New Farm Day Out: River Walks, Cultured Stops & Parkside Picnics

If you're after leafy streets, heritage charm, riverside strolls and top-tier people-watching, New Farm is your ideal day out. Just a short hop from Brisbane's city centre, this inner-city gem brings together a relaxed village vibe with a touch of arts, food, and nature. Whether you're rolling solo with a book, planning a cute date, or catching up with mates, New Farm has you covered—without trying too hard.

Highlights

• Breakfast at The Powerhouse Café or Dicki’s

• Brisbane Powerhouse & Jan Powers Farmers Markets (Saturdays)

• New Farm Park picnic or rose garden stroll

• Riverwalk to Howard Smith Wharves

• Boutique shopping on Merthyr Road

• Sunset drinks at Bar Alto or Felons Brewery

  
  

Morning: Brunch with a River Breeze

Start your day at the Brisbane Powerhouse, where the riverside views are just as good as the coffee. The on-site Mary Mae's bar and kitchen is a quiet spot in the mornings—perfect for a slow brew, a pastry, and some birdwatching along the river.

Alternatively, head up to Dicki’s on Brunswick Street, a bright, plant-based café with seriously good breakfasts (their tofu scramble is a sleeper hit, even for meat eaters).

Mid-Morning: Markets or Meandering

If it's a Saturday, lucky you the Jan Powers Farmers Markets pop up outside the Powerhouse from 6am to noon. It’s all fresh produce, flowers, handmade treats, and local stallholders who’ll probably call you "love" and mean it. Pick up some snacks or a bunch of flowers for later.

If it’s not market day, don’t stress. Take a meander through New Farm Park, one of Brisbane’s most loved green spaces. Wander through the rose garden, lie under a massive fig tree, or do a lap of the riverside loop for stunning water views and morning zen.

Lunch: Parkside Feeds or Fancy Feels

You’ve got a few great options for lunch, depending on your vibe:

• Bar Alto (inside the Powerhouse) – Classy Italian with riverside seating. Their gnocchi is chef’s kiss.

• Chouquette - Authentic French bakery with croissants so flaky you’ll need a napkin and a moment of silence.

• The Moray Café - A classic local hangout with a sunny patio and great casual lunch plates.

Or, keep it chill with a picnic - grab takeaway from Mary Mae’s, or pick up cheese, fruit, and treats from The Merthyr Village Deli, and set yourself up under the fig trees in the park.

Afternoon: Riverwalk & Retail Therapy

Walk off your lunch with a breezy stroll along the New Farm Riverwalk, which floats just above the water and links New Farm to Howard Smith Wharves and the CBD. It’s flat, stunning, and ideal for walking, cycling or just soaking up the sun.

If you’re in a browsing mood, loop back into New Farm proper and check out:

• Mary Ryan’s Bookshop - Books, gifts, and a little café corner

• New Farm Editions - A gorgeous gift and lifestyle store with books, art prints, candles, ceramics, stationery, and quirky home décor. Basically, if you want to buy a present for someone (or yourself), start here.

• The Standard Market Company - Not just a deli—this is a Brisbane food icon. European imports, gourmet pantry goods, cheeses, cured meats, pastries, and incredible coffee.

Sunset: Sips by the River

As the day winds down, head riverside to the Howard Street Wharves for golden hour and a cheeky drink.

Top picks:

• Felons Brewery at Howard Smith Wharves - Huge riverside space, live music, pizza, and perfect sunset views under the Story Bridge.

• Ciao Papi - Italian riverside trattoria vibes with spritz, prosecco and share plates. It’s casual but stylish, and you’re literally right on the water.

• Mr Percival’s - The Euro summer of riverside bars—perched over the water, with DJs on weekends, striped umbrellas, and perfect cocktails. Dress a little cute for this one.

A day in New Farm feels like the perfect exhale, green, gorgeous, and just the right amount of cultured. It’s where nature, art, and great food all hang out together, wrapped in a riverside breeze. Come for a quiet moment, stay for the atmosphere, and leave already planning your next visit.