Brisbane ANZAC Day Parade 2026: Three Historic Milestones Mark Commemoration in the CBD

This year’s ANZAC Day Parade returns to Brisbane’s CBD on Saturday, 25 April, marking three landmark anniversaries: 125 years of the Royal Australian Navy, 111 years since the Gallipoli landings, and 110 years since the first ANZAC Day Parade held on Australian soil.

The procession steps off at 9:45am with the reading of the declaration at King George Square, weaving through George Street, Adelaide Street, and Creek Street before concluding at 12:30pm. More than 2,000 serving Navy, Army and Air Force personnel, alongside veterans, descendants, youth organisations and community groups, are expected to march.


Read: ANZAC Day: The Resilience of Cecily Lydia Fearnley, Brisbane Girls’ Grammar Alumna


For spectators, Adelaide and Creek Streets offer the best vantage points, with accessible viewing areas available along the route. The parade will also be broadcast live for those unable to attend in person.

A Year of Significant Anniversaries

Photo supplied

In 2026, three significant anniversaries converge within the one commemoration.

The Royal Australian Navy, which traces its origins to the Commonwealth Naval Forces before being formally established in 1911, turns 125 this year. Over that time, the Navy has defended Australia’s shores, supported global security, and served on humanitarian and peacekeeping missions worldwide.

Photo supplied

Australia also reflects on 111 years since the Gallipoli landings, recognising the bravery of those who fought in a chapter of the ANZAC legacy that echoes across generations. And in a remarkable piece of local history, Brisbane holds the distinction of having hosted Australia’s very first ANZAC Day Parade, 110 years ago.

‘Australia’s Story of Service Belongs to All of Us’

ANZAC Day Parade
Photo supplied

ANZAC Day Parade Brisbane Committee Chairperson Kerry Gallagher AM said the 2026 event underscored that remembrance was a shared responsibility.

“This year’s anniversaries remind us that Australia’s story of service belongs to all of us,” Mr Gallagher said. “You don’t need to be a veteran to take part. If you want to honour someone who served, support the community, or simply stand in respect, this Parade welcomes you. Every person can contribute to the spirit of ANZAC Day.”

ANZAC Day Parade
Photo supplied

Event Executive Director Scott Mackie echoed the inclusive spirit of the occasion.

“On ANZAC Day, we see families, school groups, veterans, serving personnel and volunteers come together with a shared sense of purpose,” Mr Mackie said. “We have a rare opportunity in 2026 to recognise the Navy’s 125 years of service and to reflect on 111 years since Gallipoli, milestones that deepen our understanding of the sacrifices made.”

Cr Adrian Schrinner has urged locals from across the city and surrounding suburbs to come along and be part of the day.

“Brisbane is proud to have hosted Australia’s first ANZAC Day Parade 110 years ago,” Cr Schrinner said. “This year, we also mark 111 years since Gallipoli and 125 years of service from the Royal Australian Navy, milestones that highlight the depth of our city’s ANZAC legacy. The ANZAC Day Parade is for everyone, whether you’re a veteran, volunteer, family member or there to pay your respects.”


Read: Six Ways to Commemorate Anzac Day From Your Home


How to Get Involved

The 2026 parade places a renewed emphasis on community participation, inviting every Queenslander, whether marching, volunteering or spectating, to play a role in honouring the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand defence personnel.

Whether you’re heading in from Fortitude Valley, New Farm, Teneriffe or further afield, organisers are encouraging everyone to come along, whether marching, volunteering or simply standing in respect.

Visit Anzac Day Parade’s website for more information.

Published 1-April-2026

10,000 Eggs Set for Brisbane’s Largest Easter Celebration

Brisbane families are being invited to take part in what organisers are calling the city’s biggest-ever Easter egg hunt, with 10,000 eggs set to be hidden along the riverfront at Howard Smith Wharves in a community celebration designed to bring children and parents together for a full day of holiday fun.



The large-scale event will take place on Easter Sunday, 5 April 2026, kicking off at 10:00 a.m. across the Main Lawn and Felons Fish n’ Chipper Lawn at Howard Smith Wharves. Children are encouraged to bring their own baskets and join the hunt, with thousands of eggs scattered across the precinct.

