For a lot of families, cruising the neighbourhood at night to admire some dazzling Christmas lights is a cherished holiday tradition. If you’re looking for the best display in Paddington, then plan a trip to the Government House this December.
From the 13th to 20th of Dec 2019, the Government House will be open to the public for its annual Christmas lights spectacle. The heritage-listed mansion will be lit from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
For the first time in this long-held tradition, visitors may come inside to view the gorgeous Christmas tree in the Drawing Room. Expectedly, Gavel the Vice-Regal dog will be greeting the visitors but the verdict is still out on whether the pup is in a Christmas costume or his usual police uniform.
Photo Credit: Governor of Queensland/Facebook
Also another first — the garden lights on display will be three times bigger for 2019. Sections that haven’t been illuminated before will be lit up with colourful lights.
This is a free event that families or groups must take advantage of. This joyous season is a time to make treasured memories, especially with impressionable kids.
The Government House was built in 1865 as the official residence for the Governor of Queensland, who is also the representative of the monarchy of Australia. Over the years, this mansion hosted parties and celebrations during the party season of December, especially when members of the royal family are in the country.
Photo Credit: Old Government House Brisbane/Facebook
The inaugural Domain Liveable Brisbane study, ranking the 260 Greater Brisbane suburbs, has been revealed. So, how did Paddington fare?
Paddington is the 4th most liveable Brisbane suburb, according to the Domain Liveable Brisbane study. Paddington leads the pack in terms of topographic variation — its hills allow for great city views. Just 2 km west of Brisbane CBD, Paddington also scored high for access to employment and walkability.
The Domain Liveable Cities study is authored by Deloitte Access Economics and Tract Consultants which, based on several indicators, measures liveability in suburbs across Melbourne, Sydney, and for the first time this year, Brisbane.
A total of 16 indicators were used in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, which include: density of cultural services, retail, cafes and restaurants, access to trains and buses, ferry, employment, crime, tree cover, primary and secondary education, mobile and internet access, open space, tree cover, topographic variation, coast and beach proximity, walkability and congestion.
Access to ferries was also used as an additional indicator in Sydney and Brisbane and access to trams was measured in Melbourne. Also, for Brisbane and Sydney, airport noise was also considered, and for Sydney alone, harbour and ocean views.
Surprising it may seem, but what the study revealed is that higher-density suburbs are more likely to be liveable, due mainly to the older suburbs undergoing transformation may likely experience increased traffic congestion. The findings underscore the suburbs ability to provide amenities for its residents to make it more liveable.
The top 10 Greater Brisbane suburbs for liveability according to the Domain Liveable Brisbane 2019 study:
The Paddington Christmas Festival is back this December! The highly anticipated annual event, where local traders come together to spread the merriest vibe and boost community spirit, is taking place on Friday, the 6th of Dec 2019 from Given Terrace all the way to Latrobe Terrace.
Similar to last year, Paddington Christmas Festival will be packed with activities, live entertainment, music and other amusements for children and adults. Stores along the shopping precinct will be carrying out heaps of gimmicks, including an assortment of festive food and unique products for sale.
Check out what’s in store at this year’s Paddington holiday event so you can carefully plan your family’s itinerary:
To make it more fun for the kids, they can secure an interactive passport to fill with stickers and stamps that will be handed out from each of the locations.
This event will also coincide with the lighting of trees along Paddington’s shopping precinct to signal that the holiday is indeed full swing.
Shop for gifts, feast on treats, have fun with your group and simply enjoy a great night out amidst the flurry of light displays and the joyful sound of carollers. There’s always something for everyone at the Paddington shopping precinct but this Christmas festival is such a special time — you won’t want to miss it!
In May 2019, Normanby Hotel in Red Hill underwent a four-month, $3.5-million refurbishment from its new owners, the Pelathon Management Group headed by Jaz Mooney. After the transformation, the hotel has reopened to reclaim its original stature as a family-friendly establishment.
Gone are the boozy and wild car park parties that have bothered the locals for years. Instead, Mr Mooney and his team have rebuilt the heritage-listed site as a beautiful pub and sports lounge with poker machines and several function rooms for private parties on the second floor.
Pelathon Management Group sought the help of the Winchester Group under Shaun Dunleavy to revitalise the hotel. Apart from bringing back the structure to its old glory, the designers replanted a new, large fig tree to replace the plant missing from the site since 2016.
Like the hotel that was erected in 1890, the fig tree became an iconic landmark in Red Hill. Its replanting also symbolizes the hotel’s return to its old roots, where new memories could flourish.
Photo Credit: The Normanby Hotel/Facebook
Photo Credit: The Normanby Hotel/Facebook
The Normanby Hotel, which re-opened in the spring, also features an on-site craft brewery. The establishment even welcomes families with their dogs in some of its assigned spaces.
Pelathon Management Group won a two-year lease for the hotel after its purchase in May for $11 million. Their takeover comes as plans to build a 15-storey complex around to the hotel were rejected by the Council.
