Most public transport – buses, ferries and trains included – costs a dollar or less. Add an e-scooter or bike into the mix if you’re feeling bold, and the city opens up effortlessly for a day, a night or longer.
Here are three easy ways to make the most of your time in Brisbane.
Arts and culture
Start at the Museum of Brisbane, where exhibitions exploring the city and its people change regularly, making it essential for repeat visits. Housed within the grand sandstone walls of Brisbane City Hall, it also offers free guided tours that reveal stories even many locals have never heard.
From here, stroll through Queen Street Mall or zip across town by e-scooter to South Bank, home to the Queensland Cultural Centre. The Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art and Queensland Museum Kurilpa (showcasing natural history, science and more) all sit side by side, and are free to enter, aside from select ticketed exhibitions.
Next, make your way to Fish Lane, Brisbane’s buzziest street art hub. It’s an ideal spot to pause for a bite at Chu the Phat or Southside (from the team behind Gold Coast favourite Rick Shores), before settling in for a drink at Bar Brutus, Maker or Maeve Wine Bar.
Slow things down with a leisurely riverside stroll along the gorgeous South Bank foreshore – a perfect snapshot of Brisbane’s laid-back lifestyle.
Food and drink
Brisbane’s ‘recent’ culinary glow-up gets plenty of airtime, but the truth is it’s been quietly excellent for decades. Effortlessly cool bars abound (see: Death & Taxes in the CBD, Niky in Newstead or La Lune Wine Co in South Bank), while dining hubs such as James Street in Fortitude Valley and the new Queen’s Wharf precinct cater to every craving.
For a perfect foodie day, take the short bus ride over to Kangaroo Point and kick things off in the best way possible: with buttery, flaky croissants and quality coffee from Christian Jacques Bakery. Mosey back to the river for an equally delicious skyline view.
Afterwards, amble across the Kangaroo Point Bridge to the City Botanic Gardens. Along the way you’ll spot Stilts, a fine-dining restaurant perched directly on the bridge and ideal for lunch after exploring the gardens. Nearby Mulga Bill’s is another reliable favourite.
Continue along the mostly riverside path to Howard Smith Wharves, working up a thirst that’s easily quenched beneath the steel skeleton of Story Bridge at Felons Brewing Co or Mr Percival’s. Stay on for dinner at the Wharves, where standouts include Italian at Ciao Papi, Japanese at Yoko and contemporary Greek at Greca.
Urban adventure
Love the outdoor lifestyle? Brisbane has you covered, with everything from walking and biking trails to kayaking and rock climbing, all in the city centre.
To start your day, hop on a train to South Bank station. Fuel up at the divine Poppies or Arbour cafes, maybe enjoy a quick dip in the man-made Streets Beach, then make your way to the jetty to catch a CityCat round to Kangaroo Point and Riverlife Adventure Centre.
Riverlife is a one-stop-shop offering kayak and bike hire, along with kayaking tours and abseiling and rock climbing on the rugged cliffs of Kangaroo Point. It’s fun, safe and all ages.
For the granddaddy of Brisbane adventures, jump back on the CityCat to Howard Smith Wharves and tackle the Story Bridge Adventure Climb. The bridge’s gleaming steel frame cuts a striking figure across a sweeping bend of the river, and the view from the top more than justifies any sore muscles the following day. Twilight is arguably the best time to do it.
Finish on a high with dinner at the Wharves or continue by CityCat to Eat Street Northshore – a buzzing open-air dining precinct open Friday to Sunday, with more than 70 eateries, bars and live entertainment to choose from.
Sound like a fun day out? That’s just the beginning. Brisbane rewards curiosity, wandering and last-minute decisions — and you don’t need a car to enjoy any of it.
Of course, once you’ve filled a day with galleries, river walks and long lunches, heading straight home can feel like cutting the story short. The good news? Staying over is just as easy and undeniably tempting.
Stay a Little Longer
Whether you’re after boutique charm, something cool and funky, budget-savvy digs, or the ultimate in five-star luxury, Brisbane has a bed with your name on it — all within easy reach of the action, no car required.
DESIGN LOVERS IN THE KNOW
Miss Midgley’s
If you’re the sort who values design over a minibar, Miss Midgley’s will feel like a homecoming. Tucked into one of Brisbane’s oldest buildings on James Street in New Farm, this luxury guesthouse of five apartments strikes a rare balance between heritage soul and contemporary style.
