Looking for fun and exciting things to do, eat, and see in the New Farm, Newstead, and Teneriffe area? Well, look no further than this list, we’ve got you covered!
Things To Do
Brisbane Powerhouse
Nestled amongst the shores of the Brisbane River, looking out over New Farm Park, this former power station has now become Brisbane’s beacon of creativity. Designed by architect Roy Rusden Ogg in 1926 , The Powerhouse was originally used as the power supplier for the largest tram network in the Southern hemisphere. It was later decommissioned in 1971 before being redesigned and reopened by Brisbane City Council architect, Peter Roy in 2000. After another quick facelift in 2007, the Power House welcomed larger audiences, restaurant and bar facilities, as well as function and conference spaces, making it into the creativity hub that it is today.
Today, the Powerhouse can seat up to 800 guests, is home to two restaurants, hosts hundreds of live events and exhibitions year-round. Brisbane Powerhouse is a not-for-profit organisation owned and supported by the Brisbane City Council.
Maniax
If you’re sexy and you throw it, then Maniax is the place for you! Brisbane’s second axe-throwing joint on the block is found in the inner city warehouse neighbourhood of Newstead. Bring the crew or fly solo and let off some steam in one of their public 2-hour or 2.5-hour sessions or, if you are really serious about your axes, book in a private session and let your inner Viking come out to play. Grab yourself a coldie, rock out to some epic tunes, and come bury the hatchet. Bookings are essential, Maniax is an 18+ venue only.
Gasworks
Located along the banks of the Brisbane River, between Newstead and Teneriffe is the historic Gasworks Plaza. Erected in 1887, this gasometer was used as a fully functioning plant to light up Brisbane and its surrounding areas until 1996. Following this closure, the once drab electricity plant was transformed into the trendy dining and cultural hub that it is today.
This one-stop-shop is home to a plethora of shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars while paying homage to its rich history. You can enjoy fresh seafood at Reef, bite into a delicious bun at Milky Lane, or dive into a modern-Thai dish at Ping Pong Asian. There are also plenty of specialty shops including a barber, chemist, supermarket, and liquor shop. If you are lucky you may even catch some live music and art shows at one of the very popular Sunday sessions.
New Farm Antique Centre
Along the outskirts of Teneriffe, inside an ex-wool store, is where you will find the charming New Farm Antique Centre. Walk under the bright green awning, and enter into a grand old world that will have you questioning whether modern-day New Farm is still your habitation. This concrete-floored historical haven, with its original ironbark pillars and tall timber-framed windows, has been divided into 53 different rooms, each designed by one of the 35 dealers to resemble the character of their respective era of specialty.
Venture into this historical gem through the chandelier-lit passages as you browse through perfectly preserved wares from over two different centuries. You will find Colonial, Art Deco and post World War II furniture and homewares, as well as silverware, jewellery, collectables, ceramics, and vintage fashions.
The Triffid
This World War II aircraft hangar turned music industry hub is one of the coolest hangouts that Brisbane has to offer! Formed by Powderfinger’s John Collins, The Triffid is one of the country’s best-sounding live music venues. Triffheads can enjoy a sunny afternoon in their beautiful beer garden or head inside to rock out at their indoor music hall. This Newstead venue hosts everything from free shows, comedy nights, album releases, and performances from some of the hottest bands from around the globe! Bring your crew for a brew, pull up a chair, and enjoy some of the best live music that Brisbane has to offer!
Jan Powers Farmers Market
The Jan Powers Farmers Markets are one of Brisbane’s most celebrated weekend markets. Set along the shores of the Brisbane River and in front of New Farm Park and the Brisbane Powerhouse is where you will find this foodie heaven. Everything on offer is either grown, picked, crafted, cooked or caught by the seller and you can find anything from fresh fruit and veggies, candles, wine, coffee, meat, bread and cakes, flowers, plants – the list is endless. While you may come for the food, you will stay for the unique handmade goods, live entertainment, breathtaking views, and delicious coffee. The Jan Powers Markets are dog friendly and are located a short stroll from the New Farm dog park.
