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Albert Street Pedestrian Upgrade Advances in Brisbane CBD

The planned expansion of Queen Street Mall is moving ahead in the Brisbane CBD, extending pedestrian-only access along Albert Street as part of broader works linked to the new Albert Street station.

Background and Earlier Upgrades in the Brisbane CBD

Queen Street Mall is undergoing its first major expansion in 15 years, with works extending the pedestrian precinct along Albert Street from Elizabeth Street to Mary Street. The project aligns with long-term plans outlined in the Brisbane City Centre Master Plan, which identified Albert Street as a future green spine linking Roma Street Parkland to the City Botanic Gardens.

The mall, originally opened in 1982 and later upgraded in 1999 and 2007, continues to record strong foot traffic, with October figures averaging more than 220,000 pedestrians each day and July reaching above 248,000.

station precinct — *Photo Credit: Cross RIver Rail*

Staged Expansion Across Albert Street

The renewal will be delivered in phases. The first section is scheduled to open next month, introducing new outdoor dining space between Elizabeth Street and partway to Charlotte Street. The remaining works between Elizabeth and Charlotte streets will follow early next year, with the final stage from Charlotte to Mary streets scheduled to begin late next year. A further stage is set for late 2026.

The staged openings integrate with the construction of a new public plaza above the future Albert Street underground station, featuring tree-lined areas and new seating. The station structure includes a 153-tonne canopy, with escalator installation already completed underground.

Queen Street Mall — *Photo Credit: Cross RIver Rail*

Retail Shifts and Precinct Challenges

The expansion comes at a time of significant change within the Brisbane CBD retail landscape. Several major tenancies have exited the precinct, including the closure of a multi-level international retailer on Queen Street Mall. Other sites, such as the Wintergarden complex, remain in transition as redevelopment plans continue to progress slowly.

The former Myer Centre, now operating as Uptown, is undergoing repositioning after Myer’s departure in 2023. Although Myer has indicated an interest in returning in a smaller format, no confirmed tenancy has been announced. Operators in the precinct have observed that many pedestrian movements through the mall are pass-through rather than destination visits, contributing to shorter dwell times.

Brisbane CBD mall expansion — *Photo Credit: Cross RIver Rail*

Complementary Projects Shaping the Brisbane CBD

The upgrade is supported by a pipeline of surrounding developments, including Griffith University’s conversion of the former Treasury Building into a new CBD campus and the rebranding of the Hilton Brisbane as an InterContinental hotel. Other nearby projects include ISPT’s planned redevelopment of the Wintergarden, Charter Hall’s proposal for the former St George Bank corner site, and ongoing revitalisation at Uptown.

Transport Improvements and Broader Network Changes

New travel patterns across the Brisbane CBD are emerging alongside the project. According to recent data, travel times between Queen Street and South Bank bus stations have become more than 40 per cent faster following network changes and the opening of the Adelaide Street tunnel, which reduced congestion on Victoria Bridge by 30 per cent. TransLink reports more than 23 million trips on the city’s new bus network since June.

Community Sentiment and Precinct Activity

Community and business interest remains centred on how the expanded mall will influence retail behaviour in the area. While the council highlights increasing pedestrian activity and lifestyle precinct growth, operators note that strong foot movement does not always translate into retail engagement.

The staged program, including new dining and activation areas, aims to encourage longer stays and support the public-realm transition around the future station plaza.

Next Steps

The Queen Street Mall expansion marks a significant phase in reshaping the Brisbane CBD. As construction continues into 2025 and further into 2026, the long-term performance of the precinct will depend on how future retail, hospitality and development projects fill emerging gaps and support ongoing activation.

The completed works are expected to strengthen the pedestrian link between Roma Street Parkland and the City Botanic Gardens once the Albert Street station opens.

Published 19-Nov-2025

Singaporean Group Acquires George Williams Hotel in Brisbane CBD

Photo Credit: George Hotel Brisbane

A Singaporean family’s investment arm has purchased the George Williams Hotel in Brisbane CBD, ending nearly three decades of ownership by YMCA Queensland.

Background and Earlier Ownership

The hotel stands at the corner of George and Turbot streets in Brisbane CBD. YMCA Queensland acquired the building in 1996 for $2.6 million and operated it as part of its hospitality portfolio, directing proceeds toward youth and community programs. Over the years, the organisation expanded its focus on affordable housing and community developments in areas with high demand.

