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Fortitude Valley Goes Digital for Brisbane’s Massive Pokémon GO City Safari

Thousands of local gamers and visiting Pokémon trainers are preparing to transform the bustling streets of Fortitude Valley into a massive digital hunting ground for the upcoming Pokémon GO City Safari.

A Citywide Community Adventure

pokemon go — *Photo Credit:* *Pokemon Go*

The event will run on Saturday, 26 September, and Sunday, 27 September, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. AEST. While players will explore vibrant neighbourhoods across the city, the official City Safari hub will be set up at the Queen Street Mall. This central spot is designed as a meeting place for the local community to connect, share tips, and collect free merchandise like Pikachu visors and exclusive sticker packs while supplies last.

Interactive Exploration and Rewards

The core of the weekend is the GO Stamp Rally, which encourages players to visit iconic locations around the city. By spinning specific PokéStops, participants collect digital stamps and earn chances to catch an Eevee wearing a special explorer hat. The design of the stamps will even change depending on how long a player presses their screen, making every collection unique. Gamers with tickets will also get access to special research tasks, helping the in-game character Professor Willow investigate the area.

Rare Creatures and Gameplay Boosts

Throughout the weekend, special creatures will appear across Brisbane, including Mudbray, known as the donkey Pokémon. Ticket holders will enjoy several gameplay boosts between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on their chosen day.

Lure modules will last for four hours, and the party play feature will get an extended duration to keep friends connected. Players can complete up to five special trades each day at half the usual stardust cost. There is also a higher chance of finding shiny variants, and buddy Pokémon might dig up an exclusive tiny compass souvenir.

Customising the Safari Experience

Getting involved is a straightforward process through the game’s app. Players simply open the main menu, navigate to the events tab, and select the Brisbane City Safari to secure their spot. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and are generally non-refundable. Dedicated community members who have reached the “Great Friends” status or higher in the game can even purchase tickets as gifts for their local squad.

For those wanting to maximise their weekend, optional upgrades are available for purchase. The raid lover add-on grants up to 12 free raid passes daily, along with extra experience points and candy rewards. The egg-thusiast upgrade cuts egg hatch distances in half while boosting hatch rewards like stardust. Finally, players can buy an extra day pass to keep the adventure going across both Saturday and Sunday.

Published Date 29-June-2026

The Wickham To Host 20th Brisbane Madonna Party In Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: Annual Brisbane Madonna Party Fans/Facebook

The Brisbane Madonna Party will return to Fortitude Valley for its 20th annual event, with The Wickham hosting a Madonna-only dance night led by Kristian Fletcher and hosted by Yana Michelle.

Fortitude Valley Event Reaches 20 Years

The 20th Annual Brisbane Madonna Party will be held upstairs at The Wickham, 308 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley, on Saturday 15 August 2026.

The event is presented by Kristian Fletcher, who has staged the Brisbane Madonna Party annually since 2006. It is billed as Australia’s longest-running Madonna party and will mark 20 years of the Brisbane event.

This year’s event will also coincide with Madonna’s birthday and the release of her new album, Confessions II.

The Fortitude Valley event is scheduled to run from 7pm to midnight and is listed as an 18+ event.

Brisbane Madonna Party at The Wickham — *Photo Credit: Annual Brisbane Madonna Party Fans/Facebook*

The Wickham Dancefloor To Play Madonna Across Eras

The upstairs area at The Wickham will be turned into a dance space playing only Madonna’s music, covering tracks from the 1980s, 1990s, Noughties and recent releases.

From 7pm to 8pm, attendees will be able to meet other fans, visit the bar and hear rarer Madonna songs and mixes.

From 8pm to midnight, DJ Kristian Fletcher will play Madonna’s greatest hits, fan favourites, recent songs and music from the newest album.

The event will include a licensed bar, cocktails and roving photographers.

