A mecca for cafe devotees. This once rough suburb is now uber cool.
West End, Brisbane (0-5km)
Once upon a time West End was a bit of a rough, and multicultural working class area. Now it is cafe central with a happening vibe and a fantastic weekend market. West End is the grungey, arty, alternative, organic centre of Brisbane, popular with the socially aware, left-leaning cool cats. It is the Fitzroy of Melbourne and the Newtown of Sydney. Here you will find eco warriors, organic food devotees, students, wealthy alternative-esque professionals, live music fans, old timers unaffected by the gentrification, homeless dudes, indigenous Australians, and some lovely ageing Greek people. (More information below and to your left <<<)
Can be hard around Boundary Rd and the weekend market
Vibe:
cool cat coffee heaven
If this suburb were a shoe, it would be a Campers, Birkenstock and Puma
West End is very close to the city centre, yet exists in a world of its own. Many wanted to keep it untouched, but the developers moved in turning factory land into high rise apartment blocks. In recent years, property prices in West End have gone upwards sharply, becoming unaffordable for those on lower incomes.
The majority of people who live here do not have children.
Boundary Rd is the main shopping strip with plenty of cafes, restaurants, a couple of good bookshops, a tattoo parlour, live music venues, and general groceries.
One of Brisbane's best markets, the Green Flea Market is held every Saturday morning from 6am - 2pm in Davies Park, at the end of Jane St. This market has very good produce and a friendly atmosphere. It is very popular so get in early to get a parking spot or be prepared to park a few streets away and walk. Locals have had to fight to keep this market as it is and where it is.
Architecturally, West End has period homes, some small, some large, some in need of renovation, others nicely fixed up. Many of these homes are heritage listed. In recent years, more apartment blocks have gone up, proving popular with the younger set and professionals. There are some older ugly apartment blocks too.
Parking is hard around the cafe strip in Boundary Rd and on Saturday mornings around Davies Park when the market is on. Vibe: cool cat heaven. Shoe equivalent: Campers, Birkenstocks, Puma. Woud suit: students, grungey bo-ho types, young professionals, couples, young families. Location: inner city. Distance from city centre: 3km. Direction: south west. Postcode: 4101.