Organisers say the event is part of a broader push to create family-friendly experiences during the school holidays, turning the popular riverside destination into a hub for community activity. Beyond the egg hunt, families can expect a range of entertainment including arcade games, balloon twisting, face painting and reptile shows, offering something for children of all ages.

Photo Credit: Howard Smith Wharves

The festivities extend beyond Easter Sunday, with venues across Howard Smith Wharves remaining open throughout the Easter long weekend and into the school holiday period. Weekly programming will include family movie screenings every Tuesday at Felons Barrel Hall, while Sundays will feature dining deals where children can eat at half price.

Local tourism operators are also joining in on the school holiday momentum. The Story Bridge Adventure Climb is offering a seasonal promotion allowing adults to climb at children’s prices on weekdays throughout April, adding another accessible option for families looking to explore Brisbane.



With a mix of outdoor activities, entertainment and dining, the event highlights a growing trend towards community-centred holiday programming that encourages families to spend time together in shared public spaces.

Published 30-March-2026

Hotel Beneath Story Bridge Enters Market At $115 Million

A hotel beneath the Story Bridge at Howard Smith Wharves, near Fortitude Valley, has been listed for sale with price expectations of about $115 million.



A Riverfront Asset Comes Into Focus

Crystalbrook Vincent has been placed on the market through an expressions-of-interest campaign managed by Colliers, with submissions open until April 30.

The hotel sits within the Howard Smith Wharves precinct, positioned beneath the Story Bridge and near Fortitude Valley. The location places it within a well-established riverfront area known for steady visitor movement and a mix of hospitality venues.

Brisbane hotel sale
Photo Credit: Howard Smith Wharves

Price Marks Shift Since Last Sale

The property is owned by the Ghassan Aboud Group through Crystalbrook Hotels and Resorts.

It was acquired in 2021 for about $70 million, with the current price guide of roughly $115 million indicating a notable change in value over five years. The listing is part of a broader move to recycle capital within the group’s portfolio.

 Story Bridge hotel
Photo Credit: Howard Smith Wharves

What Defines The Property

Opened in 2019, the hotel includes 166 rooms and forms part of a purpose-built precinct along the Brisbane River.

Facilities include a rooftop pool, gym, bar and dining spaces. The interiors incorporate a large collection of works linked to Brisbane artist Vincent Fantauzzo, which remains a defining feature of the property’s design.

Howard Smith Wharves
Photo Credit: Howard Smith Wharves

Market Conditions Behind The Timing

The timing of the listing aligns with broader conditions across Brisbane’s hotel sector, where demand has increased while new supply remains limited.

Industry figures indicate revenue per available room is around 70 per cent higher than 2019 levels, with average daily rates also rising. At the same time, only 372 hotel rooms are under construction through to 2027.

These factors have narrowed availability across inner-city areas, including precincts near Fortitude Valley.

Crystalbrook Vincent
Photo Credit: Howard Smith Wharves

Development Activity Nearby

The listing comes alongside continued planning activity within Howard Smith Wharves.

A proposed hotel development to the east of Crystalbrook Vincent remains included in documents lodged during the early months of 2026, indicating further potential change within the precinct.

Next Stage For The Listing

The campaign will test investor interest in a hotel asset positioned within a constrained market.



The outcome is expected to reflect broader conditions across Brisbane’s accommodation sector, where demand and limited supply continue to shape activity near Fortitude Valley.

Published 27-Mar-2026

Run Army 2026: Brisbane Prepares for Major Community Event

A strong sense of community will take centre stage in Brisbane this weekend as Run Army draws thousands of participants together for a shared run through the city.



By early morning on Sunday, 29 March, participants will line up alongside Australian Defence Force personnel, veterans and first responders, coming together for an event centred on fitness and recognition of service. Some 9,000 runners take to the streets, gathering along Grey Street and the Cultural Forecourt.

The day begins before sunrise, with race pack collection opening from 4:30 a.m. at South Bank Piazza, followed by the race village from 7:00 a.m.  The 10km event starts at 6:45 a.m., the 5km run and walk at 7:45 a.m., and the 2.4km junior dash at 8:45 a.m. 

Through the city streets

Runners will set off from Grey Street in South Brisbane, moving through inner-city streets and riverfront sections before returning to South Bank.  A course checkpoint will separate 5km and 10km participants prior to George Street, with marshals, police and volunteers positioned along the route to support safety and flow. 