Fortitude Valley Madonna dance event — *Photo Credit: Annual Brisbane Madonna Party Fans/Facebook*

Best-Dressed Prizes And Hosted Program

Yana Michelle will host the 20th Annual Brisbane Madonna Party, which is listed under drag, LGBTIQ+ and DJ event categories.

Prizes will be offered for best dressed, with the night also centred on Madonna’s music and fan participation.

Tickets are available through Oztix. General tickets are listed at $29.60, while other event details list tickets at $25 plus booking fee.

Madonna’s catalogue includes Material Girl, Into the Groove, Vogue and Hung Up. In Australia, she has had 11 Number One hits and 40 Top Ten hits, with every studio album reaching the Top Ten.

The Brisbane Madonna Party will bring those different eras into one Fortitude Valley event, with the program built around Madonna’s music from early releases through to newer material.

Published 30-June-2026

Sunnyboys Reunion In Brisbane Set For One-Off Roma Street Parkland Show

Photo Credit: Sunnyboys Fan Club/Facebook

A Sunnyboys Brisbane concert at Roma Street Parkland will bring the Australian power-pop band back for a one-off show tied to 4ZZZ’s ZED51 celebrations.

The performance is scheduled for Friday, 23 October, three years after the band’s farewell tour. It will also mark 45 years since the release of Sunnyboys’ self-titled debut album, which remains closely linked to the band’s early catalogue.

The announced line-up features founding members Jeremy Oxley, Peter Oxley and Richard Burgman. Drummer Paul Larsen will sit in for the recently retired Bil Bilson.

Sunnyboys Brisbane Concert Marks Album Milestone

Sunnyboys formed in Sydney in 1979 and became known as an Australian power-pop and garage rock band.

The group’s self-titled debut album was released in September 1981. The album includes Happy Man and Alone With You, two of the band’s most recognised songs.

The album was later listed at number 37 in the 2010 book 100 Best Australian Albums. The Brisbane show is tied to the anniversary of that release, placing the band back on stage after its 2023 farewell run.

Roma Street Parkland concert setting — *Photo Credit: Sunnyboys Fan Club/Facebook*

Roma Street Parkland Bill Brings Together Australian Acts

The Roma Street Parkland show will sit within the wider ZED51 celebrations.

The bill includes The Clouds, who are also heading out on their own singles tour. vSpy vSpy are also listed, marking the 40th anniversary of Harry’s Reasons and A.O. Mod. TV. Vers. Mick Medew and The Ursula 4 are also part of the event.

The broader ZED51 celebrations also include performances by Mudhoney, Custard, BARKAA, The Mark Of Cain, Shonen Knife, Cash Savage & The Last Drinks and I Heart Hiroshima.

Vinyl Boxset Linked To The Anniversary

Sunnyboys are also releasing a 4LP vinyl boxset connected to the anniversary of the debut album.

The collection includes the original Sunnyboys album, demos recorded before it, the 1981 remix of the band’s 1980 EP, interview material and a live performance recorded at the Governors Pleasure in Sydney in February 1981.

The boxset is scheduled for release on Friday, 23 October, through record stores and the band’s website.

Sunnyboys promotional band image — *Photo Credit: Sunnyboys Fan Club/Facebook*

Ticket Dates Set For July

Sunnyboys fan pre-sale and 4ZZZ subscriber pre-sales are scheduled to open on Wednesday, 8 July, at 10am AEST.

General tickets are scheduled to go on sale on Thursday, 9 July.

The one-off Brisbane performance links the band’s return to the anniversary of its debut album and the wider ZED51 program at Roma Street Parkland.

Published 6-July-2026

Drink Spiking Crackdown Hits Fortitude Valley as Detectives Take Charge of Every Report

Queensland Police have rolled out a new detective-led approach to drink spiking in Fortitude Valley, with every reported incident now triggering a full investigation — a change authorities hope will finally persuade more victims to speak up.

For anyone who’s ever brushed off a strange night out as “just one too many,” the new approach carries a pointed message: police say they believe you, and they’re prepared to put real time and resources into finding out what happened.

