Your ultimate guide to Eat Street Northshore in Brisbane

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Get swept up in a dizzying smorgasbord of entertainment and international fare at Eat Street Northshore in Brisbane.

Transforming one of Brisbane’s last remaining shipping wharves into one of the city’s bucket list to-dos, Eat Street Northshore  in Brisbane is a night market like no other. Also known as Eat Street Brisbane, the food-centric entertainment precinct is home to more than 60 permanent vendors dishing up authentic international fare, crafty cocktails and drinks, kids’ toys, arts and crafts and more. Pumping with live music and performances once the sun sets, it’s an intoxicating scene we’ve grown to adore since it opened 11 years ago. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.

Getting to Eat Street Northshore in Brisbane

Keen to stay and make the most of Eat Street Northshore’s five on-site bars? Leave your wheels at home and jump on a CityCat  ferry. The Northshore Hamilton ferry terminal is just a few steps from one of the venue’s two entrances at Dock C within Northshore Brisbane, and the quick stroll along the Brisbane River to Eat Street Northshore itself is flat and scenic.

al fresco dining at the Eat Street Northshore
The food-centric entertainment precinct is home to excellent food and pumping performances. (Image: Tourism Australia)

If you’re taking the car, there’s a huge 1,400-vehicle carpark at Dock C on MacArthur Avenue and best of all, it’s free. Again, you’re only a few steps from both the ‘Hello’ and ‘Eat’ sign entrances, and they’re both clearly labelled. Northshore Brisbane, home to Eat Street Northshore and a stack of surrounding attractions (more on those further down), is in Hamilton which is about a 20-minute drive from Brisbane’s CBD.

There’s also the bus, with the nearest stop located on Bincote Street, right near the gigantic steel tank. Once you hop off, it’s a short walk through Maritime Green.

a family entering the Eat Street Northshore
Head to Eat Street Northshore for a fun family day out. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Getting around Eat Street Northshore in Brisbane

If it’s your first time, you can always download a visitor map from the Eat Street Northshore website, but we highly recommend getting lost in the fairy/neon/festoon/halogen-lit madness of it all.

If you’re after on-site assistance, there’s an information desk right next to the First Aid room, just a few steps inside when entering through the ‘Eat’ entrance.

a couple exploring the Eat Street Northshore
Get lost in the fairy-lit madness of it all. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Visitors should note that entry into Eat Street Northshore costs $6 per person however children under the age of 13 and carers can enter for free. You can also purchase pre-paid tickets through the website.

a kid smiling while holding a dessert at Eat Street Northshore
Children under the age of 13 can enter for free. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Accessibility-wise, there are plenty of dedicated disability parking spots, wheelchair-accessible toilets and a wheelchair-accessible ATM to be found. However, people with accessibility issues should note that the grounds have been built on original wharfage, meaning some of the more remote seating on the water’s edge is tougher to reach, and less finished than other spots.

friends enjoying drinks at Eat Street Northshore
Enjoy a night full of great food and drinks. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Dogs are welcome if they’re kept on a short leash and can handle staying more than three metres away from the food vendors. Tough ask for some, we realise.

dogs posing for a photo at Eat Street Northshore
You can also bring your dogs on a short leash.

What to see at Eat Street Northshore in Brisbane

Shopping and food options

You won’t know where to start, even if you’ve visited Eat Street Northshore before.

the dining options at Eat Street Northshore
Explore the dining options at Eat Street Northshore. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Often categorised by cuisine or whatever products they’re selling, (there’s a mad scientist corner, for example, housing a Churro Lab and Professor Fairy Floss) the hot spots are broken down here.

churros at Eat Street Northshore
Grab some tasty snacks from Churro Lab.

Tables are scattered everywhere you look but the most popular place to plonk yourself down is the Main Deck where a giant undercover stage is found. Inside, you’ll struggle to resist the mouth-watering flavours of South America, the Middle East and Europe as vendors like Las Catrinas (try the birria tacos for instant transportation to Mexico City’s vibrant streets) and Chaar nail their dishes with spirited flair.

a couple eating ice cream at Eat Street Northshore
Head to Eat Street Northshore for decadent desserts. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Kombi Alley is another non-negotiable, home to a giant shimmering disco ball, strings of fairy lights and some of the most extraordinary sweets you’ll ever encounter.

the Kombi Alley at Eat Street Northshore
Indulge in sweets at the Kombi Alley. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Head to The Doughnut Bar for one of the alley’s original stalwarts and don’t miss The Chocolate Komberry’s cronut cubes topped with ice cream, syrup and more unnecessarily wicked trimmings.

