Good news: First stop on my Easter Trip to Australia = Brisbane. Bad news: I was only there for 4 hours.
After landing in the “River City” I took the AirTrain from the International Terminal to the center of the city (a steal at only $15 AUD). The wait for the train was longer than the ride! I waited 40 minutes for a 20 minute train ride… oh well… the joys of cheap public transport and arriving later in the evening. After the short ride I got off at Central Station and stored my bags at a BagBnB across the street (it was at a hostel).
For $8 a bag I was able to store my bags while I walked around the city. Being a hostel, I asked them for some great spots to grab a drink. The closest one, which also closed the earliest, was right up the street on the corner of Ann St. and Roma St, across from City Hall at King George Square. My first stop was a rooftop bar called Sixteen Antlers.
On the 16th floor of the Pullman & Mercure Hotel, this intimate space has amazing views of the city. Except to pay a higher price for drinks knowing there are comfortable seats and live DJ depending on the time of day. Entry is free, and so are the views! I could expect this place to be a big brunch spot on the weekends as well.
Next up, I wanted to check out the Capital of Queensland’s waterfront. Following my nose I headed northeast and ended up at Riverbar & Kitchen. This was a mostly outdoor bar and restaurant right on the water. It was close to a few ferry terminals and had a great view of the bridge. A typical sports bar and ‘meet after work’ space, even though I was alone I enjoyed people watching. The weather was great and the craft beer was cold!
After a 15 minute walk back to central downtown I decided to hop on the train and get off in Fortitude Valley. Only one stop away, this hipster part of town is where most of the nightlife is. The main streets are pedestrian only walkways with countless bars and clubs. Being alone on a Thursday night at 10pm I decided to take the more ‘adult’ choice and head to a NYC style jazz & cocktail bar.
With exposed brick and a book full of cocktails, I again chose a local beer at The Bowery and sat to enjoy the live band. About a week out before the 30th Byron Bay Blues Festival I was keen to hear some live music and was not disappointed. The Bowery is a more sophisticated choice and I was sad it was my last stop on my tour around Brisbane.
Fitting in 3 bars in 4 hours isn’t bad however I would love to go back and see more of Brisbane, especially in the sun. I would definitely recommend BagBnB in any city you travel to and of course using public transportation.
Tip: If your luggage doesn’t have a lock on the zipper, be sure to lock your bags with a TSA portable dial-lock. This will make you feel better when you leave it at a hostel and walk around in the city for the day, as well as when your bag goes on long hauls under airports…