Former detective sergeant Peter Maroney, speaking to Sunrise, described the shift as a meaningful step toward rebuilding trust with victims who might otherwise stay silent. The reassurance matters, he said, because the gap between how often drink spiking actually occurs and how often it gets reported is enormous. Many people never contact police at all — some out of embarrassment, others because they don’t think they’ll be taken seriously.

That gap has long made it difficult for authorities to understand the true scale of the problem. Research published in a peer-reviewed international study found that only around 7 per cent of people who experienced drink spiking reported it to police, with underreporting driven by fear of judgement and a lack of confidence that anything would be done. Maroney noted that while official statistics remain sparse, a glance at social media conversations suggests the crime is far more common than many parents, in particular, might realise.

The crackdown is especially significant for Fortitude Valley, which sits at the heart of Brisbane’s nightlife. The Valley’s entertainment precinct draws large crowds across the week, and incidents that once might have been logged and filed can now expect a detective looking into them.

Maroney also flagged something that may surprise people who think of drink spiking as purely a nightclub problem: it isn’t only alcoholic drinks being targeted. Water and soft drinks have also reportedly been spiked, meaning the risk isn’t limited to those drinking alcohol. Internationally, spiking incidents have been recorded not just in clubs and bars but also in private homes, underscoring that no single setting is inherently safe.

His practical advice was straightforward: never leave a drink unattended, stick with people you trust who can keep an eye on each other’s drinks, and don’t accept a drink from someone you don’t know. If you start to feel unexpected side effects — dizziness, confusion, nausea — get to bar staff or a manager immediately and let them know what’s happening.

Perhaps most disturbing is what available data suggests about why some spiking occurs at all. According to Maroney, some perpetrators appear to target victims at random, with no motive beyond wanting to observe the effects of a substance on an unsuspecting person.

Queensland Police have announced that every suspected drink spiking report in Fortitude Valley will now receive a full detective investigation. Whether other Australian states follow with a similar model remains to be seen.

If you believe your drink has been spiked, contact Queensland Police or report via Policelink at police.qld.gov.au. In an emergency, call 000.

Published 6-July-2026

Judith Wright Arts Centre Enters a New Era after $10-Million Refurbishment

Wikimedia/Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic

One of Fortitude Valley’s best-known arts venues has entered a new phase after a $10-million refurbishment that has transformed the Judith Wright Arts Centre into a larger and more accessible home for Queensland’s creative community.

Located on Brunswick Street, the centre has long been part of the Valley’s cultural identity. Artists, performers and audiences have gathered there for decades, making it a familiar landmark alongside the suburb’s live music venues, galleries and hospitality scene.

The recent works have expanded rehearsal and studio facilities, improved accessibility and modernised workspaces, giving resident arts organisations more room to create while helping secure the centre’s place as one of Brisbane’s leading performing arts hubs.

More creative space inside one of the Valley’s best-known buildings

Before the refurbishment, the Judith Wright Arts Centre had three rehearsal studios. It now has eight dedicated creative spaces, giving artists and organisations much greater flexibility to rehearse, develop new productions and host workshops.

The project also introduced new meeting rooms, collaboration areas and upgraded office facilities. Accessibility improvements have been made throughout the building, alongside new security and building services designed to support the centre’s daily operations.

While many visitors will notice the refreshed interiors, the redevelopment has also focused on making the venue more practical for the creative organisations that use it every day.

The centre remains a heritage-listed building, with the upgrades designed to improve functionality while preserving its distinctive character.

The organisations that help shape Queensland’s performing arts

The Judith Wright Arts Centre is far more than a performance venue. It serves as a permanent home for several of Queensland’s leading arts organisations, many of which produce work seen across Australia and overseas.

Among the resident organisations are Circa, one of the country’s best-known contemporary circus companies; the Australasian Dance Collective; the Institute of Modern Art; BlakDance; Musica Viva Australia; the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts; and The Little Red Company.

