Concrete Playground
May 26, 2021

It’s little wonder that Paddington and Milton remain highly sought-after suburbs.

Both are perched on the edge of the Brisbane CBD, offering enviable city views, yet they’re far enough removed to provide locals with a relaxed lifestyle, removed from all of the hustle and bustle.

Paddington offers the best of inner city living: a bustling dining and leisure scene, charming buildings and homes, gorgeous tree-lined streets and easy access to other popular suburbs like Bardon, Red Hill and Newmarket. Milton is equally liveable, and home to a growing brewing and dining scene. It also provides easy access to neighbouring suburbs such as Toowong, Indooroopilly and the ever-beautiful Mount Coot-Tha.

It’s little wonder that Paddington and Milton remain highly sought-after suburbs.

DID YOU KNOW

Paddington is one of Brisbane’s oldest suburbs and boasts beautiful heritage homes and buildings, set against a bustling cafe and shopping culture. Meanwhile, Milton’s Park Road is famous among locals for its European-style dining precinct. The suburb is also home to the much-loved Milton Mango – with the XXXX Brewery taking pride of place.

GETTING AROUND

In terms of public transport, the Milton train station will set you right in the middle of the suburb, an easy walk to Suncorp Stadium via a walk bridge. There are regular buses that operate in both Milton and Paddington, so getting around is a breeze. If you prefer to walk, Paddington is a short stroll from the CBD, although it can be a little hilly.

PROPERTY PRICES

House prices in Paddington sit at around $1,125,000 for a house and $497,000 for a unit. The median rental price is around $645 per week for a house or $400 for a unit. The median property price in Milton is around $900,000 for a house, and around $487,000 for a unit. 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

If comedy is your thing, settle in for a night of laughs at The Sit Down Comedy Club at the Paddo Tavern, one of Australia’s major producers of stand up comedy. The club has played host to the likes of Tommy Little, Carl Barron and Dave Hughes over the years, and is where Brissy native Matt Okine got his start.

Living in Paddington and Milton

Discover the spots that could become your new local favourites.

Cafes

From cafes in WWII bunkers to coffee served with a side of lycra, Paddington's bean scene keeps things interesting.

1. Anouk Cafe

Great food and service makes parting with your bed on a Saturday morning a little easier.

2. Bunker Coffee

A hole-in-the-wall coffee shop located in a real WWII bunker.

3. Tandem Co. Coffee & Cycle House

Expect A-class coffee — and lots of lycra — at this neighbourhood cafe and bike store.

4. Naïm

Find hearty shakshuka and a welcoming vibe.

5. Blackout Paddington

This coffee nook serves up top-quality cups of joe and plenty of charm.

Restaurants

Track down next-level gnocchi, steaming bowls of noodles and $5 snacks at these top neighbourhood spots.

1. Nota

A fancy, yet affordable eatery in the former Montrachet site serving snacks from $5.

2. Hai-Hai Ramen

Simple but delicious.

3. Kettle & Tin

Kettle and Tin realises waffles are a superior and underrated option and will serve them any way they can.

4. Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers

Australia's first gnocchi bar.

5. Ngon

A neighbourhood Vietnamese restaurant serving up duck curries, pho and golden custard buns.

Watering Holes

Paddington and Milton may be true blue brew country, but these newcomers are starting to change the game.

1. XXXX Brewery Alehouse

Enjoy a pint of Brisbane's iconic beer in newly revamped surroundings.

2. The Hope & Anchor

Get nautical, English-style.

3. Darling & Co

Sustainable produce, dog-friendly garden and terrace cocktails in Paddington, darling.

4. The Scratch

The small bar is a cosy, chilled, shabby-chic addition to Milton's wining 'n' dining Park Road precinct.

5. Milton Common

Head to this brewery for local craft beer, OTT burgers and good old-fashioned community spirit.

Shops

Gourmet markets, go-to gift empires and vinyl stores can all be found in this inner city suburb.

1. Presents of Mind

Welcome to literally the best game shop in Queensland.

2. Dutch Vinyl

A wax lover's paradise, this one-stop record shop sells a mix of European and local pressings.

3. Empire Revival

Housed in the old Plaza Theatre building, this vintage mecca looks like it belongs in a Baz Luhrmann film.

4. Thousand Island Dressing

Pick up bright earrings, fun scarves and quirky bags at this colourful Paddington shop.

5. Rosalie Gourmet Market

Everything from kitchenware and flowers, to coffee and deli products.

Leisure

Want to polish up your tennis game? Or feast on freshly made pierogies? Either way, you're sorted.

1. Roy Emerson Tennis Centre

Whether you're up for a friendly match or keen to work on your backhand, this six-court centre has you sorted.

2. Milton Markets

This farmers market is packed with over 140 food and produce stalls every Sunday.

3. Movement Principle Pilates

Work your core and glutes at this sleek pilates studio — then relax at the on-site massage parlour.

4. The Polish Club Market Day

Head to this community club's regularly occurring market for pierogies, cabbage rolls and kielbasa.

5. Blake & Taylor Workshops

Flex your creative muscles with these watercolour workshops and Japanese-style shibori classes.

After-Dark Action

Paddington isn't shy of a party — particularly once the lights are low at these bars and live music venues.

1. Lefty's Music Hall

The Caxton Street favourite is back — and serving up whisky apples, cheeseburger spring rolls, and rockabilly and country music.

2. The Malecon Bar - CLOSED

A Havana-inspired rum bar and and Brisbane's only inner city microdistillery.

3. Warehouse 25

Head here for next-level gin made on-site, stay for the late-night party vibes.

4. The Sit Down Comedy Club

A major player in Australia's stand up scene, this comedy club is sure to have you in stitches.

5. Empire Swing

Go back in time to when the jive, lindy hop and charleston ruled the dance floor.

Living in Paddington and Milton

Discover the spots that could become your new local favourites.

CP's Picks

These are our favourite things to do in the area.

  • Kettle and Tin

    Kettle and Tin

    Usher in the new week with pasta and wine every Sunday at this Paddington institution.
  • Lefty's Music Hall

    Lefty's Music Hall

    Head here to hoe down to Americana, bluegrass and alt-folk live acts while sipping on their signature whisky apple cocktail.
  • Bunker

    Bunker

    Visit this leafy hole-in-the-wall coffee shop to elevate your morning commute.
  • The Scratch Bar

    The Scratch Bar

    The no-nonsense watering hole you've been searching for is nestled on one of Brisbane's most iconic restaurant strips.
  • Presents of Mind

    Presents of Mind

    From telescopes to puppets, science kits to craft sets, here you'll find gifts that will unlock your creativity and ignite your curiosity.

Top image: Kelly Hunter, Flickr

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