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Every traveller knows a good book is an essential packing item – your key to surviving those dragged out stopovers, the perfect way to steal some quiet ‘me’ time and the most transportable source of research for your destination. Problem is, in some places it just doesn’t seem fitting to whip out your trusty earmarked friend and absorb yourself in the pages. Here’s a list of Brisbane’s best book cafes, where reading is the norm and bookshelves grace the walls for further browsing.
Riverbend Books & Teahouse Bulimba, 193 Oxford Street
For a teahouse and a bookstore, you’ll be surprised to hear it’s also BYO wine at Riverbend. Perched on the front deck of a lovely renovated ‘Queenslander’ style house, the atmosphere is relaxed and chatty. Fronting onto Oxford Street, Bulimba’s main strip of shops and cafes, the leafy trees provide a shield of privacy so you can sip your brew and have a casual bite to eat before wandering inside to browse the shelves. The menu features breakfast, lunch and dinner options, including a chicken, orange and macadamia nut salad with rocket and blue cheese dressing. Check the website to see if you’re around in time for an event, with writers, illustrators, chefs and others regularly dropping by. Open: 7.30am-5pm daily (bookshop open a bit later). Dinner available Thursday to Saturday, bookings highly recommended.
Clarence Corner Bookshop and Café Woolloongabba, 596 Stanley Street
Tucked away in a beautiful late-19th century building, Clarence Corner boasts an array of new and old books in all subjects and genres, including some out-of-print editions. A short walk from Southbank and the Goodwill Bridge, not many tourists would even know it exists. While the breakfast menu isn’t overly varied – banana bread, homemade vanilla bean granola and a variety of toppings on toast – the milk is organic and the breads good quality (sourdough and gluten free available), with a decent range of herbal teas. Depending on what day you drop by, you may catch a movie, musician or the clairvoyant who does readings on site. Open: 6.30am-2.30pm daily (breakfast ‘til 1.30pm).
Café Bouquiniste New Farm, 121 Merthyr Road
This café is small and cosy, but packed with cuteness. Bouquiniste is French for bookseller, but you’ll find art, cards and other random bits here as well – from pretty smelly soaps to vintage French postcards and even rubber stamps. The space is relaxed and inviting with an artsy and decorative interior and a few quirky, old-fashioned furniture pieces. It’s only small – tiny actually – but the shelves boast some interesting books to peek your nose into, and if you like what you see, buy. On the menu, choose from toasted sandwiches and savoury tarts, as well as some breakfast items, or else have some cake and sweets with a coffee, all at good prices. Open: 8am-5.30pm daily.
Coaldrake’s Bookshop Fortitude Valley, 1000 Ann Street
With an impressive range of books on offer, there’s also a pretty good range on the menu, including hearty breakfasts like the Big Brekky featuring scrambled eggs, tamarind chutney, Turkish toast, ham, grilled tomato and avocado. Opening out onto the pavement, Coaldrake’s is positioned in a corner of the Emporium complex. Over ten years old, it’s known for its outstanding range of literature, history, travel and children’s books, but houses a range of genres. A second store recently opened at The Barracks, 61 Petrie Terrace, between Roma Street and Paddington. Open: 7am-5pm Mon-Fri; 7.30am-5pm Sat; 7.30am-4pm Sun.
Chess. Coffee. Chocolate. You’ll find it all at Café Checocho. Come by on the right night and you could be graced with some live jazz, blues or gypsy music too! Located in West End, the same chilled out vibe that infiltrates the suburb pulses here. There’s a treasure trove of second-hand books to purchase or read at your table, or else you could simply read the story collaged under your elbows. From images to photographs, each table is smothered in cut-outs depicting a different theme. And if you don’t play chess, there are plenty of other board games to choose from to play into the night. Both warm and cosy during winter, the gelato cabinet will keep you cool in summer. The menu offers a good selection, including pizzas, pastas, salads, burgers and risotto. Monday is raw food night. Open: Mon & Tues 11am-10pm; Wed & Thurs 7am-10pm; Fri & Sat 7am-11pm; Sun 7am-10pm.
Black Cat Books & Café Paddington, 179 Latrobe Terrace
Once the site of Mary Ryan's Paddington, this cafe now stands proudly independent and with a new name. The helpful and knowledgeable staff make finding the right book a breeze amongst a collection that’s varied. You’d be forgiven for walking out without seeing the café, but follow the smell of coffee downstairs and you’ll no doubt be impressed. There’s plenty of seating inside that looks out over the leafy yard, but if you’d rather be amongst the greens the multi-tiered decks that lead down to the gazebo are even better. The menu features ready-made treats like paninis, filo pastries, enchiladas, and sandwich rolls. For the sweet tooths, there’s also cake, biscuits, banana bread and fruit toast. Open: 9am-4pm Mon-Fri; 9am-5pm weekends.