The Doughnut Bar at Eat Street Northshore
Don’t miss the famed Doughnut Fries from The Doughnut Bar. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Seafood fans should make a beeline for the Trawler Deck where fish and chips are perfected, and Shuck All Oysters bring the decadence.

fresh oysters at Eat Street Northshore
Indulge in fresh oysters. (Image: Tourism Australia)

It’s a beautiful spot to watch the sun set as an old vintage Moreton Bay trawler, on display right in the thick of it all, sets a beautiful scene.

a box of pizza at Eat Street Northshore
Savour a slice of your favourite pizza. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Diner Bar is Eat Street Northshore’s central hub of comfort food, boasting American-style pizza slices, loaded burgers and two internationally inspired culinary havens: Little Lady Peruvian and Don’t Worry Eat Curry, spicing up your options with traditional paellas and Indian classics.

a dog wearing a cap at Eat Street Northshore
Treat your pup to a makeover with accessories from Traders Square’s Dapper Dogs.

Break up the culinary charms with a few kid-friendly games at Arcade Avenue, or a spot of boho-inspired homewares and henna tattooing perusing along the Laneway, or Traders Square’s Dapper Dogs for pup-friendly accessories, or Asia Street’s Sugarville for take-home lollies.

candies on display at Asia Street’s Sugarville, Eat Street Northshore
Grab some take-home lollies from Asia Street’s Sugarville.

Other popular pit stops include Lulu Candied Fruit, where skewered, fresh-dipped delights provide endless Instagram fodder, Corn Dogs, for loaded creations to utterly blow your mind, and Arancini Bros, serving up a suite of pudgy, flavour-packed risotto spheres.

caramelized strawberries in skewers at Lulu Candied Fruit, Eat Street Northshore
Grab one of Lulu Candied Fruit’s caramelised strawberry skewers.

Events and activities at Eat Street Northshore in Brisbane

While the countless food offerings keep crowds plenty busy, there’s also live music and performances staged nightly. Thanks to Eat Street Northshore’s 10pm licence on Friday and Saturday nights, local bands, singers, dancers, DJs and roving performers turn the foodie destination into a sprawling carnival that kicks on long into the evening.

violinists performing at Eat Street Northshore
Live music and performances are staged nightly. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Three stages, staggered right throughout Eat Street Northshore, bring unique flavours to their designated corner of the action. You’ll spy everything from fire eaters and acrobats to magicians and big touring names on any given night.

people dining and watching a live performance at Eat Street Northshore
Catch local bands and roving performers on Friday and Saturday nights. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Don’t miss the various photo-perfected backdrops that demand selfie-snapping attention. From neon-illuminated rainbows to Melbourne laneway-esque street art, there are mind-boggling sights wherever you look.

a performer in a fairy costume at Eat Street Northshore
Eat Street Northshore has turned into a sprawling carnival.  (Image: Tourism Australia)

Tips for visiting Eat Street Northshore’s nearby attractions

Heading out to Northshore Brisbane can sort out the family for an entire day. The precinct will be the city’s—if not the country’s—hottest ticket come November 2024 when Bluey’s World, an immersive experience for fans of the global phenomenon Bluey, opens its doors. If you’re heading to Eat Street Northshore for an evening, Bluey’s World will serve as the perfect pre-game accompaniment.

a family hanging out at Kombi Alley, Eat Street Northshore
Eat Street Northshore is a fun-filled spot the whole family can enjoy. (Image: Tourism Australia)

There’s also the Pink Flamingo , the world’s first Spiegeltent, located right next door to Eat Street Northshore, offering an alternative party atmosphere for after-dark revellers. It’s open until December 24, 2024.

Fancy a feed on the water? Riva Kitchen & Events  is within walking distance to Eat Street Northshore, right near the ferry terminal, and dishes up beautiful river-fronting breakfast and lunch to capitalise on fresh seasonal ingredients.

 

Opening hours: Friday: 4:00pm – 10:00pm; Saturday: 4:00pm – 10:00pm; Sunday: 4:00pm – 9:00pm

Address: 221D MacArthur Avenue, Hamilton

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Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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The ultimate 8-day Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip itinerary

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island
Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast
Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary
Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Rockhampton Museum of Art
Take it all in at Rockhampton Museum of Art. (Image: TEQ)

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland
Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland
Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool
Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple
Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

 Start planning your Queensland adventure at all.com.