Discover The Best Of Stafford QLD With Our Guide

Brisbane’s dairy cows and tanneries of yesteryear have made way for seriously creative brains in Stafford.

Fusing the past with the present just eight kilometres north of Brisbane, sleepy Stafford has changed a lot since I was a kid. Artisanal crafts, brewhouses and international cuisine have all migrated to Happy Valley (how it’s known locally, nodding to Stafford’s historic roots), resulting in an energised space that pleasantly surprised me. Retaining its pretty rural surroundings while nurturing culinary and artisanal imagination, Stafford is flourishing and fabulous. Let me shine a light on the best bits.

In short

If you only do one thing in Stafford, make it a visit to Happy Valley Brewing Company. It’s one of the best spots in the city for a schooner of craft brew and the vibe is always dialled up.

Treat your taste buds at Oh Boy, Bok Choy!

south-east Asian classics at Oh Boy, Bok Choy! — Tuck into finessed south-east Asian classics. (Image: Oh Boy, Bok Choy!)

Friends told me to secure my spot early at Oh Boy, Bok Choy!  and I’m glad I did because the place is pumping when I arrive. Loved by locals and Brisbane foodies from all over, the Stafford restaurant fuses Vietnamese, Chinese, Malaysian and Thai food for a smashing taste sensation. Casual and loud, the vibe is infectious as laser-focused passion pours into everything coming out of the kitchen. Choose from finessed south-east Asian classics like crispy prawn toast and bao buns done three ways, but save room for the headline acts: curries, noodles and deliciously sizzled and dressed meats make their mark.

Address: 264 Stafford Rd, Stafford

Sample stellar brews at Happy Valley Brewing Company

a glass of beer with food at Happy Valley Brewing Company, Stafford — Hop over to Happy Valley Brewing Company for fantastic fare that will give you a guaranteed good time.

Brisbane’s love affair with home brew knows no bounds, extending its exceptional operations to Stafford. Happy Valley Brewing Company is a top spot to sink a pint and line the tummy in style, a fact I only discover one afternoon in mid-2025 despite this hot spot drawing crowds since 2020. Don’t miss the team’s core range, perhaps with a few share plates spanning crumbed mac n cheese bars (exactly what they sound like), loaded fries with whiskey beef brisket, and a collection of tacos. There are also melt-in-your-mouth burgers and a dedicated kids’ menu that throws in colouring-in packs. A guaranteed good time for the entire clan.

Address: 34 Wolverhampton St, Stafford

Soak up community spirit at the Happy Lane Market

a look inside Happy Jane Cafe, Stafford — Find joy in every cup at Happy Jane Cafe.

A space once occupied by the Love Me Again Markets is now home to the Happy Lane Markets , found inside the charming Stafford cafe, Happy Jane Cafe . Staged on the second Sunday of each month, the Brisbane market only launched in September 2025 so you can expect large crowds sussing out the newish retail fix. Entry is free and you’ll always find vintage collectables and fashion, chic homewares, live music and entertainment, on-site parking and, of course, treats from the cafe for everything your morning out in Stafford needs.

Address: 31 Wolverhampton St, Stafford

Take a scenic route along the Kedron Book Bikeway

the scenic Shaw Park Loop along the Kedron Book Bikeway, Stafford QLD — Tackle the scenic Shaw Park Loop along the Kedron Book Bikeway. (Image: Beatrice Woodcock)

Jumping on two wheels gave me a solid stickybeak through Stafford as I hit a portion of the 20-kilometre Kedron Book Bikeway. It runs all the way from Mitchelton to Toombul, through Stafford and Stafford Heights, and the path is made up of both clearly marked street bike lanes and shared paths. I went from Kedron Brook bus station to Stafford City shopping centre, but the entire stretch is dotted with picnic areas, parks and even barbecues if you plan on making a day of it. Here’s a map to help you plan a journey.

Address: Access it from the Brookside Shopping Centre in Mitchelton, or Toombul train station to ride the entire length.

Uncover true coffee artistry at Q Roasters

Q Roasters, Stafford QLD — Q Roasters has a strong emphasis on sustainability.

