A Guide to Fortitude Valley to Take You From Sunrise to Sunset

Unlock endless summer vibes with a day spent in one of Brisbane's most vibrant suburbs.
Melanie Colwell
April 27, 2022

in partnership with

Brisbane and sunny days are pretty synonymous with one another. But when a good-weather day happens, you should always be ready to take advantage of it. And if there's one neighbourhood brimming with opportunity for such an adventure, it's Fortitude Valley. From a flourishing arts and culture scene to some of the best dining in Brisbane, this inner-city 'burb has a lot going for it.

So, we've teamed up with White Claw to pull together a dawn-to-dusk itinerary in the Valley.

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6AM: START THE DAY WITH ROOFTOP YOGA

Even the most motivated fitness fanatics can struggle to drag themselves out of bed from time to time — but pairing your morning workout with a stellar view makes the serotonin hit that much sweeter. Kick off your busy day with an early-morning stretch overlooking the Valley at Cielo Rooftop. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, the rooftop bar hosts a gentle sunrise yoga session for $20 per person — all you need to bring is your own mat. Fingers crossed your instructor incorporates a sun salutation into the routine to usher in good weather vibes for the day ahead.

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8AM: TREAT YOURSELF TO SWEET PASTRIES

After that wholesome morning activity, you've earned yourself a sweet treat or two. Fortunately, the Valley has plenty of spots to choose from should you wish to indulge. Our pick? The recently opened Agnes Bakery — one of the few good things to come out of lockdown. You'll find it in a heritage-listed cottage on the corner of James and Harcourt Streets. Just like its restaurant counterpart, fire is at the core of Agnes Bakery, so expect complex flavours and interesting spins on classic sourdoughs and pastries. Enjoy the likes of miso and spring onion escargot, a variety of kouign-amann, potato and rosemary danishes and super luxe basque cheesecake. It'll be near impossible to pick just one.

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10AM: SOAK UP SOME CONTEMPORARY ART

Culture vultures should already be very familiar with the Judith Wright Arts Centre. This Brunswick Street building is home to a number of Brisbane's most important arts institutions, including AusDance Queensland, BlakDance, Outer Space, The Little Red Company and Institute of Modern Art.

Set your sights on the latter today — and take advantage of its free entry — to check out its latest thought-provoking exhibition. Until April 16, you can visit This language that is every stone, a survey of Martinican writer Édouard Glissant's work. And, from May 7, a collection of artists will explore the notion of value and a circular economy in An Alternative Economics.
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12PM: ENJOY A LEISURELY LONG LUNCH AT A ROOFTOP BAR

Another rooftop? Yep. What Maya has on offer will make your second journey skyward feel very different from the early morning yoga sesh — but equally worth the effort. We're talking stunning 270-degree city views and dreamy decor, complete with cosy booths, marble tables, lush greenery and desert cacti. And we've not even mentioned the food and drinks yet.

As the name suggests, this rooftop venue is inspired by the Mayan region of Central America. Load up on dishes such as tostadas topped with seared wagyu and salsa macha; aguachile with scallops, yuzu and baby cucumber; and crumbed jalapeños stuffed with tequila cream cheese and smoked cheddar.

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3PM: EXPLORE THE BOUTIQUE SHOPS IN THE VALLEY'S HIDDEN LANEWAYS

One of the best parts about Fortitude Valley's revitalisation over the past few years has been the network of funky little laneways that has emerged. Some of the city's most creative minds have flocked to these laneways to set up shop, so it's worth dedicating a little time to exploring what they have to offer. Winn Lane hosts pop-up shops and boutiques like Jess Blak, House of Ezis, Uncommon Store and Forge Forward (plus, the legendary Ben's Burgers, should you get peckish).

Nearby Bakery Lane is home to a bunch of eateries and bars, like Johnny's Pizzeria, Nom-Nom Korean and Laruche. For sweet treats, swing by Cakes and Shit to check out its X-rated baked goods or drop into dessert bar Moist. Finally, 1960s-inspired California Lane has even more eateries, bars and boutiques, including vibrant fashion labels Alice Nightingale and Bella Joan, sustainable skincare line Dunkle and jewellery brand Rebellious Grace.

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6PM: ENJOY SUNDOWNERS AND SNACKS IN A SUNNY COURTYARD

The best way to end a busy day is enjoying frosty cold drinks in a buzzing courtyard as the sun sets. Simple as that. What's not so easy? Deciding which worthy Fortitude Valley spot you should visit for this end-of-day ritual. Our recommendation is eight-in-one venue The Prince Consort. Make tracks to the Garden Bar to nab a table in the openair courtyard, where you can enjoy a White Claw hard seltzer alongside bar snacks like pulled pork croquettes, coconut-infused calamari and popcorn chicken. Then, you have plenty of choice for how you continue your evening within this multifaceted building. Check out dive bar The Greaser, or head to La La Land for a boogie. cp-line

8PM: TEST YOUR PIPES AND PUTTING SKILLS AT HOLEY MOLEY

If you still have some party left in you, make tracks to Holey Moley Golf Club. We probably don't need to tell you what this haven of late-night fun is best known for. But if it's been a while between rounds, consider this your sign to have another go at the crazy-loose course that includes Stranger Things- and Uno-themed holes. The venue also has a few karaoke rooms if you're keen to belt out a tune or two in between sips of White Claw hard seltzer.

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For more information on White Claw, head to the website.

Published on April 27, 2022 by Melanie Colwell
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