Brisbane in June

[V1213]

Looks like I'll be in Brisbane for work June 8-13 and I thought I'd come here for advice of what to do in my downtime.

I'll admit here, at the outset, that I've never been sold on the whole "Brisvegas" and "Australia's new world city" stuff... Brisbane has never really excited me. I've been a handful of times and never been overly impressed. In fact, the most exciting thing about Brisbane for me at this point in time would probably be the country's first MOS Burger at Sunnybank.
Hopefully the community here can improve my outlook!

I'll be busy most of the light hours of every day that I'm in town, with the possible exception of Saturday 11th. All other time is mine and I'm at a loss as to what to do - where are the good bars, where's the good food, where are the good attractions and activities? How do the locals enjoy their city?

I'd appreciate any advice that any of you have and if you're in town at the same time I'm always up for some AFF drinks.

 

[Taezar]

First up - WOHOO
Secondly - isn't the 13th the Queens Birthday Long Weekend?
Now I have that out of the way -
things to do:
GOMA! This is a must - I think there is some surrealist exhibition while you will be here. It is very experiential gallery.
CityCat! This is how many of get around. Screw going on some fancy schmancy river cruise - do it on a CityCat for a couple of dollars. Jump on the CBD, go down towards the Gateway bridge - then come all the way back up the river to Uni of Qld (UQ). Finally head on back into the city.
Southbank: Go for a stroll. Relax on the "beach" (it should be rebuilt by then I hope. Have a coffee/tea/scone. Sit back and watch the world go by in the twilight - is so nice.
Kerbside!: This is the newest and coolest place to drink. Imagine half opshop half retro awesomeness and all brilliant.
The Valley: I am not much of a Valley Gyrl - even though I used to live there - but this is the club area. I have only done functions at CloudLand, but it is worth a visit. If you are gay - then the Wickham is the place to be - or if you don't want to pay for any drinks - go to the Sportsman's in Spring Hill and the older guys will buy you drinks.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs: Another great location to watch the world go buy up high. If you are feeling energetic you can do the 100 down and back up.

Food choices:
Best Chinese: China Town's Enjoy Inn - the Salt and Pepper Squid is to die for - but don't order if you don't like garlic. It is Jackie Chan's fav restaurant in Brisbane.
Best Indian: Taj Mahal in New Farm - never had anything here that wasn't amazing. This is where the Indian Cricket team eats in Brisbane. (Can also get QF FF points here)
Best Vietnamese: Trangs in West End. No one famous eats there - but everyone else does.
Best Pizza: Vespa Pizza at The Gabba or New Farm.
Best Japanese Breakfast: Misu in New Farm.
Best Burgers: MOS in Sunnybank - don't bother if you don't have a car.
Best Icecream: Gellatismo (they are reasonably common - though there is one in Albert St off the Mall.
Best Cafe for brunch: Campos in Fortitude Valley
Best Snooty: Il Centro in the City.
Best City Food per Price Point: Zen at Post Office Square in the CBD.

Hope that helps.
Oh and I am totally up for drinks, tea, scones, Zen, whatever.

 

[samiam]

Wow - what a comprehensive response

 

[anat0l]

I'll be flying off on 9 June in the afternoon.

If you're arriving on 8 June and are not buggered, I'm happy to welcome you to our fine big town along with any others if they are willing.

 

[V1213]

Great responses so far, with special thanks to Taezar for her comprehensiveness.

At this stage the evening of the 8th sounds like a good option for some AFF drinks. I don't expect to be overly tired and in any case the time difference should assist me in this regard. I'll be travelling with a work colleague but I don't think they'll mind either tagging along for a drink or entertaining themselves.

Highlights from Taezar's list:
The June long weekend in WA (Foundation Day) is the first weekend of the month so not sure about the 13th and QLD. Thanks for the heads-up.
CityCat - definitely.
Southbank - most likely, it's pretty iconic and easy to access.
Kerbside - sounds like a possibility.
Zen at Post Office Square - best price point wins me over.
MOS Burger - won't have a car but will be using the busway system a lot and it's on the BUZ network so it shouldn't be that hard to get to.

I notice that the Alpine Winter Festival will be on while I'm in town - this could be a fun way to start an evening. Everybody likes a bit of Glühwein, right?

 

[samh004]

I notice that the Alpine Winter Festival will be on while I'm in town - this could be a fun way to start an evening. Everybody likes a bit of Glühwein, right?

As I’ll miss the ZQN one this year, that sounds like good fun!

 

[V1213]

As I’ll miss the ZQN one this year, that sounds like good fun!

Keeping in the alpine theme, I also see that the Banff Film Festival will also be on when I'm town. Unfortunately I don't think I can fit it into my stay, which is a pain because I annoyingly missed it over here in Perth because of scheduling conflicts as well.

Nevertheless, I'll pencil the Alpine Winter Festival (doesn't start until 9th) in along with AFF drinks on the 8th at this stage...

 

[NM]

Hmm, now lets see.... what to do in Brisbane in winter? Well, if it falls on a weekend we toast marshmallows

 

[MAX_1]

Hmm, now lets see.... what to do in Brisbane in winter?