Details of the Transaction in Brisbane CBD

The sale, announced in early November 2025, saw High Street Holdings, the investment arm of Singapore-based JD Properties, purchase the property for about $34–$34.2 million. CBRE Hotels’ Wayne Bunz and Hayley Manvell managed the off-market Expression of Interest campaign. The buyer entered exclusive negotiations eight days into the process, reflecting strong interest in centrally located hotel assets.

Hotel Features and Recent Upgrades

The eight-storey, four-star hotel contains 102 rooms on a 680 sqm freehold site. More than $1.2 million in refurbishments were recently completed, including upgrades to two guestroom floors. The property includes a leased restaurant, meeting facilities, and on-site parking. Its location is close to Queen Street Mall, the Queen’s Wharf Casino precinct, South Bank, and Roma Street Station.

Portfolio Growth and Planned Changes

High Street Holdings already holds several Australian hotels, including Rydges Perth Kings Square, Rydges North Sydney, and Kennigo Hotel Brisbane. The newly acquired property will undergo a repositioning program and has been rebranded as George Hotel Brisbane. The group views the hotel as a strategic addition to a tightly held market.

George Williams Hotel — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Market Interest and Sector Trends

The transaction follows increased competition for Brisbane hotel assets, including the recent sale of Soho Brisbane. Industry commentary notes that limited new hotel supply and strong underlying demand continue to attract interest from domestic and international investors. Market expectations have also been influenced by the city’s build-up toward the 2032 Olympics.

Outlook

With the rebranding underway, High Street Holdings plans to enhance the hotel’s operational performance and market presence. The purchase strengthens its expanding Australian portfolio and highlights continued interest in Brisbane’s hotel sector.

Published 18-Nov-2025

Green Square Leads Fortitude Valley in Parking Penalties

Green Square Close in Fortitude Valley has emerged as one of Brisbane’s most enforced parking zones, with 466 fines issued in the past year for no-stopping violations.

Read: Parking Loss from Bus Layover Zones in Fortitude Valley Triggers Backlash

These infringements are largely driven by automated parking monitoring cameras. The devices take photographs at 30 second intervals, making even brief stops in restricted areas detectable. This continuous surveillance complements the work of human parking inspectors.

Parking in marked no stopping zones at Green Square carries a fine of $333 under Brisbane’s current parking offence structure. Other zones, such as yellow edge lines and bus zones, are also closely policed.

The cameras at Green Square are part of Brisbane’s larger camera network. After a trial in 41 sites, about 200 such devices are now operational in Brisbane. The choice of location for these cameras was informed by data, with more than 44,000 reports of illegal parking helping identify streets where enforcement would make the most impact.

The high density of people, vehicles and businesses in the Green Square area drives demand for kerb side parking. The mix of residential buildings, commercial venues and entertainment spots makes legal parking both valuable and scarce. Some local drivers report difficulty finding a legal spot. At the same time, strict no stopping enforcement supports traffic flow and keeps access clear for nearby businesses.

Brisbane’s authorities have indicated they are open to relocating existing cameras or installing new ones based on enforcement data and feedback. The stated aim is not simply to penalise drivers, but to promote compliance, improve street safety and enhance accessibility.

Drivers in Fortitude Valley are being advised to familiarise themselves with road markings and parking signs. Even a very short stop in a restricted area could be captured by a camera. Green Square in particular appears to be under especially close watch.

Read: Data Dispute Prompts Brisbane Parking App Review

As Fortitude Valley continues to grow and evolve with more apartments, shops and nightlife, the city’s investment in parking detection technology at Green Square illustrates a broader push toward smarter, data led traffic management. High tech enforcement is being used to balance the competing needs of residents, businesses and commuters.

For motorists navigating the streets of Fortitude Valley, the safest approach is clear. Obey the lines, follow the signs and choose legal parking spots over taking risks. The costs of a fine are high and the cameras are always watching.

Published 17-November-2025

Car Park Commands $180,000 Premium in Fortitude Valley Apartment

Photo Credit: Place

A single car park has proven to be worth its weight in gold for apartment owners at a Fortitude Valley building, with two identical one-bedroom units selling 60 days apart for a staggering $180,000 difference.

The eye-opening price gap has emerged at 338 Water Street, where unit 1306 sold for $455,000 in July, while the virtually identical unit 1408 – differentiated only by the inclusion of a car space – fetched $635,000 in September.

Both properties share the same floor plan and were in comparable condition, highlighting just how valuable parking has become in Brisbane’s booming inner-city apartment market.

