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
HawthorneA 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
HawthorneTucked 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
HawthorneA 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
HawthorneAward-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
Downtown Istanbul
HawthorneHawthorne'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
HawthorneOver 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
HawthorneThe 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
HawthorneBright, 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
HawthorneThe 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
HawthorneThe 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
HawthorneThe 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
BulimbaAward-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
Willes Fine Foods
BulimbaA 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
BulimbaA 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
BulimbaThe 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
BulimbaA 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
Yatai by Hatori Karaage
BulimbaAt 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
BulimbaOxford 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
Melrose Restaurant
BulimbaA 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
BulimbaSpectacularly 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
Izakaya Haiiro
BulimbaA 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
BulimbaA 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
BulimbaFresh, 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.