Daily Detours for the Week of June 5

Few venues in Brisbane can hold a candle to the 140-year-old institution that is the Regatta. Known fondly as ‘The Regretta’ by anyone who’s come out feeling worse for wear following a Sunday session at the ‘Gats, this sprawling, iconic venue is not just a great watering hole, it’s also home to a pretty magnificent steakhouse. The Boatshed Restaurant is nestled alongside Coronation Drive and in addition to river views they offer a range of dry and wet aged steaks — from 70-day grain fed rib fillet to a 400 gram Thousand Guineas Australian Shorthorn steak — it’s the oldest breed in Australia, dating back to 1825. Why not skip the cooking tonight and head down for a steak at the Regatta, and then pop into the main bar for a nightcap?

Exploring significant art, seeing local talent and stepping back into film history is as easy as heading to Brisbane’s major modern art gallery. Though it’s been over ten years since the Gallery of Modern Art opened its doors to shower the city with creativity, the gallery still keeps things fresh, providing many reasons for repeat visits. Browsing the works that line GOMA’s walls, and nestling into the Australian Cinematheque’s comfy chairs are only a couple reasons to drop by, not to mention the gallery’s ever-changing exhibitions. If you’re after arty wares, head to the Gallery Store, and if you’re craving some caffeine and eats, pop in for a coffee and cake at the on-site café or a meal at their restaurant with a view. The best part? If you work in the CBD, you’ll have plenty of time during your lunch break to sneak a midday trip to the gallery.

Mid-week treats from Philip Johnson’s imaginative and decadent tasting menu at the landmark e’cco bistro are always a good idea. Coming in at a very agreeable $89 per person, you’re likely to dine on dishes like venison tartare, pumpkin agnolotti, local organic chicken, steak with sweet soy and a cheeky mango tart for dessert. Not a bad way to enjoy the best of e’cco without putting too much strain on your wallet.

Image: @eccobistro via Instagram

Named after the soldier and astronomer who gave our fair city its name, the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium has been a favourite school tour spot since 1978. You’ve been — we all have — and it’s definitely worth another visit, even if you’re well out of class. But unlike school, here, staring into space is not only acceptable, it’s mandatory. The 12.5-metre-diameter Cosmic Skydome is the main attraction, of course, under which you’ll lean back and send your eyes skywards as informative films tell of black holes, the dark universe, moons and cosmic collisions. Once you’ve toured the stars, return to earth with a walk through the surrounding Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. Among the gardens, you’ll find another dome (this time dedicated to tropical plants) holding its own must-see wonders of the universe — cacti, succulents and bonsais.

Image: Anwyn Howarth.

Since day one in 1941, bad times at the Merthyr Bowls Club have never existed. You’ll have a crackerjack of a day no matter what — whether you’re taking to the green overlooking the river, sitting on the front deck admiring the view, or enjoying a meaty (or vego) barbecue. Good times are guaranteed. Brisbane might have plenty of places for a leisurely bowl, but Merthyr has remained a favourite for over 75 years. Here, it’s all location, location, location with that view, that breeze and those post-game wanders through New Farm Park. Plus, even if you don’t feel like getting barefoot and bowling up a storm, the chill vibes and tasty barbecue make Merthyr a perfect hangout. On Fridays, expect to keep the good times rolling until midnight.

Few places are more perennially Brisbane than New Farm Park. This enduring Brissie barbecue hotspot is a firm fave among locals and visitors alike, thanks to its beloved rose gardens and prime river frontage. Take advantage of the beautiful Brisbane weather with a meandering bike ride from the city to New Farm Park via the river walk, before cooking up a storm at one of the barbecues. Invite your mates, pack an esky (yep, you can BYO drinks here), bring the Frisbee and settle in for the afternoon before the mozzies get the better of you at dusk.

Image: Emily Davies

This Brisbane stalwart has undergone a renovation in recent years and now boasts an impressive multi-level venue to explore. If you’re feeling a wee bit flush, or just love a good excuse to slurp some oysters and a flute of bubbles, Gambaro is your spot. Smack bang in the middle of Caxton Street, this Brisbane icon since 1953 gives you a selection of fresher-than-fresh seafood and oysters to round off your week the right way. Take note: if thousands of chanting Broncos fans streaming up the middle of the road isn’t your thing, make sure you pick a Sunday when there’s not a home game.

Image: Gambaro / Facebook.

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By Sarah Ward and Laura Dawson.