Mr Mooney also said that the car park area will be enhanced next year while considering how to redevelop its next-door sites.
The developer, who is credited for also revitalising the Grand Hotel at Central Station, said that he’s really a publican at heart with an extensive background and restoration. He believes in protecting Australia’s heritage sites.
The Normandby Hotel was built in 1890 by the Burtons, whose generations of family members ran the hotel until 1944. It was named after the Normanby Fiveways adjacent to the hotel.
The 20 most expensive Brisbane suburbs have been revealed and the list saw Auchenflower making a big leap from 12th to third place.
New Farm is once again the top-performing suburb in terms of median house price, according to Domain’s latest report. New Farm’s median house price stands at $1,462,500; enough to grab the top spot despite a 13 percent decrease from $1.7 million in 2018.
Sharing the spotlight with New Farm is Auchenflower, which climbed to third spot with $1.275 million median house price from 12th place a year ago and a $1.11 million median house price. That’s an 11.4 percent increase year-on-year and a whopping 57.4 percent five-year increase.
Experts attribute Auchenflower’s meteoric rise to a variety of amenities which makes it very appealing to property buyers, particularly the Wesley hospital, Milton State School and the adjacent Frew Park.
Neighbouring Paddington also made the list, ranking 7th with a median house price of $1,115,500. Other suburbs that made it to the top ten are Bulimba, Chelmer, St Lucia, Fig Tree Pocket, Brookfield, Clayfield, and Balmoral.
Greater Brisbane property market remained uneventful in the September quarter, however, with median house price falling 1.0 percent and median unit price shedding 3.4 percent — this makes Brisbane units market the fourth most affordable of the capital cities in Australia.
The top 20 most expensive Brisbane suburbs according to Domain:
The owners of The Black Lab Coffee Co have opened its newest home in Paddington. Blackout coffee shop, located at 173 Latrobe Terrace, is a tiny spot but there’s nothing minuscule about its quality and presence.
Blackout’s understated space is actually the perfect corner for The Black Lab Coffee Co owner Sam Holman to open up a grab-and-go coffee shop that doubles as a training centre for baristas. Initially planned as a storage space for its wholesale products, the Paddington site has been expanded into more ways than one.
The shop is a coffee bar, where customers can order coffee on the go or stay seated outside for a few minutes to enjoy your drink. Blackout brews espresso, cold-drips, or black or white coffee using single-origin beans, which has been roasted fresh at the back.
Customers may also order sandwiches, muffins, cookies and croissants to go with their coffee whilst they enjoy a quiet breakfast with their dog. The store even offers a substantial selection of cereals.
As originally planned, the Paddington location is used as storage space for products, tools and machines. As a retail store, baristas may shop at Blackout for their needed supplies and tools to hone their skills. They can also enlist in the advanced courses and learn to use different commercial machines.
Blackout officially opened in Paddington on the 12th of Oct 2019. Its trading hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily.
“Super friendly staff who are always welcoming. The coffee is as good as it gets – whether you’re into a traditional espresso-based coffee, or you want to try a pour over or a pre-made drip coffee, they have you sorted. The venue is just adorable, it’s a terrace style shop with a great view to the hills of Paddington and beyond out the back. Ask them about their coffee training too!”
“I notice this new Cafe while driving through Paddington today. Warmly greeted by the friendly Barista, I ask for a regular 1 shot Cafe Latte. Beautifully poured, the coffee is fragrant and full flavoured. A very good coffee!”
The planned shift to the Smart Ticketing System moves a step closer with the start of the express gates trial at Brisbane’s Central Station.
The trial will run from October 22 to November 22 between 7am and 9am and will involve four gate exits at the Edward Street gates which can be opened using a Go card.
“These trials and tests are part of building a world-class ticketing system for Queensland,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said.
The State Government is planning to introduce the Smart Ticketing System across the state and 18 regional urban centres by the end of 2022. The $371-million project will enable customers to use their smartphones, smartwatch, credit card or debit, apart from the go cards and paper tickets, to pay for their ride.
The trial is aimed at providing insights into how Translink customers use the express gates and how they can be improved to be more effective in the future.
“The trial will assist in understanding key customer behaviours at the gates and assist us in determining how we can improve all aspects of customer behaviour at gates,” Mr Bailey said.
“It will also be about listening to customers who have wanted faster gates, especially during peak times.”
For the trial, the State Government has tapped QUT and Spout Logic to provide an independent academic research report on the key findings and recommendations for future improvements.
“QUT is involved in the project to provide independent academic feedback about the results of the trial. This will help TransLink in its decision-making about how best to serve its customers with new innovations,” Professor Alexander Paz said.
Another trial is also scheduled to commence in late October on North Stradbroke Island Buses which will trial the new on-board ticketing hardware. To follow after Minjerribah are four other regions: Innisfail, Bowen, Maryborough, and Hervey Bay.
Given Terrace will once again be lit for the annual fashion spectacular Lights Of Paddington this Saturday, the 26th of Oct 2019. Four years since this event debuted in one of Brisbane’s most charming shopping precincts, the party supporting retailers and rewarding shoppers will deliver another fantastic vibe to this favourite local hive.
