Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Brisbane's Historic Pubs
Finds
Brisbane's attractive historic pubs, many of them recently revitalized,
have wide shady verandas and beer gardens just perfect for whiling
away a sunny afternoon or catching a quick meal at night.
The best known is undoubtedly the Breakfast Creek Hotel on Kings-
ford Smith Drive, Breakfast Creek ( & 07/3262 5988; see “Where to
Dine,” earlier in this chapter). Built in 1889, the hotel is a Brisbane
institution and for many people a visit to the city isn't complete with-
out a steak and beer “off the wood” at the Brekkie Creek.
Another landmark is the Regatta Hotel, 543 Coronation Dr., Toowong
( & 07/3870 7063 ). This heritage hotel with three stories of iron lace bal-
conies is the perfect spot for a cool drink overlooking the Brisbane River.
After a 2002 multi-million-dollar renovation, the place now bursts at the
seams on weekends. The new Boat Shed restaurant is popular but not
inexpensive—tables around the hotel verandas are a better choice.
Not far from the Regatta, in High Street, Toowong, is the Royal
Exchange Hotel ( & 07/3371 2555 ), known simply as “the RE.” The RE
is popular with students, probably because of its proximity to the Uni-
versity of Queensland. It has a great garden bar at the back.
The Story Bridge Hotel, at 200 Main St. ( & 07/3391 2266 ), Kanga-
roo Point, is well known as the venue for some of Brisbane's most
unusual events, such as the annual Australia Day (Jan 26) cockroach
races. Built in 1886, the pub is also a great place to find live music.
COOL SPOTS FOR JAZZ & BLUES
Brisbane Jazz Club On the riverfront under the Story Bridge, this is
the only Australian jazz club still featuring big band dance music (every Sun
night). Watch out for the slightly sloping dance floor—it was once a boat ramp!
Traditional and mainstream jazz is featured on Saturday nights. Once a month
on Sunday afternoons guest artists play on the deck. It's open Saturday 8 to
11pm and Sunday 7 to 10:30pm and sometimes on Friday nights, but the best
thing is to phone and check what's on first. 1 Annie St., Kangaroo Point. & 07/3391
2006. A$10 (US$6.50) most nights, with higher cover charges for some guest acts. CityCat to Hol-
man St. Free parking lot.
Holiday Inn Jazz-n-Blues Bar One of Brisbane's leading live jazz venues is
in the unlikely setting of this busy hotel. A mixed crowd in their 20s to 40s turns
up to hear local, Australian, and international acts. Get there early, as there are
only seats for 30, the rest is standing-room only. Open Wednesday, Thursday,
and Saturday 6pm to late, and Friday from 4pm. Ground floor of the hotel, next to Bris-
bane Transit Centre, Roma St. & 07/3238 2222. Varying cover charges. Train: Roma Street.
Finds
10 Brisbane's Moreton Bay & Islands
The Brisbane River runs into Moreton Bay, which is studded with hundreds of
small islands—and a few large ones. Some of them can only be reached by pri-
vate vessel. Others are national parks, and are accessible by tour boat or public
ferry.
 
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