QPAC tickets and a GoCard (the prepaid swipe card for Brisbane trains, buses and ferries) – all you need for a cruisey staycation weekend in inner city Brisvegas.
With back to back high rises, and a tropical smell and feel, inner city Brisbane has a bit of Hong Kong and Singapore feel, these days. If you haven’t been to Melbourne Street for a while, you won’t believe the buzz. Its a compact little precinct around South Brisbane, and changing before your eyes. You can easily put in a relaxing week-end shopping, dining, and putting on a bit of glitz for a show in the Concert Hall.
On the weekend Stephanie’s dropped by, the diamonds were out for opening night of Lucia de Lammermore, featuring our Jessica. Jessica Pratt, one time student of Toowoomba State High, was centre stage as the tragic Lucia, supported by other members of the Opera Qld company. Between her full schedule in all the big Opera Houses in Europe, Jessica was home for Brisbane’s 2024 Bel Canto festival.
The Performing Arts Centre is not the only flower in the blooming bouquet of Southbank and South Brisbane. After taking in the rivercity views at the Arts Precinct, meander along the very hip Fish Lane, packed with bars and street art.
Between Melbourne and Manning, you can saunter into the uber cool Lune Bakery for breakfast, and watch the croissants being shaped and baked. Come lunch, slurp up some ramen in the myriad of noddle joints and izakaya restaurants along the boulevard. As the sun goes down, sip apertivos, and channel George Clooney, at opulent Como – the moody, industrial-tinged Italian diner with a marble bar, leather love seats and cosy banquettes.
A great way to keep the relaxed vibe, is stay out of the traffic. Top up your GoCard – $25 will easily get you around for a couple of days. South Brisbane station connects you with the City, Fortitude Valley, and Newstead for shopping and more. Stephanie’s took a relaxing afternoon train ride through Brisbane’s gentrified inner city suburbs – Woolowin, Clayfield and Hendra – to another music event held on the members lawn at Eagle Farm. The 4.30 to Doomben passed through leafy suburbs brimming with immaculately renovated Queenslanders, cute workers cottages and neat and pretty bungalows.
At this time of year in Brissy, be prepared for autumn showers, which might verge on chilly downpours. Otherwise, the weather is mild, and perfect, in fact way nicer than summer, for strolling, and outdoor dining. Cooler evenings justify a trench or wrap, and don’t forget in the fashion stakes in Brisbane, colour rules.
5 things to pack for an Autumn staycation in South Brisbane
- A colourful Blunt Brolly. Be ever ready for an unexpected downpour.
- No hand bag required if you have a denim jacket or trench with lots of pockets
- Statement sunglasses – double duty sun protection and stylish looks in your photos.
- Fancy hosiery – an easy way to dial up some chic for the theatre
- Light weight tank, cami or long sleeve tee. Just a light layer to keep on hand if the autumn breezes set in.
Best Brissie purchase
A fold up fabric tote from Brisbane designer Maiocchi.
