Your ultimate guide to Eat Street Northshore in Brisbane

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Get swept up in a dizzying smorgasbord of entertainment and international fare at Eat Street Northshore in Brisbane.

Transforming one of Brisbane’s last remaining shipping wharves into one of the city’s bucket list to-dos, Eat Street Northshore in Brisbane is a night market like no other. Also known as Eat Street Brisbane, the food-centric entertainment precinct is home to more than 60 permanent vendors dishing up authentic international fare, crafty cocktails and drinks, kids’ toys, arts and crafts and more. Pumping with live music and performances once the sun sets, it’s an intoxicating scene we’ve grown to adore since it opened 11 years ago. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.

Getting to Eat Street Northshore in Brisbane

Keen to stay and make the most of Eat Street Northshore’s five on-site bars? Leave your wheels at home and jump on a CityCat ferry. The Northshore Hamilton ferry terminal is just a few steps from one of the venue’s two entrances at Dock C within Northshore Brisbane, and the quick stroll along the Brisbane River to Eat Street Northshore itself is flat and scenic.

al fresco dining at the Eat Street Northshore
The food-centric entertainment precinct is home to excellent food and pumping performances. (Image: Tourism Australia)

If you’re taking the car, there’s a huge 1,400-vehicle carpark at Dock C on MacArthur Avenue and best of all, it’s free. Again, you’re only a few steps from both the ‘Hello’ and ‘Eat’ sign entrances, and they’re both clearly labelled. Northshore Brisbane, home to Eat Street Northshore and a stack of surrounding attractions (more on those further down), is in Hamilton which is about a 20-minute drive from Brisbane’s CBD.

There’s also the bus, with the nearest stop located on Bincote Street, right near the gigantic steel tank. Once you hop off, it’s a short walk through Maritime Green.

a family entering the Eat Street Northshore
Head to Eat Street Northshore for a fun family day out. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Getting around Eat Street Northshore in Brisbane

If it’s your first time, you can always download a visitor map from the Eat Street Northshore website, but we highly recommend getting lost in the fairy/neon/festoon/halogen-lit madness of it all.

If you’re after on-site assistance, there’s an information desk right next to the First Aid room, just a few steps inside when entering through the ‘Eat’ entrance.

a couple exploring the Eat Street Northshore
Get lost in the fairy-lit madness of it all. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Visitors should note that entry into Eat Street Northshore costs $6 per person however children under the age of 13 and carers can enter for free. You can also purchase pre-paid tickets through the website.

a kid smiling while holding a dessert at Eat Street Northshore
Children under the age of 13 can enter for free. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Accessibility-wise, there are plenty of dedicated disability parking spots, wheelchair-accessible toilets and a wheelchair-accessible ATM to be found. However, people with accessibility issues should note that the grounds have been built on original wharfage, meaning some of the more remote seating on the water’s edge is tougher to reach, and less finished than other spots.

friends enjoying drinks at Eat Street Northshore
Enjoy a night full of great food and drinks. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Dogs are welcome if they’re kept on a short leash and can handle staying more than three metres away from the food vendors. Tough ask for some, we realise.

dogs posing for a photo at Eat Street Northshore
You can also bring your dogs on a short leash.

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What to see at Eat Street Northshore in Brisbane

Shopping and food options

You won’t know where to start, even if you’ve visited Eat Street Northshore before.

the dining options at Eat Street Northshore
Explore the dining options at Eat Street Northshore. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Often categorised by cuisine or whatever products they’re selling, (there’s a mad scientist corner, for example, housing a Churro Lab and Professor Fairy Floss) the hot spots are broken down here.

churros at Eat Street Northshore
Grab some tasty snacks from Churro Lab.

Tables are scattered everywhere you look but the most popular place to plonk yourself down is the Main Deck where a giant undercover stage is found. Inside, you’ll struggle to resist the mouth-watering flavours of South America, the Middle East and Europe as vendors like Las Catrinas (try the birria tacos for instant transportation to Mexico City’s vibrant streets) and Chaar nail their dishes with spirited flair.

a couple eating ice cream at Eat Street Northshore
Head to Eat Street Northshore for decadent desserts. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Kombi Alley is another non-negotiable, home to a giant shimmering disco ball, strings of fairy lights and some of the most extraordinary sweets you’ll ever encounter.

the Kombi Alley at Eat Street Northshore
Indulge in sweets at the Kombi Alley. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Head to The Doughnut Bar for one of the alley’s original stalwarts and don’t miss The Chocolate Komberry’s cronut cubes topped with ice cream, syrup and more unnecessarily wicked trimmings.