Local real estate agent Lachy Reid from Atlas Brisbane, who specialises in Fortitude Valley and Teneriffe, has sold multiple units in the building and reports that prices are climbing rapidly with properties moving within days.

“I’ve just sold a one-bedroom without a car space, on level nine, for $540,000,” Reid said. “Those apartments were transacting for $300,000 no more than two years ago, so the market is absolutely booming at the moment.”

The September sale of unit 1408 also represented a substantial capital gain for the vendor, who purchased the property for $370,000 just over two years earlier – a profit of $265,000.

Earlier this year, Reid sold a one-bedroom apartment on the top floor of the same building for $550,000. Just months later, he sold the identical unit 1408 on a lower level for $635,000 – an $85,000 jump despite being on a less desirable floor.

Brisbane’s property surge has propelled the city to become Australia’s second most expensive housing market for the first time on record, according to the September Domain House Price Report, overtaking Melbourne and Canberra.

Brisbane unit prices rose for the 18th successive quarter in a row, marking the city’s longest run of uninterrupted gains on record. The median unit price climbed 4.2 per cent in the September quarter to a record median of $715,451.

In Fortitude Valley specifically, the median property price for units currently sits at $550,000, with annual capital growth of 17.02 per cent. The suburb has yielded price growth of 31.4 per cent over five years.

First-home buyers are increasingly anxious about being priced out of the market, Reid said. “If they buy next year and, say, there’s another $100,000 rise, that’s money they’ve missed out on, so people are just jumping into the market.”

The sense of urgency has created fierce competition in Fortitude Valley, where some apartments are now selling before they’re even officially listed. Unit 1408 at 338 Water Street was only on the market for 24 hours before going under contract.

Reid said demand for one-bedroom units with car spaces in Brisbane has become so intense that many are being sold off-market. “Out of the last 10 transactions, I believe eight of those were off-market,” he said.

“In the last few weeks alone, I’ve had multiple offers from people who are first-home buyers saying, ‘If you can find me a one-bedroom with a car space, this is how much I’m prepared to give to you. I do not need to see the property to sign a contract.’ That is a growing trend.”

The phenomenon reflects broader shifts in Brisbane’s property landscape, where units have been outperforming houses, with apartment values surging 14.0 per cent annually compared to 10.2 per cent for houses.

For Fortitude Valley residents and property watchers, the message is clear: in today’s market, a car space isn’t just convenient – it’s a six-figure asset.

Published 14-November-2025

Moonlight Cinema Returns to Roma Street Parklands for 30th Season

Photo Credit: Moonlight Cinema

Moonlight Cinema is set to bring its 30th anniversary season to Roma Street Parklands, offering audiences the chance to help shape the program through an Australia-wide vote.

Celebrating Three Decades of Outdoor Films

Moonlight Cinema marks 30 years since its first screening in 1995, a milestone reached after entertaining more than five million attendees nationwide. The outdoor cinema continues to be part of the summer calendar across Australia.

The People’s Program: Audience Voting Now Open

As part of the 30th anniversary season, Moonlight Cinema has launched The People’s Program, allowing audiences to vote for the films they want screened later in the season. The top-voted titles will be shown from late January until the end of the program across locations including Sydney’s Centennial Parklands, Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens, Brisbane’s Roma Street Parklands, Perth’s Kings Park and Botanic Garden, and Adelaide’s Botanic Park.

Moviegoers can vote online and will receive a discount that applies specifically to The People’s Program sessions once the selected films are announced in January. Visitors can bring their own picnic setup or choose premium seating options such as Singapore Airlines Gold Grass or the Connoisseur Lounge. Voting closes on 15 December.

The initiative forms part of Moonlight Cinema’s 30th year, marking three decades of outdoor screenings enjoyed by audiences nationwide.

VOTE NOW

Roma Street Parklands Screening Schedule

The Roma Street Parklands program aligns with the national Moonlight Cinema season, which runs across Australian locations from 21 November 2025 to 5 April 2026.

The November schedule features four confirmed titles:

The Naked Gun on 26 November
Materialists on 27 November
Regretting You on 28 November
F1 The Movie on 29 November
How to Train Your Dragon on 30 November

Across December, the program includes a mix of new releases, festive films and returning favourites. Early December features titles such as Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Eternity, Jurassic World: Rebirth and Die Hard. The month continues with Christmas-themed screenings including The Holiday, Last Christmas, Love Actually, Home Alone, Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Nightmare Before Christmas and The Polar Express.