Avid Reader West End, 193 Boundary Street
A local favourite, Avid Reader boasts a great team of staff who can point you in the right direction – they’re often writers themselves. With a large selection of books in all genres, there’s also an interesting assortment of nick-nacks, goodies and CDs to tempt you. Wander to the back of the store to find the little café nestled in the corner with walls dotted in artworks. Here you can fill up on toasted Turkish bread sandwiches, crisp salads with halloumi cheese, savoury tarts, soups, and mouth-watering gluten-free cakes and cupcakes. Breakfast muesli, fruit toast and smoothies feature too. Enquire at the counter or online to find out when the next in-store event is – you might catch a book launch or signing. Open: 8.30am-4pm daily.
Visit the Brisbane TOURIST BOARD
Perched around the corner from Brunswick Street Mall in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley - overrun with partygoers by night and crammed with markets by day on weekends - Limes Rooftop Bar offers a chic escape from the chaos on the ground.
A fully open-air affair, there's a certain vibe that only stars can provide. With delectable cocktails and bites to eat on the menu, the events calendar is just as exciting.
Every Tuesday catch a movie screening under the stars. On Thursdays chill out to some Jazz, with free entry. Drop by on Fridays for knock off drinks, with bar specials and live acoustics followed by DJs. For more specials and a chilled out vibe, come back on Lazy Sundays. See the full lists of eventshere.
With the bar and all events open to both hotel guests and the public, many locals even confess they didn't even know about the Limes Rooftop Bar. Most however declare they'll probably come back.
Limes Hotel even offer a special rate for Limes Rooftop Bar guests at the end of the night - avoid the cab lines and steal a super special overnight rate of $99 for any available remaining rooms.
Constance Street 142, Brisbane, Australia
Contact tel: 0738529000, fax: 0738529099, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
From the breezy wooden decks of The Summerhouse, you'd be forgiven for feeling a whole world away from the bustling urban scene of Byron Bay's tourist-laden streets.
Perched on a hill between Byron Bay and the refreshingly cute inland town of Bangalow, The Summerhouse brings its guests the best of both worlds. Whilst the sweeping coastal views to the far north and south of Byron Bay are beautiful from this peaceful perch afar, it's also stunningly deceiving, for just a five minute drive will steer you into the thick of it.
Common luxuries
The main attraction at The Summerhouse lies at its heart. An impeccable central common area provides guests access to kitchen facilities and a large indoor dining area, opening out onto an expansive verandah and wooden decks by the salt water pool. With 180 degree views from the pool's edge that stretch out over green properties to the coast, it's not much less from inside as the glass bifold doors are left wide open most of the day in good weather. The entire house is energised by the breeze wafting through and it's oh so easy to linger about here for hours with those daybeds calling. Don't miss a poolside sunset - it's truly mesmerising.
The rooms
Each pure and elegant in style, the well-appointed rooms perfectly complement the common area, with the same Moroccan-inspired finishing touch. Peaceful and bright, all rooms feature fantastic views of the ocean coastline and Byron Bay Lighthouse, as well as private en suites, a large flat screen TV/DVD/CD and climate control.
The rooms differ slightly in terms of space and facilities. The Premium Room is the largest with a his'n'hers spa bath and shower. The Superior Room is second largest with a spa bath ensuite, whilst the Luxury Room features purely an ensuite. All though, boast a private balcony and king size beds.
The poolside Deluxe Room is queen size, whilst the Studio is the smallest option, a petite but charming option for short stays. Two couples or a small family can be catered to in the Apartment, which sleeps up to four guests (two on a sofa bed). This room also includes a versatile kitchenette and spa bathroom.
Pampering services
Not only is it possible to book a massage or facial during your stay, but start the day pampered with breakfast cooked to perfection by an onsite breakfast chef. With high-quality continental offerings, including Gluten Free options, you can also choose from pancakes, fresh free range eggs, bacon, smoked salmon, fresh cappuccinos and a selection of teas.
Local grooves
Whilst Byron Bay itself offers a plentiful mix of breezy bars, utopian restaurants and shops to fit out your summer wardrobe, the true beauty lies in the region as a whole. Explore the many beaches surrounding Byron, including hidden spots like King's Beach and Bray's Beach, where you may even find one all to yourself. Considering you're half way there, don't miss cute little Bangalow. If you're able to venture a little further, head inland to discover green rolling pastures, rainforests and waterfalls. And then there's Nimbin, which has more to it than its seedy past may pose. Check out the candle-making factory, chuckle at the drug-inspired shop names, and be sure to tackle a mean satay tofu burger.
