Brisbane's Trendy Suburbs: The Coolest Neighbourhoods to Live in Brisbane
From foodie hotspots to boutique shopping and art trails, these are some of Brisbane’s most happening haunts. Pour yourself a cup of tea and get scrolling on the trendy suburbs in Brisbane.
Street art, farmers markets and cold press coffee – these ten suburbs around Brisbane have a distinctly cool vibe. From foodie hotspots to boutique shopping and art trails, these are some of Brisbane’s most trendy suburbs. Whether it’s your first home or an upgrade, we recommend undertaking plenty of research to pick a suburb that will set you up for the lifestyle you long for. Whether you’re drawn to a relaxed, beachy lifestyle or you want to stroll designer fashion on your walk home, our guide to Brisbane’s most happening haunts has it all.
Newport
For a suburb that sounds like it’s straight out of The OC, experience coastal living at Newport. Located at the northern end of Redcliffe on the beautiful Moreton Bay, the Newport lifestyle feels like a year-round holiday. The homes here are larger, making them perfect for entertaining or comfortable family homes, and cultivate an active lifestyle with their proximity to foreshore parks and canals. There’s more development expected at Newport, so its popularity is tipped to continue trending upward.
Everton Park
No longer overlooked when it comes to trendy northside suburbs, Everton Park has been quietly glowing up in the background and preparing to have its moment. With the luxe new dining precinct, lifestyle centres and gyms popping up as well as popular cafes and restaurants a-plenty, Everton Park is an ideal suburb for young families to professional couples looking to make a comfortable home in a trendy suburb.
West End
First and foremost, West End prides itself on its food. The inner-city precinct is a dining mecca with hole-in-the-wall coffee shops, popular brunch spots and globally inspired restaurants. The neighbourhood’s creative spirit runs deep with independent fashion stores and vintage gems, while a stroll through West End’s alleyways reveals an urban gallery of street art. Picnic in riverside parks, stocking up on fresh farm produce from the weekend markets. West End’s new luxury apartments have become a major draw for young professionals looking for city convenience and a vibrant sense of community.
Fortitude Valley
The Valley’s blend of dining institutions, designer fashion and muralled laneways have made it one of the city’s coolest enclaves. Minutes from the CBD, Fortitude Valley remains one of Brisbane’s most popular haunts for food and entertainment. James Street lies at its heart with back-to-back cafes and luxury Australian fashion. After dark there’s everything from cocktails to craft beers to suit any occasion – try City Winery or Savile Row. The Judith Wright Arts Centre showcases some of Queensland’s most exciting arts programs and performance works, while The Calile Hotel is further cementing the suburb’s reputation as a design-driven hub.
New Farm
Nestled on the riverfront, the creative and cultural epicentre of New Farm is one of Brisbane’s most in-demand suburbs. It lures those looking for an outdoor lifestyle with sprawling New Farm Park and a walking and cycling path straight into the city centre. From exclusive fashion boutiques to breakfast staples such as Miss Jones and Mylk & Co, live music and farmers’ markets at Brisbane Powerhouse or a beer crawl through microbreweries, New Farm keeps locals busy at all hours of the day. A mix of boutique residences are popping up celebrating contemporary design and catering to Brisbane’s most discerning buyers.
Milton
The up-and-coming suburb of Milton sits on the cusp of the CBD and offers a burgeoning food and drink scene, with pocket-sized coffee shops, small bars and the famous European-style diners lining Park Road. Popular among investors and young professionals, it provides a vibrant urban lifestyle rich in everyday amenities. Walk or ride the Bicentennial Bikeway along the riverfront, straight into the city centre. There are Sunday farmers’ markets as well as the much-loved monthly market at The Polish Club (think pierogies and jam-filled Paczki doughnuts).
South Brisbane
Historic Fish Lane has helped cement South Brisbane as a foodie, arts and lifestyle precinct. Here you can sample an array of multicultural flavours, from Asian street food to traditional Italian, alongside cocktail bars and dessert favourites. South Brisbane is home to some of the city’s most significant cultural institutions, including QAGOMA and Queensland Performing Arts Centre, while locals can enjoy a dip in the man-made lagoon pool Streets Beach. Nestled on the northern banks of the river, the suburb is effortlessly connected via public transport to the city. Living here ensures a life of true convenience with everything on your doorstep.
Paddington
Pretty Paddington remains high on the hit list of trendy neighbourhoods thanks to its stunning character homes and notable cafés, many of which are housed within restored Queenslanders and heritage buildings. Meander down Given Terrace to find some of our favourite Asian fusion eateries, then around to Latrobe Terrace to immerse yourself in the suburb’s retail stores – you’ll pick up everything from fashion to homewares and antiques. The thrift and vintage scene is certainly thriving in this quaint suburb! Paddington’s charming cottages, convenient city edge position and leafy streetscapes offer a lifestyle that’s simply hard to beat.
Newstead
Besides its reputation for craft beer, Newstead also boasts specialty coffee shops, on-trend restaurants and arts and cultural institutions aplenty. Morning espressos are best served at Industry Beans or Yolk, while Golden Pig and Drum Dining have our attention come nightfall. There are live music venues, contemporary galleries and boutiques stocking all sorts of artisan wares. Picturesque Newstead Park lies on the foreshore and is home to Brisbane’s oldest surviving residence, Newstead House. Today, its property is mostly modern apartment complexes drawing those looking for a youthful and energetic lifestyle.
One to Watch: Zillmere
Currently trending amongst millennials making their first foray into the property market, Zillmere is becoming a popular suburb to consider when purchasing your first home. Its proximity to Chermside makes for convenient living, with everything you could need within arms reach. Lifestyle gyms, parks, restaurants and shopping are all a short drive or handy public transport trip from your door in this leafy suburb.
Looking for ways to help you hit your home-owning goal a little quicker? Check out our top tips for a first homeowner to be across, before procuring a home loan to purchase your future dream house.