James Street
This leafy, up-market street is filled with flagship, independent, and local boutiques along with award-winning bars and restaurants. From activewear brunches, boozy lunches, all the way to late-night hideaway bars – James Street is the place to be. If you are after a quick cuppa, we recommend Jaime’s Espresso. After a trendy brunch location? Try Harvey’s. Looking for a luxe dinner dining experience? We recommend The Calille Hotel. After something devilishly sweet? Try Jocelyn’s Provisions.
Lifestyle
Wilson Lookout Reserve
While this stretch of picturesque greenery may be small, the views are abundant! Perched atop the rocky cliffs looking over Howard Smith Wharves is where you will find Brisbane’s best kept secret. Pack a picnic and take a left down Bowen Terrace before you pull onto the Story Bridge and there you will find Wilson Lookout Reserve. Bask in the panoramic views of the Brisbane River, CBD, Kangaroo Point, Bulimba, and beyond before heading either into Howard Smith Wharves or Fortitude Valley for an evening brew. There are park benches available for seating and a small playground at the end for the kids. You may have even seen these breathtaking views grace the pages of newspapers, brochures, and postcards!
River Walk
The Brisbane River walk is an absolute must-do whether you’re visiting from out of town or a local! This 870m long scenic track takes walkers and cyclists out over the River and boasts stunning views of New Farm, Howard Smith Wharves, Kangaroo Point, the CBD, and surrounding areas.
This permanent fixture was built as a result of the damage from the 2011 floods and is happily segregated into two pathways (spanning a total 3.5m wide), one for walkers and one for cyclists. You can enter the floating walkway from Riverview Court in New Fam, which will then lead you to Howard Smith Wharves where the pathway meets with the CBD riverside boardwalk. Be mindful, there is minimal shade along the River Walk, so SPF and a wide-brim hat are recommended for day-time walkers. However, the best time to enjoy this stroll is either dusk or dawn, as the city sky changes colours.
New Farm Park
Home to 146 Jacaranda trees, 250 different colours and varieties of roses, and one of the most sensational views of the River is Brisbane’s heritage-listed New Farm park. Beginning its life as a farm back in the mid-1800’s, this 15-hectare public park is a haven for sports, leisure, picnics, and outdoor events. The park offers an array of electric bbq facilities, park benches and tables, council free-wifi, water fountains, and multiple playground structures. There are plenty of open grassed areas for activities as well as many areas shaded by the plethora of trees dotted throughout the park. You can walk, climb, kick, stroll, and dine your way around New Farm park, with each turn offering new and exciting opportunities. New Farm Park is located next door to the historical Powerhouse Museum, directly adjacent to the Hawthorne and Bulimba ferry terminals.
Teneriffe Woolstores
If you are a Brisbane local then you are very familiar with the large, brick buildings that line the riverfront, the heritage-listed Teneriffe Wool Stores. Erected in the 1900’s, when the area was a bustling commerce centre and the Brisbane River was a major transport sector, these large facilities were used for the storage and distribution of, you guessed it, wool. These buildings were later closed down in the early 90’s before being transformed into the stunning buildings that we know and love today. This leafy neighbourhood is home to a multitude of trendy cafes, restaurants, shops, offices, and residential accommodation. Take a stroll along the waterfront and marvel at their glory, or dine at one of the many eateries on offer. Enjoy authentic Japanese at Zero Fox or dine at the upscale Alchemy restaurant and bar. There are plenty of places to choose from within the historical walls of the Woolstores.
Newstead House
Newstead House is Brisbane’s oldest surviving European home, established in 1846 but since radically expanded. Occupying Brisbane’s Newstead Park, this simple Georgian cottage boasts expansive views of Bulimba and Hamilton and reaches of the Brisbane River. Newstead House is an established house museum, furnished to reflect its respective late Victorian period. We recommend that you book a tour of this premier heritage property and enjoy a slice of Brisbane’s history.