Coopers Shoot Road 9, Byron Bay, Australia
Contact tel: +61 (0)2 6685 3090,
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Perfectly perched on the brilliant white shores of Watego’s Beach, a pastel pink establishment somewhat reminiscent of Cycladic Greece rises above the backpacker culture ingrained into Byron Bay to offer a piece of divine opulence that only Rae’s on Watego’s can. The pinkish hues hint at the kind of experience you’ll discover. Romance is not hard to come by. Waves pound the shores at your doorstep, an extravagant, mood-lit interior will no doubt set the tone, and a treatment at thein-house spa, rated top 50 in the world, will bring you to exist in every mesmerising moment of your stay, all senses tuned.
Luxury and location merge together effortlessly. Removed from the bustling centre of Byron Bay, peaceful and scenic Watego's Beach lies at your doorstep, whilst the decadent pool inside brings with it further seclusion from the outside world. With only seven rooms throughout the classic Mediterranean and Moroccan styled villa, guest privacy and attentive service is guaranteed.
Luring the likes of Paris Hilton, Elle Macpherson and The Rolling Stones, Rae's on Watego's is one blissful escape that, for the rest of us, is never out of reach for that special weekend away.
The rooms
Each individually styled and decidedly different, a fascinating mix of Italian marble, antique hand painted Javanese tiles and mosaic features exude a luxurious and almost erotic feel. Exquisite decor and hand-crafted furnishings, some particularly eye-catching, create a warm and inviting hub for couples to relax and indulge.
Choose between three penthouses featuring large sun-drenched balconies overlooking the ocean, three suites with either courtyards or garden terraces, and a spacious two-level villa opening out onto the swimming pool fringed with tropical gardens. Penthouse 2, 'Ocean View', will also comfortably accommodate two couples.
Across all room types, highlights include Moroccan arched doorways, a sunken spa bath, a marble fireplace, and an antique Balinese four-poster bed. Take a closer look and let Rae's on Watego's help select the perfect choice for you.
World-class spa
Rae's Spa is the ultimate in luxury pampering. Just the sight of its shimmering gold mosaic corridor invokes a sense of awe. Nestled by the poolside, whilst the spa is small, it's perfectly intimate, creating a peaceful sanctuary for healing. A small team of experienced therapists offer massage treatments, skin care therapies and body treatments, as well as a range of nurturing spa rituals.
One gets the feeling this is not about repeating the movements. Treatments are intuitive. And next thing you know your mind is empty and you feel like you're floating mid-air. Once you've felt these magical hands at work, you'll too understand why Rae's Spa is rated in the world's top 50.
A standout treatment from the spa menu is The Pink Orchid. Incorporating precious gemstones, chakra point therapy and acupressure, this is one facial you won't forget.
Seaside Dining
Open for lunch and dinner during the summer months, whilst some tables inside provide a little more shelter, the dining verandah no doubt has the best seats with just a small green patch of palm-filled parkland between you and the ocean.
The 60 seat alfresco restaurant delivers a deliciously varied seafood-based menu full of quality produce and fresh local ingredients. With impeccable service and presentation, you will remember not only the flavours that pass your lips at Rae's Fish Cafe.
The very same kitchen provides all room-service catering for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as snacks from its all day dining menu. Choose to dine-in, order a nibble by the pool, or enjoy a meal from the comfort of your own exquisite room.
Menu highlights include the blackened fillet of yellowfin tuna with warm babaganoush and roast peppers, the barbecued lemongrass Moreton Bay bugs and the fresh seafood linguine in tomato, roast garlic and parsley salsa.
Local Lookouts
A trip to Byron Bay isn't complete without a visit to the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse, built in 1901. Whilst it's possible to drive to the top of the 94-metre cliff, the most easterly point of mainland Australia, the real beauty lies in making your way there slowly. The Cape Byron Walking Track begins back in town, at Main Beach.
If you'd like to cheat a little however, Rae's on Watego's is perfectly positioned along the track just twenty minutes from the lighthouse. So there are no excuses for skipping the views hundreds flock to see every day. From the top you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the whole township, mountains inland, the bay and out to sea.
Marine Parade 8, Byron Bay, Australia
Contact tel: +61(0)2 66 855 366, fax: +61(0)2 66 855 695, e-mail:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Services spa, swimming pool, near beach, parking, hotel restaurant, room service, internet access, concierge
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