A weekend in Brisbane

Inner-city living is everything you dreamed. Brisbane has a lot to offer! Bright lights, arts and theatre, bustling markets, exceptional shopping, and amongst all this, an escape into city parklands.

Our current Mater Prize Home lottery is giving one lucky winner the opportunity to create a new life in Brisbane’s inner-city (along with a heap of other prizes). Based in Milton, this luxury apartment is on the doorstep to all the river city has to offer.

If you’re the lucky winner of the luxurious inner-city Brisbane apartment, here are a couple of examples of what you can get up to on your weekends:

One Saturday:

There are certain venues that must be visited to consider yourself a Brisbanite and the Regatta Hotel, perched along the banks of the river and a short 25 minute walk from your new apartment, is one. She has been a part of Brisbane’s history since 1874, has withstood several of the great floods and, today, stands proudly as one of Brisbane’s icons.

Start your morning with a leisurely stroll or cycle along the dedicated riverside bike path; sit back and relax as you await your morning coffee while watching the world go by with views of the river and beyond.

Next stop—Mount Coot-tha

After you’ve satisfied your appetite, you’re ready to take the quick 30 minute walk to the Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. You can make a day of it at the gardens by exploring the guided and self-guided walking tours, as well as the many attractions such as the Bonsai House, National Freedom Wall, Japanese Gardens and the Lagoon and Bamboo Grove. Stop by the Gardens Café for a quick bite and finish your afternoon off at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.

Getting home couldn’t be any easier as you jump on one of the many buses departing from the gardens that head straight for your home. A quick dip in your sparkling pool and you’ll be refreshed and ready for dinner in one of the many nearby restaurants and cafes on your doorstep on Park Road.

Dinner at The Scratch

If board games are your thing, The Scratch is a boutique bar with craft offerings and has board games a plenty! Plus they are BYO food, so grab dinner from one the many restaurants offering take-out and pop back to The Scratch for the night.

One Sunday:

Why not go to Italy for breakfast? La Dolce Vita on Park Road, just a two minute walk from your front door, has been an icon on Park Road for over 20 years and has a loyal following. Whether you opt for traditional Italian fresh baked pastries or a hearty cooked breakfast, La Dolce Vita has an extensive menu on offer. Plus killer coffee to match!

After brunch, stroll down Park Road and find your way to the Milton Ferry terminal. There is no better way to get to know your city than taking a ride down the river.

Next stop—Gardens Point

Take in the city landscape on your leisurely cruise as you make your way to QUT Gardens Point terminal. Here you’ll disembark to find yourself at the City Botanic Gardens.

Make your way to Alice Street and wander through the Riverside Markets. Pick up some tasty provisions, find a sunny spot in the gardens and enjoy a picnic in the park for lunch.

Stroll through South Bank Parklands

A few easy steps back through the gardens and you’ll find yourself on the Goodwill Bridge. A short walk while you take in the sweeping views brings to you the doorway of South Bank. For those who might not know, the South Bank parklands were developed after World Expo 88 was held on the same site! Stop in for a cool drink or coffee to keep you going at one of Brisbane’s oldest venues, The Ship Inn, first opened in 1866.

Walk under the bougainvillea arbour that winds itself through the Parklands until you find yourself at the Wheel of Brisbane. Jump on for a ride and catch a view of the city like no other.

What’s on at QPAC?

Right behind you you’ll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, affectionately known as QPAC. Swing by and pick up a program of upcoming shows!

Make your way into the Parklands and head to Streets Beach for a quick dip. The man-made beach is a sparkling lagoon with white sandy beaches on one side, and the Brisbane River on the other. If sand isn’t for you; next door you’ll find a refreshing pool to float in or if you’re up for some fun, Aquativity is an interactive water park neighbouring the lagoons.

Next stop—South Bank markets and dinner on Little Stanley Street

Dry off and work up an appetite as you wander through the markets that line Stanley Street Plaza in the middle of South Bank Parklands. When you’ve finished giving your wallet a workout at the array of stalls, make your way to Little Stanley Street for dinner. Here you’ll find a plethora of dining options. With a vast array of cuisine from every corner of the globe; you’ll be tempted from all angles.

Did someone say dessert?

After dinner, grab dessert from one of the many dedicated dessert bars in the area. Want some drama with your dessert? Head to Nitrogenie and watch the dessert wizards create your ice-cream delight right in front of your eyes!

Enjoy your ice-cream from the vantage point of the South Bank promenade, while you take in the city lights. Jump on the City Cat to start your short trip home!

Haven’t got your tickets in our current Mater Prize Home lottery yet? Be sure to grab some today and this life could be yours!