Insider guide to Spring Hill Roma Street Parkland (2024)

Flying under the radar, Spring Hill is a vibrant and historically rich suburb located just outside of The City. Known for its heritage-listed architecture, including the Old Windmill tower and the Spring Hill Reservoir, the beautiful Roma Street Parklands, its charming streets, lively bars and cafes, there’s something for everyone to discover in one of Brisbane’s oldest and most unique inner-city suburbs.

Picnic in the park

Take a walk throughRoma Street Parklands, one of Brisbane’s premier parks bursting with colour from the contemporary display gardens. Settle in one of the various picnic areas for an afternoon in the sun while kids run amuck on wide areas of green grass.

Take a dip in the Spring Hill Baths

Beat the heat and enjoy a little bit of history at the Spring Hill Baths, Brisbane’s first in-ground pool and the southern hemisphere's oldest surviving public baths. Old-world charm continues to thrive in this Spring Hill nook, so claim a change room and enjoy a relaxing swim through the past.

Take in the history of The Old Windmill

Built by convicts in the 1820s, the Old Windmill is rich in heritage and Queensland’s oldest surviving building. Some say it’s haunted, others visit for the historical significance, either way it’s a must-visit when exploring Spring Hill.

Listen to opera in the old Spring Hill Reservoir

The Underground Opera Company has refurbished the reservoir where the public can buy tickets to watch live opera in a unique underground experience. The reservoir was built between 1871 and 1882 and was the city’s main water supply until it was closed in 1962. The Underground Opera Company has cleaned it up, adding steps, ventilation, power, lights and seating but keeps the same industrial and historic feel. The acoustics are something else!

Wander through Victoria Park

Victoria Park is one of the biggest and most popular parks in inner-Brisbane, with picnic areas, playgrounds, a large lake and more than 10 kilometres of walking paths and tracks all set within the stunning 64 hectares of open space, rolling green hills and expansive city views. Victoria Park is set to be redeveloped with plans to welcome an exhilarating adventure playground, new spaces and tracks for outdoor activities.

Head across for a game of golf

Combine city views and undulating greens and you’ve found yourself at Victoria Park Golf. Spend an afternoon improving your swing at the driving range or bring a date or the kids for a round of putt putt, before making your way back to The Bistro for relaxed dining in a charming alfresco setting with incredible city views.

Make a splash at Centenary Aquatic Centre

On the Spring Hill side of Victoria Park is one of Brisbane’s largest aquatic hubs, Centenary Aquatic Centre. Take on the 50m lap pool, let the kids splash in the shallow pool, dive off a diving board or chill out at the café - all of this is only a few minutes from The City and offering everything you need on a hot summer's day.

Discover Spring Hill’s heritage

If you want a real blast from the past, follow the Spring Hill Heritage Trail through 21 points of interest, including locations involved in early European settlement, World War II and the plague. Explore modest 19th century cottages, which line the narrow streets and learn about the everyday lives of workers who lived there.

Drink, dine and watch at The Barracks

Nestled just a stone’s throw from Spring Hill is the historic gem and retail precinct, The Barracks. Once a military stronghold and police barracks, it is now a vibrant hub for shopping, dining and entertainment. Get a glimpse into the city’s past at the Queensland Police Museum, settle in for a glass of wine and French-Vietnamese cuisine at Libertine, before catching a film at the prestigious and fully licenced Palace Cinemas.

Enjoy a Parisian getaway at La Cache à Vin

Oui, oui, oui, you will find the fabulous French La Cache à Vin restaurant tucked down a laneway in Spring Hill. The charming space, featuring original brickwork and exposed beams accompanies an excellent menu brimming with French delights including Soufflé à l'Oignon et Gruyère, Escargots Persillés et Mousseline de Volaille and Crème Brûlée – yes, the menu is even in French.

Have an inspired stay

Stay on the doorstep of the CBD in understated elegance at the contemporary Kennigo Hotel Brisbane or among artwork in luxury boutique hotel The Johnson. Located only a short stroll from the city and trendy Fortitude Valley, you can explore these nearby precincts but return to the relaxed area of Spring Hill.

Wet your whistle at ye old pub

One of Brisbane’s oldest pubs, this Spring Hill watering hole is beloved by locals and regular visitors for the original décor and pub atmosphere. Visit the award-winning bistro at The Alliance Hotel, for seasonal gourmet pub food accompanied with a range of boutique beers, fine wines and spirits.

Solve mysteries while sipping on co*cktails

Want to show off your sleuthing skills? Arcadium Adventures blends immersive escape room experiences with a speakeasy-style bar. With 50 minutes on the clock, put your teamwork skills to the test to solve mysterious board games, and unravel mysteries in one of the escape rooms. While you're at it, discover a special range of co*cktails inspired by their adventures.

Indulge at Jak + Hill

Jak ditched Jill and paired with hill to open this very cute café in the heart of Spring Hill. Find Jak + Hill on the city fringe serving delicious hot chocolates, foodie breakfasts and after work tipples – it’s even open on Sundays!

Spice up your life

Chef Eugene Lee, known in Malaysia for his gangster cuisine, has brought classic recipes combined with modern gastronomy to Brisbane in a south-east Asian-inspired, spice-infused dining experience at Indriya.

Stop in for sushi and sake at Bishamon Japanese Restaurant

Bishamon Japanese Restaurant is an inconspicuous Spring Hill gem is often bustling with locals and Japanese clientele – and if it's good enough for the Japanese it’s certainly good enough for us. If your stomach is a never-ending pit, then sit yourself down for the all-you-can-eat hot pot special with wagyu beef, pork, vegetables and rice.

Still hungry?

Local musician-turned-trendy café owner Keelan Bijker opened Two Donkeys to put a twist on the regular café experience. Dine in for breakfast or lunch, or if you're in a rush, choose something from the daily-rotating Grab & Go menu and walk away with an ugly mug of Will & Co coffee that you can trade back another time.

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