Brisbane residents are known for their warmth and openness. From parks and markets to riverside bars and nightlife, it's a great place to make new friends.
A woman is filmed trying to dismantle a guerilla community garden in a Brisbane suburb over concerns it's blocking a cricket pitch used by local kids. Here are some features of Brisbane community that makes it so sought after.
Culture
Culture is the mores, values and customs that bind people together. It includes arts, beliefs, traditions and institutions.
Brisbane’s culture thrives in a number of key areas. From the state-leading Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) to the laneways, cafes, artisan markets and riverside parklands of the city centre, you can explore the rich heritage of the region.
There is a real community spirit in this part of Australia. The locals are very friendly and love to chat. They also have a strong sense of pride in their country and its unique culture. You will find many people who speak with an accent, but don’t let this deter you from making friends.
Sport is a major part of the culture in Queensland, and Brisbane residents are proud of their sporting teams. From rugby league to cricket, you can be sure to see plenty of action when you visit the southeastern capital. This passion extends to community sports too. Make sure you head to a local stadium to cheer on the Brisbane Lions or Broncos.
Sports
Brisbane is a sports mad city and is home to professional domestic teams such as the Lions, Broncos, Dolphins and Firebirds. It is also well served by community sporting clubs where you can try your hand at almost any sport.
The local paper is the Courier-Mail and its sister publication The Sunday Mail. Australia’s national daily newspaper The Australian and its sister publication the Weekend Australian also sell in Brisbane.
In addition to the Brisbane River Parklands, there are a number of large and smaller City Council parks with a variety of outdoor sports facilities including cricket pitches, basketball courts, skate parks and tennis courts. The sport of disc golf is also becoming increasingly popular in the Brisbane area and Council offers a couple of courses for beginners.
The Mothers of Brisbane is a large group of mothers in the Brisbane area that meet to make friends, find out about community resources, hold fun family events and support each other. Membership is free.
Shopping
Brisbane is a city with many shopping opportunities. There are plenty of malls with a wide variety of brands, including local and premium fashion lines. You can also find a number of specialty areas, such as a vintage store or an eco-driven market.
Whether you are looking for a new wardrobe or a souvenir, there are plenty of places to shop in the Queensland capital. In the north, Chermside has a huge selection of stores, while Westfield Carindale offers a range of high-end labels. The newest addition to the area is DFO (Direct Factory Outlet), which features a massive collection of retail fashion brands, shoes and accessories at a discounted rate.
If you’re looking for something more unique, check out the shops in the quaint Paddington suburb. The small streets in Given Terrace and Latrobe Terrace offer antiques, books, art, homeware, one-of-a-kind clothing and more. A visit to the Woolloongabba Antique center is a must for collectors and lovers of old-school charm. The air-conditioned complex also houses a 50’s style milk bar, so you can stop for a shake and a snack while you shop.
Dining
The city's gastronomic scene is growing in sophistication, with a range of restaurants and bars showcasing the best of local produce. From refined modern European to rock 'n' roll Mexican and burgers you'll travel across town for, Brisbane's eateries will have your taste buds and tummies satisfied in no time.
Communal Bar and Eat House brings a funky covered marketplace vibe to the base of Brisbane Square, serving up wholesome dishes that are as delicious as they are affordable. Order at one of the retro Hollywood light-bulb lit signs and dine in the brick and art-adorned side dining room or on the glass-fenced terrace, which by night has a beautiful view of the Treasury facade.
In a heritage-listed bank building, Banc Brasserie and Wine Bar takes a refined approach to Modern European cuisine, with dishes like their delicately balanced ricotta, pumpkin and burnt sage butter crespelle and octopus served with parsnip, heirloom peppers and chili aioli. Located at the Brisbane Powerhouse, Bar Alto is another city hot spot that delivers artful and flavourful plates, with their menus featuring regional Italian drops that go perfectly with the restaurant's one-of-a-kind riverside setting.
Nightlife
Brisbane’s nightlife is varied and exciting. From upscale bars with rich atmospheres to dance clubs with international DJs, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to dress appropriately for your plans and always have a designated driver or easy way to get back home. Most bars and clubs have ID scanners in place to prevent violence, and the city has designated safe night precincts where extra restrictions apply.
For a sophisticated club experience, Press Club in the heart of the city has live funk bands on Friday nights and attracts an older crowd. Ric’s Bar is a hip alternative music spot that feels more like your own backyard, and they have cheap drinks.
For something a little less crowded, The Bowery is an intimate jazz bar modeled after Prohibition-era New York speakeasies, with exposed brick walls and wooden booths. Try one of their excellent cocktails made by skilled bar staff. In the same neighborhood, on Caxton Street, Lefty’s Music Hall is a reincarnation of a local favorite that went bankrupt and then was bought by a licensee who added a lot of glitz to the space.