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Best Things to do in New Farm

Mary Mae New Farm

Updated: Aug 16, 2026

The historic inner city suburb of New Farm with its expansive river frontage, iconic park, indie arts hub the Brisbane Powerhouse and village lifestyle, is a mecca of fantastic things to do.

From arts and culture to shops, walks, parks and cafes, here are some of the neighbourhood gems you need to discover:

Brisbane Powerhouse

Entrance and sign to the Visy Theatre in the Brisbane Powerhouse.

It’s hard to find a more iconic venue than Brisbane Powerhouse. Spend a night or relaxing Sunday afternoon at Brisbane’s premier arts venue indulging in the spectacle of the weird and wonderful

New Farm Park

The city’s grandest century old park, a sprawling 15 has space, is the green heart of the inner city, with rose gardens, rotunda, massive fig tree playground and more

Exterior corner view of The Junk Bar New Farm

The Junk Bar is a swoon-worthy, retro drinking den and live music bar in a landmark historic building in New Farm

Looking inside front window at New Farm Deli

Since 1975, this sliver of Italy in New Farm has kept locals supplied with their fix of cheese, cured meats, and more

Romancing the Novel

Exterior of Romancing the Novel

Romancing The Novel is a gorgeous romance-only bookstore tucked away in an historic ex-corner store in New Farm

The Flower Precinct

Store interior

A dreamy florist café where beautiful blooms meet standout pistachio drinks and sunny garden vibes.

People at picnic tables Officer's Mess New Farm

Officers Mess is an all-day riverfront diner located in a former naval base dating back to 1943

Exterior of Dicki’s New Farm

Dicki’s in New Farm is changing the concept of veganism, creating the most delicious plant-based dishes that appeal to everyone

Hero for Luna Gelato

Luna Gelato in New Farm is a funky, hole-in-the-wall spot open late, serving a rotating selection of ever-changing gelato flavours.

This and That Cafe

Outside of This and That

Tucked away in a quaint Queenslander, This and That Café in New Farm serves up great coffee and classic brunch favourites.

Ground Alchemy & Plantarium

Exterior of Ground Alchemy & Plantarium, New Farm

A charming, specialty coffee cafe in New farm offering organic, plant-based fare along with vintage wares & potted plants

Outside seating with riverview at Mary Mae's New Farm

Mary Mae's is a sprawling New Orleans-inspired riverside bar restaurant on the ground floor of the Brisbane Powerhouse

New Farm Editions

New Farm Editions shop front with books and gifts in window.

In the heart of Merthyr Village lies this one stop emporium for books, gifts, trinkets, kids stuff and lovely things for the home

Grape and Grazing

Exterior of Grape & Grazing New Farm

Grape and Grazing is a boutique deli, providore, wine and cheese bar that also sells beautiful unique picnic wares in New Farm

The Thistle - New Farm

Tucked away on the leafy backstreets of New Farm, The Thistle is a charming corner cafe.

New Farm Cinemas

Screen at New Farm Cinemas

The iconic Village Twin Cinema, renamed New Farm Cinemas, features the famous Purple Room in fully restored glory

Outside The Box

Shop front Outside The Box, New Farm

Looking for Brisbane’s quirkiest hangout spot? Say hello to Outside The Box, the colourful shop, gallery and gluten-free café

Exterior of RSPCA Op Shop, New Farm

Located in one of Brisbane's well-heeled suburbs, this op shop has a great selection of designer brands when it comes to fashion

Exterior of Hey Mr Cafe, New Farm

Hey Mr. is a buzzy neighbourhood cafe in New Farm housed in a historic corner store dishing up delicious all-day brunch fare

End Of The Road Coffee

Exterior of The End of the Road Coffee

Located at the end of Brunswick St is this cosy cafe with views overlooking the Brisbane River and New Farm Park

À la Bonne Franquette

Shelves of products inside A La Bonne Franquette

À la Bonne Franquette is a French deli and takeaway spot located on Brunswick Street in New Farm

Counter inside Franc, New Farm

A French-inspired patisserie cafe in the heart of New Farm offering fresh croissants, pastries, baguettes, gelati and more

