Famed for the laid-back atmosphere and perpetual sunshine, it’s little wonder Brisbane has been dubbed one of the world’s greatest places for 2023 by TIME Magazine. But one of the lesser-known facts about this city is that it’s teeming with art, life and culture, too. The lively central business district is home to an array of eclectic culinary and bar scenes, luxury hotels, live music venues and galleries – and it’s also on the doorstep of some of Australia’s most staggering natural landscapes.

Eager to experience all of Brisbane’s hidden gems, we slip into the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC – a sporty Sedan with the look and feel of a high-performance racing car – and head to the sunny Queensland capital for an inspiring urban escape.

First, coffee…

The best way to begin your stay in Brisbane is by watching the sunrise at Kangaroo Point. The ancient cliffs provide sweeping vistas over the city and Brisbane River, and in the morning, are bathed in golden light.

When you’re ready for a coffee, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There are a slew of cool cafes and brunch spots peppered throughout the city. If it’s a typical balmy Queensland morning, take advantage of the A 35’s panoramic sliding sunroof and let the breeze flow through the striking sport luxe cabin while you search for the perfect place to get your caffeine fix.

Local institution Kin & Co is tucked away amongst the iconic Woolstore Heritage Buildings on the tree-lined Macquarie Street. The popular urban eatery is usually filled with local professionals, early morning joggers and cyclists. There’s outdoor seating and a takeaway coffee window, but try to score a spot in the sun-drenched, monochromatic dining room. And don’t leave without trying the house-made banana bread with burnt butter and honey, or the Green Goddess smoothie either! It’s all about balance in the Sunshine State.

Shop in style

When you’re ready to do a little more exploring, the Institute of Modern Art at Fortitude Valley is just a five-minute drive away. The A 35 seamlessly navigates the busy city streets to reach the hub of Brisbane’s contemporary art scene, where you can take in cutting-edge exhibitions from local and global artists alike.

From there, head over to nearby James Street for some retail therapy. Home of design-led urban resort The Calile Hotel, this precinct is a lifestyle destination in itself – and arguably the city’s most fashionable street. The open laneways, green spaces and tropical brutalist architecture set an inspiring scene. Browse boutiques such as Calexico, Aesop, Camilla and Marc, St Agni and Zimmermann.

If all the shopping is making you peckish, James Street and the surrounding lanes boast some of the city’s most exciting eateries – including the award-winning Hellenika, SK Steak & Oyster and elevated Thai icon, sAme sAme on Ada Lane. We’re not sure if it’s the glorious Queensland sunshine or the chic setting, but the street is always humming with activity and vibes are high. It’s infectious!

“There’s definitely a sparkliness to Brisbane right now,” says restaurateur Simon Gloftis, the man behind Hellenika, and co-owner of SK Steak & Oyster and bespoke Japanese dining room, Sushi Room. “We’re friendly and genuine and love what we do. We welcome the rest of Australia with open arms and a big Queensland smile.”

Designer digs

Like the city’s culinary scene, the high-end hotel landscape is impressive. Spend a night or two at Crystalbrook Vincent, which is ideally located under the Story Bridge. Named after Australian artist Vincent Fantauzzo, the dramatic 166-suite property overlooks the lively lifestyle and dining precinct, Howard Smith Wharves and Brisbane River, and offers a different take on five-star luxury. With the A 35’s sleek, compact form, accessing the hotel from the city’s one-way streets is a (sub-tropical) breeze.

Riverside dining

From the hotel, stroll across to the heritage-listed wharves for a long, leisurely lunch (and refreshing Karpouzi Spritz) at convivial modern Greek taverna, Greca. Their signature dish is saganaki with oregano and honey, kingfish and octopus – bon appétit!

Jonathan Barthelmess, Greca’s founder and chef, is the celebrated restaurateur behind Sydney’s The Apollo and Cho Cho San, as well as Yoko Dining at Howard Smith Wharves. Jonathan believes Brisbane has the potential to become one of the world's great food cities.

“I am often asked why I chose to open restaurants in Brisbane,” he says. “For me, the answer is simple – Brisbane's warm climate, relaxed vibe, and natural beauty sets it apart from other major cities. As the city continues to grow and expand, there are more opportunities for innovative and exciting dining concepts to capitalise on these qualities and thrive. We are proud to be a part of this exciting culinary landscape.”

After lunch, you can walk off the generous servings along the pedestrian boardwalk, and if you aren’t planning on getting back behind the wheel any time soon, stop at one of the many neighbouring bars. Overwater bar, Mr Percival’s, is a great place to enjoy a cocktail. Beer-lovers will want to check out the lively Felons Brewing Co as well, a modern-day brewery named after felons who were shipwrecked on Moreton Island in 1823.

At dusk, Fiume – an atmospheric open-air rooftop bar at Crystalbrook Vincent – is the place to watch the sun go down. The city lights illuminate the river as the DJ spins house tunes.

Those who can resist retreating to their king-sized bed for a well-earned rest can head out to experience Brisbane’s famous live music scene at venues like The Triffid in Newstead, The Tivoli or Fortitude Music Hall.

Rise and shine

After a blissful sleep in, get a takeaway coffee at Mews, the Hotel’s onsite restaurant, and take a scenic riverside stroll – or a BEAM electric scooter, if you’re game – over the Story Bridge to South Bank, Kurilpa Bridge and back.

The 7km circuit is bound to work up your appetite. Visit the bright and breezy Picnic Café in South Brisbane’s eclectic West End, a smooth 12-minute drive away, for a spot of breakfast.

A new chapter

For art lovers, the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) never disappoints. It’s easy to spend hours browsing the exhibitions, which have a significant focus on contemporary works from Australia, Asia and the Pacific.

Take a drive to the Fish Lane Arts Precinct to see the street art murals and sculptures, before pulling up a seat at pan-Asian eatery Southside in the lush Town Square Precinct. The brainchild of the team behind Gold Coast dining institution Rick Shores, Southside has a vibrant inner-city energy, with approachable, flavoursome food and an inspiring wine list.

If time allows, stop at Kiki, a cool coffee and Banh Mi kiosk by day and a cocktail bar in the afternoon and evenings. This leafy urban oasis, located under a rail bridge, epitomises Brisbane’s trendy, easy-going atmosphere and the city’s exciting next chapter.

Greca kindly supplied a meal and the Crystalbrook Vincent gifted a stay to our contributors for the purposes of writing this article.

Discover the Mercedes-AMG A 35 here.


By Amy Mills