'Single biggest thing that surprised me during a week in Brisbane'
As a fan of sporting culture, Brisbane and Caxton Street have always gone hand in hand for me.
But on a trip there over the cricket season, it was clear Brisbane is so much more.
The scenery, businesses, restaurants, kind-hearted people and a coffee culture I wasn't aware of were all themes.
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Brisbane has plenty on offer for visitors. Getty Images/iStockphoto
During The Ashes, Brisbane hosted the day-night Test and it was the perfect way to enjoy the city during the day and watch cricket at night.
As the city prepares to host the Olympics in 2032, it is clear resources are going into making Brisbane a destination worth visiting for all sporting fans.
So how can you make the most of Brisbane over a week?
Coffee
Well this surprised me. I was oblivious to the coffee scene in Brisbane but a coffee cupping session at The Hideout on Adelaide gave a guided look into the culture.
I'm usually a run-of-the-mill strong cappuccino person, which was offered up straight away. But I was given different espresso blends from Brazil, Colombia and PNG.
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Coffee at The Hideout was an eye-opening experience. Delectable Tours
Then there was a fermented coffee tasting and an explanation of the coffee character wheel.
Needless to say, there was no shortage of energy after that and the staff were very helpful. A great way to start the morning.
Great drinks in Brisbane
While on a tour with Delectable Tours, a last-minute change meant I checked out the brewery scene at Brisbane Brewing Co.
Co-owner Michelle could not have been more helpful and informative about her business despite the late notice.
The business is located at Wolloongabba, perfectly situated near the Gabba for sports fans.
The tasting board at Brisbane Brewing Co. Lachlan Harper
My personal favourites were the Ginger Beer and Dark Ale, but all in all the best part was the service and how accommodating Michelle was.
Brisbane also has a Gin School, located on Edward Street. There you can do a tasting and class where you're back in a high school science class.
The experience starts with a history lesson on gin along with tasting the different options. Then the best part is where you make your own and choose from up to 180 botanicals.
I went with Juniper, Australian Pineapple Myrtle, Caraway Seed, Strawberry Eucalyptus and Cacao Nibs. You can give it your own name too and in honour of The Ashes and Scott Boland, mine was called Second Innings Scotty, always reliable.
The make your own gin process at Gin School. Lachlan Harper
Where to eat in Brisbane
In terms of food, there really is no shortage of options.
During my time, I went to Stilts Dining, Aloria at The Star and Ach Wine Bar. All options were sensational.
Stilts sits on the Kangaroo Point Bridge and opened last year. Since I was by the water, the Patagonia Toothfish was my choice and it was mouth-watering.
At Aloria, I had to indulge in oysters followed by a Qld grass-fed scotch with confit garlic and bone marrow sauce. You can't be disappointed with that.
Then came Ach Wine Bar, with Delectable Tours. This heavenly spot sits away from the hustle and bustle of the city out in Hamilton.
The set menu at lunch offered was this:
- Harvey Bay scallop, toum, fermented tomato, tangerine and green tomatillos
- Malawach, roasted bone marrow, hawaij onions
- Stockyard prospect rib eye, sabzi, jus
- Labneh sorbet, golden kiwi, blood orange
It all tasted as good as it sounds with all the Middle Eastern flavours leaving me full and satisfied.
Malawach, roasted bone marrow and hawaij onions. Lachlan Harper
More things to do in Brisbane
Cycling tour
Take in the sights of the Brisbane River, Botanic Gardens, Kangaroo Point, Story Bridge, New Farm and various wharves with a private bike tour from Urban Tours.
The tour starts at Kangaroo Point and goes all around the Brisbane River where for two hours you're given an informative look into the facilities of the city and how preparation is ramping up for the Olympics Games.
What struck me during the ride was how accessible Brisbane is around the river.
There were key accessibility lifts and ramps all around Kangaroo Point, South Bank Parklands and the major ferry terminals to get people from the top down to the river.
Jet Ski tour
Another way of seeing the Brisbane River is being on it.
Jet Ski Tours Brisbane, located on the Dockside Marina, offers a Blast Tour which takes you from Kangaroo Point at the Story Bridge to The Gateway Bridge.
This was my first time on a jet ski but the guidance from staff was great and once I figured out how to actually get out of the marina, and keep the pace, it was a great experience.
The multi million dollar house views from the jet ski. Lachlan Harper
The tour went for just over an hour and gave a look at all the sites, including the multi million dollar mansions that line the Brisbane River.
Even a spot of rain during the tour didn't hamper how fun it was to be on a jet ski for the first time.
Relax
If your calves are sore from walking, or quads from a bike tour, or even head hurts from a night out, TH7 in Newstead also offers a great wellness experience.
There's a 50-minute traditional sauna, followed by cold and hot pools as well as a steam room, and finished off with red light therapy.
Art
You might also enjoy a visit to the store of Delvene Cockatoo-Collins Art. Delvene's son Preston was there and explained the whole process and inspiration behind the designs.
Delvene had recently been part of the design for the Brisbane Broncos' Indigenous jersey, which sits proudly in the store along with plenty of apparel and household items.
Delvene Cockatoo-Collins' art store. Lachlan Harper
Where to stay in Brisbane
For your traditional hotel stay, Emporium Hotel South Bank offers a great location right near the Streets Beach and an easy walk over the Goodwill Bridge to Botanic Gardens.
A rooftop pool offers the best way to start your day and a spacious five-star room results in quality downtime.
There is also Miss Midgley's boutique hotel in New Farm which offers a unique Airbnb style experience where you can see all the sights of James Street.
The writer travelled as a guest of Tourism and Events Queensland.
