Brisbane has arrived. And by ‘arrived’ we mean well and truly cemented its spot high up on the list of must-visit Australian cities.
The Queensland city has quickly become a foodie hotspot with laneway cafes and trendy restaurant and bar precincts popping up around every bend. Not to mention the incredible wine scene happening just down the road!
So whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway, or perhaps a stayaction in your own city, these are our top picks for an unforgettable food and wine adventure in Brisbane and its surrounds.
Take a delicious detour to Sirromet Winery
With its award-winning wines, nine hole Supa Golf course and luxury safari-style accommodation, a visit to Sirromet Winery could easily soak up your entire weekend. No complaints here!
Just a 30 minute drive from Brisbane or the Gold Coast and situated at Mount Cotton, Sirromet is putting the Sunshine State on the food and wine trail.
Stop in for a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting ($20 per person), or sample Sirromet’s premium collection including the Le Sauvage Chardonnay, named the #1 best white wine on the planet in the prestigious Tasting Book’s Best Wine in the World competition 2017 ($30).
While you’re here, why not stay for an evening or two and really sample the winery’s produce.
Stunning eating options abound at Sirromet Winery. The Tuscan Terrace is a casual dining experience with gorgeous Tuscan-style food and views to remember.
Sanctuary by Sirromet is Queensland’s first winery glamping accommodation. Nestled among tall gumtrees and overlooking a tranquil lagoon, the winery’s onsite accommodation includes 18 tented pavilions (15 premium pavilions, two family pavilions and one bridal pavilion) all styled to perfection with creature comforts like air-conditioning in mind.
Each tented pavilion contains an ensuite and plenty of room to relax.
Awake to the sounds of nature, but the comforts of home, or better still – a hotel!
A short walk away is the winery’s signature restaurant Lurleens, lovingly named after winery owner Terry Morris’ wife. Here you will enjoy fine local produce from a menu prepared by head chef Mat Fulford, formerly of Qualia and Stokehouse, with wines to match, all while taking in the breathtaking views of Moreton Bay and Stradbroke Island beyond.
Accommodation prices start from $280 per night and include a breakfast hamper delivered to your door. Book your stay, or plan your visit to Sirromet here.
Now that’s a sight to wake up to!
Consume the cafe culture
Brisbane’s streets are full of cafes and restaurants, over 1,500 at last count, but like most foodie cities, the best brew is never on the main street.
Of course you could wander the city on your own, but with limited time and much to see, a walking tour is a great way to take it all in. If coffee joints are up your alley, Walk Brisbane has a Laneways and Cafe tour, which is essentially a tasting tour of the City Centre coffee scene.
With your well-versed guide, you’ll stop into Brissy’s hidden gems (literally hidden – nestled in the city’s laneways) to sample the best beans and treats on offer.
While on the tour, you’ll experience Brisbane’s street art scene as well as score tips from your guide as to where the best bars and restaurants exists.
Tours run Tuesday to Friday from 1:30pm – 4:30pm, $79 per person which includes coffee or tea at each café plus some bites to eat. Book your tour here!
Dine til your heart’s content
From fabulous fine-dining to restaurants that embody the relaxed Brisbane vibe, you are not short of great dinner options in Brisbane. Here are a couple to whet your appetite.
Urbane: Starting at the top, Urbane is the only Brisbane restaurant boasting three hats. Urbane’s menu can’t be distilled into one particularly cuisine, country or style. Here inspiration comes from all cultures and practices, and food is served as a degustation menu of five or seven courses. Book here.
Billykart West End: Come for the cocktails, stay for the spit-roasted meats. Billykart West End is a laid-back yet chic dining experience where seasonal produce is a standard and a churrasco spit grill churns out the most succulent Aussie cuts. More info here.
