25 Of Our Favourite Things To Do In Bulimba And Hawthorne

Eat, shop, and play


By Dinushka Gunasekara | 18th November 2022

Sitting pretty on the banks of the Brisbane River are two quaint suburbs boasting breezy waterside ambience and warm community spirit. Taking the charm of village living and wrapping it up in effortless convenience, a stroll through Bulimba and Hawthorne will have you stumbling upon a suite of delightful eateries, bars, boutiques, and popular local haunts. 

Whether you’re amidst the bustle of Oxford Street, roaming Hawthorne Road, or anywhere in between, here’s where you can find us in the leafy suburban playground.

By the way, we consider everyone in this list the best of the best! To make finding your next favourite that much easier, we’ve ordered the list alphabetically by suburb and also have filtering tabs for your convenience. Did we miss someone from the list? Let us know here!   

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Riverbend Books

Bulimba

From the smell of new pages to the laid back and cosy ambience, Bulimba’s iconic independent bookshop proves there’s no better place to be. Boasting an extensive range of classics and new releases alike, as well as an online store, don’t be surprised when you while away the day perusing the wooden shelves.

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The Oxford Taphouse

Bulimba

Oxford Street’s resident watering hole is packed with beers and bites to turn every occasion into a sesh. Dedicated to showcasing the best beer and cider that Australia and New Zealand has to offer, there’s also a tantalising wine selection and cocktails to pair perfectly with their share plates and burger menu.

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Revel Brewing Co

Bulimba

Paying homage to Bulimba’s brewing heritage, Revel Brewing Co is the independent craft brewery and pizzeria at the heart of the community. Producing some of the finest craft beers, wood-fired pizzas, and authentic Italian hand-made pastas, the dog-friendly joint is bursting with flavour and personality.

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Melrose

Bulimba

This Indonesian and Thai inspired rooftop restaurant will whisk you away from the hustle and bustle to a flavour paradise! Head Chef Arte Assavakavinvong takes fresh Australian produce and turns up the heat, with all the sauces and curry pastes made by hand. Pair it with the unique cocktails, and you’re sure to feel like you left Bulimba for Bali.

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Darvella Patisserie

Bulimba

Baked goods are in their finest forms with the talented bakers and pastry chefs at Darvella Patisserie. From hand-crafted cakes to pastries and selected delicatessen items inspired by the bakeries of Europe, everything is made in-house with the best local ingredients.

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Bellissimo Coffee

Bulimba

As Australia’s highest awarded coffee roasters, you know you’re in for a good cuppa here. The recently renovated Bulimba joint offers all-day breakfast and lunch neighbouring the Brisbane River, so you can start your day the right way with the perfect brew and feel-good meal.

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Il Molo Italian Kitchen + Bar

Bulimba

Stroll your way down the Bulimba boardwalk and find yourself at the Italian eatery locals adore. Whether you’re looking for a long lunch or aperitivo hour, the handmade pastas, woodfired pizzas, and carefully curated wines at Il Molo will be sure to make you say ‘mamma mia’ every day of the week.

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Preah Love Cosmetic Tattoo

Bulimba

As a business centred around a ‘less is more’ philosophy, Preah Love Cosmetic Tattoo is made up of a passionate team of women who are renowned for their expert services in eyebrow tattooing, lip blush tattooing, and scalp micro pigmentation. With a loyal clientele reigning from all corners of Australia, Preah Love has gained a cult following for emulating the perfect brow, customising each treatment to suit each unique individual.

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Wholly Crumpets

Bulimba

The humble crumpet becomes a culinary masterpiece at the hands of this talented crew. With new and exciting specials every weekend, stop in for leg ham, aged cheddar, sour pickles, and house mustard one day, then coddled egg mayo, truffle butter, bacon, iceberg lettuce, and tarragon sauce the next.

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Nom Nom Natural Gelato

Bulimba

With many customers claiming that Nom Nom’s gelato is just as good as those in Italy, this is Bulimba’s sweetest treat. With dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free options available, their wide range of flavours follow home recipes handcrafted from the highest quality of ingredients. Our pick? The salted pistachio, bueno, or the soy-based crème brûlée.

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Crackerjack Toys

Bulimba

Our favourite toy shop just got bigger! Moving to the bustle of Oxford Street, Crackerjack Toys is now twice the size of its previous space to house its whimsical and wonderful curated selection of imaginative toys, dolls, dress-ups, books, gifts, games, and more. One walk by the window display and you’ll be dazzled by the arrangement of curious collections – perfect for pocket money spending, gifts, or even something educational. The best part? There’s something for every budget, personality, or occasion.