These organisations support performers, dancers, musicians, directors, designers and technicians throughout the year. Many also run education programs, workshops and community activities that connect emerging artists with established professionals.

A stronger creative hub brings more life to Brunswick Street

The Judith Wright Arts Centre has helped shape the Valley’s identity as Brisbane’s creative district since it began operating as an arts venue in the 1990s. Alongside nearby music venues, galleries and independent businesses, it contributes to the suburb’s reputation as a place where creativity is part of everyday life.

The expanded facilities are expected to support more rehearsals, creative development and industry events, bringing additional visitors into the precinct throughout the year. More activity at the centre can mean more customers visiting nearby cafés, restaurants, bars and retailers throughout the week.

Preparing one of Brisbane’s cultural landmarks for the future

The refurbishment comes as Brisbane continues investing in cultural facilities ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Rather than changing the centre’s purpose, the project strengthens its ability to support artists over the coming decades. The upgraded facilities are intended to meet growing demand from resident organisations while providing a better experience for visiting performers, creative teams and community groups.

Bookings have resumed for the upgraded spaces, allowing organisations to begin using the expanded facilities for rehearsals, meetings and creative development.

Published 25-June-2026

John Kilroy, Who Helped Shape Brisbane’s Dining Culture, Dies at 73

Photo Credit: Il Centro Restaurant & Bar/Facebook

For many Brisbane diners, a meal at Cha Cha Char was more than a steak dinner. It was where business lunches were held, milestones were celebrated and visitors experienced a city whose food scene was coming into its own. Behind much of that rhythm was John “Killer” Kilroy.

Born on a grazing property in western Queensland, Kilroy brought his country roots into a hospitality career that spanned more than four decades. He became one of the restaurateurs credited with helping shape Brisbane’s dining culture by championing Queensland beef, supporting local producers and creating venues that became part of the city’s story.

Now, Kilroy is being remembered not only for the restaurants he built, but for the influence he had on Brisbane’s hospitality industry.

Kilroy died at the age of 73 after being reported missing in Brisbane on Monday, 29 June 2026. Queensland Police said officers found the body of a 73-year-old man in a car park near Howard Street in Brisbane City after receiving a missing person’s report earlier that day. Police said the death is not being treated as suspicious and that a report will be prepared for the coroner.

A country upbringing shaped his philosophy

Kilroy believed diners should know where their food came from, especially the beef that became the centrepiece of his restaurants. He was among the early Brisbane restaurateurs to identify the properties supplying the beef on his menus, strengthening the connection between Queensland producers and the dining experience.

Over more than 40 years, he owned and operated pubs, restaurants and function venues across Queensland, earning respect for his business knowledge and commitment to customer service.

The restaurant that became a Brisbane landmark

When Cha Cha Char opened at Eagle Street in 1997, Brisbane’s restaurant scene was growing rapidly. Over the next two decades, the steakhouse became one of the city’s best-known dining destinations, welcoming business leaders, politicians, visiting celebrities, interstate travellers and families marking special occasions.

Cha Cha Char owned by John Kilroy — *Photo Credit: Hidden City Secrets*

Kilroy combined premium Australian beef with attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere. After selling Cha Cha Char in 2020, he retired to Hervey Bay, leaving behind a restaurant that had become closely associated with Brisbane hospitality.

Tributes reflect a career built on respect

The tributes that followed news of Kilroy’s death reflected the regard he earned throughout Queensland’s hospitality industry.

Long-time friend and fellow restaurateur Andy Georges remembered operating alongside Kilroy at Eagle Street, describing him as someone who valued friendship over rivalry.

Hairdressing entrepreneur Steve “Stefan” Ackerie remembered Kilroy as a generous and colourful host whose restaurants reflected his personality.

Gambaro Group director John Gambaro described Kilroy as one of the pioneers who helped shape Brisbane’s restaurant industry, while former employees, customers and fellow hospitality workers remembered him as someone who gave people opportunities and made a lasting impression.

His final days in Brisbane

Media reports said Kilroy had been staying with friends in Brisbane while receiving cancer treatment.

