City lifestyle with village vibes – the Brisbane precincts with a captivating community feel
Every year, Brisbane continues to grow in exciting ways. While the inner city will always draw attention, in-the-know locals will tell you that some of the city’s most magical areas are found in the suburbs. A number of neighbourhoods boast a comforting village feel, each with its own personality and unique offering. Your favourite places don’t happen by chance, though – Brisbane City Council has played a key role in nurturing these pockets into flourishing communities filled with dining, retail and entertainment options for all.
Rosalie Village
Few suburbs capture the village feel quite like Rosalie, a charming locality perched on the border between Paddington and Bardon. Blending a rich history as one of Brisbane’s earliest commercial precincts with an array of trendy retail and dining destinations, the intersection of Baroona Road and Nash Street is perpetually abuzz with gourmands, shoppers and wellness enthusiasts.
When most people think of Rosalie, they think of food. Local institutions such as Rosalie Gourmet Market (a fixture since 1997), Sing’s Asian Kitchen and Wine Experience are joined by a host of new-wave nosh spots including Patio by Range, Smoked Paprika, Eat at Billy’s, Ma Chim and Lulu Ramen – creating a veritable melting pot of epicurean delights to enjoy.
It’s not all about food, though – Rosalie is also home to a number of thrift stores, spas, yoga studios, beauty boutiques and lifestyle destinations like the iconic Cinebar and Rosalie Village Garden Centre.
Precincts like Rosalie Village don’t magically appear overnight, which is why history buffs are encouraged to embark on Council’s Rosalie Heritage Trail to discover the area’s storied origins through its heritage-listed houses, workers’ cottages, tram shelters and churches.
In 2023, Council completed a number of improvement projects designed to craft distinctive precincts rich in local culture and character. In Rosalie, these works included new garden beds and community amenities, as well as the public art installation ‘Rosie-Lee’ by Eleanor and James Avery, which has become a signature fixture of Rosalie’s streetscape.
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Martha Street Village
Another recipient of Council’s revitalisation efforts, Martha Street Village in Camp Hill has emerged as a beloved community precinct offering a slice of suburban serenity with its own distinct rhythm.
On any day or night of the week, you’ll spot Brisbane’s foodies gathering at Martha Street’s many cafes, bars and restaurants – from laid-back brunch spot In A Pickle and highly regarded Italian restaurant Ramona Trattoria to tantalising Thai eatery Mons Thai and sun-soaked craft-beer bar Rays by Range.
Martha Street Village is also an underrated beauty and wellness destination, with local businesses such as Ova Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Olli Skin, Fluid The Color Salon, Inna Bliss Yoga and Prestige Studio helping locals look and feel their best. Meanwhile, outlets like StyleFast are go-to spots for some retail therapy.
While Martha Street’s businesses will undoubtedly entice visitors, it’s the little details that give the precinct its unique appeal. Public artworks such as ‘Ride with Me’, Simone Eisler’s cast-bronze animal sculpture series – along with Council’s street-greening efforts – ensure that Martha Street Village’s personality truly shines.
Wynnum and Manly
Channelling the charm of an idyllic seaside village, Wynnum and Manly have long been popular spots for Brisbane residents seeking a taste of coastal living. Here, the close-knit community frequently gathers along the waterfront to wander and shop, with numerous bayside walks (including the famed Wynnum Heritage Trail) and green spaces perfect for soaking up salt-laced breezes and sunshine.
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When it comes to dining, Manly Harbour Village and Wynnum’s Bay Terrace are must-visit hubs, with restaurants, bars and cafes like Cedar & Pine, The Arsonist, Shucks Bar, Groundhog Social and Banette Bayside often filled to the brim with foodies. On the shopping front, stores such as The Collective Store and Little Gnome in Wynnum, and Ebb & Flow and The Mad Hatters Bookshop in Manly are cherished troves of keepsakes and gifts.
On weekends, the shorefront comes alive with the Manly Creative Market and Jan Powers Farmers Markets, where local artisans sell their wares alongside fresh produce vendors and street-food stalls. Free movie nights are regularly held at Little Bayside Park, while light projections of sea life often illuminate the foreshore plaza. Nearby, Manly Pool is frequently filled with the sounds of laughter and splashing water.
In good news for locals, Council is developing a 20-year master plan to renew and rejuvenate the Wynnum, Manly and Lota foreshores – protecting the area’s bayside character while creating more opportunities for recreation and relaxation.
Oxford Street
If you were to single out one example of Brisbane’s suburban village scene, Bulimba’s Oxford Street would be a top contender. This vibrant riverside suburb offers residents and visitors a diverse mix of dining options, fashion and lifestyle outlets, health and beauty concepts, and a generous dose of history.
Formerly an agricultural district, Bulimba – and Oxford Street in particular – is now one of Brisbane’s most character-filled precincts, but its evolution didn’t happen by chance. Council has helped the suburb flourish by connecting the strip to the rest of the city via public transport and dedicated cycleways, while also maintaining its manicured parklands and recreational facilities.
A quick stroll down the street is all it takes to appreciate Oxford Street’s foodie credentials. From the Southeast Asian flavours of Luckies Kitchen and Bellissimo’s unbeatable brunch to Mexicali’s terrific tacos and Old Mr Rabbit’s relaxed pub appeal, there’s plenty for hungry wanderers to enjoy. The same goes for the strip’s retail offering – shopping bags fill quickly after stops at Riverbend Books, Anne’s Secondhand Shop and Perfect Living.
The Bulimba Heritage Trail is the best way to experience the suburb’s rich history – just follow the heritage plaques along the way. Be sure to look out for Belinda Smith’s lightbox artwork ‘Duet’, which sits at the entrance to Oxford Street near the Hawthorne Road roundabout.
This article was written in partnership with our friends at Brisbane City Council, who have helped shape lifestyle precincts like Oxford Street, Rosalie Village, Martha Street Village and Manly.