Food & Drink
Newstead Brewing Co
Once used as an art warehouse, this stripped-back industrial-style building is now home to one of Brisbane’s favourite brewers, Newstead Brewing Co. You can pull up a stool in the high-ceilinged space and pick your poison as you watch over the brewers working their magic on the other side of the glass fence. Newstead Brewing Co offers a selection of their finest in-house brews along with four different guest brews. This groovy venue is dog-friendly, has plenty of screens to watch your favourite games, and is the best place in town to settle in and enjoy a good ol’ hearty gastro-pub feed.
Green Beacon Brewing Co
Tennerffie’s original boutique craft Brewery, Green Beacon Brewing Co, is the perfect location to enjoy your favourite fresh, bubbling ales straight from the tap. This industrial-chic brewery is located just a short stroll from the Teneriffe City Cat and bus stop and has become a favourite amongst locals.
The micro-brewery offers a plethora of dining and seating options for drinkers to relax while they watch over the brewers working their magic. Large industrial style lights hang over the long wooden bar top and basins are scattered throughout the venue for guests to wash their hands using Green Beacon’s very oven beer soap – yes you heard that right, BEER SOAP! The team at Green Beacon have a great selection of in-house brews on tap and serve up some of the best pub feeds in town. We recommend trying the large Seafood Platter with fresh fish, oysters, king prawns, and Moreton Bay bug. Don’t worry, Green Beacon also caters for vegos and wine lovers alike!
Range Brewing
This fresh small-batch brewery located just off Waterloo Street is brewing fresh, modern, and seasonal beers for the people of Newstead – and those who visit, of course! The venue has plenty of room for guests, including long bar tables and booths, standing areas, and bar stools. The decor here is brewer-chic, with a plethora of silver kegs and brewing equipment littering the venue. The brews here definitely aren’t your average ale. We recommend that you wet your whistle on their sour blueberry ale.
Brownies at Dello Mano
Go for the delicacies, stay for the brownies. New Farm’s Dello Mano is known across the globe for their succulent brownies – Ashton Kutcher himself flew boxes of these delights all the way to Paris for his Birthday! The flavours don’t just stop their brownies either! Dello Mano offers a range of delicious pastries, extravagant cakes, artisan bread, and other sensational sweets like their mini Golden Gaytime cakes. The cafe also has a small dining area for guests to sit back and enjoy a cuppa or indulge in their expansive brunch menu.
Industry Beans
Let us just say: bubble coffee (just like bubble tea, but arguably cooler).
Industry Beans opened their first Queensland venue located in Newstead after raging success down South in Victoria.
Alongside unique and specialty coffee (which they roast) you’ll find a menu as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious. Their chefs put a new seasonal spin on this every three months, so there’s always something new to try.
Plus, if you’re keen to start the weekend with a bang they have a full cocktail menu. Winning.
Bar Alto
Located on the ground floor of the Brisbane Powerhouse, spilling out onto the shoreline of the Brisbane River, Bar Alto is one of New Farm’s best restaurants, and for good reason! With some of the most breathtaking views of the Brisbane River, a modern Italian menu, and located right next to New Farm park, it’s easy to see why Bar Alto has our vote. Sip on something fabulous from their extensive wine and cocktail list, graze on delectable tapas or dive into one of their many beautifully crafted menu items. We suggest that you try the pappardelle with goat ragu.
Beccofino
This luxe Italian restaurant located in Teneriffe needs no introduction. Beccofino provides some of the best Italian without ever having to board a plane. Walkthrough their bi-fold doors onto a tree-lined dining deck area with plenty of seating and a toasty fire pit.
Since perfecting the perfect pizza crust diners have been arriving in droves to get their mouths around some of the best flavours that Brisbane has to offer. We recommend trying their spicy Cipolla pizza or succulent duck ragu. This venue does not take bookings, so be sure to arrive early so secure your seat!
La Macelleria Gelateria
Looking for authentic gelato?
La Macelleria is the place to go. They make their artisan gelato every day with locally sourced and natural ingredients.
Their gelato is chocked full of goodies. It’s truly a taste it to believe it experience.
