Journey Beyond - Issue 9

As Australia’s first entertainment precinct, Fortitude Valley was thought to be Brisbane’s (Meeanjin) ‘wild child’– a little rough around the edges. These days, it has shaken off the grunge persona to emerge as a premier neighbourhood, where style and opulence reign. Throngs of fashionable boutiques, swanky bars and world-class restaurants have moved in, condensed around the promenade at the centre of it all: James Street. Here’s how to spend a day lapping it up.

MORNING

Do as the locals do and make a beeline for brunch. With many eateries around you’re spoilt for choice, but The Green sums up Brisbane’s affinity with the outdoors to a tee. A celebration of Middle Eastern fare, you will savour dishes like harissa fried eggs or spicy sausage shakshuka while surrounded by a jungle of lustrous greenery.

Prefer something lighter? Make your way to Agnes Bakery or Sprout Artisan Bakery, two notable haunts that have perfected the art of pastry-making. Early risers will be rewarded with the cream of the crop; at Sprout, this means the aromatic delight that is their cardamom custard scroll. Pair it with a cup of java from any of the expert roasters catering to the Valley’s coffee connoisseurs, like Bellissimo Coffee.

Stroll the streets with coffee in hand, honing in on Brunswick Street, Wandoo Street, and James Street. Fashion and beauty favourites line the leafy hub of James Street. Unassuming finds – such as Molten Store, which crafts remarkable jewellery made from recycled gold and diamonds – are woven throughout, tucked away beneath a canopy of Moreton Bay Figs. Homewares zealots will be roused by retailers like Pottery Barn, West Elm, or St Barts, the latter confirming neutral tones and handcrafted bohemian-luxe pieces remain a modish way to style your home.

Be sure to pause at James Street Market, where you can stock up on gourmet delights to fuel your spree.

AFTERNOON

With a burgeoning art scene, it would be remiss not to visit any of the studios that punctuate the neighbourhood. A revolving collection of contemporary art can be appreciated at Studio Gallery. From alluring sculptures to elegant paintings, a stroll through this studio is an inspiring way to spend an afternoon. Others include the Institute of Modern Art at the dynamic Judith Wright Arts Centre, and Mitchell Fine Art, which showcases high-calibre Aboriginal and contemporary artworks.

Culture fix done, revel in the outdoors with a walk along the Brisbane Riverwalk. Stretching more than five kilometres, the section from the historical Howard Smith Wharves to New Farm offers sensational views of the Story Bridge. If you’ve worked up a thirst, Felons Brewing Co at the Wharf offers a lively vibe to entice you to pull up a stool along the river.

“These days, it has shaken off the grunge persona to emerge as a premier neighbourhood, where opulence reigns.”

EVENING

Hightail it to rooftop bar Maya Mexican, where you sip margaritas as you watch the sun slip behind the dazzling city skyline. Craving a more refined sundowner? The Lodge Bar is the ideal countermeasure. Here you can pair their signature cocktail, Kiwi Sunset – a zingy medley of vodka, ginger ale, strawberry shrub and lemon topped with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and dusting of freeze-dried strawberries – with delicacies like buttered Moreton Bay ‘bug rolls’ or a caviar tart.

The final string to the bow will see you stroll across to Hellenika at The Calile hotel for dinner. Popular for its modern take on Greek cuisine, theirs is a menu with edge and seafood as their forte. A few top menu items not to miss include the orzo pasta with spanner crab, and the chargrilled octopus.

This article first appeared in Issue 9 of Journey BEYOND magazine.