Participants are grouped into self-seeded start zones based on pace, allowing both competitive runners and walkers to move comfortably through the course. Medical teams will be stationed near the finish and along the route, while those still on course after 9:30 a.m. will be directed to footpaths to complete their run. 

Photo Credit: Australian Army

Final days: holding back, not pushing harder

In the lead-up to race day, organisers and health partners are encouraging runners to resist the urge to overtrain.

Advice provided through event partner GO2 Health indicates that reducing training load in the final days can help avoid injury and fatigue. Scaling back strength work, focusing on mobility and allowing the body to recover are recommended approaches ahead of the start line.

Participants experiencing even mild discomfort are advised to prioritise rest, while more significant pain should be assessed by a physiotherapist before race day.

Nutrition timing also plays a role. Guidance suggests a carbohydrate-focused meal two to three hours before the event, followed by a lighter snack closer to the start if needed. Easily digested options such as fruit, toast or simple carbohydrates can help provide accessible energy without placing strain on digestion.

Guidance provided by Brisbane-based healthcare provider GO2 Health, the event’s official health partner, advises runners to reduce training load in the final days, focus on mobility and prioritise recovery ahead of race day.

Photo Credit: Supplied

A growing community event

Run Army has expanded steadily, with organisers noting this year marks its sixth cycle and a milestone as fundraising approaches $1 million for organisations supporting service families. 

The program now includes a 2.4km event aimed at younger participants and families, alongside additional challenge formats for those taking on longer distances. 

The 2026 event also coincides with the 125th anniversary of the Australian Army, adding further significance to the run.

After the finish

The finish area leads into a recovery zone at the Cultural Forecourt, where water, fruit and post-race support will be available. Presentations are scheduled from 9:00 a.m., bringing the morning’s events to a close. 

Participants are encouraged to share their experience using #RunArmyBrisbane, extending the event beyond the course and into the wider community. 

With streets set and thousands preparing to take part, South Bank is ready for a morning shaped by movement, preparation and shared effort.



Published 27-March-2026

Story Bridge to Shut Down This Easter as $5M Maintenance Works Get Underway

Brisbane’s Story Bridge will fully close for 16 hours in April as part of essential maintenance on the 85-year-old structure, with traffic impacts expected across 11 days.


Read: Experience the Story Bridge Adventure Climb Like Never Before at Howard Smith Wharves


Closures on the Story Bridge and Bradfield Highway are scheduled from Thursday, 2 April to Monday, 13 April 2026, covering a combination of partial lane closures and a full bridge shutdown. The complete closure is set for Saturday, 11 April to Sunday, 12 April.

Photo credit: BCC

Brisbane’s local officials said the works have been timed to coincide with the Easter school holiday period, when traffic volumes are lower, and with the bridge closure already planned for the Tour de Brisbane cycling event.

The bridge carries more than 100,000 vehicles and around 4,000 pedestrians and cyclists each day, and forms part of the national highway network.

The maintenance program is expected to cost roughly $5 million, according to Cr Ryan Murphy, Chair of Infrastructure for Brisbane. Works will include concrete slab repairs beneath the road surface, which won’t be visible from the road, along with bridge inspections and other minor maintenance activities. 

Photo credit: BCC

According to Senior Engineer Guy Connew, works will also cover joint cleaning, drain maintenance, and wash-downs of the steel framework to remove contaminants that can degrade protective coatings over time. The bridge has thousands of individual greasing points, all requiring maintenance attention.

Cr Murphy noted the works are separate from the broader Story Bridge Restoration project, which is currently in the business case development stage. Brisbane lists restoration works as scheduled to commence in 2028, subject to funding availability. A $4.6 million detailed business case is underway, with Councillor Murphy saying it is approximately 70 per cent complete and expected to be handed to the federal officials and Infrastructure Australia by June 2026, before being released to the public.

Brisbane closed the Story Bridge’s footpaths in March 2025 due to safety and structural concerns. Brisbane has spent more than $120 million on maintenance of the structure over the past two decades.


Read: Story Bridge City-Side Footpath Reopens Early in Fortitude Valley


During the closure period, the eastern footpath will also face temporary night-time closures, with detour signage in place to direct pedestrians, cyclists, and e-mobility riders. BCC advises commuters to use the QLDTraffic app, visit qldtraffic.qld.gov.au, or phone 13 19 40 to plan their journey in advance.

