DESTINATION: BRISBANE

Brisbane’s most beautiful venues

Whether it’s a world class convention centre, charming historic theatre or breezy riverside terrace with views for days, Queensland’s sun-soaked capital spoils for choice with venues that set the tone for memorable events, Lana Bogunovich writes.

Driven by a passion for sustainability, creativity, culture and innovation, Brisbane is thriving with opportunities for business events. Offering the type of world class facilities you’d expect from any modern capital city, Brisbane’s range of meeting spaces and venues are as vast and varied as its precincts, while its subtropical climate lends itself perfectly to alfresco events.

Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

One of the best things about the city is how accessible and walkable it is, with most of its venues and accommodations a short walking distance to its many wonderful highlights and attractions, allowing delegates to easily explore the city on foot.

Throw in the Queensland hospitality, which is as warm as its weather, and you’ll soon be easing into the laidback vibe of this city by the river, where mixing business with pleasure comes naturally.

South Bank: Where art, culture and sustainability meet

South Bank’s verdant riverside parklands, year-round public events and myriad dining options make it once of the city’s most popular precincts. There are several green spaces that can be hired through council for private events, as well as Flowstate, which features a 300-square-metre open-air pavilion that can be booked for up to 500 people. Surrounded by greenery, this sheltered outdoor setting offers natural light, fresh air and digital capabilities.

The bougainvillea Grand Arbour walkway at South Bank.

In the heart of the precinct is the multi-awardwinning Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC). With innovation and sustainability at its core, the Centre operates at the highest international social and environmental standards and has achieved EarthCheck Platinum Certification.

It offers 44 modern and versatile meeting and event spaces across seven levels and can accommodate up to 4,000 cocktail in its Exhibition Halls. It is also the only convention centre in the country with a permanent art gallery, boasting more than 50 artworks by Australia’s leading Indigenous and non- Indigenous contemporary artists. The Plaza Gallery features a priceless collection of Central Desert Art, offering an impressive art-filled space for up to 200 guests.

Brisbane CBD at sunset.

At the top end of South Bank is Brisbane’s cultural precinct, home to Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA). These galleries hold more than 19,000 artworks from around the world and host a range of ever-changing exhibitions which set the scene for wow-factor private and corporate events. There are eight event spaces to choose from and whether it’s a cocktail soiree in the Sculpture Courtyard or a lavish dinner for 250 guests in the Watermall, the exceptional in-house catering team will have it covered with a range of menus that celebrate local produce and the beauty of art. Hosting an event here also offers the rare opportunity for guests to view an exhibition after hours.

Tap into historic charm

On the other side of the river in the eastern suburb of New Farm is Brisbane Powerhouse – one of the city’s most significant historic and cultural landmarks. This former tram power station has been repurposed into a not-for-profit arts and culture hub and hosts upwards of 1,250 performances, festivals and events every year.

Howard Smith Wharves.

Its eclectic indoor and outdoor spaces – complete with heritage-listed graffiti art – break away from the traditional and include two main theatres, galleries, meeting rooms, a rooftop terrace overlooking the river, and the Turbine Platform, which offers 120 square metres of floorspace for up to 175 guests. Opening in October, The Pleasuredome – an enormous sailcloth marquee erected on the lush green Performance Lawn – will offer nearly 400 square metres of canopy space for breezy summer events of up to 350 guests.

Another example of a beautifully preserved historic venue is The Princess Theatre in Woolloongabba. After lying dormant for a few years, it was meticulously restored and reopened in October 2021 as a live music and performing arts theatres.

Brisbane Powerhouse.

But, this 133-year old heritage theatre has also become one of Queensland’s most charming private events venues, with five dedicated event spaces. For larger events, the Princess Auditorium can host up to 272 seated and 500 standing, and offers state-of-the-art AV, four bars, a rehearsal room, spacious greenrooms and backstage area, and is fully wheelchair accessible. The outdoor courtyard can also be utilised for arrival drinks.

It’s all happening by the river

Set on the banks of Brisbane River, Howard Smith Wharves (HSW) is the place to eat, drink, play, stay, and of course, host an exceptional event. Thanks to an ambitious redevelopment project, this former abandoned wharf has been transformed into a thriving and ever-evolving riverside precinct, packed with restaurants and bars, artsy hotels and eclectic events spaces with sprawling river views.

A dinner event in the Watermall at QAGOMA.

Whether you’re after intimate group dining, a waterfront cocktail function or a large event with hundreds of guests, this dynamic precinct boasts a plethora of options for events of any shape and size.

Highlights include Ciao Papi Glass House, a light-filled venue on the riverfront for up to 75 guests, and the Mediterranean-inspired Bougainvillea House with wrap-around veranda for up to 150 guests. For larger events, the heritage wharf building, Rivershed, can accommodate up to 595, while Felons Barrell Hall can be hired out for up to 800. For private group dining, head to Stanley – a two-storey Cantonese restaurant with a range of indoor and outdoor spaces.

Stay in style

1. The Calile

This breezy boutique hotel in Fortitude Valley has stylish retro vibes, an outdoor pool with cabanas, lush day spa, bright and airy event spaces, and the popular Greek restaurant, Hellenika.

2. Hotel X

Fun and playful, with quirky yet stylish touches, a casual French bistro, a rooftop pool and a Spanish rooftop bar and restaurant.

The rooftop infinity pool at Emporium Hotel.

3. Emporium Hotel

Glamorous and sensual, this luxurious 5-star hotel has all the bells and whistles, including state-of-the-art events spaces and a rooftop infinity pool overlooking South Bank.

Three must-do experiences

1. See the city from the river with a scenic river cruise or venture to the islands of Moreton Bay. River to Bay offers a range of tours and its high speedboats can be chartered exclusively for corporate events, incentive experiences and offsite getaways.

2. Get the team together and master the art of gin making by creating your own bespoke gin from a selection of 140 botanicals and mini copper stills at Brisbane Distillery Company.

3. Connect with local Aboriginal culture at Spirits of the Red Sand, an immersive experience where you can step back in time and witness a unique way of life prior to Europe settlement.