Shopping & Nightlife

Shopping

Brisbane offers a variety of shopping experiences to suit all budgets and tastes. You’ll find everything from chic boutiques and department stores to colourful markets and factory outlet stores.

Queen Street Mall (www.queenstreetmall.com)

Located in the heart of Brisbane city, this ½ km mall boasts an array of shopping arcades, boutiques and department stores. Restaurants, bars, public art and music performances add to its vibrant atmosphere.

Markets (www.ourbrisbane.com/whatson/markets)

Brisbane city comes alive with weekend open air markets, which provide a wonderful opportunity to not only find local crafts and gifts but to mix with locals.

Take your pick from the variety of outdoor markets, including art and craft markets, farmers markets and flea markets.

Check out the South Bank Art & Craft Market (Fri-Sun) and the Riverside Markets (Sun). Foodies will not want to miss the Farmers Market held at the Brisbane Powerhouse every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month.

Fortitude Valley (www.ourbrisbane.com/visitors/shopping/valley)

Known as The Valley, this urban village is about 1km from Brisbane’s CBD and it is where you’ll find hip and edgy fashion boutiques and one-of-a-kind shops.

Explore trendy boutiques along Ann Street, Brunswick Street and James Street. Don’t miss Emporium, located at the end of Ann Street, with over 35 stylish retail and dining outlets.

Direct Factory Outlet (www.dfo.com.au/)

Shop till you drop at this complex filled with about 100 factory outlet stores featuring both international brands and popular Australian labels. You’ll find everything from clothes and accessories to home wares and luggage.

Enjoy up to 70 per cent off retail rates! Make a beeline for your favourite stores including Country Road, Quiksilver, Miss Sixty and Benetton.
The complex is ideal for last-minute shopping sprees, as it is located barely 5 minutes from the Brisbane Airport.

Nightlife

Brisbane offers a variety of watering holes, where you can chill and enjoy a glass of wine, have cold beer on tap, or dance the night away.

City

There are many trendy joints in the city, including Siana (www.siana.com.au), a contemporary Asian-themed bar and restaurant overlooking the Brisbane River.

Marco Polo Martini Bar (www.conrad.com.au/treasury) is reputed as one of Brisbane’s best wine cellars, while Urbane popular for its oak bar and euro music mix.

The Exchange (www.theexchange.com.au), frequented by young corporate types, offers a fusion of bars, dining, gaming and a cellar.

Fortitude Valley

The Bowery, a funky cocktail and wine bar, features live jazz during the week and some of Brisbane best DJs on the weekends. www.thebowery.com.au
The hip yet laidback Cru Bar + Cellar (www.crubar.com), located on James Street, is a great place for relaxing and people-watching while enjoying a round of drinks.

Other chic hangouts include Emporium Bar (www.emporiumhotel.com.au) and The Sunbar (www.thesunbar.com).

Partygoers can dance the night away at award-winning nightclubs Alhambra Lounge (www.alhambralounge.com) and The Family (www.thefamily.com.au).

Others

Check out the nightlife in some of Brisbane’s suburbs such as the hip West End.

The decadent Lychee Lounge (www.lycheelounge.com.au), with its over-the-top décor and funky tunes, offers one of Brisbane’s most unique bar experiences.

The stylish new Sling Lounge (www.slinglounge.com) boasts quality drinks and a menu with over 250 cocktails.