Friends quoted in those reports said he went for a walk on Sunday evening but did not return, prompting a missing person’s report and a police search.

A lasting place in Brisbane’s story

John Kilroy’s legacy extends well beyond the restaurants he owned. It lives on in the Queensland producers he supported, the hospitality professionals whose careers crossed his path and the memories created by thousands of diners who gathered around his tables.

Published 1-July-2026

Bistro Tino Brings Italy’s Corner Bar Culture to Fortitude Valley

Bistro Tino has officially opened its doors in Fortitude Valley, and for regulars of the James Street precinct, it’s the kind of addition that feels long overdue.

The new venue sits next door to Mosconi on Arthur Street — the well-loved Italian restaurant that owner Mark Rotolone has been building into a local institution over the past six years. Tino, which translates roughly to “little” or “junior” in Italian, is exactly that: a smaller, more relaxed sibling to its neighbour, shaped around the rhythms of everyday life rather than a special occasion.

The idea has been gestating for a while. When the former King Arthur Cafe next door became available, Rotolone moved quickly to take on the space, seeing it as the right opportunity to bring a concept he’d been thinking about for some time to life. His vision was straightforward: a place where you could rock up without a booking, have a coffee or a few glasses of wine, and let the afternoon take care of itself — the kind of unpretentious local that’s common in Italy but harder to find in Brisbane.

The kitchen is led by Alfie Cutler, working under Mosconi head chef Catherine Anders. The menu draws on European home-style cooking, with seasonal and ingredient-led dishes designed to be eaten at any time of day. Early offerings include pan con tomate with raw yellowfin tuna and anchovy butter, flatbread with pistachio mortadella, and Italian sausage with silverbeet and butter beans. From midday, the menu shifts toward something more substantial — a bifana roll with pork collar and provolone, chicken Maryland with pea fricassée, and a panzanella made, true to tradition, with yesterday’s bread. The counter stocks cannoli and a daily torta throughout the day.

Standing espressos are $2, which tells you something about what Rotolone is going for here. This is not a destination dining experience — it is somewhere to fold into your week.

The interior was designed by Brisbane studio By Burke, in collaboration with architect George Kouparitsas. At the centre of the compact space sits a handmade Tasmanian oak bar with bronzed brass detailing, complemented by ochre leather banquettes, a warm two-toned palette of cream and brown, and herringbone parquetry flooring. A vinyl setup nodding to the early 1980s runs in the background. Queensland’s characteristic light filters through louvred windows along the building’s facade, giving the room an easy, lived-in quality that makes it feel like it has been there longer than it has.

The venue can seat 20 inside and 25 alfresco, with a private dining space on the upper level for 25 guests, which is set to open by spring. Evening trading is also planned for spring, at which point Tino will shift into its full form as a true all-day venue. For now, it is open seven days from 6.30am to 2.30pm — and yes, dogs are welcome.

Bistro Tino is located at 164C Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley.

Published 1-July-2026

Historic Brisbane School of Arts Set for Private Sale After Revival Bid Falls Short

Wikipedia

The heritage-listed Brisbane School of Arts building at 166 Ann Street in the city is set to be sold to a private buyer after an expressions of interest process, which closed in May 2026, failed to produce a feasible proposal for the building’s revitalisation.

The Ann Street building, which has sat vacant in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD for some years, is one of the oldest surviving civic buildings in the city and one of the few remaining heritage landmarks with significant untapped renewal potential. Its sale marks the end of a publicly led revitalisation process and opens the door to private sector involvement in determining what the school of arts becomes next.

The expressions of interest process, which ran through early 2026, invited cultural organisations, education providers, industry bodies and investors to collaborate on a mixed-use concept combining cultural programming, adult learning and commercial uses such as boutique food and beverage outlets, all within a framework respecting the building’s heritage significance. No feasible proposals emerged.

Brisbane’s city authority has confirmed any future owner will be required to comply with full heritage protections and planning requirements, preserving the building’s historic character regardless of what use it transitions to.

