Beautiful Brisbane
There are a million things to do along the banks of the Brisbane River to keep you busy for weeks on end. It’s easy to provide a list of such obvious indulgences but what about the secrets of the river? What lies hidden among the serene shoulders and bends ready to be discovered?
It’s already 4pm on a Sunday and it’s hard to tear yourself away from the gorgeous 
Emporium Hotel in the cosmopolitan Fortitude Valley. The multi-award winning boutique hotel is not only strategically located in the heart of Australia’s premier live music precinct, it is contemporary, elegant and in a stylish universe all of its own. Yet, somehow, you escape the luxury and soon find yourself rubbing shoulders with the left-of-centre bargain hunters at the Valley Markets in the Brunswick St. Mall. These are markets like no 
other – filled with retro homewares; sought-after vinyl, cool collectibles and independent designers peddling their cutting-edge wears.
Don’t burden yourself with too many Valley treasures, because only a short walk to the river and you’re aboard one of the CityCat ferries for a gentle ride. It’s now 6pm, and the sun is teasing the horizon as the river reflects the last slivers of light, and before you know it, you’re round the first bend and easing into the shore at one of Brisbane’s most desirable suburbs, New Farm.
New Farm and Bulimba
Its authentic European delis and uber-cool cafes line the cosmopolitan streets; its stylish bars are the place to be seen and everything is done with a rare mix of style and community… tonight, you find yourself at Bar Alto in the remarkable Brisbane Powerhouse, one of Australia’s foremost performing arts centres. The warehouse space is already alive and buzzing with locals indulging in a cocktail or two, enjoying the riverside dusk and living it up with free live music and comedy… you’ll want to stay but trust me, the night has only just begun.
Back on the ferry you can cross the river to the leafy suburb of Bulimba – and in less than five minutes, you’re on charming Oxford Street, lined with cafes, restaurants, bookstores and cinemas. When you sit down at stylish Liquorish Bistro, be sure to start with the delicious tapas, then take your pick from the eclectic modern menu and impressive wine list. Maybe you should skip dessert though – after all, you don’t want to miss the next destination.
It’s 9.30pm and as you soak up your last ferry ride for the evening drifting past the glimmering Story Bridge, the energy is rising and you are ready for a night of music and dancing, a night in the Valley.
The Valley
The Valley scene was born out of the red light district of the 70’s and 80’s… the back street deals, secret clubs, the bohemian student dives and struggling local artists bore witness to the birth of something real, tangible, non-commercial and alive. Now the Valley has come of age, mixing its famous rawness with a funky sophistication, making it one of the most significant live music and entertainment precincts in Australia. The question is, ‘What do you do there tonight?’
You could rock on with the perennial favourites of the Valley’s alternative set, Ric’s Café or the Zoo – a chance to see some of Australia’s best emerging artists with a twist of genuine artistry! Maybe you want to dance the night away with some of the world’s best DJs at Family or the impressive new Super Club, Cloudland. Some live jazz at the stylish Bowery or Glass Bar is perfect for keeping it laid back and cool.
You’ll find that the venues are so close that trying a bit of everything is quite easy… soon you find being part of the famous Valley vibe is as simple as walking down Brunswick Street Mall to people-watch amid the colourful crowd or to stop for a moment and listen to some of the best buskers in Australia – they might be the next big thing!
With the live music still sounding in your ears, it’s time to call it a night. The short walk back to the Emporium Hotel barely gives you time to come down from your cloud, but that’s ok – a short dip in the heated rooftop pool, relaxing under the stars, and your eyes might close just enough to turn the river’s secrets into memories.
Useful Information
Editorial and images supplied by Brisbane Marketing