Late December brings more seasonal favourites, with additional showings of Home Alone, Love Actually and Home Alone 2 – Lost in New York. The final week of the month includes new family releases such as Zootopia 2 on 26 December, Wicked: For Good on 27 December and Moana 2 on 28 December.

VIEW FULL PROGRAM

Experience Options on Site

Moonlight Cinema will again offer on-site activations, food options and bars throughout the season. Premium seating upgrades include the Singapore Airlines Gold Grass section, featuring priority positioning, express entry and food and drink delivery. The Connoisseur Lounge provides a reserved bean bed and a Connoisseur Gourmet Ice Cream. General admission tickets remain available for those preferring to bring their own rugs and snacks.

Looking Ahead

Roma Street Parklands will continue hosting screenings as part of the national program through early 2026, with sessions shaped by audience votes and scheduled releases.

Published 13-Nov-2025

Former Bank Turns Into a University of Queensland Campus

Photo Credit: BVN

The University of Queensland has breathed new life into one of Brisbane CBD’s most distinguished heritage buildings, transforming the state-listed former bank at 308 Queen Street into a contemporary campus for postgraduate students and alumni.

The university purchased the 19th-century banking chambers and its adjoining tower at 88 Creek Street in 2019, establishing UQ’s first official city campus. The adaptive reuse project preserves the building’s grand architectural heritage while creating flexible, modern learning environments.

According to the project architects BVN, the campus comprises three distinct types of spaces: teaching suites, creative suites, and engagement areas designed to accommodate everything from individual study to large-scale industry events.UQ Brisbane City — BVN

The ground floor atrium serves as the campus heart, featuring two key areas. The Long Room provides space for independent and collaborative work, while the Main Lounge offers a premium environment for networking and events. The restored marble floors and reinstated glass dome ceiling with bronze structure create an impressive setting for the university community.

Jennifer Karlson, Vice President of Advancement and Community Engagement at UQ, described the project as “more than a building” but rather “a living legacy” that blends tradition, innovation and community engagement.

Historic rooms surrounding the dome across two floors now function as creative suites for postgraduate students from the architecture and business schools. The larger floor plates in the modern tower annex accommodate adaptable teaching suites with retractable whiteboards that preserve natural light and views when not in use.

The restoration work, undertaken with heritage consultant Architectus Conrad Gargett, took a minimal-interference approach. An underfloor services network delivers power, data, air conditioning and audiovisual capabilities without compromising the heritage fabric. Original fireplaces, windows, doors and plasterwork were carefully restored, with new bronze and brass insertions introduced for modern services.

The design incorporates references to the site’s Indigenous history. Hoop pines, known as Araucaria cunninghamii, once towered over this location. The interior design echoes these lost giants through pinecone patterns cast in perforated brass light fittings. Staircase rugs feature artwork by First Nations artist Tamika Grant-Iramu, while custom carpets throughout the creative suites reference local flora.

BVN principal Brian Donovan said the campus is “genuinely being used as another communal space in the city” by diverse groups, which he considers a measure of success.

The project received recognition from the Australian Institute of Architects, with the jury citation praising the “seamless marriage of modernity and heritage” that enriches UQ’s reputation for innovation while setting new standards for academic environments.

The campus now serves postgraduate students while providing a central hub for UQ’s alumni network, creating what the university describes as “a new forum of exchange” bringing together students, graduates and industry professionals in Brisbane’s CBD.

Published 12-November-2025

‘Luxury’ by Kim Wilson Brings Nature’s Delicate Balance to Mitchell Fine Art

Brisbane artist Kim Wilson returns to Mitchell Fine Art in Fortitude Valley this November with her second solo exhibition, Luxury. Running from 18 November to 12 December 2025, the exhibition celebrates the beauty of nature while reflecting on its fragility and the looming threat of ecological decline.

Read: Spring Hill Welcomes Brisbane’s First Ricoh GR Space for Photographers and Art Lovers

Through her combination of realism and surrealism, Wilson draws attention to the complex relationship between humans and the natural world. The gallery describes Luxury as a series that calls attention to this fraught relationship, reminding audiences of the responsibility we all share to protect the only planet we have.

Rather than painting sweeping landscapes, Kim Wilson focuses on intimate details. She depicts nature through richly detailed and closely observed glimpses instead of panoramic scenes, showing what she calls the “quiet mess of details” that are often overlooked. Her work blurs the line between what is “known nature” and “felt nature”, suggesting both what nature looks like and how it feels.

