Brisbane's
HIDDEN GEMS
ELISA ELWIN
ELISA ELWIN reveals some lesser-known places to stay or explore during a family holiday to Queensland’s vibrant capital
Opening image: A child riding a tractor at Victoria Park in Brisbane © Pandora Photography
Albion/Newstead
This up-and-coming precinct, just three kilometres northeast of the CBD on the Brisbane River, features a couple of parks framed by Moreton Bay figs, cafes housed in old warehouses and factories, and the heritage-listed Breakfast Creek Hotel. Give the kids an insight into the past by booking a heritage tour of Brisbane’s oldest surviving residence, Newstead House, built in 1846. Newstead is also the jump on/off point for Go Boat’s electric picnic boats and the Golden Gondola river cruise. You can also stroll through Newstead Park to the Teneriffe ferry stop and journey along the river into the city, or walk to South Bank, which has a fantastic children’s playground. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, we recommend Quest Breakfast Creek. There are over 90 serviced apartments, including one, two and three-bedroom options to suit most families, a pool with a barbecue area and a gym. Don't forget the full kitchen and laundry!
Images: Breakfast Creek in Brisbane, Dishes from Nuvi Cafe Albion in Brisbane, The pool at Quest Breakfast Creek in Brisbane
New Farm
Known as one of the best spots in the city to see jacarandas in bloom in October and November, this leafy neighbourhood has a beautiful park with riverside barbecue spots, playgrounds and bike and walking paths. It’s also home to the Brisbane Powerhouse performing arts theatre, a base for the weekly Jan Powers Markets and hosts live music on weekends. Families love playing barefoot bowls at Merthyr Park Bowls Club, and you can catch a flick at New Farm Cinemas.
Image: New Farm Park in Brisbane © Tourism and Events Queensland
Wynnum
On the shores of Moreton Bay, Wynnum is one of five suburbs that makes up the area known as ‘Bayside’, along with Sandgate, Brighton, Shorncliffe and Manly. Kids will love fishing from Wynnum Jetty and splashing about in Wynnum Wading Pool, which fills with seawater at high tide. There are steps down into the pool and a small slippery slide at one end. You can also explore Bayside Parklands, which consists of more than 500 hectares of bushland, waterways and wetlands lined with boardwalks and bushwalking tracks.
Images: The wading pool at Wynnum, Fishing at Wynnum Jetty in Brisbane's Bayside, Bayside in Brisbane © Tourism and Events Queensland
Hamilton
Another riverside suburb worth checking out is Hamilton. It’s home to the impressive Hercules Street Park, which boasts a state-of-the-art playground with an aquativity play area, a multi-court area and barbecue facilities. Another major drawcard is Portside Wharf, which has a range of eateries, shops and a Dendy Cinema. The fantastic Eat Street Northshore markets are also on a disused wharf on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from 4 pm.
Image: Racecourse Road in Hamilton © Brisbane Marketing/Tourism and Events Queensland
Herston
Around three kilometres north of the CBD, Herston’s biggest drawcard is the Victoria Park entertainment precinct. Play putt-putt at the 18-hole mini golf course, which has epic views of the city, and enjoy lunch at the family-friendly restaurant, The Bistro, which has a kids’ playground with slides, climbing ropes, a rock-climbing wall and several imaginative play areas, as well as a giant games area. There’s also a re-purposed farm tractor and giant wooden cubby house. Trivia nights are held every Wednesday, with live music on Sunday afternoons.
The writer was a guest of Quest Breakfast Creek.
Images: A family playing Connect 4 at Victoria Park in Brisbane, A family at Victoria Park in Brisbane © Stephanie Adams Photography