The fashion parade featuring the collections of Paddington retailers trading in this shopping strip will strictly start at 7:30 p.m. at The Paddo (Paddington Tavern). Get to know the emerging stars and the VIPs of the local fashion scene whilst checking out the exclusive, trendiest styles and looks for this summer.
These brands will be hitting the runway for Lights Of Paddington:
However, you need to be at the red carpet at least an hour before the runway show to experience a few sparks and fire. Hob-knob with the rest of the guests and enjoy sipping wine, a bubbly or an Aperol Spritz with delicious canapés and finger foods.
As a token of appreciation for attending this event, the boutique and restaurant owners in Given Terrace are giving all attendees a $50 gift voucher with your ticket purchase, which you can redeem at any participating stores before 31 Oct 2019.
So, chat with your girls, then set your date and buy the ticket to this big fashion event!
Craving for some pasta but don’t feel like preparing it yourself? If you want to keep it simple by choosing quick-cooking recipes, check out Pasteio in Rosalie where you can find ready-made pasta and sauces you can eat at home or on the spot.
Occupying a tiny retail space on the corner of Ellena St and Fernberg Rd, Pasteio is a bracingly minimal space, warmed up by 1960s-inspired block of bricks and mustard-yellow signage.
With pasta handcrafted daily on-site, it’s difficult to say no to its diverse incarnations on the menu. This pasta artisan shop makes pasta originated from both the South and North of Italy using grano duro and grano tenero flours respectively.
The menu features a handful of simple antipasti and some 60 pasta recipes, with everything from the nourishing organic buckwheat pasta to tagliolini, which are fine-cut organic egg pasta strands.
Pasteio has its own cafe, which opened barely a year ago. Don’t forget to try their gnocchi with truffle butter then save some space for sweets like torta della nonna which is creme and pine nut torta.
The lineup of fresh sauces and sweet treats changes every week, though you can expect ragû and other classics on the fire all the time.
For your supply of Italian pasties, sweets, and desserts, drop by Pasteio at Shop 1/92 Fenbeg St, Rosalie, Paddington. They are open Tuesday to Saturday, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Planning to shop at a thrift store but don’t know where to go? Well, prepare to get hooked! The bargain shopping scene in Paddington offers heaps of great finds and pre-loved branded stuff at really affordable prices.
Here’s a guide to the best op shops in Paddington, where buying second-hand could mean snagging treasured finds.
1. St. Vincent de Paul Society
Address: 16 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington
Vinnies has the largest reach among the op shops in Australia with over 60,000 members and volunteers across the country. Donations received regularly keep the thrift store well-stocked and managed with a variety of choices from corporate work clothes, formal wear, men’s wear, furniture, household items, vintage pieces, watches and accessories, and other affordable goods.
The store also holds special book sales, school holiday sales and themed selections depending on the season. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(formerly The Paddington Antique Centre) Address: 167 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington
For collectible items and unique finds at low prices, Empire Revival is the place to check out. Aside from vintage clothes, they have special items like medals, swords, trains and thimbles — basically, stuff that are hard-to-find but may be of great use for decoration or as a stage prop. This store also offers antique furniture, arts and crafts, art deco or shabby chic items.
Goods for selling or consignment, however, aren’t directly handed over at the counter as this op shop has a strict process for selection and valuation of items. This is why their collections are extraordinary compared to other stores. This shop trades from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day.
Photo Credit: Empire Revival/Facebool
3. Yesterdays Thrift Shop
Address: 39 Nash Street, Paddington
Operated by The Developing Foundation for people with disabilities, this store sells and accepts pre-loved clothes, toys, sports equipment, books, household goods and homewares. Being inside this store feels like a treasure hunt amidst the maze of racks on display across different rooms.
Yesterdays Thrift Shop opens for seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Also, the store regularly welcomes volunteers above 18 years old to help keep everything in order.
There’s definitely something for everyone at Retro Metro if you’re looking for basic streetwear or totally outrageous and eye-grabbing fashion. This store has amazing vintage and retro pieces that might tend to be pricier because it’s a really special find.
Retro Metro is run by people passionate about authentic vintage so you’re assured of getting your money’s worth. Store hours are daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Photo Credit: Retro Metro Paddington/Facebook
5. The Red Queen Design
Address: 27 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington
You’ll spend hours rummaging through this store’s eclectic collection. The Red Queen Design has heaps of reasonably priced cool furniture and colourful knick-knacks — from posters and postcards, kitchen items, books, fabric, China, mirrors, barware, bridal needs, bags, jewellery and accessories, and fashionable clothes. Most of these items are hand-selected per piece and carefully curated.
This store is open six days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It’s closed on Tuesdays.
Photo Credit: The Red Queen Design/Facebook
Op shopping will always be a winning deal. You save money but get high-quality items. You support the thrift store’s causes and advocacies by patronising the shop and you also keep stuff off landfills by buying second-hand.
