18 Things to Do in New Farm, Brisbane
Are you looking for something to do in the inner Brisbane suburb of New Farm?
New Farm is one of Brisbane’s oldest suburbs and despite it being mainly residential, there are plenty of things to do in New Farm.
With a beautiful riverwalk, park, and playground, families love New Farm. There are also plenty of cafes, shops, and performance spaces.
New Farm is close to Brisbane City and can be reached by ferry and bus.
My family lived within walking distance of New Farm for a few years, and even though we have moved a little bit further away, we still enjoy going back to the riverfront neighborhood.
Keep reading to find out the best things to do in New Farm.
Free Things to do in New Farm
Walk along the River
Follow the path along the river from New Farm Park north to Teneriffe and Newstead. The path ends (or begins) at End of the Road Coffee in New Farm and continues north to Newstead Park.
There are 3 paths along the river in New Farm. The path from Teneriffe to End of the Road Coffee is the northern trail.
Another path starts on Oxlade Drive by the Merthyr Bowls Club. There is a sign pointing to the trail by the river. This trail goes past Merthyr Park and ends at Sydney Street.
New Farm Riverwalk starts at the end of Merthyr Road and continues to a boardwalk over the Brisbane River. The New Farm Riverwalk runs all of the way into Brisbane City.
Explore more of Brisbane’s Inner Suburbs!
How to Spend a Day in Teneriffe
Things to do in Newstead, Bowen Hills, Fortitude Valley, and Spring Hill
Play at New Farm Park
New Farm Park has sports fields, lots of space for picnics, and a large playground.
Beautiful fig trees shade New Farm Playground. There are picnic tables, shelters, BBQs, and public toilets at New Farm Park as well as a coffee stand that has drinks and snacks.
Stop at New Farm Library
At one end of New Farm Park is the New Farm Library. The Brisbane library branch isn’t large, but there is a kids’ area, computers, and a few seats for those who want to sit down and read.
Behind the library is a small playground.
Stroll through Jan Powers Farmers Market
Located in New Farm on Saturday mornings from 6 a.m. to noon, the Jan Powers Farmers Market has fresh foods, local vendors, and lots of small businesses.
The farmers’ market is located by The Powerhouse near the Brisbane River.
Run a 5k
Every Saturday morning, there is a free 5k run from New Farm Park. Registration is required the first time you run, and more information can be found here.
All levels are welcome to join in, and the group meets for coffee after the run.
Check out the View from Wilson Outlook Reserve
Wilson Outlook Reserve is a small park on top of a cliff in New Farm, with stunning views of Story Bridge and Brisbane City.
There are stairs and an elevator leading down to the restaurants at Howard Smith Wharves from Wilson Outlook Reserve.
Admire the Art
A small gallery on Brunswick Street, the Edwina Corlette Gallery has beautiful artwork that changes often. Edwina Corlette Gallery has contemporary art by Australian artists.
Suzanne O’Connell Gallery focuses on Aboriginal art. This small gallery on James Street displays work in different mediums.
See What is Happening at Merthyr Village
Merthyr Village is a 1 stop place to shop in New Farm. With a grocery store, lots of specialty shops, cafes, and bakeries, there is always a reason to stop by Merthyr Village.
Check out the events page for Merthyr Village for new openings, live music, face-painting events, and more.
Find Free Events at Brisbane Powerhouse
While many of the events at Brisbane Powerhouse are ticketed, there is usually a free event happening as well.
More Things to Do in New Farm
See a Show at Brisbane Powerhouse
Once a tram power station, the Brisbane Powerhouse is now home to an event center. From plays to comedy, and kids’ events to art exhibitions, there is always something happening at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
Tours of the Powerhouse are available, as is a twilight cruise that includes a backstage tour of the Brisbane Powerhouse.
A farmers’ market is held at the Brisbane Powerhouse on Saturday mornings, and there are 2 restaurants located at the Powerhouse.
Go Barefoot Bowling
There are 2 bowls clubs in New Farm: New Farm Bowls Club near the park and Merthyr Bowls Club near the river.
Eat a meal and Watch a Movie
See the latest films at 5 Star Cinemas.
The premium cinemas at New Farm’s 5 Star Cinemas have food and beverage table service with a full menu.