A building that has served Brisbane since 1865

The Brisbane School of Arts building at 166 Ann Street carries more than 160 years of civic history. Erected in 1865-66 with a ground floor and two upper galleries, it was originally known as a Servants Home, providing accommodation for single adult women who had migrated to Queensland and were waiting to take up employment as domestic servants.

In 1873, the trustees of the North Brisbane School of Arts purchased the building for one thousand pounds. It was let to tenants before being formally converted to a school of arts in 1878.

The institution operated libraries and reading rooms oriented around “the advancement of reading and study by the delivery of lectures,” and promoted what its trustees described as “the recreation and entertainment of its members by games of skill, and generally the diffusion of knowledge and the promotion of intellectual amusement.”

A hall was added to the rear in 1884 to accommodate the Brisbane Technical College, which used the building until 1902, when responsibility for technical education transferred to the state. Brisbane’s city authority assumed trusteeship of the building in 1965-66 and operated a public library on site until 1981. Since then, the building has been let to various community groups, and more recently has sat vacant.

A new chapter for Brisbane’s heritage buildings

The sale of the Brisbane School of Arts building will place it alongside a growing cohort of Brisbane heritage properties that have found new life through private investment.

Customs House on Queen Street, the former Brisbane Dental Hospital and the former Treasury Building — currently being converted into a university campus — have all transitioned from public to private or institutional ownership while retaining their heritage character.

Brisbane’s city authority described opportunities like this as rare, noting its intent to “secure private sector investment to write the next chapter of this iconic Brisbane building.”

The building’s location on Ann Street places it within the CBD’s lower precinct, close to the boundary with Fortitude Valley and within easy walking distance of the Queen Street Mall, Brisbane Square and Central Station. For the inner-city community, what the building becomes matters — it is a prominent address in a part of the city that residents, workers and visitors pass through daily.

Heritage protections that bind any future owner

The Queensland Heritage Register records the building’s significance as a rare example of a purpose-built civic institution from the colonial period that retains much of its original fabric and form. Any purchaser takes on a building that cannot be substantially altered without heritage approval, a condition that tends to attract buyers with genuine interest in adaptive reuse rather than demolition and redevelopment.

The expressions of interest process had envisioned exactly that kind of outcome: a vibrant, mixed-use activation that brought people back into the building while preserving its layered history. Whether the sale process produces a buyer with that vision, or someone with a more commercial intent operating within the heritage constraints, remains to be seen.

Information on the Queensland Heritage Register listing for the Brisbane School of Arts can be found here.

Published 29-June-2026

Brisbane City Luxury Hotel Now Offers Room Service For Dogs Amid Pet Ownership Boom

With half of all Australian households now sharing their homes with an estimated 7.4 million dogs, a luxury hotel in Brisbane City is catering to this booming demographic by offering pampered pooches their own high-end room service menus and designer beds.

Redefining Luxury for Four-Legged Guests

The Crystalbrook Vincent, a premium 166-room property located on the river at Howard Smith Wharves, launched its specific pet sleepover package this week. Management introduced the service to accommodate the growing number of people who want to bring their pets along for a weekend away. Pups staying at the six-level hotel are treated to a luxury experience that rivals the human amenities. The rooms come equipped with a plush dog bed, premium Le Creuset food bowls, and a welcome treat.

Going well beyond a simple bowl of kibble, the hotel has designed an in-room dining menu specifically for dogs. Meals include a puppy poke bowl made with poached salmon and vegetables, a beef tenderloin dish, and a chicken dinner served with sweet potato mash. For dessert, dogs can enjoy a special biscuit baked from peanut butter, banana, and oats.

The Push for Pet-Friendly Travel

Crystalbrook Vincent general manager Shaun Allen pointed out that many travellers strongly dislike leaving their pets at home when they go on holiday. He explained that the package gives guests a stylish way to experience the area without leaving their companions behind. As dog ownership numbers continue to climb across the country, Allen noted that holidaymakers are increasingly searching for ways to include their four-legged family members in their travel plans.

