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!
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!”
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!
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.
A recent property report indicates a surge in Brisbane property listing views coming from Indian-born and NSW investors, as Paddington emerged as one of the most in-demand suburbs.
The Australian Property Market July 2019 Report by realestate.com.au revealed that Brisbane leads the national property market recovery even as its median price for all dwelling fell by 0.9 percent in the past 12 months. Brisbane, however, managed to rise by 0.1 percent quarter-on-quarter, making it the first capital city to see price growth in the June quarter.
The ten most in-demand suburbs for houses in Brisbane are Toowong, Windsor, Paddington, Greenslopes, New Farm, Wilston, Holland Park, Ashgrove, Camp Hill, and Newmarket.
The latest data from realestate.com.au shows the median house price in Paddington at $1,050,000, based on house sales from 1 July 2018 – 29 July 2019. In terms of demand, visits per property is also high with 1,010, as compared to the state average of 374.
Compared to Brisbane, over the same quarter, Sydney and Melbourne dwelling prices fell by 0.4 per cent and to date, the median prices already fell by 7.2 per cent and 5.8 per cent, respectively.
Experts believe that the recovering mining sector and infrastructure spending coupled with continued interstate migration, notably from NSW, contributed to Brisbane’s property market recovery.
The price growth, however, came from mostly from the apartment market which rose 0.7 percent quarter-on-quarter for a median price of $387,000 whilst house prices dropped a little bit by 0.1 percent to $530,000.
Another noteworthy factor is the rising offshore buyers interest particularly with the number of property seekers from India, doubling over the past 12 months. Experts say that like in Sydney and Melbourne, Indian buyers may also start having a big influence on property sales in Brisbane.
Looking at the dwelling market performance across Brisbane metro area, only the North region recorded a slight drop over the quarter with -.01 percent with median price of $535,000 and views per listing of 1,102. The West region ranks first with 1.3 percent price growth over the quarter for a median price of $642,000 with views per listing of 1,346. South, East, and Inner City follow with quarter-on-quarter percent change of 0.6, 0.5, and 0.4, respectively.
Have you been waiting for the next Excess Baggage: Paddington Secondhand Market at The BrisWest Centre? It might excite you to know that it’s almost time to dust off your cupboard, clear your closet, and do some spring cleaning.
If you’re planning to declutter, recycle and make money all at the same time, then round up your stuff and head to the The BrisWest Centre at LaTrobe Terrace on Saturday, the 24th of Aug 2019 for the Excess Baggage Spring Market.
Once there, grab a table and set up the things you want to unload at this community event. Table rates go from $20 to $50 and you can choose from the following set up:
1800mm table inside the hall
$43.29
900 mm table inside the hall
$22.19 (soldout)
1800 mm table outside with shade
$53.84
1800 mm table outside without shade
$43.29
Rates are inclusive of booking fees. Take note that The BrisWest Centre won’t collect any percentage from your profits.
This is a very fun, laidback and informal market but if you have heaps of things to sell, you’ll be allowed to bring one rack. You can also bring your own gazebo if you’ve booked an outside table without shade.
Set up is at 7:00 a.m. while the parking area for unloading your stuff will be open to sellers until 8:30 a.m. The BrisWest Centre will strictly implement a 3:00 p.m. pack up and clean up time.
If you’re coming to the Spring Market just to shop and score second-hand treasures or mingle with the community, you can also order food from the centre’s cafe or order a plate of yummy sausage sizzle. A live band will be playing music to entertain shoppers.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Since 2014, The BrisWestCentre’s Excess Baggage: Paddington Secondhand Market has been a regular activity in this precinct. The initiative is organized and managed by the Brisbane West Senior Citizens Association.
If you’ve got some curious 8 to 11-year-old children or even teenagers at home who want to try something new while school’s out for the winter break, then sign them up for these short DIY workshops at Biome Eco Store on Latrobe Terrace.
CLASS 1
CLASS 2
School Holiday Workshop: Skin Care for 8 to 11 years old
Thursday, 4 July 2019 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, 9 July 2019 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Kids at this workshop will be taught how to make their own moisturising lip balm, lip scrub and clay face mask, as well as how to use these beauty products.
Photo Credit: Biome Collective/Facebook
CLASS 1
CLASS 2
Teen Apothecary: Skin Care
Thursday, 4 July 2019 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, 9 July 2019 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Teenagers can learn what plant alchemy is about as they try to make their own floral toner, roll-on perfume and clay mask.
Slots are limited for these classes so you have to book early online and pay the $35 fee for class confirm your reservation.
Aside from holding regular DIY workshops, Biome Eco Store offers a range of chemical-free, ethically-produced, and properly labeled beauty products. Founded by Tracey Bailey, this store has five branches in Brisbane, including the Paddington address.
A common complaint about eating plant-based food is the lack of flavour. However, if you’ve ever tried the vegan options at Yavanna in Paddington, then it’s likely that you won’t regret going meatless. You might even keep coming back for more of their tasty (and healthy!) dishes.
Yavanna, located at Latrobe Terrace, will excite you about going vegan or maintaining your plant-based diet. Not only are the choices extensive but the meatless dishes are actually filling, delicious, and creatively concocted.
You would see that the owners of this restaurant are truly passionate about eating healthy just by quickly browsing its menu. Although they offer “cheeseburgers” “chicken satay” or katsu and “hoisin duck soba,” don’t mistake these dishes for the real thing, as Yavanna uses high-quality plant-based ingredients for their food and drinks.
Photo Credit: Yavanna/Facebook
Photo Credit: Yavanna/Facebook
Established in 2018, Yavanna is managed by a group of people committed to changing the world with their vegan lifestyle without sacrificing taste.
The atmosphere at this restaurant is also pleasant and friendly. With a bar to boot, Yavanna is also an ideal place for socialising and fraternising with other people.
Yavanna’s kitchen hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday to Friday. It opens earlier on Saturday or Sunday at 8:00 a.m.
“Best food ever. Best & friendliest staff ever. I’m not saying that just because it’s a vegan place…they really are incredible. If I could go there every day I would totally do it.”
“Absolutely amazing food experience. Perfect spot for vegan foodies, but also just for everyone to enjoy. Good service! Definitely order the spicy Cauli Wings, they are the best. Would recommend 10/10.”
~ Eva Everloo, Google Reviews
“I love coming here for dinner or picking up a take away. Poutine is the standout but other favourites include the fried Brussel sprouts, nachos, chicken schnitzel and a chocolate milkshake.”
