SITE PARTNER:

Best Things to do in Hawthorne

Updated: Mar 24, 2026

The leafy charming riverside suburb of Hawthorne has a tree-lined street running through the middle with a smattering of cafes, restaurants, parkland, and a state-of-the-art cinema. Here's 10+ of the best things to do in this eastside gem:

Cartel del Taco

Cartel Del Taco brings an authentic taste of Mexico City to Brisbane with traditional tacos, tequila cocktails and more

The Chemistry Of Coffee

Taking coffee to a whole new level, this Hawthorne based café is serving all sorts of unique drinks that look like science experiments

Sweet Tooth Gelato & Desserts

Sweet Tooth Gelato & Desserts is a cute candy pink-walled gelato and dessert bar in the leafy eastern suburb

Hawthorne Cinemas

One of a few historical Brisbane movie theatres still in operation, the Hawthorne Cinemas started life as The Roxy in 1922

Downtown Istanbul

Downtown Istanbul is a cool contemporary Turkish restaurant on a leafy corner of a lively little dining precinct

Fish Boy

A slick contemporary fish'n'chippery in the inner-eastern suburb of Hawthorne sharing a premise with a dessert shop

Hawthorne Garage

This fantastic gourmet deli, providore and fresh food market inhabits a century-old garage on Hawthorne's leafy main street

Microlot Coffee House

Microlot Coffee House in Hawthorne is a charming, specialty coffee café offering filtered, single origin and a house blend

Hawthorne Deluxe Cinema

Hawthorne Deluxe Cinema is the glamorous 21st century sibling to the historic Hawthorne Cinema across the road

View of interior of Marinara Trattoria Hawthorne

The cosy trattoria is a traditional slice of Italy nestled on Hawthorne Road, where locals descend for their fix of pasta and pizzas

Livvi's Place

This fully fenced playground is a haven for young children and resembles a big top circus with its strikingly coloured sails

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

Spring into Paradise Resort

A Gold Coast escape is calling at Paradise Resort

Until Sep 17, 2027

MS Moonlight Walk

Brisbane’s annual lantern-lit moonlight walk to fight MS

Oct 10

Ladbrokes Spring Racing Carnival 2026

Ladbrokes Spring Racing Carnival 2026 is bringing colour, fashion and plenty of trackside fun from 10 Oct to 14 Nov

Oct 10 - Nov 14

Plantapalooza Plant Festival

The Plantapalooza plant festival returns to the Saturday Fresh Market

Oct 10

Brisbane Celtic Festival

Brisbane Celtic Festival is a lively celebration of Celtic culture,

Oct 11

Cinematic: The Wonder of Animation

Experience the most beloved animated movie soundtracks

Oct 23-24

Horror Movie Campout

Horror Movie Campout is a full-on immersive overnight horror camping experience

Oct 24-25

Ladies standing in an art studio looking at art

Sandgate Art Society Creative Trail

Discover this northside art trail over two art-filled weekends

Oct 24-25, 30 & Oct 31 - Nov 1

2026 Let’s Go Explore Caravan and RV Expo

The 2026 Let’s Go Explore Caravan and RV Expo is rolling back into Brisbane

Oct 29 - Nov 1

Botanic By Night: NightGlow

A spectacular after-dark experience has transformed Brisbane's Botanic Gardens into an illuminated wonderland of native wildlife

Botanic By Night: NightGlow

MUST DO

The Book of Mormon

Brisbane, the Mormons are back! The Tony®, Olivier® and Grammy® Award-winning The Book of Mormon is now playing at QPAC

The Book of Mormon

THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do Oct 2-4

A massive Jim Henson exhibition, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, Anastasia The Musical, a lantern-lit trail and endless school holiday fun! Here are the top things to do in Brisbane and beyond this weekend:

This Weekend Oct 2-4

COMING UP

What's on in November in & around Brisbane

From Spring Carnival racing and Melbourne Cup events to Supanova Comic-Con, blockbuster theatre, world-first exhibitions and adults-only arts and crafts parties, what's on in November

What's On in November 2026

THE GUIDE

September School Holiday Guide

Spring into the September school holidays with these fantastic activities, shows and events in and around Brisbane

September School Holidays 2026

MUSIC

Art of the Score: The Music of Joe Hisaishi

Experience Joe Hisaishi’s iconic Studio Ghibli music live with Queensland Symphony Orchestra in Brisbane

Art of the Score: The Music of Joe Hisaishi

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

A brand-new Nutcracker is coming to Brisbane

WIN a transformative escape to Eden Retreat valued at $8,000!

Enter here

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

Enter here