Neighbourhood Guide: Newstead and Bowen Hills

Concrete Playground
May 26, 2021

Brisbane’s inner north has long been a covetable area for locals young and old to explore, live in and visit. And none so much as Newstead and Bowen Hills.

What makes this pocket so special, you may ask? Chic, industrial-style streets housing luxe brunch spots, much-loved watering holes and high-end heavyweights.

Cafes boasting carefully crafted cuppas and a-plus menus are dotted throughout the area with visitors coming from all over Brisbane to get a taste. If you thought it was any different for dinner, think again. Everything from casual pizza joints to fine dining institutions is at your doorstep here.

Looking for an evening tipple or a prime Sunday session locale? Newstead has got you covered. With breweries a mainstay, bars slinging late-night cocktails and a hangar-turned-live music venue, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to a cheeky beverage.

Brisbane’s inner north has long been a covetable area for locals young and old to explore, live in and visit. And none so much as Newstead and Bowen Hills.

DID YOU KNOW

This area is home to Brisbane’s oldest surviving residence, Newstead House. The house was built in 1846 and has sweeping views of the river, Bulimba and Hamilton. It is now run as a museum (currently only open by appointment or for events) and is surrounded by the gorgeous Newstead Park.

GETTING AROUND

Both suburbs are just ten minutes from the CBD with buses servicing the area regularly. While Bowen Hills locals are lucky enough to have a train station at its centre, it’s only about one kilometre from Newstead. Plus, the Teneriffe ferry terminal is just a stone’s throw away in the opposite direction.

PROPERTY PRICES

Most of the properties available in this trendy stomping ground at the moment are units that sit at an average price of around $622,500 in Newstead and $385,000 in Bowen Hills. 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.

LOCALS LOVE

During the day, you’ll find the locals here sipping coffees at one of the many cafes, getting their steps in along the river and picnicking in the park with pastries from King Street Bakery. When night comes, natural wines and disco at Commercial Road Public Bar, a moody dinner at Rogue Bistro or a live gig at The Triffid are all on the cards.

Living in Newstead and Bowen Hills

Discover the spots that could become your new local favourites.

Cafes

Bit of a bean fiend? Specialty coffee is easy to track down in these former industrial suburbs.

1. Yolk

The sibling cafe to Morning After only has one thing on its mind.

2. Industry Beans Newstead

Find the Melbourne coffee pioneer's famed bubble tea cold brews at its original Brisbane outpost.

3. King Street Bakery

Grab a takeaway baguette and pastry or settle in for a French-style cafe meal.

4. Nodo

Newstead's gluten-free bakeshop has revamped its cafe, with more room to serve its doughnuts and brunches.

5. Masters Street Coffee

This specialty coffee shop serves up quality cups of joe and Nutella-filled doughnuts.

Restaurants

Known for its up-and-coming foodie scene, Newstead has everything from $5 pizza to high-flying feeds.

1. Harry's Pizza - CLOSED

Nab a $5 pizza at Welcome to Bowen Hills' permanent pizza place.

2. Mecca Bah Brisbane

An oasis serving up dishes influenced by the flavours of the Middle East and Mediterranean.

3. E'cco Bistro

After 22 years on Boundary Street, this Brisbane dining institution has a new home in Newstead.

4. Rogue Bistro

A sincere passion for the trade shines through in every meal plated by the kitchen, establishing an air of fine dining without the fuss.

5. Mica Brasserie

This riverside patisserie-cum-bistro is perfect for leisurely weekend brunches.

Watering Holes

Craft brews, cocktails, vino — whatever your poison, Newstead and Bowen Hills have you covered.

1. Newstead Brewing Co

The Brisbane brewery's original location, inside a former 1940s bus depot.

2. Mrs Brown's Bar & Kitchen

This Newstead bar goes the distance to make you feel at home.

3. Hello Gorgeous Bar

Pay a visit to Newstead's cocktail bar with tropical vibes and neon.

4. The Defiant Duck - CLOSED

With beer and wine taps plus southern-inspired American fare, don't expect to rush out of this food and drink pavilion's doors.

5. Range Brewing

With an ever-changing brew list, this Newstead newcomer takes seasonality very seriously.

Leisure and Outdoors

Downtime is a little different here thanks to go-to activities like axe throwing, weaving workshops and sunset picnics.

1. The Golden Pig Restaurant & Cooking School

The Newstead cooking school has added a pan-Asian restaurant to its warehouse building.

2. Maniax Brisbane

Hurl hatches at Newstead's awe throwing joint.

3. Total Fusion

A luxe fitness centre with multi-sensory studios, a bar for post-workout juices and over 200 classes a week.

4. Newstead Park

Located at the mouth of Breakfast Creek, this historic park is perfect for sunset picnics.

5. Work-Shop Brisbane

Weekends are for weaving, water-colouring or perhaps some welding.

Arts and Culture

With live music haunts, theatres and boundary-pushing art spaces, this pocket of Brisbane is an exciting place to be.

1. The Triffid

Bands, beers and burgers. It doesn't get much better than that.

2. Twelfth Night Theatre

A 500-seat theatre that's the beating heart of the local arts community in Bowen Hills.

3. Fireworks Gallery

Here, contemporary artworks by Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists are displayed alongside each other.

4. Andrew Baker Art Dealer

Go beyond the gallery's nondescript doors for works by contemporary Aussie artists.

5. TW Fine Art

This New York-inspired art space celebrates postmodern art — and makes it accessible.

Shops

Pick up everything from baked treats to spiked puppy collars and locally made wares from these top shops.

Living in Newstead and Bowen Hills

Discover the spots that could become your new local favourites.

CP's Picks

These are our favourite things to do in the area.

Hello Gorgeous

Newstead's buzziest watering hole and restaurant is always a good time.
Maniax

Unleash your inner viking at this axe throwing parlour.
E'cco Bistro

Excellent Modern Australian fare in a stylish setting.
The Triffid

One of the best places in Brisbane to catch a gig, right on your doorstep.