Johnny Gio’s Pizza

Outside of Johnny Gio's Pizza

Johnny Gio’s Pizza in New Farm is the go-to spot for takeaway pizzas crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Interior of Heal House New Farm

Heal House is a magnificent historic Queenslander with just three luxury suites tucked away in a quiet New Farm Street

Spicers Balfour Hotel

Exterior Spicers Balfour Hotel

Spicers Balfour is a traditional Queenslander converted into a sublime guest hotel that is in a class of its own

Double Shot Panini Cafe

People seated under umbrellas at Double Shot Panini New Farm

The best things are almost always found in out of the way places and no more so than Double Shot Espresso

Edwina Corlette Gallery

Inside Edwina Corlette Gallery New Farm

This gallery is one of Brisbane’s leading art spaces, showcasing the best of contemporary Australian art

Powerhouse Farmers Market

View of Powerhouse Farmers Markets New Farm

These markets, with the imposing backdrop of the old power station, are a Brisbane foodie's paradise

Rotunda in New Farm Park

This walk of around an hour and a half to two hours, depending on stops, begins at New Farm CityCat Terminal

Merthyr Bowls Club

People palying bowls on lawns of Merthyr Bowls Club in New Farm

Merthyr Bowls Club is arguably the pick of venues for a weekend game of barefoot bowls

Diner sitting on Bar Alto's balcony looking over Brisbane River

Bar Alto's wide balcony, surrounded by the cool river air on a summer night, is the perfect spot to unwind and shake off the day

New Farm Curry House

Interior seating at New Farm Curry House

Be transported through India and Nepal at New Farm Curry House, offering authentic cuisine from curries to momos

New Farm To Teneriffe

Merthyr Park New Farm

This leafy riverside trail includes the option for a meander through splendid New Farm Park

Blue Bear Coffeehouse

Exterior of Blue Bear Coffeehouse, New Farm

Blue Bear Coffeehouse is a charming, folksy cafe bar found on a leafy New Farm street corner serving delicious food

Exterior of Common Vice New Farm

Common Vice is a laid-back neighbourhood eatery and bar on a leafy New Farm corner, a short stroll from Brisbane Powerhouse

Edward Lodge Guest House

Double bed inside Edward Lodge in Brisbane's New Farm

Nestled in a leafy enclave, this character low-rise hotel with tranquil garden occupies a converted block of inter-war flats

The Continental Cafe

Inside dining area of the Continental cafe in New Farm

This charming corner brasserie has been a constant crowd pleaser since opening over two decades ago

Couple sitting at Vertigo

Brisbane's first vertical restaurant situated four storeys above ground has just opened, offering a unique, thrilling dining experience

Powerhouse Dog Park

Dog running near entrance of Powerhouse Dog Park in New Farm

Urban dogs and their owners love this oval of space flanked by the Powerhouse, the river and Cutters Landing Boardwalk

The Brunswick Hotel

Exterior of The Brunswick Hotel

Grand old dame of New Farm, The Brunswick Hotel has ushered in a new era as a gastro pub, garden bar and lounge bar

Edito

Doorway and shop windows of Edito New Farm

A unique fashion boutique offering a curated range of quality fashion labels from Australia and overseas

more

Koya Teppanyaki

Chef cooking at Koya Teppanyaki

The cosy and lively Teppanyaki bar and a la carte Japanese restauant is helmed by a chef who hails from Kabuki Teppanyaki

more

Miss Midgeley's

Miss Midgeley's view from street

An historic 160-year-old stone house has been transformed into chic, luxury self contained lodgings on James Street

more

Cartel Del Taco

Exterior of Cartel Del Taco New Farm

Cartel Del Taco is an 1980s inspired taqueria and bar bringing an authentic taste of Mexican street food and cocktails to New Farm

Bobby's Wine Bar & Espresso

Outside seating area of Bobby's Wine Bar & Espresso

Bobby’s Wine Bar & Espresso is New Farm’s charming cafe by day and a romantic, softly lit wine bar by night

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

Image Credits:

Edito - Courtesy of Edito Facebook page

Koya Teppanyaki - Courtesy of Koya Teppanyaki Facebook page

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