Unlike some other major cities in the world, the inner city of Brisbane can be a sort of dead zone, especially on weekends and evenings. This is because Brisbane is all about suburbs. If you are a tourist in the city, head straight to the inner downtown area for some creative and youthful vibes. Charter a party bus to explore some of these coolest neighbourhoods and suburbs in Brisbane.
Paddington
Just a little north of Brisbane, Paddington is a charming leafy suburb nestled on a hill. It is filled with stunning character homes and old worker’s cottages. Given Terrace and Latrobe are the main hubs of the town. It is basically a long road with countless shopping and eating options. If you fall for pre-loved and vintage goods, this is the place to be. Do not miss out on the Paddington Antique Centre, as the suburb is known for independent boutiques, decent breakfast and other hippy options if you need an alternative.
Teneriffe and New Farm
This is the area for you, if you are a coffee lover. It can be tricky to tell where the Teneriffe starts and New Farm ends, but both have got to offer bustling options that can make your weekend worth it. Start your day by having an exciting spin class at Inspire Cycle. Grab some delicious treats from Nodo or Botanica, and head to New Farm Park for a lazy afternoon picnic under the shade. If you are looking for shopping and dining options, better head to James Street for a retreat.
West End
Not very long ago, West End had a poor reputation, which has not improved a lot over the last two decades. However, the place hasn’t lost its extremely bucolic charm. It feels a little less classy, but is certainly worth a visit. You will find many original Brisbane hippies, artists and university students living in this area. Some of the must-visit destinations include the symbolic cafe The Three Monkeys and the Avid Reader for books lovers.
Bulimba
Located just outside the city, Bulimba has a feel and charm of a bayside village, full of beautifully renovated Queenslander style homes. This sweet suburb is home to cafes, bookshops, art galleries and old cinemas. You will find a very diverse crowd residing here. Come here on the weekend to see people well dressed even to sit in the park. Head to Oxford Street for some shopping and dining, while you can also go for a walk at the Bulimba Heritage Trail.
Samford & Mt. Glorious
Hardly half an hour’s drive towards the north-west of Brisbane’s CBD, the Samford and Mt Glorious are two country towns that are certainly worth a visit on the weekends. With some quirky cafes, scenic rock pools and lush green rolling hills, Samford is centred around a old-fashioned village, but with easy accessibility to the city. While you are in this part of Brisbane, don’t forget to try The Flying Nun at Stamford and the established Elm Hau at Mount Glorious for a unique country cafe experience.
Sandgate
Sandgate along with its neighbouring suburbs of Brighton and Shorncliffe make for a lovely coastal strip that has been a popular beach side destination for the residents of Brisbane. It cannot be called an ideal spot for swimming, but more of a wading in shallow waters. Fishing is the key attraction here in Brighton, ever since the shutting down of the old Shorncliffe pier. However, it is being built again, and will surely become a major fishing attraction.
Since the bay is very shallow, it is the best spot for kite surfing. Sea kayakers can also indulge actively to some extent. Nundah Creek is also an attraction for canoeists and kayakers who wish to visit the Boondall Wetlands by water. Sandgate is also the haven of area’s fine dining. You can either buy chips and fish to have them on the beach, or visit some of the notable dining establishments serving gourmet meals. The historic town hall of Sandgate is often host to music festivals and concerts, making it the cultural hub of the area.
Redcliffe
The original settlement of Brisbane out in the Moreton Bay was quickly abandoned for a better settlement on the banks of river. Six decades later, it was revamped as seaside town with the same level of vibes existing today. It has become an affluent community, with many wealthy people moving in here transforming the look and feel of this suburb. It comes alive on weekends with bustling Sunday markets and the crowd from nearby areas.
There are plenty of reasons to go to Redcliffe. You can either go for swimming at the artificial lagoon or Sutton’s beach, while adventuring with sky divers, kayakers and surfers. Some people even prefer walking or cycling along the sea shore. There’s a wide variety of cafes and restaurants, including the likes Brick, Jetty Cafe, Reddy Kebabs and more, with food and dining to suit every budget and taste. The market on Sunday is another local attraction that you wouldn’t want to miss out. Don’t forget to take a stroll along the Bee Gee Way, which has been built in honour of the Bee Gees band, who rose to fame while they lived here.
The Gap
There are numerous bushland reserves dotted around the city, and plenty of suburbs on the Mount Coot-tha, but the one standing out amongst them is The Gap. It backs onto D’Aguilar National Park and Walkabout Creek as well. You get that sleepy and relaxed ambiance, the moment you step into this suburb. This is a perfect place to enjoy in the lap of nature. The Walkabout Creek has a zoo, a cafe and a number of little hikes. There’s also a gateway heading down to the Enoggera Reservoir for swimming, fishing and paddling. For a serious hike, you can try walking the edges of Enoggera Reservoir.
Hiring a Brisbane party bus to visit these neighbourhoods make sure you are travelling conveniently and at a reasonable cost compared to other transportation services.