Published 26-March-2026

Speakeasy-Inspired Jazz Club Set for Fortitude Valley

A new jazz club is set to take shape in Fortitude Valley, as The Ruby Jazz Club introduces a speakeasy-inspired space focused on live music, small performances and a more intimate night out in one of Brisbane’s busiest precincts.



From 23 April, the club will begin welcoming guests into its tucked-away spot along Mead Lane, with an opening gala led by Australian jazz artist Vince Jones. Doors for the event are set for 6:30 p.m., with music running from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., marking the start of regular programming in the weeks that follow.

A Different Pace in a Familiar Place

Fortitude Valley has long been known for its fast-moving nightlife, but this new venue offers something more contained. Set slightly off the main strip, the club draws on the idea of a hidden bar, where the experience begins with stepping away from the crowds and into a more focused setting.

The concept is inspired by 1920s speakeasies, where music and conversation shaped the night. Here, the emphasis is on close-up performances and a room designed for listening, rather than large-scale crowds.

A Space Built for Music

Inside, the focus stays firmly on jazz. The club’s program moves between larger, ticketed performances and more relaxed sets, giving space to both touring acts and local musicians.

Created by Brisbane pianist Meredith Brothers, the venue reflects a long-standing connection to the city’s music community. The aim is not just to host shows, but to create a place where artists can return, experiment and grow, while audiences get to experience performances up close.


Spaces like this are rare for local musicians. Smaller rooms can offer something different from bigger stages, where the sound, the room and the audience all feel connected.

Opening Night Sets the Tone

The first nights will centre on Vince Jones, whose career spans five decades. His performances are expected to draw on both familiar material and newer work, giving audiences a sense of the breadth of his music.

His presence at the opening places the venue on a wider map, linking Brisbane’s local scene with artists who have shaped Australian jazz over time.

More Than a Night Out

Beyond the stage, the experience extends to food and drink. Cocktails take cues from earlier eras, paired with a selection of wines, spirits and bourbons. A simple menu allows guests to settle in for the evening, rather than move from place to place.



This dedicated jazz space adds another layer to an area already known for its variety. It offers a slower pace within a fast-moving precinct, where the focus shifts back to music, conversation and time spent in the room.

Published 26-March-2026

Free Meals in Brisbane City: Thousands of Lasagnes to Be Given Away

A Sydney-based meal delivery company is set to hand out free lasagnes in Brisbane City, offering locals a taste of its best-selling dish as it grows its presence in Queensland



Brisbane City is set to see thousands of free meals handed out in the CBD, with a Sydney-based meal delivery company bringing its popular lasagne giveaway directly to local streets.

The promotion, run by The Dinner Ladies, will take place across key Brisbane City locations over three afternoons from 25 March to 27 March, with giveaways scheduled at Queen Street Mall and King George Square. The company’s founders, Sophie Gilliatt and Katherine Westwood, are expected to travel from Sydney to personally distribute the meals and meet locals.

A Sydney Business Targets Brisbane City Growth

The Dinner Ladies started as a small home-cooking operation in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs in 2017 and has since expanded into a national business delivering tens of thousands of meals each week. While it remains based in New South Wales, the company has grown its reach into Queensland, where it began deliveries in 2022.

Brisbane City has become a key part of that expansion. Company data indicates Queensland now makes up a growing share of its total orders, positioning the state as one of its fastest-developing markets. The upcoming giveaway in the CBD reflects that shift, as the business looks to strengthen its connection with local customers.

Why Offer Free Meals?

The company is using the giveaway to introduce more people to its ready-made meals, with a focus on its Classic Beef Lasagne, which has been its top-selling product nationally for several years.

It describes the campaign as a way to thank Brisbane customers while also encouraging new households to try its service. The business aims to show how its frozen, ready-to-heat options can help with everyday dinner planning.

The campaign also encourages locals to stay connected with the brand for future offers and updates, supporting its longer-term growth in the region.

From Sydney Base to National Delivery

Despite its expansion, The Dinner Ladies continues to operate from Sydney, with its registered address in Matraville in the city’s southeast. From there, it manages production and delivery across multiple states, including Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and the ACT.



