21 Jan 2025
What's Hot in Brisbane - December 2024

Visit Brisbane

FOOD AND BEVERAGE


BY.ARTISANS

West End 

A new distillery experience is on the horizon!

BY.ARTISANS has recently opened its doors in West End on 28 November, combining thoughtful design with a sustainable edge. Alongside crafting gin from native botanicals, the team will repurpose distillery by-products into soaps, candles, and essential oils. Visitors can sip Industry Beans coffee by day and signature cocktails by night, paired with delicious grazing platters.

In 2025, look out for workshops in botanical blending, candle making, and more. Perfect for private parties or team outings.

WHERE                       99 Jane St, West End QLD 4101

INSTAGRAM               @by.artisans

WEBSITE                    https://byartisans.com.au/

 

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HENLEY'S

Teneriffe

Step into Henley's, the vibrant new eatery nestled at the base of Teneriffe's iconic Woolstore. Henley's venue takes diners on a culinary experience across Asia with standout dishes like Coca-Cola fried rice, Taiwanese knife-cut noodles with crispy pork belly, and mango pandan crepes.

The cocktail list, inspired by Anderson's famous characters, hosts creations like the sesame-infused Royal and the smoky, spiced Dmitri. With its colourful setting and menu, Henley's promises an adventurous feast.

WHERE:                      130 Commercial Rd, Teneriffe

INSTAGRAM:              @henleysbrisbane

WEBSITE:                   https://www.henleysbrisbane.com/

 

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MADEMOISELLE

Portside Wharf

Joining the culinary offerings at Portside Wharf is Mademoiselle, bringing a contemporary French twist from the same team that bought you Rise Bakery. The bistro features rotisserie meats, gourmet salads, and seasonal specials by Head Chef Laurent Hoffarth.

The space also offers a cocktail bar, formal dining area, private room, and alfresco seating with a French-inspired cocktail list including classics like the Kir Royal and French Martini, complemented by a carefully curated wine list.

WHERE:                      9.5/39 Hercules St, Hamilton QLD 4007

INSTAGRAM:             @mademoiselle.restaurant

WEBSITE:                   mademoisellerestaurant.com.au

 

 

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AUGUST

West End

August is a European-inspired restaurant located in a heritage-listed church in West End, from chef Brad Cooper and partner Matilda Riek. Known for his creative spin on classic dishes, Brad serves up dishes like oysters alla Marco, ox tongue fritters, and a unique blue-cheese cheesecake with Pedro Ximenez jelly.

Set inside the old Hill End Methodist Church, August combines the building's stunning original features of exposed rafters, timber floors, and leadlight windows, with a laid-back yet refined atmosphere.

The drinks menu offers a variety spritzes, pastis, and a curated selection of Italian, French, and Australian wines.

WHERE                       19 Dornoch Terrace, West End

INSTAGRAM               @augustwestend

WEBSITE                    https://www.augustwestend.com/

 

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LUC LAC
The Star Brisbane

Lúc Lắc is a vibrant new South East Asian eatery and bar at Queen's Wharf, bringing the bold flavours of Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore to life.

The restaurant features an open kitchen and stone bar, where guests can enjoy cocktails while soaking in the lively atmosphere. The beverage menu offers a mix of classic cocktails, Asian-inspired drinks, and exclusive wines for perfect pairings. 

The food menu is a sensory delight, with dishes like Kampot peppered beef, crispy snail and pork spring rolls, and Vietnamese-style baby goat yellow curry, all showcasing the best of Queensland's local produce.


WHERE                       Queen's Wharf Brisbane, The Terrace

INSTAGRAM               @luclacbrisbane
WEBSITE                    https://www.luclac.com.au/

 

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EXPERIENCES

 

ULTIMATE BRISBANE WALKING TOUR and SMALL BARS & STREET ART TOUR

Inner City Brisbane

Discover Brisbane with Local Sauce Tours, offering small-group experiences that bring locals and visitors together. In October 2024, Local Sauce Tours launched two exciting new tours in Brisbane: the Brisbane Small Bars & Street Art tour and the Ultimate Brisbane Walking Tour.

The Small Bars & Street Art tour takes you on a journey through Brisbane's laneways, uncovering hidden street art gems and stopping at some of the city's best bars. Meanwhile, the Ultimate Brisbane Walking Tour is your all-access pass to Brisbane's iconic landmarks, local history, and unique spots that will give you a true insider's view of the city. 

WHERE                       Meeting area: Queen Street, Brisbane

INSTAGRAM               @localsaucetours

WEBSITE                    https://localsaucetours.com.au/tour/ultimate-brisbane-walking-tour/ 

 

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THE 11TH ASIA PACIFIC TRIENNIAL OF CONTEMPORARY ART

QAGOMA, South Brisbane

The 11th Asia Pacific Triennial brings 70 artists and projects from 30+ countries to Brisbane, showcasing vibrant contemporary art from Australia, Asia, and the Pacific.