Caffeine is no joke to these guys. Q Roasters , a roaster, wholesaler and cafe, is the brainchild of Lee Mary and Lachlan Hosking, with Lachlan serving as a registered Australian Q Grader (Q as in quality) and international coffee judge. The team know their stuff (Lee was born in a coffee-growing region in the Papua New Guinean Highlands) and bring their knowledge to each unique blend. Part of the Stafford landscape since 2014, Q Roasters values sustainability, sourcing every bean from producers who care for the land and people who work on it. Additionally, the retail section sells baked goods, which is just as strong a pull in my book.

Address: 44 Wolverhampton St, Stafford

Lean into more of Stafford’s exceptional cafe culture

alfresco dining at The Colour Nine, Stafford QLD — Dine al fresco at The Colour Nine in Stafford Heights.

While Q Roasters remain laser-focused on roasting perfection, I also love Stafford for the many awesome proximity cafes to choose from. Elixir HQ Cafe also roasts its own award-winning blend, but I like dropping in for its food menu and chilled vibes, too. The dishes invite serious indulgence – think tiramisu waffles, truffle mushrooms and an apple crumble porridge. There’s also bustling The Colour Nine in Stafford Heights, which is pet-friendly and nails breakfast classics with a Thai twist.

Address: Elixir HQ Cafe, 12 Hayward Street, Stafford; and The Colour Nine, Shop 2, 85 Mawson St, Stafford Heights

Mingle with thirsty locals at Flat Lizard Brewing

a hand holding a glass of Flat Lizard beer in front of Yebisu Catering food truck — Pair your Flat Lizard beer with chicken karaage from Yebisu Catering.

Live music, a revolving door of food trucks and masterfully crafted, independently produced brews – Flat Lizard Brewing in Stafford is another one of my favourite Brisbane breweries. Located in the suburb’s trendy industrial zone, the brewery nails its core range of lagers, ales and stouts while offering hearty feeds and, if the game’s on, live streaming of your favourite sports. It’s relaxed, pet-friendly and full of locals, with dishes like woodfired pizza and internationally inspired street food providing the ultimate accompaniments to some of the region’s finest beer.

Address: 18 Harvton St, Stafford

Stuff yourself senseless at King of the Wings

buffalo wings at King of the Wings, Stafford — Ignite your tastebuds with sensational buffalo wings. (Image: King of the Wings)

Look, it’s not ultra-refined dining but when you’re craving comfort food done to perfection, King of the Wings  is a local foodie stalwart that always hits the spot. Doesn’t the name say it all? What started as a beloved Brisbane food truck finally set up its own permanent digs right here in Stafford, gifting locals with sensational Buffalo wings, slow cooked ribs, burgers, fries and even a range of desserts. While the truck still travels throughout the state, this brick-and-mortar eatery is always worth the hike given the on-site bar that’s pouring up cocktails, wine and beer, daily.

Address: 1/240 Stafford Rd, Stafford

Find buttery, flaky perfection at Bella & Tortie

a stuffed pie at Bella & Tortie, Stafford — Indulge in an array of next-level sweets at Bella & Tortie.

Can’t resist a baked good on tour? Same. Bella & Tortie  is Stafford’s hottest ticket, cooking up next-level sweets with extreme flair. It underwent a brief renovation in October 2025 and won’t reopen its doors until November, but when they’re back, make a beeline to find traditional European cakes (like their cult favourite canales) and clever contemporary creations jazzed with seasonal fruits and ingredients. Past winners included their Banoffee Cruller, Stout and Ginger Cake and macadamia, coconut and mango trifle, plus the savoury menu is crafted with equal measures of out-of-the-box genius.

Address: 12/240 Stafford Rd, Stafford Central, Stafford

Catch a game of AFLW at Hickey Park

A beautiful Aussie Rules football stadium in Stafford, Hickey Park plays host to many AFLW games each season as the Brisbane Lions draw big crowds. It holds about 4,000 guests in total and the vibe is high-energy when it needs to be, but relaxed before and after the whistle’s blown. A bar and grandstand bring game-day atmosphere, and when it’s not footy season, you’ll find locals jogging laps around the oval plus kids rolling down the grassy hills.

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

Start planning your Queensland adventure at all.com.

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