The business produces more than 40,000 meals each week, focusing on snap-frozen dishes designed to maintain quality while offering convenience to busy households.

Published 25-March-2026

Inner City Brisbane Area Sports Results 20-22 March 2026 


Sat, March 21, 2026 (Briggs Road Sporting Complex, Ipswich FC) – FQPL1 – Men – Round 5
• Ipswich FC 0   |   Brisbane Strikers 0

Sat, March 21, 2026 (Spencer Park, Nudgee Recreation Reserve) – NPL – Women – Round 7
• FQ Academy QAS 1   |   Eastern Suburbs 2

Fri, March 20, 2026 (Suncorp Stadium) – A-League – Women – Round 20
• Brisbane Roar FC 4   |   Newcastle Jets 2

Sat, March 21, 2026 (Suncorp Stadium) – A-League – Men – Round 22
• Brisbane Roar FC 1   |   Wellington Phoenix FC 2


Sat, March 21, 2026 (Cricket Central, Sydney Olympic Park) – Womens National Cricket League (WNCL) – Final
• NSW Women 6-212   |   Queensland Fire 7-332


Sun, March 22, 2026 (Premiers’ Park, Brisbane) – QRL – Mal Meninga Cup – Men – Round 6
• Norths Devils 24   |   Souths Logan Magpies 52

Sun, March 22, 2026 (Premiers’ Park, Brisbane) – QRL – Hostplus Cup – Men – Round 3
• Norths Devils 24   |   Souths Logan Magpies 24


Two 15-Storey Co-Living Towers Planned for Constance Street in Fortitude Valley

A development application for two 15-storey towers containing 312 co-living units has been lodged for 24-26 and 26A Constance Street in Fortitude Valley, proposing one of the suburb’s largest purpose-built co-living projects yet in a precinct already transforming rapidly.



The proposal, designed by Rothelowman with planning by Urbis and landscaping by LatStudios, would deliver 312 self-contained one-bedroom rooms across two podium-and-tower buildings on a site of approximately 1,551 square metres. The application was lodged on 27 February 2026 under reference A006972487. Each room includes a private living area, kitchenette and bathroom, with shared facilities including a swimming pool, gym, indoor dining areas, barbecue and outdoor dining spaces, communal seating and landscaped recreation areas distributed across the buildings.

Ground level activation is a prominent feature of the design. A publicly accessible but privately maintained laneway would run through the site, lined with small retail kiosks, a town-square style open space, concierge and resident lounge areas, landscaped seating and planting. The laneway concept connects through from Constance Street and is intended to add a pedestrian dimension to what is currently an underutilised block directly opposite the BMW dealership, about 250 metres from The Wickham hotel.

What Co-Living Means in Practice

Co-living sits somewhere between a traditional apartment and a serviced residence. Each unit in the Constance Street proposal functions as a self-contained room with its own bathroom and kitchenette, but residents share a significantly broader suite of communal amenities than a typical apartment building provides. The model is particularly popular with young professionals, students and short-term residents who prioritise location and community over space, and it typically comes at a lower price point than a comparable standalone apartment.

Two 15-Storey Co-Living Towers Planned for Constance Street in Fortitude Valley
Photo Credit: DA A006972487

The application classifies the units as rooming accommodation and short-term accommodation under Brisbane’s planning scheme, reflecting the flexible way the operator intends to use the building. Urbis notes in its planning report that the proposal is consistent with the planning intent of the Principal Centre Zone and the Fortitude Valley Neighbourhood Plan, both of which support high-density residential development in a location well served by surrounding amenities and public transport.

No on-site car parking is proposed, with 30 bicycle spaces planned instead. The application notes that parts of the block may be susceptible to flooding, a detail that will form part of the formal assessment process.

Fortitude Valley’s Co-Living and Build-to-Rent Boom

The Constance Street proposal arrives in a Valley already thick with development activity. Arklife, the developer behind the current application under the “Arklife Little Constance” branding, previously lodged plans for a 31-storey build-to-rent development nearby on Constance Street with 327 units alongside retail and office space. A separate development application for two build-to-rent towers directly above The Zoo music venue on Ann Street was lodged in 2023. Earlier this year, plans emerged to redevelop the historic former Keating’s Bread Factory between Warry and Kennigo streets with 100 units across 17 storeys.

