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Brisbane’s Best Kept Secret: Ultimate Guide to Burnett Lane
- A Brief History on Burnett Lane
- Where is Burnett Lane?
- Things to Do in Burnett Lane
- Where to Eat and Drink in Burnett Lane
- Felix for Goodness
- Mr. Wabi
- Lune Croissanterie
- Merlo Coffee Cafe
- Death and Taxes
- Alba Bar & Deli
- Brew Cafe & Wine Bar
- Where to Stay in Burnett Lane
- Hyatt Regency Brisbane
- W Brisbane
- Hotel Indigo Brisbane City Center
- Adina Apartment Hotel
- Royal Albert Hotel
Brisbane’s best kept secret, Burnett Lane, is an alley steeped in history and transformed into the most charming little corner of the city!
This graffiti-adorned laneway has everything you need, morning till night! Great coffee, sumptuous food, eclectic drinks, and amazing company – what more could you ask for?
So why not escape the bustle of the urban jungle and leave your worries out the door (or street)?
Is that a yay? Okay!
Come! Let’s walk into the hidden laneway and see what’s brewing in Burnett Lane!
A Brief History on Burnett Lane
Burnett Lane is Brisbane’s oldest laneway which was a historic site during the penal colony years. It’s named after one of the earliest surveyors in Queensland, James Charles Burnett.
During the convict days, the area served as a prison exercise yard where floggings and hangings also took place. If you were to walk these streets in 1828, it would have been a very different sight.
Later on, it functioned as an access point for tradesmen to enter the buildings situated on Queen and Adelaide Streets. In 2006, the Vibrant Laneways Project was introduced by the Brisbane City Council to bring the city’s laneways back to life.
From a seemingly dark past, Burnett Lane is now a vibrant little corner near Queen Street Mall, abuzz with cafes, restaurants, bars, art, and culture.
Where is Burnett Lane?
Burnett Lane is situated in the heart of the Brisbane CBD, just a short walk away from Queen Street Mall. You can find it between George and Albert Streets and is parallel to Adelaide and Queen Streets.
Things to Do in Burnett Lane
Image Source: Brew Cafe and Wine Bar Facebook
Burnett Lane is the perfect place to start your city jaunt with brunch and coffee, or it could be your secret haven after a long day exploring Brissie. It’s centrally located in the city, so it’s close to a lot of attractions!
You can visit the Brisbane City Hall, which is just a short stroll away. You can scale its iconic clock tower through a ride on a restored historic lift and learn about the city’s history at the Museum of Brisbane.
Just a few steps further, you can also find Anzac Square. Built in 1930, it serves as a significant historical site to commemorate all those who served their country during times of conflict and peace since the Boer War (1899 – 1902).
After a historic walk, perhaps you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, so just head to Queen Street Mall that houses an array of local and international brands.
For music lovers, the Record Exchange on Adelaide St. is a goldmine for new and second hand vinyl, LP’s, CD’s, DVD’s, and more!
And of course, within Burnett Lane are unique little corners where you can marvel at street art, strike a pose by the graffiti walls, and think about where to eat.
Don’t forget to look for the little red fairy door! This mini installation is one of a series of miniature doors that have unexpectedly sprouted around the city’s alleyways, and the red door on Burnett Lane was the first to appear in 2017.
These little doorways are the brainchild of Mace Robertson, an environmental/guerilla artist, who scattered these miniature attractions all over the city. Since then, these doors piqued the curiosity of many and became well-loved urban treasures.
Where to Eat and Drink in Burnett Lane
From your morning pick-me-up, brunch, and lunch, to afternoon bites, dinner, and nightcap, Burnett Lane’s got you covered! This city laneway offers feasts for the palate and a hip and intimate bar scene that might just be your cup of tea!
Felix for Goodness
Website: https://www.felixforgoodness.com/
Contact: +61 7 3161 7966
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 8am – 2pm
Price: $$ – $$$
Felix for Goodness could be your next go-to brunch spot! With its cool and cozy atmosphere and all-day brunch menu, we totally get it if you just wanna stay cooped up in your own little nook until closing time.
Watch the world wake up from their huge window as you take your first sip of coffee and munch on your avo toast or frittata. You can also choose from their wide selection of drinks, from hot and cold beverages, cocktails, wine, and beer!
Mr. Wabi
Website: https://mrwabi.com.au/
Contact: +61 7 3211 3630
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 12pm – 9pm; Friday & Saturday, 12pm – 10pm
Price: $$ – $$$
Indulge in delectable Asian fusion dishes at Mr. Wabi, paired with a glass from their wide selection of handcrafted cocktails!
Savor a mouthwatering menu of Asian street food with a sophisticated twist with their best-selling Plum Banquet and Sakura Banquet! Each feast offers a symphony of flavors featuring well-loved Asian dishes best shared with friends and family!
Lune Croissanterie
Website: https://www.lunecroissanterie.com/
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30am – 3pm; Saturday & Sunday, 8am – 3pm
Price: $$ – $$$
Treat your tastebuds to a heavenly combination of croissants and coffee at Lune Croissanterie! Known not only in Melbourne’s pastry scene but also globally, this bakeshop is an absolute must-visit!
Our top picks include their classic French croissant, Kouign Amann, and Morning Bun. While their pastries come at a premium, the sweet and savory experience is worth every bite!
Merlo Coffee Cafe
Website: https://www.merlo.com.au/pages/location-merlo-coffee-george-street-brisbane
Contact: 07 3221 8789
Hours: Monday – Friday, 6:30am – 3:30pm
Price: $$
Merlo Coffee Cafe is a go-to place for locals for their caffeine fix before work. They open early, so it would be great to drop by first thing in the morning around 6:30!
