Bulimba Hotels

Local Area Guide

Hawthorne & Bulimba

Hawthorne and Bulimba are two of Brisbane's most loved riverside villages — a 10-minute drive or a breezy CityCat ride from the CBD. Expect tree-lined streets, independent restaurants, neighbourhood bars, heritage cinemas, and the kind of unhurried local energy that keeps people coming back.

Hawthorne

Coffee & Cafés

Hawthorne Coffeehouse

Hawthorne

A beloved light-filled weatherboard café on the east side, known for exceptional coffee, great community vibes, and perfect toasties. A true neighbourhood institution and dog-friendly escape.

Hawthorne Garage DNA Espresso

Hawthorne

Tucked into the iconic Hawthorne Garage precinct, this café draws locals and visitors with its relaxed fusion of café and restaurant energy. Great for a casual coffee between cinema sessions.

Chemistry of Coffee

Hawthorne

A standout café in the heart of Hawthorne with a serious approach to coffee — choose from a house blend, rotating single origin, and rotating filter. Minimalist fit-out overlooking the AFL park.

Hawthorne

Dining

Cartel del Taco

Hawthorne

Award-winning Mexican street taqueria and bar, voted Queensland's best tacos. Owned by Mexican ex-pats Marco and Erick, everything from the crockery to the artwork has been shipped from Mexico City. Try the birria tacos and a mezcal cocktail.

290 Hawthorne Rd, Hawthorne

(07) 3096 0516

Downtown Istanbul

Hawthorne

Hawthorne's authentic Turkish food bazaar on Hawthorne Road, located in the precinct opposite the Hawthorne Cineplex. A vibrant, boho-glam space serving traditional Turkish dishes, nourish bowls and more.

276 Hawthorne Rd, Hawthorne

Marinara Italian Restaurant

Hawthorne

Over 30 years of true Italian hospitality with homemade pizza and pasta, handpicked Italian wines, and an old-school dessert trolley. One of Brisbane's most beloved neighbourhood Italian restaurants.

254 Hawthorne Rd, Hawthorne

Sister Café

Hawthorne

The stylish sister venue to the beloved Miss Jones, serving knockout breakfasts and lunches. Wake up to Single O coffee and the kind of breakfast gnocchi that earns a return visit.

Mucho Mexicano

Hawthorne

Bright, festive, and colourful, Mucho Mexicano on Hawthorne Road is a crowd-pleasing Mexican spot celebrating life fiesta-style. Great for groups and margarita lovers.

Hawthorne

Entertainment

Hawthorne Cineplex

Hawthorne

The heart of the Hawthorne Road precinct, this beloved boutique cinema is the social anchor of the neighbourhood. Check session times at hawthornecinemas.com.au.

261 Hawthorne Rd, Hawthorne

Hawthorne Garage

Hawthorne

The iconic multi-purpose hub at the centre of Hawthorne Road, home to cafés, markets, events and more. The precinct has a wonderful community energy any day of the week.

Hawthorne Panthers AFL Club

Hawthorne

The local AFL club, a great spot to catch a game and soak up some authentic Brisbane community sport culture.

Oxford Street, Bulimba

Coffee & Cafés

Bellissimo Coffee

Bulimba

Award-winning specialty coffee roasters at the ferry terminal end of Oxford Street. Open from 6am daily with an all-day brunch menu and exceptional batch and cold-drip options. The perfect stop before or after a CityCat ride.

35 Oxford St, Bulimba

(07) 3899 6704

Willes Fine Foods

Bulimba

A Bulimba institution with over 27 years on Oxford Street. Family-owned and community-loved, serving Brisbane's best-value breakfasts, freshly squeezed juices, and locally sourced lunches from 6am daily.

Oxford St, Bulimba

Le Caprice Patisserie

Bulimba

A little slice of Paris on Oxford Street. Authentic French croissants, eclairs, gateaux, and savoury puff pastry pies. Step in and you'll smell the pastries before you see them.

153 Oxford St, Bulimba

Oxford Street, Bulimba

Dining

Romeo Italian

Bulimba

The newest addition to Oxford Street from MKR 2024 champion Simone Presta. An Italian tapas-style experience at 161 Oxford Street where smaller sharing plates let you journey through bold, lovingly crafted flavours. Newly opened 2026.

161 Oxford St, Bulimba

Sugo on Oxford

Bulimba

A Bulimba stalwart and neighbourhood favourite serving authentic Italian pizza and pasta. The sugo-base pizzas are legendary, and there's a hidden gelato bar down the laneway out the back.

3/190 Oxford St, Bulimba

(07) 3395 6327

Yatai by Hatori Karaage

Bulimba

At Shop 1/200 Oxford Street, this cosy Japanese eatery brings the spirit of a Tokyo street-food stand to Bulimba. Think perfectly crispy karaage, yakitori platters, wagyu udon, and ice-cold Asahi on tap. Sun–Thu until 9pm, Fri–Sat until 10pm.

Shop 1/200 Oxford St, Bulimba

Oxford 152

Bulimba

Oxford Street's one-and-only pub, freshly renovated with a great kitchen, craft beers, pub classics, proper steaks, and a gorgeous dog-friendly Gin Garden out the back. The local crew's go-to for a relaxed long lunch or post-work unwind.

152 Oxford St, Bulimba

(07) 3899 2026

Melrose Restaurant

Bulimba

A stunning Pan-Asian restaurant with a fully retractable rooftop and a dedicated cocktail bar. Indonesian-inspired curries, bold Asian flavours, and epic sunset vibes. Book ahead — it fills up fast.

Shop 5/6 37 Oxford St, Bulimba

Il Molo Italian Kitchen & Bar

Bulimba

Spectacularly positioned at the waterfront end of Oxford Street, Il Molo is all about fresh Italian food with river views. Famous for Aperitivo Afternoons (spritz and snacks, Wed–Sun, 3–5pm).

Oxford St, Bulimba

(07) 3899 6113

Izakaya Haiiro

Bulimba

A dark, moody, and thoroughly exciting Japanese izakaya in Bulimba. Crispy tempura, perfectly grilled skewers, an excellent sake selection, and a wagyu steak cream udon that guests rave about.

265 Hawthorne Rd, Hawthorne

Old Mr Rabbit

Bulimba

A much-loved bar and kitchen at 210 Oxford Street with live music, craft beer, cocktails, and a relaxed deck vibe. Open midday till late, seven days.

210 Oxford St, Bulimba

Vietnamese Mint

Bulimba

Fresh, authentic Vietnamese flavours brought to Bulimba. Light, vibrant dishes perfect for lunch or an early dinner.

Transport

Getting Around

CityCat Ferry

The Hawthorne Ferry Terminal (heritage-listed, built 1925) is serviced by the F1 CityCat running daily between UQ St Lucia and Northshore Hamilton. The Bulimba Ferry Terminal is also nearby on Oxford Street. Go Card required (tap on/off). Runs approximately 6am–midnight.

Buses

Routes 227, 230, 232, 235 service Hawthorne Road. The CityGlider connects Coorparoo through the CBD to Teneriffe.

Train

Morningside Station (approx. 15-min walk or short bus) connects to the Cleveland and Beenleigh lines via the City.

Taxis & Rideshare

Uber and DiDi are readily available. Allow 15–20 minutes to the CBD.

Driving

Free street parking available on side streets. Paid parking available near Hawthorne Cineplex and on Oxford Street.

Make it your Brisbane base

Stay minutes from all of this. Book direct and pay no service fees.