For the first time this Triennial includes creators from Saudi Arabia, Timor-Leste and Uzbekistan, while First Nations, minority and diaspora cultures hold a central place, as do the collective, performative and community-driven modes of artmaking that thrive in the region.

Admission is free from 30 Nov 2024 – 27 Apr 2025.

DATES                         30 November 2024 – 27 April 2025

WHERE                       Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art, South Bank

INSTAGRAM               @qagoma

WEBSITE                    QAGOMA

 

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SURF SAFARI

Moreton Island and North Stradbroke Island

Join former World Surfing competitor and Olympic Coach Bede Durbidge for the ultimate Australian Surf Safari. Explore untouched surf breaks on Moreton or North Stradbroke Island, starting with a helicopter flight over Moreton Bay and a 4WD adventure to secret surf spots.

Whether you're a beginner or pro, Bede will tailor each session to your skill level. Ride the waves from secluded island breaks to iconic beaches like Cylinder and North Point, and immerse yourself in Australia's surf culture.

WHERE:                      Moreton Island & North Stradbroke Island

WEBSITE:                   https://kiffandculture.com.au/

INSTAGRAM:              @kiffandculture

 

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THE VINO BUS

Mt Tambourine Winery Tour and Events

Explore the Brisbane Hinterland's Tamborine Mountain with The Vino Bus! Tours can cater to all from corporate to hens' parties, with tastings at 4 venues including boutique wineries, distilleries, and craft breweries, plus a 2-course lunch.

For a more intimate and luxury experience, Private Wine Tours are available with door-to-door service for your special occasion. 

Pickup from is available from Brisbane, Gold Coast, or Tamborine Mountain.

WHERE                       Mt Tambourine – various Brisbane pickup locations 

INSTAGRAM               @thevinobus

WEBSITE                    https://www.thevinobus.com.au/

 

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SHARING THE NATION COLLECTION EXHIBITION

Ipswich Art Gallery

From November 2024, Ipswich Art Gallery will present a unique exhibition featuring iconic works by Australian and international abstract artists. As part of the Sharing the National Collection initiative, the gallery will showcase masterpieces from Mark Rothko and Agnes Martin, two giants of American abstraction, alongside pieces by former Ipswich ceramicist Gwyn Hanssen-Pigott.

Visitors will experience Rothko's emotive colour fields, Martin's minimalist grids, and Hanssen-Pigott's ceramic still-life compositions. A rare opportunity for locals to view these renowned works outside of the nation's capital.

DATES                         From Sunday 17 November 2024

WHERE                       D'Arcy Doyle Place, Ipswich 

WEBSITE                    Ipswich Art Gallery

 

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TANGALOOMA ISLAND RESORT AFTERNOON ESCAPE DAY CRUISE

Tangalooma Island Resort 

Designed for those who prefer a later start, Tangalooma Island Resort is now offering an Afternoon Escape Day Cruise which lets guests bypass the early morning rush and arrive at the island just as the day begins to heat up. 

Guests can enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring all that Tangalooma has to offer, from pristine beaches to thrilling activities, and soak up the magic of a stunning island sunset. One of the only places on the East Coast of Australia where you can watch the sun set over the water. 

WHERE                       Tangalooma Island Resort

INSTAGRAM               @tangaloomaislandresort

WEBSITE                    www.tangalooma.com/afternoon-escape-day-cruise

 

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MAJOR EVENTS

 

BLUEY'S WORLD

Northshore, Hamilton

 The wait is over— Bluey's World has arrived!

This interactive experience brings the Heeler family's iconic Queenslander home to life. Embark on a guided adventure through the living room, playroom, backyard, and more, solving clues, playing games, and helping a gnome have their best day ever.

Finish your visit in Bluey's Brisbane neighbourhood, complete with Alfie's Gift Shop, an indoor playground, and Golden Crown takeaway. It's time to live and play just like Bluey and the Heelers!

DATES                         7 November 2024 - 27 April 2025        

WHERE                       Northshore Pavilion, 281 MacArthur Avenue, Hamilton

INSTAGRAM               @officialblueytv

WEBSITE                    https://www.bluey.tv/blueys-world/

  

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BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL TENNIS TOURNAMENT

Queensland Tennis Centre

World-class tennis is back in Queensland with the 2025 edition of the Brisbane International, presented by Evie.

Held once again at the Queensland Tennis Centre, the Brisbane International will run from 29 December 2024 to 5 January 2025, with the qualifying competition for the combined WTA 500 and ATP 250 tournament beginning on 27 December 2024. 

DATES                         29 December 2024 – 5 January 2025

WHERE                       190 King Arthur Terrace, Tennyson

INSTAGRAM               @brisbaneinternational

WEBSITE                    https://www.brisbaneinternational.com.au/ 

 

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NRMA INSURANCE BRISBANE TEST: AUSTRALIA V INDIA

The Gabba, Brisbane Cricket Ground 

Test cricket is back at the Gabba!

Lock in your seats to see the World Champion Australian Men's team take on the might of India in the NRMA Insurance Brisbane Test from the 14th to 18thDecember at The Gabba.

Tickets on sale now via The Gabba website. 

DATES                         14 – 18 December 2024

WHERE                       Vulture St, Woolloongabba

INSTAGRAM               @thegabbabrisbane

WEBSITE                    https://thegabba.com.au/events/australia-v-india---day-1

 

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COMING SOON

 

Celebrate the Opening of Brisbane's Kangaroo Point Bridge

Kangaroo Point Bridge

Be part of history on Sunday, 15 December, from 8–11 am, as Brisbane's newest landmark officially opens! Walk, ride, or scoot across the stunning Kangaroo Point Bridge and enjoy this exciting addition to our river city.  

Connecting Kangaroo Point to the CBD, the bridge makes exploring Brisbane easier while offering unique riverside dining experiences.

WHEN                         Sunday 15 December from 8-11am 

WHERE                       Kangaroo Point Bridge

WEBSITE                    HERE

 

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STILTS

Kangaroo Point Bridge

Perched atop the highly anticipated Kangaroo Point Green Bridge and set to open in late 2024 is Stilts. The restaurant will offer an upscale dining and drinking experience that celebrates Australian land and sea with appearances from steak, lobster and mud crab.

Located in a prime spot, the restaurant encompasses panoramic views over the Brisbane River, CBD, Story Bridge, and Kangaroo Point cliffs.   

WHERE                       Kangaroo Point Bridge

WEBSITE                    https://www.tassisgroup.com.au/brands

 

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MULGA BILLS

Kangaroo Point Bridge

At the foot of the soon-to-open Kangaroo Point Green Bridge in the bustling new urban plaza on the corner of Edward and Alice Streets is Mulga Bills.

The eatery will offer a laid-back dining experience with wood-fired pizzas, steak, seafood, and more. Catering to those wanting to enjoy a hearty meal or grabbing something on the go, the venue will also offer pastries and picnic boxes perfect for taking along the river. 

WHERE                       Kangaroo Point Bridge

WEBSITE                    https://www.tassisgroup.com.au/brands

 

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POMPETTE

The Star Brisbane

Say 'bonjour' to Pompette, a chic champagne bar and restaurant offering a playful twist on French-style dining, located on The Terrace at The Star Brisbane, Queen's Wharf.

Opening on the 28th November 2024, Pompette celebrates champagne, caviar, and modern French classics with a fun, approachable vibe. From Escargot to Steak au Poivre, enjoy share-style meals and caviar bumps in a stylish setting featuring a champagne and oyster bar, three private dining rooms, and a leafy alfresco area.

With Parisian-inspired interiors and a relaxed atmosphere, Pompette combines a European flair with a lively with a modern twist.

WHERE                       The Star, Brisbane

WEBSITE                    https://www.pompette.com.au/

INSTAGRAM               @pompette.bne

 

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DARK SHEPHERD

The Star, Brisbane

Opening in December 2024 at The Star Brisbane, Dark Shepherd reimagines Mediterranean dining with a focus on succulent meat, fresh seafood, and seasonal produce. With woodfire grilling at its core, the menu features share-style dishes that celebrate both tradition and innovation. 

Dark Shepherd will feature a stylish, monochrome design, with a sunken dining area and a private space ideal for bigger groups.

Dark Shepherd will be located on The Terrace, Level 4.

 

WHERE                       The Star, Brisbane

INSTAGRAM               @darkshepherd_bne

WEBSITE                    https://www.star.com.au/brisbane/eat-drink/signature-dining/dark-shepherd

 

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HOTEL OPENINGS

 

THE TAMBORINE BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Now taking bookings, The Tamborine boutique hotel offers a chic reimagining of a 1980s Hacienda-style motel. Featuring 23 rooms with private balconies or terraces, luxe king beds, and stunning views, the hotel invites guests to relax poolside with a heated mineral pool, spa, and a curated drinks menu. Perks include a complimentary continental breakfast and evening aperitifs in the stylish lounge and bar. Now taking bookings!

 

WHERE                       Tamborine Mountain, Scenic Rim

INSTAGRAM               @thetamborine

WEBSITE                    https://www.thetamborine.com.au/ 

 

 

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