They have a scrumptious all-day breakfast and lunch menu, and we love having their breakfast wraps or spinach and ricotta rolls. They have several branches around Brisbane, and you can also replenish your coffee supply as they sell coffee beans, too!
Death and Taxes
Website: https://www.deathandtaxesbar.com.au/
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Thursday & Sunday, 3pm – 1am; Friday & Saturday, 2pm – 2am
Price: $$ – $$$
One of Brisbane’s best kept secrets, Death and Taxes takes inspiration from the underground pubs of Paris and London. When you walk into Burnett Lane and stumble upon the Grim Reaper on the brick wall, then you’ll know it’s time to pop in for a drink!
This hidden gem offers an extensive cocktail menu, craft beers, and wine. They’re open until late, so bring your friends and get a spot on one of their leather-lined booths, or take a seat by the grand back bar with over 1,000 spirit bottles on display.
Alba Bar & Deli
Website: https://www.albabar.com.au/
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 12pm – 10pm; Saturday, 5pm – 12am
Price: $$ – $$$
Alba Bar & Deli is Death & Taxes’ next-door neighbor with a funky Spanish flair. This little bar brings Basque country to Brisbane city with their exquisitely curated selection of natural wine, vermouth, and sherry.
It’s always an exciting experience to visit Alba as their food and beverage menu constantly evolves with the season. But of course, they’ll always have their staples of jamon, conservas (pickled or preserved food), and hip hop!
Brew Cafe & Wine Bar
Website: https://www.brewcafewinebar.com.au/
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Wednesday, 7am – 10pm; Thursday, 7am – 11pm; Friday, 7am – 12am; Saturday, 8am – 12am; Sunday, 8am – 10pm
Price: $$
Brew Cafe & Wine Bar is the OG laneway bar in Brisbane open all day and late into the evening, serving gastronomic grubs and a diverse assortment of beverages!
You can start the day with a hearty breakfast or grab a drink any time of the day until night. Escape into the laneway and follow the colorful graffiti-covered walls with a red round sign that says “Brew” – their doors are always open to brew up something tasty!
Antico
Website: https://www.anticobar.com.au/
Contact: Walk-ins only
Hours: Monday – Thursday & Sunday, 4pm – 1am; Friday & Saturday, 4pm – 2am
Price: $$ – $$$
Your newest little hideout after a long day of work or play, Antico is an Italian-style cocktail bar with a classy and cozy interior. It’s the new sibling of another Burnett Lane mainstay, Death and Taxes.
Get a glass of one of their special house cocktails, take a swig of draught beer, or sip some wine over an intimate candle-lit setting. This is where great conversations with long-time, or even new-found friends take place.
Where to Stay in Burnett Lane
Staying within the Brisbane CBD guarantees easy access to Burnett Lane and other attractions. Here are our top hotel recommendations:
Hyatt Regency Brisbane
Website: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/australia/hyatt-regency-brisbane/
Address: 33 Burnett Lane, Brisbane, QLD 4000
Contact: [email protected] / +61 07 5647 1234
Price: $$ – $$$
A five-star hotel just a few steps from Burnett Lane, Hyatt Regency Brisbane is the ideal location for those who want to be in the heart of a premier shopping precinct.
It’s complete with premium amenities, gorgeous views of the city from the suites and pool bar, plus Queen Street Mall will just be at your doorstep! After a long day exploring the city, this could be your perfect luxury retreat!
W Brisbane
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/
Address: 81 North Quay, Brisbane, QLD 4000
Contact: +61 7-35568888
Price: $$$
If you want a taste of that “Sunshine State of Mind”, W Brisbane is an urban oasis that encapsulates stylish Aussie vibes along with panoramic views of the city! And it’s just on the next block from Burnett Lane!
It has elegantly chic and spacious suites, AWAY® Spa, for an ultimate pampering experience, and restaurants and cocktail bars for scrumptious bites and cocktails. Once you step inside, you’ll surely feel that you’re in for an amazing time!
Hotel Indigo Brisbane City Center
Website: https://www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/us/en/brisbane/
Address: 27/35 Turbot St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Contact: [email protected] / +61 07 32372330
Price: $$ – $$$
Hotel Indigo Brisbane City Center is a hub for creatives and curious explorers traveling the city in search of hidden gems. The hotel itself is adorned with artworks, installations, and sculptures that tell untold stories of the city.
Each room is thoughtfully designed with unique styling and furnishings that’s perfect for lounging all day. What’s more, it features a touch of Burnett Lane with two giant red doors at its lobby, inspired by that red fairy door hidden somewhere in the laneway.
Adina Apartment Hotel
Website: https://www.adinahotels.com/en/
Address: 171 George St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Contact: +61731551000
Price: $$ – $$$
A few blocks away from Burnett Lane on George Street, you can find Adina Apartment Hotel, a heritage-listed building restored with a new classic and contemporary design.
It features full-kitchen serviced apartments, gorgeous interiors, and stunning river views – a perfect place for extended stays in Brisbane!
Royal Albert Hotel
Website: https://www.royalalbert.com.au/
Address: 167 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000
Contact: [email protected] / 07 3291 8888
Price: $ – $$
The Royal Albert Hotel is just around the corner from Burnett Lane. This hotel on Albert Street is set in a historic 100-year old building!
You can experience a touch of Brisbane’s history through the building’s classic architecture and interiors. And the best part is, the rooms are really spacious with pretty affordable rates, to boot!