Named after Annie Midgley, the artist and teacher who ran a private school here in the early 1900s, the hotel pays tribute to her creative spirit with playful interiors that blend vintage charm and modern function. Think blush pinks, terracotta warmth and just the right amount of quirk; exposed stone walls built from convict-cut blocks, secret archways discovered mid-renovation and decorative ceilings that whisper stories from a century ago.
Each apartment is fully self-contained with a well-equipped kitchen, chic bathroom and private outdoor space. Whether you choose the two-bedroom Drawing Room with its verandah views, the pet-friendly Refectory with courtyard access, the spacious Assembly Hall, the ground-floor Locker Room, or the dramatic Principal’s Office with its 10-metre stone wall (or all five for group gatherings), you’ll find a space that feels less like a hotel and more like slipping into someone’s impeccably styled life.
The shared tropical pool is the kind of place where you’ll linger longer than planned, no doubt debating whether to venture out or simply stay put. And when you do head out, James Street — Brisbane’s premier shopping and dining strip — is right on your doorstep.
Not famous, yet known. That’s Miss Midgley’s in a nutshell; a hidden gem for those in the know.
Luxury With a Conscience
Crystalbrook Vincent
Bold, moody and unmistakably Brisbane, Crystalbrook Vincent is where art, design and sustainability collide. Built into the cliffs beneath the Story Bridge and overlooking Howard Smith Wharves, this five-star stay feels both grounded in place and confidently contemporary.
What truly sets it apart is the art. Home to more than 500 original works and giclée prints by acclaimed Australian portrait artist Vincent Fantauzzo, the hotel weaves his striking imagery throughout – guest rooms, corridors, dining and event spaces – creating an immersive atmosphere that feels dynamic and playful rather than precious.
Across 166 generous rooms and suites, luxury comes with a conscience. Interiors feature environmentally considered details including 100 per cent waste-free bathrooms, upcycled furnishings and tech-savvy perks including in-room tablets, Smart TVs, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and Nespresso machines with recyclable pods.
Up top, the rooftop infinity pool and Fiume bar deliver sunset views and a lively evening buzz, while Mews below champions hyper-local, sustainable produce in a playful laneway setting. With Brisbane’s best bars and eateries at its doorstep, Crystalbrook Vincent suits travellers who like their stays stylish, sustainable and a little surprising.
PODS, PALS AND PARTY VIBES
LyLo Brisbane
Solo vacay or a city sojourn with the crew? LyLo Brisbane delivers a stay that’s as social and central as it is stylish. Located in the heart of Fortitude Valley — just a two-minute stroll from the train and handily close to Suncorp Stadium — it’s perfect for those who want comfort without missing any of the action.
Here, semi-private pods and private rooms combine clever design with communal energy. Pods feature king-single beds, storage, lighting and USB ports, offering privacy without the stiff hotel vibe. And for those travelling with friends or family, you’ll find quad pods and private ensuite rooms give everyone their own space while keeping the fun together.
The rooftop is LyLo’s social hub, complete with self-pour drinks, BBQs, loungers and relaxed evening views. Inside, communal kitchens, co-working spaces and comfy lounges make it easy to work, play, or mix a little of both. Step outside and Fortitude Valley’s buzzing bars, cafes, eateries and live entertainment are all within walking distance.
Cashless and easy, LyLo is a smart, secure and social base where solo travellers and groups alike can soak up the city’s energy in style.
MAIN CHARACTER ENERGY
Emporium Hotel South Bank
Craving a little movie-star luxury on your day off? The cherry on top of Brisbane’s hotel scene is undoubtedly Emporium Hotel South Bank. It’s the kind of place you book when you want world-class service and a stay that feels truly special.
Set on Grey Street in the heart of South Bank, this proudly independent hotel, consistently voted among Australia’s best, blends exquisite French-inspired elegance with a “crowned most popular” kind of confidence. Inside, 143 beautifully appointed suites showcase luxury at every turn: cloud-soft beds, marble bathrooms, Bose sound systems, and private balconies framing postcard-perfect river and skyline views.
Guests also have access to a gym, sauna, steam room, day spa, and 24-hour concierge service, as well as the rooftop, a destination in its own right. Twenty-one storeys above the city, the infinity pool and The Terrace bar deliver show-stopping views across South Bank Parklands and the Brisbane River, best enjoyed at sunset with a cocktail in hand. Below, the refined dining and intimate bar scene means you barely need to leave, though galleries, parklands, and river walks are right outside if you do.
French luxury without the jet lag? Oui, s’il vous plaît.
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