Where to stay at Brisbane's new $3.6 billion precinct Queen's Wharf
Brisbane is booming, and the riverside Queen's Wharf development is one of the biggest things to happen in the city in decades.
The $3.6 billion new entertainment and hotel hub, between the city's main CBD streets and the Brisbane River, started welcoming visitors last year.
Construction is continuing and eventually it'll cover 12 hectares - that's seven NRL fields.
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The Queen's Wharf complex in the Brisbane CBD started opening last year, with more on the way. Glenn Campbell
The area was where the first Europeans settled was nearly 200 years ago - but it has been home to indigenous Australians for thousands of years, specifically the Turrbal and Jagera nations.
And while new towers are being built with more on the way, the heritage buildings around there are also being resorted.
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New areas to explore will include the Melbourne-style laneway St Stephen's Lane, with bars and restaurants.
The Printery, will become luxury shops, and the impressive Treasury building will be taken over by Griffith University.
Queens's Wharf Brisbane will include upgraded parks as well as new and restored buildings. Supplied
Already open is the Sky Deck on the 23rd floor of one of The Star Towers. You can have a meal or drink at one of the three venues there - including Michelin starred Aloria - or just take photos of the view for free.
Queen's Gardens, a park built in 1905, will also be upgraded, with more luxury hotels on the way, too.
Where to stay at Queen's Wharf Brisbane
The Star Grand and Queen's Wharf Residences are both now welcoming guests, and hotels from Rosewood and Dorsett are both slated to open.
We recently stayed at the newly opened Queen's Wharf Residences.
There's a choice of one, two and three bedroom apartments in a 65-level building between the CBD and the river. Half is residential and the rest can be booked like a hotel.
Queen's Wharf Residences offers a choice of one, two and three bedroom apartments. Supplied
It's so new the staff are still training in the marble reception when we check-in. There's also still a little construction on the pavements around.
But how often can you say you're the first to sleep in a new bed in a luxury suite with floor to ceiling windows?
The accommodation is everything you'd expect a brand new apartment to be.
Some of the more lavish ones have benchtops made from marble as thick as your arm, indulgent bath tubs and windows which tilt into the ceiling for unobstructed views.
A gorgeous pool as well as a gym, sauna, and outdoor hot tubs are also on offer.
And just like any other serviced apartment, families will have everything they need whatever unit they book, from a washing machine to a cooker.
Guests will have everything they need whatever unit they book, from a washing machine to a cooker. Supplied
A gorgeous pool as well as a gym, sauna, and outdoor hot tubs are also on the property. Supplied
Where to eat at Queen's Wharf Brisbane
Queen's Wharf Residences is linked to The Star Brisbane complex, and everything that comes with it. It all feels quite like Las Vegas with so many options within one spot.
Eventually, there'll be over 50 venues once they're all open.
We dined at upmarket Cantonese restaurant, Hua which is one of the dining options already welcoming guests.
If you're into dumplings you shouldn't miss it. They make a great effort for veggies too, with the 'Peking duck' wraps a highlight.
We dined at upmarket Cantonese restaurant, Hua at Queens's Wharf Brisbane. Supplied
Other options in the complex include Japanese Sokyo, Azteca for Latin American cuisine, and cheaper, food-court style eateries at Food Quarter.
Also worth checking out within The Star is the Leisure Deck, a public hub with giant screens showing live sports.
For breakfast, venture up to Babblers on Sky Deck. It's a neighbourhood café in a spectacular location.
Other venues up there include cocktail bar, Cicada Blu.
Do step on the transparent 'runway', 100 metres up, while you're there. Just make sure you've had your morning coffee first.
The transparent 'runway' at Sky Deck, Queen's Wharf, Brisbane. Supplied
More things to do in Brisbane
If you have not visited for a while the old favourites still impress. The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary a little out of town is a must do for animal-loving families.
South Bank Beach is also a favourite on a warm day, and art fans should pop into the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art.
But make sure to tick off newer attractions including climbing the Story Bridge, dining at the hip Eat Street Northshore, and a grabbing a cheeky croissant at viral bakery, Lune.
The writer stayed as a guest of Queen's Wharf Residences, by Minor Hotels.
