You Can Bank On The Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane

Adina’s marquee Brisbane property is the best part of both a modern unfussy hotel and a heritage-listed property.

The Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane in the 1920s former Queensland Government Savings Bank has great bones. Solid walls, an atrium with enormous high ceilings and a historic wooden staircase with wrought iron balustrades.

Whenever those concerned that the repurposing of these heritage masterpieces into fine hotels is destroying the utility and heritage voice their fears, they should cast their eyes over the rather delicate and restrained way TFE Hotels have brought this building back to life.

So careful was the restoration completed in 2018 that the Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane is in excellent shape today.

Location

City or river is the age-old question for Brisbane visitors. Well, on the top floors, Adina Brisbane serves up both. The hotel is right on the corner of George and Elizabeth Streets opposite the casino and the Queens Garden Square.

A block from the Queen St Mall and easy access to most of the business towers in the CBD, the hotel is ideal for a city break. The gardens across the road give the George St-facing rooms a welcome and refreshing verdant vista.

the Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane Exterior — The Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane building has great bones.

Style and character

The careful restoration presents the original heavy wooden doors (this was a bank after all) which open to reveal a lobby of elegant beauty.

Gorgeous high ceilings and chequerboard black-white tiles evoke all the glory of the roaring 20s and the enormous wrought iron windows that reach to the lofted ceilings give not just natural light but an additional oversized sense of grandeur for what is in reality not a massive space.

Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane lobby — Gorgeous high ceilings and chequerboard black-white tiles evoke all the glory of the roaring 20s.

The highlights of the lobby are the dusty pastel hand-painted de Gournay panoramic wallpaper artworks. These verdant landscapes along with the careful restoration of the ornate ceiling roses, Tiffany duck egg blue walls and duotone geometric tiling lift the lobby ambience to a somewhat magical milieu.

The Art Deco styling is found throughout the public spaces; the carpet is geometric bronze and black and opposite the lifts on all levels are full-length mirrors.

The compact heated pool is enclosed on all sides by the hotel building to give a sense of being confined when in fact it is open to the elements. But look up and enjoy the Joan Miro-esque Oogie Boogie mobile artwork.

Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane Pool — Enjoy the Joan Miro-esque Oogie Boogie mobile artwork above the pool.

Facilities

The Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane has a pool, gym, 24-hour front desk and onsite parking with direct access to the hotel.

Rooms

There are 220 rooms, all with a kitchenette. The rooms vary from studios, one- to three-bedroom apartments and suites across three room categories: standard, premier and balcony. The top floors naturally have the best views of the river and South Bank.

The rooms in the original structure (not the top five floors which have been added) benefit from the high ceilings and even the studio’s floor plan is carefully designed to maximise space – a chaise lounge and table and two chairs from which to work or eat are on hand.

The room palette embraces a rich British racing green and turquoise soft furnishing. White subway tiles in the bathroom are contrasted with black floor tiles and Ink & Water toiletries.

Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane room — The rooms vary from studios, one- to three-bedroom apartments and suites across three room categories: standard, premier and balcony.

Food and drink

There are three outlets within the hotel, each for a different occasion.

The highlight is Donna Chang , tucked into the Elizabeth St side of the lobby. The Cantonese-inspired restaurant has reportedly the best dumplings in the city and a Kung Pao Chicken the envy of some of the best Cantonese eateries in the country.

People dining at Donna Chang in Brisbane — Donna Chang is a highlight.

For coffee and a quick breakfast, the St Marks Road Co. is set in a small nook on the George St side of the lobby.

And in the basement, the Boom Boom Room is a Japanese bar and restaurant with a plethora of Japanese whisky, sake and beer.

The Boom Boom Room in Brisbane — Enjoy Japanese whisky at the Boom Boom Room.

Accessibility

Accessible rooms are available in the studio and one-bedroom apartment categories. The accessible one-bedroom apartments have an interjoining door to a studio next door and therefore can be converted into a two-bedroom apartment for travelling carers or family.

Is Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane family-friendly?

Yep – the Adina brand is synonymous with space, multi-room apartments, kitchenettes and laundries. All are highly appreciated by families on the move.

Details

Best for: Business travellers, long-stay travellers and couples.

Address: 171 George St, Brisbane QLD 4000

Phone: +61 7 3155 1000

Cost: Rates start from $321 per night.

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.

You can bank on the Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane