Brisbane Powerhouse. Photo: PMG.
Lost Boys Café. Photo: Claudia Ciapocha.
24
HOURS IN
Fortitude Valley is Brisbane’s night-time entertainment
hub, but there’s much more to ‘The Valley’ as locals call it, than nightclubs and bars. Spend a day walking its streets and you’ll discover cute cafés, boutique designer fashion, art and craft galleries, markets and restaurants offering cuisines of the world. Here’s your day:
6Am:
Chur Burger’s beef burger.
Rise and shine early, because even though you’ve had a late night eating and drinking Brisbane’s best, there’s still so much more to discover. You could start with a lap of the rooftop pool at the lux Emporium Hotel, however there’s a farmer’s market calling and it’s one of Australia’s best. Jan Power’s Farmers Market at nearby New Farm wraps itself around the forecourt of the heritage Powerhouse building right on the Brisbane River. It’s a market teeming with local produce, steaming hot coffee, freshly baked bread,
vibrant juices and irresistible seasonal fruit. You’ll find plenty to keep those hunger pangs away as you stroll through the market. Finish with a walk through New Farm Park, enjoy the scent from the extensive beds of roses and stroll beside the river.
9Am:
Head to James Street for a bracing breakfast at Harvey’s Bar & Bistro. You’ll enjoy the indoor/outdoor ambience, which is a hallmark of Brisbane dining, as much as the menu. Don’t linger too long over breakfast because the James Street shopping trail awaits. Here you’ll find an intriguing mix of established and emerging designers, exquisite homewares, all spiced with jewellery and fashion pop-ups. There’s also a world of food awaiting your discovery in the James St Market and Jocelyn’s Provisions. Wander up Ann Street to the newly opened Bakery Lane for a glimpse of old and new Brisbane combined.
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Harvey’s Bar & Bistro.
Bar Alto at Brisbane Powerhouse. Photo: © Marcus Bell.
James St Market.
Emporium Hotel.
THE VALLEY
BY KERRY HEANEY
A narrow opening beside Lost Boys Café leads you into a laneway wonderland with designer garden and clothing stores for both men and women and freshly pressed juices. It’s also home to I Heart Brownies where the taste of one heart-shaped brownie will have you wanting more.
1pm:
Chur Burger in Constance Street is a great pit stop for lunch. There’s more than just burgers to enjoy here but the salted caramel milkshake is a must try.
3pm:
Wander over to Winn Lane, another of Brisbane’s eclectic laneways where there’s unusual finds waiting to be discovered. On your way back, stop for a coffee at Dello Mano in Chester Street and pick up some of their rich chocolate brownies. These make the perfect present to take home or a midnight snack for the truly wicked.
6pm:
Tonight you are enjoying a pre-show dinner from the modern Italian menu at Bar Alto in Brisbane Powerhouse. Take a seat outside on the deck and enjoy the Brisbane River’s night-time ambience.
8pm:
Brisbane Powerhouse has an eclectic entertainment line up with something to amuse, shock or inform always on the program.
10pm:
Enjoy a nightcap in the plush Emporium bar and sample one of their honey-infused cocktails. The honey comes from hives located on the hotel’s roof. Make sure you get some shut-eye before your Brisbane adventure starts again.
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