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Dogue

Bulimba

Treat your furry friends at Dogue – Bulimba’s luxury dog boutique and grooming service. Your pup is sure to be the best in show with the unique and quality collection here, filled with pamper packs, fashion, and plenty of toys. If you’re looking for a doggy makeover, the Dogue stylists are always striving for grooming excellence in a paw-fect environment.

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Rose Soiree

Bulimba

This groovy paint and sip lounge is the BYO hangout you and your pals need in your life. Bring a bottle of vino, your favourite cheese, and the team at Rose Soiree will do the rest in a step-by-step painting class that will have you all feeling like Mozart.

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Cartel Del Taco

Hawthorne

Get your hands dirty at this authentic Mexican street taqueria and bar, bringing the flavours straight from Mexico City to Hawthorne Road. With tacos, share plates, and mains alongside a drinks menu specialising in mezcal and tequila-infused cocktails, fresh local produce and imported Mexican ingredients make all the difference here.

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Hermosa Flowers

Hawthorne

Hermosa Flowers aka Flour & Bloom is your go-to for gorgeous petals and bunches that you won’t be able to take your eyes off. Send a little flower love to a special person in your life or treat yourself to a colourful array of locally grown orchids, peonies, roses, tulips, and more.

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Glo Haus

Bulimba

This haven is where you’ll find cutting edge treatments and results-focused skincare, without breaking the bank. Welcoming and stylish, the Glo Haus experience is one that will have you coming back for more time and time again.

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Sister Cafe

Hawthorne

Delicious food and equally tantalising brews await at this pastel oasis serving up breakfast and lunch every day of the week. The cute-as-pie Sister Cafe is the dreamy spot for a catch up with mates and a ‘gram-worthy meal that’s a feed for you and your feed.

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Hawthorne Garage

Hawthorne

On the hunt for gourmet goodies, fresh deli picks, gorgeous flowers, and steaming coffee in hand? Then Hawthorne Garage is your destination! The epicurean grocer boasts an extensive range of local and international ingredients, as well as specialty items, meaning discovering something new and delicious just requires a visit.

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Downtown Istanbul

Hawthorne

When a hankering for modern Turkish eats strikes, this authentic bazaar is there for the rescue. Traditional flavours meet a contemporary twist at Downtown Istanbul, so you can expect Turkish, pizzas, pides, grilled meats, and mezze shared plates on the menu.

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Hawthorne Seafood Markets

Hawthorne

These busy local fishmongers are slinging quality Australian seafood, fish and chips, and burgers, dished up by quality chefs with the convenience and ease of your favourite takeaway joints. Receiving fresh deliveries direct from Aussie fisherman six days a week, Hawthorne Seafood Markets is sure to be a part of your weekly rotation.

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Starfire Diamond Jewellery

Bulimba

Perched on Bulimba renowned retail trip, this bespoke jewellery store is home to lustrous gems and timeless diamond adornments. You’ll be captivated with their new collection featuring opulent emeralds and classic diamonds, and the team also offer behind-the-loupe services like custom designing, repairs, valuations, and consultations.

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Studio Pilates International Hawthorne

Hawthorne

Thinking about trying a reformer Pilates class? Look no further than this Australian-made and globally loved Pilates workout! This studio delivers 40-minute workouts designed by physiotherapists to deliver classes that are effective, addictive, and completely transformative – but best of all suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

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Hawthorne Beauty Room

Hawthorne

Relaxation meets results at Hawthorne Beauty Room where they’re all about celebrating your beauty within. Going above and beyond to make sure all your beauty needs are met, their attention to detail is certainly paying, as the studio has expanded from two rooms to six over the past two years. Specialising in getting to the core of your skin condition, they also provide a wide range of beauty services to complete your look.

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The Dance Fitness Studio

Hawthorne

Dance your way to fitness and good health at this studio committed to providing women with innovative dance-inspired classes that will stimulate the mind and challenge the body (while having a whole lot of fun). Get your heart rate up with Dance Cardio, a full body working with Full Body Fusion, or improve your ballet techniques and balance through Barre. Plus, you don’t have to have any dancing experience to join.

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Hunter Gather

Hawthorne

This full-service premium independent buyers’ agency will go above and beyond to help you find your dream property. Whether you’re looking to purchase an investment property or in the commercial development market, the team is here to help and will take the pressure off while giving you access to a huge range of properties.

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By Dinushka Gunasekara A self-proclaimed Spotify connoisseur who plans her weekends on Monday, Dinushka’s least favourite time of the day is in between meals.
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