From laneways to luxury brands and cultural hubs to cool pubs, Fortitude Valley is one of the liveliest suburbs in Brisbane.
More fondly referred to as The Valley, the area is best described as grunge meets sophistication thanks to its award-winning diners, vibrant entertainment venues and designer boutiques.
Start your day with a coffee and a croissant at Jocelyn’s Provisions before moseying down James Street. There, you’ll find an abundance of Australian fashion labels and a gourmet food hub, so you can shop to your stomach and heart’s content. Closer to the city is an eclectic mix of independent retailers and laneways harbouring everything from late-night spaghetti houses to fortnightly artisanal markets.
The energy here gets cranked up after dark. Whether it’s a casual brewski at Stone and Wood, a sultry cocktail at Savile Row or a night of dancing at X Cargo, there’s a place to go for wherever you want the night to take you.
From laneways to luxury brands and cultural hubs to cool pubs, Fortitude Valley is one of the liveliest suburbs in Brisbane.
Fortitude Valley is widely recognised as one of the most unique entertainment precincts in Australia. Its biggest venue, The Fortitude Music Hall, is also the country’s biggest ballroom-style venue. Over 3000 people can fit standing in the space, and big names in music flock to play to the crowds there.
With so many venues within walking distance of each other, Fortitude Valley is best explored by foot. The train station, which is currently undergoing a $500 million reno, is about a ten-minute walk from most places in the area, while buses regularly make tracks in and out of the area.
Buying a unit here will set you back $420,000 on average (according to Realestate.com.au). It’s a vibrant and energetic place perfect for those who don’t have a bedtime and want to take it all in. Check out NAB’s Property Report to learn more, then use its handy Home Loan Calculator to find out how much you can borrow. Or, book an appointment here.
As famous as the nightlife is, there are few places in Brisbane that rival the restaurant scene here in sheer quantity, quality and variety. Chinatown and Wickham Street boast lauded Japanese eateries and Cantonese institutions, sophisticated share plates are a staple of James Street and the back streets are home to hatted restaurants. Waste not, want not.
Living in Fortitude Valley
Discover the spots that could become your new local favourites.
Cafes
From cafes next to churches to space age-looking espresso machines, The Valley's caffeine scene is anything but boring.
1. The New Black
2. King Arthur Cafe
3. Street Lab Specialty Coffee - CLOSED
4. The Brooke
5. Reverends Fine Coffee
Casual Eats
Hit up these affordable eateries when your wallet is feelin' as empty as your stomach.
1. Maya Mexican
2. Happy Boy
3. Honto
4. Bloodhound Corner Bar and Kitchen
5. Osbourne Hotel
Stellar Set Menus
Keen to kick things up a notch? Take the fuss out of fine dining with a degustation at one of the city's top diners.
1. Hellenika at The Calile
2. Same Same
3. Joy
4. Restaurant Dan Arnold
5. Agnes
Watering Holes
Fortitude Valley may be home to Stone and Wood — but it also boasts cosy wine bars, shipping container spots and more.
1. Cru Bar + Cellar
2. Stone & Wood Brewery Brisbane
3. City Winery
4. Dutch Courage Officers' Mess
5. X Cargo — CLOSED
Shops
Lose a few hours exploring the quirky boutiques and specialty stores around this inner city suburb.
1. Jocelyn's Provisions
2. Calexico
3. Wolfe and Ordnance
4. St Barts James Street
5. Dinosaur Designs
After-Dark Action
As Australia's first dedicated entertainment district, it comes as no surprise that The Valley is a hive of activity.
1. The Wickham
2. Woolly Mammoth
3. Netherworld
4. Oche Fortitude Valley
5. Holey Moley Golf Club
Living in Fortitude Valley
Discover the spots that could become your new local favourites.
CP's Picks
These are our favourite things to do in the area.
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Reverends
Swing by midweek for specialty coffees and gooey toasties, or book out the whole venue to host your next event. -
The Wickham
Spend an afternoon relaxing in the beer garden at this iconic heritage-listed venue. -
King Arthur
This sunny lunch spot is serving up a weekly farm bowl to keep your lunches feeling fresh, fun and healthy. -
Woolly Mammoth
Start your night downstairs with a Mexicali inspired dinner before catching some live music on the legendary Mane Stage. -
Bloodhound Bar
Discover the ever-changing selection of local and international beers in tins, bottles and on tap.
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Top image: The Calile, Sean Fennessy