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
SOLEIL POOL BAR
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 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.
ELIXIR
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:
Brisbane Brewing
The city's newest craft brewery and bar, hidden in a laneway off Boundary St, West End.
Tipplers Tap
A beer lover's sanctuary in Newstead, with 11 taps on rotation and an American-styled menu. tipplerstap.com.au
Newstead Brewing Co.
Brisbane's first craft brewery, with eight beers and cider on tap, each named after a unique story in the city's history. newsteadbrewing.com.au
The Charming Squire
A working brewery in the buzzy South Bank precinct. thecharmingsquire.com.au
The Statler & Waldorf
Named for our favourite characters in The Muppets, The Statler & Waldorf is decorated with themed artwork. statlerandwaldorf.com.au
The Brewski
If you're off to a game at Suncorp Stadium, swing by this pub which stocks 200 kinds of bottled craft beer and eight beers on tap. brewskibar.com.au
The Woolly Mammoth
This Fortitude Valley bar serves Queensland's largest selection of craft beers, with 31 on tap.
Brisbane's best bites
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.
Closest Airtrain Station: Fortitude Valley.
Sourcedgrocer.com.au
From art to plate: after soaking in the culture at Goma, sample local and seasonal produce complemented by a great selection of wines.
Closest Airtrain Station: South Bank.
qagoma.qld.gov.au
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.
Checklist
GETTING THERE
Emirates flies direct from Auckland to Brisbane, with Economy Class return fares starting at $541. emirates.com
ONLINE
queensland.com