The contemporary, art-led hotel sits directly beneath the Story Bridge and serves as a central hub for the surrounding restaurant and pub precinct, which began operating in 2019. Starting at $325 a night, the property offers human guests a rooftop magnesium pool with river views and easy access to the nearby City Cat ferry terminal.

Setting Boundaries for Furry Holidaymakers

While the hotel is embracing canine guests, there are strict conditions attached to the $95 per night pet surcharge. The deal is restricted to dogs weighing 15 kilograms or less, and guests are only allowed to bring one dog per room. Staff also provide owners with custom maps highlighting the best local walking paths to help burn off extra energy.

The hotel enforces several rules to ensure the comfort of all guests. Dogs must be supervised at all times and kept on a leash whenever they are in public areas. Furthermore, pets are strictly banned from entering the indoor dining spaces, the gym, and the pool area. Management has made it clear that owners are fully responsible for their dog’s behaviour and overall wellbeing. Any damage or necessary deep cleaning will be charged directly to the guest’s account, and the hotel reserves the right to ask guests to remove their dog if it displays ongoing disruptive behaviour.

A Growing National Trend

The Brisbane City location is not alone in this venture. The Crystalbrook Collection currently offers similar dog stays at its Riley property in Cairns and the Albion hotel in Sydney, with hints that other locations across their portfolio may soon do the same. The boutique hotel chain is owned by Syrian-born investor Ghassan Aboud, whose United Arab Emirates-based global firm holds diverse investments across the hospitality, retail, healthcare, logistics, and automotive sectors.

Published Date 25-June-2026

End of the Road for Gerard’s Bistro on James Street

A fixture of Fortitude Valley’s dining scene is preparing to serve its final meals, with Gerard’s Bistro announcing it will close after 14 years on James Street.

Read: Gerard’s Restaurant in Fortitude Valley Crowned Australia’s Most Stunning Restaurant

The restaurant confirmed on social media that its final service will take place on Saturday, July 4. In a farewell message shared with patrons, the team reflected on the restaurant’s origins.

“Fourteen years ago, we set out to build something deeply connected to who we are,” the post read. “Gerard’s was a restaurant shaped by the culture, generosity and traditions passed down through our extended ‘Gerard’s’ family.”

A James Street Mainstay

Since opening in 2012, the restaurant has become known for its contemporary take on Levantine cuisine. The restaurant operates from Gerard’s Lane, just off James Street. The team said the restaurant’s foundations had always extended beyond the dining room itself.

“Its foundations have always stretched beyond our walls and we wanted to share the richness of Levantine cuisine and culture with Brisbane in a way that felt authentic and contemporary,” the post stated.

“Gerard’s was a leap of faith, taken on the vibrant James Street.”

Over the past 14 years, Gerard’s has become known for its share-style dining, wood-fired cooking, and evolving menu.

Passing the Torch

Photo credit: Google Maps/Jonathan Moses

The closure follows the sale of the venue to a new team, which is expected to reopen the space in the coming months. While details of the incoming operators have not yet been released publicly, Gerard’s said it was confident the venue would remain in good hands.

“In a few months, the team that have purchased Gerard’s will re-open,” the post read. “We couldn’t be happier to be passing our venue onto custodians we know will keep the spirit of generosity, warmth and the sense of culture alive.”

The restaurant indicated further details about the new operators would be announced in July. The Gerard’s team reserved its final words for those who helped sustain the restaurant over more than a decade.

Read: Agnes Unveils Biggest Menu Shake-Up Since Opening in Fortitude Valley

“To everyone who has been part of this journey – our team, suppliers, collaborators, the James Street community and our guests who have graced our tables… THANK YOU,” the post said.

“The Gerard’s journey was made possible because of all of you.”

For diners, the final weeks offer one last opportunity to visit the restaurant before its final service on July 4.

Published 23-June-2026