Dry as a drover’s dog? Shandelle Battersby looks at Brisbane’s best rooftop bars.
Just like Auckland in 2011, as we swung into Rugby World Cup mode, Brisbane has undergone a rejuvenation and had an injection of coolness into its urban areas, especially when it comes to rooftop bars. Of course, that lovely year-round warm weather helps. Here are six places to check out.
UP ON CONSTANCE
Fortitude Valley has always been one of the most interesting parts of Brisbane. It's here you'll find Up on Constance, down a graffitied laneway and up a glass elevator atop the Tryp Hotel. The laid-back bar has amazing views from Mt Coot-tha to New Farm and serves signature cocktails and seasonal canapes. uponconstance.com
Aussies love their Sunday Sessions and you'll find plenty of action at Soleil on the podium level of Rydges Hotel in South Bank. With live music, punchbowls and hearty bar snacks, this is a great place to enjoy that Queensland sunshine. soleilpoolbar.com.au
THE SPEEDWELL
Brand-spanking new in the valley, The Speedwell spreads across three sites in Little St, and includes an urban winery, rooftop bar, 24-hour eatery Bubbles (formerly a bath house) and an Asian street-food venue.
ELEVEN
You'll find all-day bar/diner Eleven on the 11th floor of 757 Ann St, offering expansive views of the city. With a five-tonne tree as its key feature, Eleven serves up light breakfasts, European-style share plates and delicious cocktails. elevenrooftopbar.com.au
EAGLES NEST
The Eagles Nest bar.
The 12th floor of the Point Hotel at Kangaroo Pt is home to Eagles Nest, a rooftop bar with views of the river, city, and Story Bridge, and is the place to take in the Riverlife fireworks show on New Year's Eve.
Named for the Elixir of Life (we're down with that here at Herald Travel), this Fortitude Valley bar has a menu of fruity cocktails and is set among day-beds, foliage and fairy lights. elixerrooftop.com.au
BEERSIES FOR YOU?
If cocktails aren't your bag, here are six brew bars to sample:
From cool laneway bars and riverside bistros. to fresh-food delis and al fresco cafes, Brisbane has hundreds of options to satisfy the tastebuds. Here are some local favourites:
Immerse yourself in the Aussie breakfast culture. The Sourced Grocer won't leave you dissapointed with its quirky venue and rave reviews. Chef Cormac Bradfield, formerly of city fine-dinner Aria, lays on a meal to set you up for the day.
Treat a loved one to a romatic dinner on the riverfront. A team of experts deliver 8-14 different species of fish each day, and as well as fresh delicious cuisine, enjoy fantastic vies of the Brisbane River.
Closest Airtrain Station: Central jellyfishrestaurant.com.au Make the most of the bar and dining scene. Farrier, set in old stables, carters to the sophisticated foodie late into the night.
Closest Airtrain Station: Fortitude Valley. farrier.bar Your first taste of Brisbane should be a trip into the city with Airtrain. Stations are less than 100m from domestic and international terminals and trains depart every 15 minutes in peak periods. It takes just 23 minutes to Central Station, the heart of Brisbane city. And there are serious savings up for grabs.
