Duration: 1-2 hours
Price Guide: $0
Last Reviewed:

Since opening in 1991, Brunswick Street has modestly flourished into an appealing shopping precinct within Fortitude Valley, mainly concentrated in Brunswick Street Mall. Its stylish bars and funky restaurants are relaxed on weekdays, but are transformed on weekends when they become the hub of Brisbane’s nightlife.

It takes around 15-20 minutes to reach Brunswick Street from the city centre, but you can also catch a bus, or a train to Brunswick Street Station.

Start from Central Station

As you exit the station (via the main entrance) onto Ann Street, turn left. Continue down for 15-20 minutes. Turn left onto Brunswick Street Mall (after Duncan Street)

The Brunswick Street Markets attract hoards of visitors on the weekends, selling a wide selection of arts, crafts, fashion and food.

Duration: 1-2 hours
Price Guide: $0
Last Reviewed:

The Story Bridge is Brisbane’s answer to Sydney’s Harbour Bridge – it can be walked, cycled or driven across and is a popular route for runners.

Start at Central Station.

As you exit the station (via the main entrance) turn left onto Ann Street. Take the next right onto Creek Street, then the next left onto Adelaide Street.

Upon quick passing Adelaide Street seems dull, unexciting, with little to offer except mundane views of office buildings. Do not be so hasty to dismiss it – for those who are dedicated enough to seek it out, there is a heritage strip on the west end of the street (near South Bank) which features some one-off speciality shops.

Continue north-east on Adelaide Street for around 10-15 minutes. Turn right onto Ivory Street. Follow the road up and around (the Quay Terraces to your right). You can cross the bridge from either the east or west side – if one side is closed for maintenance (as it was when I tried to cross) there is an underpass taking you to the other side. It is free to cross and takes about 10 minutes to walk from one side to the other.

For those who like adventures, bridge climbs are available ($130) which last around 2-3 hours. The bridge is also illuminated at night.

To get back to the city from the opposite side, you will have to follow the walkway around Kangaroo Point and cross Goodwill Bridge.

Duration: 1-2 hours
Price Guide: $0
Last Reviewed:

Since opening in 1987, Brisbane’s very own Chinatown has become firmly established as a major centrepoint for Asian cultural and commercial activity.

Start from Central Station.

As you exit the station (via the main entrance) turn left down Ann Street. Continue walking for around 15-20 minutes. Turn left onto Duncan Street (after Gipps Street)

Brisbane’s Chinatown is just one street long – and what a lively, cultural, beautifully decorated street it is. From end to end it is rammed with Chinese restaurants, massage therapists, acupuncturists and herbalists. The stone lions placed at both the Ann Street and Wickham Street entrances represent cultural respect and friendship, also warding off evil spirits. There is also a large supermarket selling everything you would ever need for cooking Asian cuisine.

The Valley Markets in Chinatown Mall run on Fridays (3pm-late) and weekends (8am-4pm) These fresh produce markets are popular amongst both locals and visitors. There are also free tai chi classes every Sunday morning at 11am!