The exhibition explores the tension between human beauty and human destructiveness. Wilson’s paintings heighten awareness by unsettling the familiar, hinting at the fragility of what we see, and providing an emotional intensity that strict realism alone might not convey.

Much of the inspiration for Luxury comes from Wilson’s extensive travels to some of the most remote regions of the world. Her experiences include journeys through northern Russia, the sub-Antarctic Islands, Africa, the USA, Canada, and small island nations across the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. These travels continue to influence her practice and deepen her exploration of nature’s contrasts.

Wilson’s art invites viewers to look closely, to appreciate nature’s beauty both large and small, and to recognise the importance of caring for the planet. It reflects a belief that protecting the environment is not optional, but essential to our survival.

Read: Brisbane to Host Global Premiere of The Art of Banksy: Chapter 2

An exhibition opening will be held on Friday 21 November from 6 to 8 pm at Mitchell Fine Art, located at 86 Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley. The event is free and open to the public, with no RSVP required. The gallery is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, with onsite parking available.

Published 10-November-2025

Fortitude Valley Pool to Host Global Swimming Showcase

Photo Credit: Australian Dolphins Swim Team/Facebook

An international swimming showcase will unfold at The Valley Pool in Fortitude Valley, where Australia’s leading swimmers will compete against some of the world’s top champions in a new fast-paced event format.

New Global Swimming Event Comes to Fortitude Valley

Swimming Australia has confirmed the launch of Australia vs The World, an international competition that will take place at The Valley Pool in Fortitude Valley on 12 December 2025. The event forms part of a broader strategy to host more high-profile domestic meets in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

The showcase will feature Australia’s Dolphins, including world and Olympic champions Kaylee McKeown, Cam McEvoy and Mollie O’Callaghan, racing against global stars such as Great Britain’s Duncan Scott, Italy’s Thomas Ceccon and the Netherlands’ Marrit Steenbergen.

*Photo Credit: Australian Dolphins Swim Team/Facebook*

Building Momentum Toward Brisbane 2032

The Fortitude Valley meet represents the first in a new series designed to strengthen the profile of Australian swimming and create more opportunities for athletes to compete on home soil. It also aims to connect elite swimmers with local communities, bringing the excitement of international racing closer to fans.

Short-Distance Racing Brings a New Edge to the Pool

A key feature of the event will be the introduction of 25-metre races — a world-first initiative following the success of a trial at the Australian Short Course Championships in Melbourne. During that test event, McEvoy recorded an unofficial 9.36-second time over the distance, highlighting the potential for shorter, more dynamic race formats.

Swimming Australia has positioned this new approach as a way to modernise the sport, making it more entertaining and accessible for audiences both at the venue and through live broadcast.

Fans to Experience Swimming Up Close at The Valley Pool

The Australia vs The World meet will deliver a fan-focused experience built around close racing and crowd interaction. With limited seating available, general admission tickets sold out shortly after release, though some resale options remain accessible through Ticketek Marketplace.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m., with gates and box office opening from 5:30 p.m. The competition will be broadcast live and free on Nine and 9Now, allowing nationwide viewing.

Fortitude Valley Pool — *Photo Credit: Australian Dolphins Swim Team/Facebook*

Top Australian and International Athletes on the Blocks

The athlete roster features a mix of established and emerging swimmers. The Australian line-up includes McKeown, O’Callaghan, McEvoy, Sam Short, Matt Temple and Elijah Winnington. International representatives include Ceccon, Scott, Isabel Gose, Lukas Martens and Steenbergen.

The meet will serve as both a showcase of current stars and a preview of potential future Olympians, reflecting Swimming Australia’s effort to develop a stronger domestic presence for world-class competition.

Fortitude Valley Takes Centre Stage in Swimming Innovation

Australia vs The World marks a significant step for Swimming Australia’s event strategy, positioning Fortitude Valley as a hub for innovation in the sport. Combining elite competition with a new entertainment-driven format, the meet signals the start of a new era for Australian swimming ahead of Brisbane 2032.

Published 6-Nov-2025

National Pizza Award Win for Italia Lane in Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: DavidCrisafulliMP/Facebook

Italia Lane has been recognised as Australia’s Best Pizza Restaurant for 2025, with the Fortitude Valley venue receiving the national title at the Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence.

National Recognition for Italia Lane

Italia Lane earned two major national honours at the 2025 Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence, receiving the Best Pizza Restaurant title and the Casual Dining of the Year award. Earlier in 2025, the venue secured both categories for South East Queensland, reinforcing its standing as a leading modern Italian dining destination.