Watch a Movie Outside
A new outdoor movie theatre opened up at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
Dendy Powerhouse is Brisbane’s first year-round permanent outdoor movie theatre.
Regular movie snacks are served at Dendy Powerhouse along with wine and cheese options.
Eat a Meal on Top of the Powerhouse
That is right, you can eat a meal 17 meters in the air, on the edge of the Brisbane Powerhouse.
Vertigo offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Diners are sitting on the edge of the Powerhouse, where they enjoy a shared charcuterie platter.
At the end of the meal, you can take the elevator down, or you can scale down the building.
Enjoy a Mystery Picnic
Solve clues and puzzles while picking up delicious food on an AmazingCo Mystery Picnic in New Farm Park.
Whether you are looking for a date day, a nice day out with friends, or a family picnic, there is an option for you in New Farm. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available, plus this picnic is dog-friendly.
Shop for Gifts at New Farm Editions
If you are looking for a unique gift or something for yourself, New Farm Editions is a fun place to shop for all ages. Whether you are looking for home goods, books, or kids’ items, or just want to browse, New Farm Editions is a one-stop gift shop.
Take a Masterclass in Perfume
Learn all about fragrances at Libertine Parfumerie. Attend a masterclass and receive personalized styling advice. The ticket price is redeemable for perfume after the class.
How to Get to New Farm
Walk/Bike
New Farm is located along the Brisbane River south of Teneriffe and southeast of Fortitude Valley. Brisbane City is to the west of New Farm, and there is a path along the river connecting the two neighborhoods.
There is a bike path along the river from Teneriffe to New Farm. The path doesn’t go the entire way to Brisbane City, but it is easy to find and ride through the streets nearby.
Car
New Farm has street parking. Parking is generally free in New Farm, though there is a paid lot at The Brisbane Powerhouse.
Bus
Multiple buses go to New Farm, including 195, 196, and 199
Ferry
There are 2 City Cat Ferry stops in New Farm. One is located at New Farm Park and the other City Cat Ferry stop is located at Sydney Street.
Where to Eat in New Farm
For a delicious breakfast, head to Miss Jones Cafe. There are plenty of veggie options at Miss Jones, and sweet items with fairy floss, so there is something for everyone. Miss Jones Cafe even has breakfast gnocchi on the menu.
Whether you want to sit down and enjoy a meal or pick up food to go, New Farm Deli and Cafe has both a to-go deli and a sit-down cafe. Open for breakfast, lunch, and early dinners, New Farm Deli and Cafe serves delicious Italian meals, snacks, and desserts.
Enjoy the river views at Mary Mae’s Bar and Kitchen, located at Brisbane Powerhouse. Mary Mae’s is open for breakfast and lunch.
Dine inside or out at the Vietnamese restaurant Balfour Kitchen, located at Spicer’s Balfour. Open for breakfast, lunch, high tea, and dinner, Balfour Kitchen offers delicious options all day long. They even have an all-vegan menu option. It seems like breakfast gnocchi is a thing, and Balfour Kitchen has a morning mushroom gnocchi on its breakfast menu.
Accommodations in New Farm
Spicer’s Balfour Hotel is a pet-friendly hotel with free parking that sleeps up to 3 guests. A boutique hotel, Spicer’s Balfour has a rooftop bar with views of the Story Bridge and a Vietnamese restaurant. Spicer’s Balfour is a 5-star hotel.
For a unique accommodation in New Farm, Miss Midgley’s used to be a private school. Now, Miss Midgley’s is a boutique hotel on James Street. The rooms are apartment-style with multiple bedrooms, a kitchen, and laundry facilities. Guests can stay in the principal’s office, the locker room, or the assembly hall. Miss Midgley’s has parking and a pool.
New Farm Wrap Up
New Farm is one of Brisbane’s best neighborhoods to go to when you want to spend time outdoors.
You can take the ferry to New Farm, or across the river to Bulimba. Stroll through New Farm Park, where you can literally stop to smell the roses. Grab a coffee by the playground or enjoy a meal outdoors at the Powerhouse.
Of course, there are plenty of things to do indoors in New Farm as well, from movies to art galleries to shops.
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