Best Things to do in Annerley

The historic southside suburb of Annerley, made famous by Hugh Lunn with his popular Over the Top With Jim books (his parents bakery Lunns for Buns is today the Southside Antique Centre), is one of the coolest places to live this side of the river. With colonial stores turned funky cafes, retro arcades, a fabulous indoor market, cat cafe, vintage and op shops, fantastic Vietnamese eateries, a heritage-listed library and even a cafe with its own doggie playground, there are plenty of good reasons to check out this suburb - here are 20 of the best:

Billykart Kitchen

Billykart Kitchen is a buzzy neighbourhood cafe housed in an old general store in a quiet suburban crescent

The crew from Dudley Street Espresso have opened a new caffeine pit stop in the retro Annerley Arcade

Annerley adds another notch to its foodie belt with hidden gem Snag and Brown Café, a foodie destination that is also child and dog friendly

Pho Queue in Annerley is Brisbane’s first restaurant dedicated to Vietnamese soups and Asian desserts

Vintage Collective is a tiny treasure trove of curated vintage pieces and nearly-new designer items tucked away inside Annerley Arcade

This pocket-sized pasticceria provides a scrumptious selection of traditional Italian desserts

Red Lotus Vietnamese Chargrill Restaurant is a local gem found in Chardon's Corner in Annerley.

Southside Antiques in Annerley is one of Brisbane's largest antique centres spread over two massive levels

Cafe O Mai is a unique little gem of a Vietnamese cafe which occupies an historic corner shop

Little Clive is a welcome addition to Annerley, attracting foodies far and wide with a top-notch seasonal menu

One of Brisbane's coolest cafes is Paper Moon providing expertly-brewed coffee and delicious vegan fare in an old colonial store

Butcher waving behind counter covred in foreign bank notes inside Annerley Meats in Brisbane.

Every day feels like St Patrick’s day in the shop of this uber friendly Irish butcher

Vintage clothes and shoes inside Vintage Revival in Annerley

This no-frills emporium style Lifeline outlet is the largest of Annerley’s vintage shops

This unique indoor maker's marketplace features 120 popup shops including local art, fashion, homewares, kids wares, decor and pet products, plus an onsite pet friendly cafe

Lucky Cat Café is Brisbane’s favourite café for coffee and cat cuddles

Man reading comic book inside Fats Comics & Collectables in Annerley

Little retro gem of a shop with its stash of comics from the ’40s on as well as classic cars, games and action figure dolls.

Whilst this 4km return ride is low on scenery it is nonetheless a flat and safe pathway interspersed with a couple of inviting playgrounds and easily doable by younger children or less experienced riders.

Designed in 1956, Annerley Library is a surviving example of a purpose-built library designed by Brisbane City Council’s distinguished architect, James Birrell

Annerley Army Reserve Depot warehouse building on Dudley St in Annerley

This pair of army drill halls (and their parade ground), dating from 1914 and 1954 respectively are a rare surviving and intact pair from totally different eras.

Annerley is also renowned for its vintage shopping and op shops. As well as the those listed above there is also Vinnie's Annerley, Yesterday's Thrift Shop and Save the Children Op Shop.

Image credit: Annerley Municipal Library courtesy of Brisbane City Council Heritage Places Brisbane.

Looking to discover more hidden gems of Brisbane, check out our Guide to Brisbane Suburbs HERE! Happy exploring!

Top Things To Do In Brisbane This Week

Farm Gate to City Door Twilight Market

The Breakfast Creek Lifestyle Precinct will transform into a twinkling wonderland

Dec 8

Joy To The World at White Christmas

Experience a dazzling Christmas spectacular at Movie World

Dec 8-23

Jurassic World by Brickman

The largest LEGO® brick exhibition in Australia!

Dec 8-Jul 14

Christmas Lights

Christmas Lights are back at Government House this year

Dec 9-14

QAGOMA Christmas Design Market

Brisbane’s best local independent makers and their handmade goods

Dec 9-10

City of Logan Christmas Carols

Get into the festive spirit at City of Logan Christmas Carols

Dec 9

Handel's Messiah

Embrace the true spirit of Christmas with Handel's Messiah

Dec 9-10

Oddities & Curiosities Expo

For lovers of the strange, unusual and bizarre

Dec 9-10

Flamenco Vivo

Be transported to Spain with this vibrant & passionate performance

Dec 10

Christmas Gift Guide 2023

When it comes to finding unique Christmas gifts, this guide has it covered, from personalised plates and must-do experiences to tickets to must-see shows

Christmas Gift Guide 2023

MUST DO

Christmas on Eat Street

Eat Street Northshore is getting into the spirit of Christmas this month with heaps of fun for the entire family

Christmas On Eat Street

FREE

City of Logan Christmas Carols

Get into the festive spirit at the City of Logan Christmas Carols, and celebrate the magic and joy of the holiday season

City of Logan Christmas Carols

THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do Dec 8-10

From Christmas at South Bank, twilight Xmas markets, opera and a curiosity expo to a new bakery cafe, the top things to do around Brisbane this weekend

This Weekend Dec 8-10

HOT TICKET

Sneakers Unboxed: Studio to Street

First unveiled by The Design Museum, London, the stunning exhibition is showing exclusively at contemporary cultural precinct HOTA

Sneakers Unboxed: Studio to Street

COMING UP

What's on in December in & around Brisbane

From concerts, Christmas shows and markets to festive dining and blockbuster summer exhibitions, what's on in December 2023 in and around Brisbane

What's On in December 2023 around Brisbane

KIDS

December School Holiday Guide

Looking for fun things to do with the kids this December? From Christmas putt putt and nocturnal wildlife tours to fantastic kids shows & activities

December School Holiday Guide 2023

MUST SEE

Government House Christmas Lights

Christmas Lights are back on at Government House with a spectacular display that is open to the public nightly for free

Government House Christmas Lights

COMING UP

Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo & Showjumping

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Gold Coast, enjoy a sensational day of equestrian excellence and family-friendly festivities

Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo & Showjumping

ESCAPE

The Brooklet

Experience the ultimate in luxury at the newest boutique accommodation in the Byron Bay Hinterland

The Brooklet

FESTIVE FUN

Christmas Putt Putt

Get into the festive spirit with the whole family at Victoria Park's special Christmas-themed Putt Putt course

Christmas Putt Putt

HOLIDAY SHOW

The Smeds and the Smoos

Soar into space these school holidays with this joyful tale of star-crossed aliens, based on the award-winning picture book

The Smeds and the Smoos

MUST SEE

The Sleeping Beauty

Enter the magical world of Ballet Theatre Queensland’s new production of The Sleeping Beauty in January

The Sleeping Beauty

MUST GO

Bluesfest 2024

Marking its 35th anniversary with a five-day celebration of music, community and good vibes, headlined by Tom Jones & Jack Johnson

Bluesfest 2024

Be transported to Spain for a night