Italia Lane Fortitude Valley — *Photo Credit: DavidCrisafulliMP/Facebook*

Background and Earlier Achievements

The regional awards earlier in the year established the foundation for Italia Lane’s national recognition. Its South East Queensland wins for Best Casual Dining Restaurant and Best Pizza Restaurant were key milestones contributing to its broader success.

Modern Italian Dining in Fortitude Valley

Italia Lane identifies itself as a modern Italian restaurant combining traditional flavours with contemporary culinary techniques. Executive Chef Rino Avellini, originally from Rome, leads the menu with a focus on refined interpretations of classic Italian dishes.

Fortitude Valley dining — *Photo Credit: DavidCrisafulliMP/Facebook*

Cuisine and Signature Offerings

The restaurant highlights hand-stretched dough as a core element of its pizza, along with additional techniques that remain part of its internal culinary approach. The venue also offers a bottomless brunch featuring unlimited pizza, classic entrées, and selected beverages.

Brisbane restaurants — *Photo Credit: DavidCrisafulliMP/Facebook*

Community Interest and Local Dining Landscape

The national awards contribute to Brisbane’s growing profile within Australia’s dining scene. Interest in Italia Lane continues to centre on its modern Italian style and its position within Fortitude Valley’s hospitality precinct.

Ongoing Direction

With recognition at both regional and national levels in 2025, Italia Lane continues to develop its blend of Italian tradition and contemporary dining, maintaining its role as a prominent venue in Fortitude Valley.

Published 4-Nov-2025

Inside Above: The New Rooftop Bar Bringing Middle Eastern Flavours to Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: Ovolo Hotels/Facebook

A new chapter in Brisbane’s rooftop dining scene has arrived at Ovolo The Valley, where an intimate new bar called Above is giving locals a taste of the Mediterranean sky.

A Fresh Space for Brisbane Nights

Perched on the hotel’s seventh-floor terrace in Fortitude Valley, the venue blends relaxed poolside charm with refined Middle Eastern-inspired flavours, marking a fresh addition to the city’s growing love for elevated, open-air experiences.

Opened in late October 2025, Above transformed the hotel’s former pool and gym into a 60-seat rooftop venue for up to 120 guests. Designed by BSPN Architecture, it features rattan furniture, stone textures, greenery, and soft lighting. The open terrace overlooks Wickham Street and the Brisbane skyline, offering a calm escape in the city’s centre. By night, it shifts from a relaxed lounge to a lively spot with live entertainment four nights a week.

From Beirut to Brisbane: A Menu of Shared Flavours

The food is led by celebrated consulting chef Justin North and head chef Kya Knights. Their menu draws inspiration from both Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines while keeping it light and shareable.

Dishes include spiced lamb koftas, charred prawns with toum, burrata with sumac dukkah, and halloumi sliders paired with za’atar fries. The focus is on blending coastal freshness with bold, aromatic flavours suited to Brisbane’s subtropical evenings.

North’s long partnership with Ovolo brings consistency to the venue’s broader dining philosophy, which often leans into global comfort food served in relaxed yet design-driven environments. The menu at Above continues that approach, offering a small but carefully balanced range meant for easy sharing among friends.

Cocktails With Local Character

The drinks list was curated by award-winning bartender Jake Down, known for his inventive approach to classic cocktails. His menu features both traditional favourites and new creations inspired by Levantine ingredients such as pistachio, saffron, rose water, lemon myrtle, and desert lime. Signatures include the Mirage, a refreshing mix of Belvedere vodka, passionfruit, rose water, and desert lime soda.

A concise wine list of 30 bottles complements the cocktail offerings, with most available by the glass. Beer lovers can choose from Balter XPA and Asahi on tap. The bar also offers frozen Negronis and Margaritas, adding a playful edge to the warm-weather experience.

A Community Spot With Flexible Style

Ovolo The Valley’s rooftop bar is designed to fit Brisbane’s casual but stylish rhythm. Its dress code welcomes everything from pool attire to evening wear, encouraging guests to drop by straight from work or after a day in the city. The venue operates Wednesday to Sunday, with longer hours on Fridays and Saturdays.

By replacing the old pool facilities with a vibrant social space, the hotel has created more than a bar. It has added a new local hangout where residents, hotel guests, and weekend visitors can meet for sunset drinks, shared plates, and music above the Valley’s lively streets.

Published 31-October-2025