Hmm, for me , I would get to a Mens store and buy a Jumper - a light one of course.

Would have to be quick before they run out of stock.

 

[Taezar]

I notice that the Alpine Winter Festival will be on while I'm in town - this could be a fun way to start an evening. Everybody likes a bit of Glühwein, right?

Oh. Em. Gee.
How did I not hear about this????
Drinks on the Thursday sounds great. IM's again?
Euro Lounge (Fridays, 7pm onwards) sounds fun... sitting by the open fire (in 18C but NM) sipping mulled wine or chai lattes sounds freaking awesome!!!
I used to iceskate competitively when I was a young panda, since my accident (got taken out in Gaelic Footy) I haven't tried.

 

[V1213]

Oh. Em. Gee.
How did I not hear about this????
Drinks on the Thursday sounds great. IM's again?
Euro Lounge (Fridays, 7pm onwards) sounds fun... sitting by the open fire (in 18C but NM) sipping mulled wine or chai lattes sounds freaking awesome!!!
I used to iceskate competitively when I was a young panda, since my accident (got taken out in Gaelic Footy) I haven't tried.

Skating of any variety has never been my forte, but I'm more than happy to watch others as I enjoy the Glühwein and food.

What/where is IM's being proposed for the AFF drinks on the Wednesday night?

 

[samh004]

What/where is IM's being proposed for the AFF drinks on the Wednesday night?

While I always appreciate a Guinness, more than one drinks night a month is leaving very little for my travel budgets.

Plus I wasn’t too happy with my dessert.

 

[NM]

Hmm, for me , I would get to a Mens store and buy a Jumper - a light one of course.

Would have to be quick before they run out of stock.

Nahh, I already have one. I bought it about 8 years ago and I don't think its been in the wash yet. Almost new . Maybe I could sell it on ebay if I offer free shipping "south of the border" as an incentive?

Now back to reality ... looks like I am going to miss winter altogether this year ... I have to be in Hong Kong that week.

 

[Mal]

Yep, I have to head to Melbourne/Sydney to buy my coats. Difficult to find in Myer et.al in Brisbane. Seems they just don't sell

Having grown up in Brisbane, followed by lots of OS travelling, then living OS for a year - It really makes me "appreciate" how "great" Brisbane is.

I spent a few weeks re-discovering Brisbane upon my return. TBH, there really isn't a great deal for tourists to do within easy reach of Brisbane CBD. Plenty of things if you want to travel ~30 mins from the CBD though.

(If you want a very good representation of this - have a look at the "CitySights" tourist brochure. Yep, we have lots of tourist places we promote). Is the faux "Eiffel Tower" on Park Road really a tourist attraction?

But, I think the walk over the river, through Southbank and Kangaroo Point Cliffs and some time spent in the Botanical Gardens is a good way to spend a few relaxing hours. Perhaps tie in with a coffee in New Farm/the Valley.

Apparently South Bank Beach (Not sure who the current sponsor is, so can't call it the correct name) is now re-opened.

 

[Taezar]

What/where is IM's being proposed for the AFF drinks on the Wednesday night?

Oh it is Irish Murphy's - one of the other pubs we seem to go to as well when we aren't at The Mill. It is on the corner of George and Elizabeth I think.

Oh and Samh004 sorry to hear you didn't like your free dessert!

Forgot to say I am going to Winterfest on the Friday (9th) with a friend so if anyone wants to tag along, please feel free to join us.

 

[MAX_1]

Looks like I'll be in Brisbane for work June 8-13 and I thought I'd come here for advice of what to do in my downtime.

In fact, the most exciting thing about Brisbane for me at this point in time would probably be the country's first MOS Burger at Sunnybank.

Last night after visiting Mrs Max at the Mater Hospital, decided to stop at MOS Burger to get a bite. I got there 9.01 PM..........grrrrrrrrr.........the staff were cleaning up and the front door was shut.

Maybe tonight , I will leave Mrs Max 30 minutes earlier and try again.

 

[JohnK]

I'll admit here, at the outset, that I've never been sold on the whole "Brisvegas" and "Australia's new world city" stuff... Brisbane has never really excited me. I've been a handful of times and never been overly impressed.

Hmmm. I have been here almost 3 years and Brisbane is slowly inching it's way towards the 21st Century.

Just as well Brisbane is boring as I desperately need to save money and I love the early evening closing times of all businesses.

I'd appreciate any advice that any of you have and if you're in town at the same time I'm always up for some AFF drinks.

Our regular Brisbane drinks will be at the end of the month. Unfortunately I will not be around while you are here.

 

[serfty]

We're heading to Prague that day, but not via BNE.

Has the Regatta Hotel reopened yet; used to be great stop off from the citycat for a drink or three/feed ...

 

[NM]

We're heading to Prague that day, but not via BNE.

Has the Regatta Hotel reopened yet; used to be great stop off from the citycat for a drink or three/feed ...

yes, I believe it is operating ... if not then a staff farewell planned there for tomorrow eve is going to a little boring

 

[Taezar]

Just as well Brisbane is boring as I desperately need to save money and I love the early evening closing times of all businesses.

Funny - as I am busy most nights having an awesome time and don't find it boring in the least.