Newstead, New Farm, and Teneriffe are three distinct neighbourhoods where heritage charm and urban renewal collides. Offering a unique blend of culture, history and recreation, this inner-north trio is one of Brisbane's fastest-growing pockets and a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re seeking to sample Brisbane’s unique brunch culture, marvel at art deco architecture or relax by the river with friends, there are abundant joys to be discovered in this beautiful riverside locale.
It’s hard to imagine Brisbane without the odd Sunday snacking session down by the river. Gather a picnic basket from one of New Farm’s many café's or the New Farm Deli and sprawl under the shade of a jacaranda or fig tree. Stay a while and watch as dogs gambol and New Farm locals go about their day.
A magnificent coal-fired power station of the 1920s reborn as a riverside arts centre, Brisbane Powerhouse presents a year-round program of more than 1250 performances, spanning live music, contemporary performance, theatre, dance, cabaret and more. It’s also home to heritage-listed graffiti, riverside bars and restaurants, visual arts exhibitions and the Powerhouse Store (P.S.) - home to a gorgeous selection of handmade objects and utilitarian design pieces.
Brisbane’s reputation as Australia’s national brunch capital is growing by the minute, and this pocket of Brisbane, with joints like Kin & Co, Mylk + Ko, Nodo, The Balfour Kitchen, A Café Called Kevin and Joedy’s is fuelling it. Arrive early or expect to wait for a table on weekends.
They don’t call it Brewstead for nothing. Newstead Brewing Co, Green Beacon Brewing Co and Range Brewing all knock out their own wicked beers and are an easy walk from one other. Add in Tippler’s Tap and Common Vice and you have a readymade ale trail.
Artisan products, fresh produce and delicious food stalls take over Brisbane Powerhouse from 6am to noon every Saturday. Browse more than 100 market stalls for fresh produce, antipasti, handmade pasta and bread and smallgoods. Make sure you grab a bite and a coffee and relax in the Pleasuredome – Brisbane Powerhouse’s 400sqm luxury, hand-crafted sailcloth tent nestled beside the river.
Newstead House is a history buff’s delight. The grand residence, built in 1846, has just recently been renovated and is Brisbane’s oldest standing European residence that tells the story of early colonial life in Brisbane.
Former Powderfinger bassist John Collins helped turn this WWII hangar into one of the country’s best-sounding gig venues. The Triffid is perfect on a Sunday afternoon and even better when a mid-sized Aussie act rocks the room.
One of the best things about Brisbane’s inner suburbs is the sprawl of bars, pubs and watering holes. Check out Bar Alto or Mary Mae's before or after a show at Brisbane Powerhouse, The Lodge Bar or Cru Bar on James Street or the locals’ favourite Sunday sesh at Mrs Brown’s.
Coffee is great to help wake you up in the morning, pick you up in the afternoon or polish off a delicious dinner. But why stop there? The team at Death Before Decaf have heartily embraced the idea of “sleep when you’re dead”, offering properly good coffee 24/7.
The inner-north is best known for its café culture but also boasts some Brisbane fine-dining favourites. E’cco has been regarded as one of the city’s best restaurants for over 25 years and recent arrivals Rogue Bistro, Vertigo and Duckfat have serious culinary clout.
The first thing you’ll notice about New Farm’s riverfront Submariners Walk Heritage Trail is the intriguing submarine-shaped benches at the Hastings Street end, but it serves a deeper purpose. The walk commemorates the service given and lives lost when a US Navy taskforce was based there in WWII.
Brisbane mainstay Beccofino regularly tops lists of the city’s best pizza, for good reason. Grab one (or two) of its traditional Italian-style creations and top it off with equally excellent gelato from the nearby La Macelleria.
Newstead’s heritage-listed former gasworks has been transformed into the booming suburb’s beating heart, along with the neighbouring Haven strip. You’ll find a top-notch grocer, tasty burgers, cheeses, meats, Italian, juices, smoothies, poke bowls and dessert options galore, so arrive hungry.
Aside from all the great things in New Farm, Teneriffe and Newstead, one of the best things about the area is how close it is to everything else. Why not jump on the Cross River Ferry at Teneriffe and get to Howard Smith Wharves, Riverside or Bulimba within minutes.