SITE PARTNER:

Best Things to do in Ascot

Updated: Jan 30, 2026

The gracious inner northside suburb of Ascot features tree-lined streets of beautifully preserved grand Queenslanders, Brisbane's oldest heritage-listed racecourse, historic old world parks and railway station and a bounty of cafes and restaurants, as well as cake & donut shops along its main avenue, Racecourse Rd.

Here are 12 of the best places to eat, drink and visit in the upmarket old world suburb.

Taro's Ramen

Taro’s Ramen is an authentic slice of Japan on Ascot’s Racecourse Rd, owned and run by chef Taro

Vlume 133

A charming and chic tapas bar offering top notch service and food, occupying a white Queenslander cottage

Ascot Park

This colourful playground and heritage parkland features a 1930s bandstand rotunda with adjacent BBQ facilities

Verandah On Racecourse

Verandah on Racecourse feels much like a corner of Saigon with its wide, timber deck, plenty of greenery and all the flavors of Vietnam.

Swalk Cafe

The food and drinks at Ascot's Swalk Cafe are indeed "sealed with a loving kiss" - to quote the World War II postal acronym,

Vito's Cucina & Bar

Vito's Cucina & Bar is an al fresco breakfast, lunch and dinner venue filled with greenery and a cheerful vibe, serving modern Italian cuisine

5 Boroughs

5 Boroughs eatery and garden bar brings a taste of New York and good all day casual dining to an historic building

Oriel Park

This picturesque long-established park is heavily shaded with figs, jacarandas and poinciettas and features Federation era picnic rotundas and a bamboo grove

Bright & Early Books

Bright & Early Books is a beautiful, independent bookstore that specialises in children's books and early childhood literacy

Dicki's

Dicki's is a plant-based cafe on a corner of Ascot's leafy Racecourse Rd, a sibling for its first vegan cafe in New Farm

Ascot Railway Station

As a quaintly suitable accessory for the nearby historical race grounds, Racecourse (later Ascot) Railway Station was purpose built to bring in the crowds to the popular horse races.

Eagle Farm Racecourse

Horseracing in Brisbane had its roots in the early settlement with the first settlers keen followers and punters, with the Queensland Turf Club being established in 1865.

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

No One Gets Out Of Here Alive - Brisbane Festival

The Farm company brings No One Gets Out of Here Alive to the Talbot Theatre

Sep 9-12

Viva La Voce

Catch Brisbane’s next generation of opera stars at Viva La Voce

Sep 10 - 12

Brisbane Festival - Tiri Te Araroa Woman Far Walking

Tiri: Te Araroa Woman Far Walking - Brisbane Festival

The new adaptation of the tale of Tiri Mahana, Tiri: Te Araroa Woman Far Walking, comes to the Brisbane Powerhouse

Sep 10-13

Laidley Spring Festival

The Laidley Spring Festival showcases a weekend of family-friendly fun.

Sep 11-13

Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of the Jim Henson Company

An exhibition exploring The Jim Henson Company will show at GOMA

Sep 12 - Apr 18

BBX2026 LEGO® Fan Expo

BBX2026 brings Brisbane's biggest LEGO® fan event back this September

Sep 12-13

Make Believe Magic-Labyrinth-Program Screened to be Believed The Jim Henson Company

‘Make, Believe, Magic’ Cinema programs

Experience your favourite Jim Henson characters on the big screen

From Sep 12

Century Pools Family Raceday

The annual Century Pools Family Raceday is back

Sep 12

SWELL Sculpture Festival

Queensland's largest outdoor sculpture exhibition is back

Sep 11-20

FLAME BBQ & Music Festival

FLAME BBQ & Music Festival has something for everyone, from delicious BBQ fare and live music to fun rides and kids' activities

Flame BBQ & Music Festival

MUST DO

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers returns this spring with stunning blooms, delicious food and endless family fun

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do Sep 4-6

Riverfire lights up the Brisbane skyline, Brisbane Festival kicks off, Father’s Day celebrations, a family-friendly raceday and Haigh’s Chocolates opens its first Brisbane boutique

This Weekend Sep 4-6

COMING UP

What's On in October In & Around Brisbane

From beloved musicals, unique exhibitions and live shows to Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers events, cinema programs and culinary experiences, the top things to do in and around Brisbane in October

What's on in October

FAMILY FUN

Century Pools Family Raceday Doomben Racecourse

The annual Century Pools Family Raceday is back with a jam-packed day of live racing, free family entertainment and plenty of Wiggles-inspired fun

Century Pools Family Raceday Doomben Racecourse

FATHER'S DAY

Father's Day at Walkabout Creek

Escape to the bush this Father’s Day and treat Dad to a delicious buffet breakfast or lunch at Walkabout Creek Cafe

Father's Day at Walkabout Creek

HOT TICKET

A GILBERT & SULLIVAN CONCERT EVENT

Six of Australia’s finest voices are joined on stage by a 19-piece orchestra and all your favourite Gilbert & Sullivan classics

A GILBERT & SULLIVAN CONCERT EVENT

FATHER'S DAY GUIDE

Father's Day 2026

From a buffet breakfast in the bush to waterfront lunches and family fun at a winery here's some great ideas to celebrate Father's Day

Father's Day 2026

BEST OF BRISBANE

50+ Best Restaurants in Brisbane

Looking for the best restaurants in Brisbane? Then check out this guide for the must-do dining experiences from the city to the suburbs

Best Restaurants in Brisbane

Best Of Brisbane

Brisbane's Best 50 Bars

Whether you're after breezy drinks by the river, a stiff whiskey in an underground bar, a cosy laneway hideaway or a rooftop with views, here's 50 of Brisbane's best bars

Best Bars in Brisbane

Gilbert & Sullivan Classics Take Centre Stage at QPAC

WIN the ultimate pub day out with $1,000 to spend at Goldie's Tavern

Enter here

WIN a 2-Night Stay over New Year's at BIG4 Gold Coast valued at $1300

Enter here