Photo Credit: DA A006972487

Together, these projects point to Fortitude Valley as one of the most active apartment development corridors in south-east Queensland, driven by its central location, excellent transport links and the strong demand from young professionals and students who want to live close to the inner city without the price tag of New Farm or Teneriffe.

Fortitude Valley sits within Brisbane’s Principal Centre Zone, which explicitly supports high-density residential development, and the suburb’s relative affordability compared to adjoining inner-city precincts continues to attract both developers and renters in large numbers.

Why This Matters to the Fortitude Valley Community

For residents of Fortitude Valley and the surrounding inner-city suburbs, the Constance Street proposal raises questions that are worth engaging with now, before the assessment process concludes. Co-living development at this scale brings genuine benefits, including more housing supply in a high-demand area, ground-level activation through the public laneway and the kind of rooftop and communal amenity that enlivens a streetscape. It also raises practical questions about pedestrian flow through the laneway, the absence of on-site parking in a street with existing congestion pressures and the flooding risk flagged in the application documents.

No public submissions have been received on the application at the time of writing, which means the window for community input remains open. Residents, nearby businesses and anyone with an interest in how the Constance Street block develops can lodge a submission through the development application portal. Submissions should be based on planning grounds and address specific aspects of the proposal such as built form, traffic, flooding, amenity or neighbourhood character.

The application reference is A006972487 and can be viewed in full through this link. The submission period is open and residents are encouraged to engage with the proposal while the formal assessment is underway.



Published 18-March-2026.

Ember & Ash Opens In Fortitude Valley With Extended Trading Concept

A new hospitality venue in Fortitude Valley is combining café, restaurant and rooftop spaces under one concept, as it explores demand for extended trading across different times of day.



Multi-Space Venue Opens In Fortitude Valley

Ember & Ash has opened in Fortitude Valley, taking over the former Alfred & Constance site with a format built around separate but connected hospitality spaces.

The venue operates across two locations within the precinct, with a café on Alfred Street and the main restaurant and rooftop on Constance Street. The layout allows the business to run multiple services throughout the day, shifting from morning coffee to daytime dining and evening rooftop activity.

Ember & Ash Brisbane
Caption: Steak offering at Ember & Ash in Fortitude Valley featuring a 7+ striploin served with truffled potato mash and wood-fired greens.
Photo Credit: Ember & Ash Brisbane/Instagram

Trading Hours Vary Across The Venue

Operating hours differ depending on the space. The café is listed as open Monday to Saturday from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m., while the restaurant operates Wednesday to Sunday from 12 p.m. to late.

The broader concept has also been presented as extending from early morning into late-night trade, positioning the venue within ongoing discussions about longer hospitality hours in Fortitude Valley.

Food And Beverage Offering

The venue’s menu centres on fire-based cooking, with dishes prepared using grill and flame techniques. The restaurant offers a range of small and large plates, including seafood, meat and plant-based options.

Menu items include beef tartare, char-grilled duck breast, slow-roasted pork, seafood dishes and premium steak cuts. Side dishes and desserts are also available, alongside a selection of sauces and accompaniments.

On the rooftop, the offering shifts towards shared plates suited to evening service. Items such as lobster toast, tacos and wagyu-based dishes are featured, alongside cocktails that incorporate charred and botanical elements.

The café focuses on coffee and daytime selections, providing a separate offering earlier in the day.

Fortitude Valley Venue
Caption: Snack selection at Ember & Ash in Fortitude Valley featuring Baeri sturgeon caviar and rock oyster with blackberry mignonette and tarragon.
Photo Credit: Ember & Ash Brisbane/Instagram

Fortitude Valley And Extended Trading

The venue has been positioned as part of a broader test of how extended trading models may function in Fortitude Valley. Its structure allows continuous use of the space across different trading periods, rather than relying on a single service window.

A hidden speakeasy-style area is also included within the venue, adding a late-night component to the overall concept.

Outlook For The Precinct

It remains unclear whether similar models will expand across the area, however Ember & Ash may provide an early indication of demand for longer operating hours in Fortitude Valley.



For now, the venue introduces a combined café, restaurant and rooftop format designed to operate across multiple parts of the day.

Published 20-Mar-2026