The city of Brisbane continues to grow, becoming a hub for arts, culture, food, and more.
There's plenty to see and do around practically every corner, so how should you spend your weekend?
Well, the options are pretty far-reaching. . . But to streamline your planning process, we've experienced some of the fun stuff ourselves, to get a taste of the showstopping vibes Brisbane is providing.
First on our list is the New Woman and High Rotation exhibitions, currently on display at Museum Of Brisbane.
Take a walk to Brisbane City Hall, head inside, hang a right and head up the elevator to level three. Museum Of Brisbane is a quaint but gorgeous place to spend an hour or two, and two of its current exhibitions will fill up that time easily.
New Woman
New Woman is a timeline of work from female artists over the last 100 years, set against a coral backdrop within the museum. Along the walls you'll find stunning, intricate beauties in frames, and art styles which shape-shift and evolve as time progresses. In the centre of the room are some more three-dimensional works. It's as much an exposure to art as it is a learning experience.
Interactive touch screens provide more insight into every single New Woman work, and it's inspiring to read about these women and their encounters as artists in their respective eras. The exhibition spills into the room adjacent, where a more political theme emerges in the form of protest slogans, and a chance for museum visitors to craft their own empowering messages to be displayed as part of the event.
Next up is High Rotation, shifting the focus from visual art to the medium of music, and Brisbane's contribution to the music scene.
High Rotation
Covering the triumphs of our home-grown talent from 1989 to today, High Rotation is a gorgeous, all-encompassing exploration. Huge screens playing music videos fill a dimly-lit room and there's some great music memorabilia, ranging from Savage Garden to Kate Miller-Heidke. You can also immerse yourself in a digital music installation, and make your own musical contributions to well-known tracks by Brisbane artists.
There's also an opportunity to learn about the roots of the industry and hear from some of the city's most influential industry big wigs. It's not just about the end product; High Rotation's intention to educate and inform is clear, and it works wonders because of how encompassing it all is.
All the artists – visual or musical – in these two exhibitions deserve exposure. Museum Of Brisbane is giving it to them. Bravo. New Woman is on now until 15 March, 2020. High Rotation is on now until 19 April, 2020.
You've had a fabulous few hours absorbing some stunning art and bopping along to some brilliant Brisbane music. . . Understandably you'd be feeling a little peckish. Luckily, Brisbane Phoenix is at your service for some delicious Chinese food.
Brisbane Phoenix
Brisbane Phoenix is a new restaurant tucked away in the shimmering Brisbane Quarter. It's homely, inviting, and the staff are keen to welcome you for some yum cha and a menu fit for everyone.
Spring onion pancakes, spring rolls, an array of delicious dumplings (including vegetarian options!), an expansive drinks menu and more are available for even the most fussy of foodies. And with friendly, welcoming waiters who genuinely seem happy to help, it's overall a wonderful, pleasant time.
Just across the river at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) is the Australian classic-turned-musical, 'Muriel's Wedding'.
'Muriel's Wedding The Musical' - Image © Jeff Busby
This is a well-rounded, heartfelt production with depth and a clear intention to connect with its audience. The story of 'Muriel's Wedding' remains a classic in Australian film history, and in terms of which Aussie stage show will be the next to eventually earn the title of 'classic', 'Muriel's Wedding The Musical' has all the right credentials to catch the bouquet.
'Muriel's Wedding The Musical' is on at QPAC until 26 October. Read our full review of the show here.
If you're thirsty for a bit of history, you needn't look further than Natalie Cowling's Time Traveller Tours.
They're a fun, interactive way to learn about some of Brisbane's best stories throughout history.
Natalie Cowling - Image from Facebook
Natalie's 'HerStory' tour is a well thought-out, intricate, heavily-researched affair, with Natalie waltzing attendees through the city, dressed in period costume as author Rosa Praed, displaying her knowledge of women's contributions to Brisbane throughout history. There are stories of women and their ventures in marriage, science, politics, education, employment, religion, activism, the arts, and more.
Not only will you learn bucketloads of fascinating information about the female footprint in the city and beyond, you'll perhaps stumble upon a few Brissie locations you didn't have full knowledge on. It's a great few hours, made greater only by the charm and wit of Natalie Cowling, who fully embodies Rosa and is committed to turning something that might otherwise be a little taxing into a delightful – and genuinely interesting – wander through time.
So, if you're stuck for weekend plans and you're after some culture, entertainment, and a lesson or two in history – look no further than Museum Of Brisbane, Brisbane Phoenix, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, and Natalie Cowling's Time Traveller Tours.
