Paddington Day Out: Antiques, Charming Cafés & Hilly Strolls

If Brisbane had a suburb with vintage soul and café cool all rolled into one, it’d be Paddington. Nestled in the hills just west of the city, Paddington is where charming Queenslanders spill over with antiques, brunch is an all-day event, and window shopping feels like a treasure hunt. So lace up your comfiest shoes (it is hilly), charge your phone for photo ops, and get ready for a slow, stylish kind of day.

Highlights

• Antique & vintage shopping on Latrobe Terrace

• Brunch at Anouk or NAÏM

• Thousand Island Dressing & other local boutiques

• Paddington Antiques Centre

• I Heart Brownies (yes, really)

• Sunset drinks at Darling & Co or Hope & Anchor

Morning: Brunch & Browsing on Latrobe Terrace

Start your day on Latrobe Terrace, the heart of Paddington and home to an impressive mix of heritage homes-turned-shops, leafy corners, and brunch spots that are worth the hill climb.

Go-to brunch spots:

• Anouk – A longtime local fave with creative seasonal dishes and excellent coffee.

• NAÏM – A Middle Eastern twist on brunch classics in a cosy, plant-filled space. Don’t miss the haloumi.

  Both are right near the top of Latrobe and perfect for people-watching while sipping your flat white.

Post-brunch, take your time wandering the boutiques. Stop in at:

• Thousand Island Dressing – Vintage-style jewellery and quirky fashion pieces.

• Green Tangerine – Artisan homewares, gifts, and dreamy ceramics.

• Avid Reader (in nearby West End if you're feeling adventurous) – Because bookshops always count as an activity.

Midday: Treasure Hunting at Paddington Antiques Centre

This is the main event for vintage lovers. Set inside an old theatre, the Paddington Antique Centre is filled with rows of treasures—retro fashion, restored furniture, rare books, vinyl records, and just plain weird and wonderful things. It’s easy to lose an hour or two in here (and even easier to walk out with something you didn’t need, but now can’t live without).

Afterwards, head next door to I Heart Brownies for a little sweet pick-me-up. These little squares of happiness are all gluten-free and come in flavours like raspberry, peanut butter, and classic choc.

Afternoon: Hilly Strolls

Now that you're fuelled up, it’s time to explore Paddington’s side streets. This suburb is full of Queenslander homes, hidden gardens, and leafy corners that are begging to be admired. Take a slow wander down Given Terrace or explore the residential backstreets—you’ll find Instagrammable views around every corner.

Evening: Sunset Sips in Style

Wrap up your day with a drink in hand. Paddington has some seriously good spots to wind down.

• Darling & Co – Chic, airy, and just bougie enough without trying too hard. Great cocktails.

• Hope & Anchor – Cosy heritage pub with exposed brick, hanging lights, and excellent wine and food options.

• Remy’s – If burgers and beers are more your style, this is the local hangout. Bonus: casual courtyard vibes.

A day in Paddington is a day well spent, full of charm, colour, and character. Whether you're hunting antiques, indulging in long brunches, or just soaking up the leafy vibes, this little hillside haven delivers on every front. It’s Brisbane at its most relaxed, creative, and quietly stylish.