Food, fashion, gift and home ware retailers abound in New Farm, a delightful near-city pocket on the Brisbane River. Galleries, designer stores and some of Brisbane’s most interesting bistros and cafés can be found here – along with a vibrant creative community and a thriving performing arts complex, the Brisbane Powerhouse. Post-shopping spree, you'll find the 14-hectare, jacaranda-filled New Farm Park, the perfect antidote to all the action.
Brunswick Street
On the main thoroughfare – Brunswick Street – is the nationally renowned New Farm Deli and Café, where you can buy continental delicacies, order a gourmet hamper or purchase gifts for gourmand friends (or treat yourself!). And if that's not enough to tempt your taste buds, try the fresh seasonal produce at the grass roots Jan Power's Farmers Markets, held on every second and fourth Saturday of the month at the Brisbane Powerhouse. More than 100 stalls selling farm-fresh varieties combine to create a cultural and community-focused experience not to be missed.
Take a break from the bustle and enter the cool, white interior of Ari Jewellery, an oasis of contemporary jewellery design, displaying an evolving range of limited-edition neckpieces, earrings and rings. And while in eclectic-shopping mode, try Absolutely Fabulous, a well-established second-hand store known for its mix of treasures and collectables, ranging from vintage furniture to oriental pictures, jewellery, lamp shades and more.
Feathering your nest? Be sure to check out Ambrose Furniture, one of Brisbane’s premier furniture designers. Their handcrafted furniture pieces – either pre-made or custom-designed – are made from select grade solid Tasmanian oak and premium hoop pine timbers.
Home decorators with a love of all things old and interesting should head to The New Farm Antique Centre, on Commercial Road, in neighbouring Newstead. The centre is a treasure trove of second-hand and classic period pieces dating from the 1920s to the 1980s, with everything from Tibetan cowbells to Victorian candelabras.
While in the area, do your bit to reduce carbon emissions – buy a bike! New Farm Bikes, on the corner of Brunswick Street and Merthyr Road, offers a range of cycling options that will have you zipping around town in no time.
The Pet Pad has goodies to pamper your pet, and a doggy day spa and daycare service to boot.
Merthyr Village
Merthyr Village has long been a shopping oasis for New Farm residents. Its eclectic mix of retailers provide a zesty combination of fine fashion and gifts, an exotic assortment of food, wine and dining as well as the more pedestrian conveniences of a major supermarket. Stand-outs among the 20 specialty stores include Thousand Island Dressing, offering unusual jewellery, handbags and home wares; Sarah’s of New Farm, which stocks a large range of fashion styles from young Queensland designers such as Sacha Drake; The Colony Men’s Store, showcasing big names like Tommy Hilfiger, Gant, Polo Ralph Lauren, Yarra Trail and Ben Sherman; and New Farm Editions and Mary Ryan’s Books, Music & Coffee for quality book browsing (and great gift ideas).
While in the area, pop into hidden gem Blackberry Homeware & Gift shop on Merthyr Road for original jewellery, handbags, shoes and gorgeous gifts.
James Street
Once-quiet James Street is now a premium shopping precinct, featuring an enticing line-up of top fashion retailers such as menswear store CEO and gorgeous women's boutique Kisses (the exclusive Queensland stockist for Collette Dinnigan's beautiful bridal wear). For Apple fans, AppleCentre is your one-stop-shop for Apple brand gadgets.
For more on James Street retail hotspots, see Valley shopping.