The Doughnut Bar at Eat Street Northshore
Don’t miss the famed Doughnut Fries from The Doughnut Bar. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Seafood fans should make a beeline for the Trawler Deck where fish and chips are perfected, and Shuck All Oysters bring the decadence.

fresh oysters at Eat Street Northshore
Indulge in fresh oysters. (Image: Tourism Australia)

It’s a beautiful spot to watch the sun set as an old vintage Moreton Bay trawler, on display right in the thick of it all, sets a beautiful scene.

a box of pizza at Eat Street Northshore
Savour a slice of your favourite pizza. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Diner Bar is Eat Street Northshore’s central hub of comfort food, boasting American-style pizza slices, loaded burgers and two internationally inspired culinary havens: Little Lady Peruvian and Don’t Worry Eat Curry, spicing up your options with traditional paellas and Indian classics.

a dog wearing a cap at Eat Street Northshore
Treat your pup to a makeover with accessories from Traders Square’s Dapper Dogs.

Break up the culinary charms with a few kid-friendly games at Arcade Avenue, or a spot of boho-inspired homewares and henna tattooing perusing along the Laneway, or Traders Square’s Dapper Dogs for pup-friendly accessories, or Asia Street’s Sugarville for take-home lollies.

candies on display at Asia Street’s Sugarville, Eat Street Northshore
Grab some take-home lollies from Asia Street’s Sugarville.

Other popular pit stops include Lulu Candied Fruit, where skewered, fresh-dipped delights provide endless Instagram fodder, Corn Dogs, for loaded creations to utterly blow your mind, and Arancini Bros, serving up a suite of pudgy, flavour-packed risotto spheres.

caramelized strawberries in skewers at Lulu Candied Fruit, Eat Street Northshore
Grab one of Lulu Candied Fruit’s caramelised strawberry skewers.

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Events and activities at Eat Street Northshore in Brisbane

While the countless food offerings keep crowds plenty busy, there’s also live music and performances staged nightly. Thanks to Eat Street Northshore’s 10pm licence on Friday and Saturday nights, local bands, singers, dancers, DJs and roving performers turn the foodie destination into a sprawling carnival that kicks on long into the evening.

violinists performing at Eat Street Northshore
Live music and performances are staged nightly. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Three stages, staggered right throughout Eat Street Northshore, bring unique flavours to their designated corner of the action. You’ll spy everything from fire eaters and acrobats to magicians and big touring names on any given night.

people dining and watching a live performance at Eat Street Northshore
Catch local bands and roving performers on Friday and Saturday nights. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Don’t miss the various photo-perfected backdrops that demand selfie-snapping attention. From neon-illuminated rainbows to Melbourne laneway-esque street art, there are mind-boggling sights wherever you look.

a performer in a fairy costume at Eat Street Northshore
Eat Street Northshore has turned into a sprawling carnival.  (Image: Tourism Australia)

Tips for visiting Eat Street Northshore’s nearby attractions

Heading out to Northshore Brisbane can sort out the family for an entire day. The precinct will be the city’s—if not the country’s—hottest ticket come November 2024 when Bluey’s World, an immersive experience for fans of the global phenomenon Bluey, opens its doors. If you’re heading to Eat Street Northshore for an evening, Bluey’s World will serve as the perfect pre-game accompaniment.

a family hanging out at Kombi Alley, Eat Street Northshore
Eat Street Northshore is a fun-filled spot the whole family can enjoy. (Image: Tourism Australia)

There’s also the Pink Flamingo, the world’s first Spiegeltent, located right next door to Eat Street Northshore, offering an alternative party atmosphere for after-dark revellers. It’s open until December 24, 2024.

Fancy a feed on the water? Riva Kitchen & Events is within walking distance to Eat Street Northshore, right near the ferry terminal, and dishes up beautiful river-fronting breakfast and lunch to capitalise on fresh seasonal ingredients.

 

Opening hours: Friday: 4:00pm – 10:00pm; Saturday: 4:00pm – 10:00pm; Sunday: 4:00pm – 9:00pm

Address: 221D MacArthur Avenue, Hamilton

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Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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Tropical islands, good food & world-class shows: Your eventful guide to a holiday in Townsville

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
    Townsville is buzzing as the events capital of North Queensland, with a host of festivals, international sporting and arts events on offer.

    Perched between the Coral Sea, the towering pink monolith of Castle Hill, and fringed by ancient rainforest ranges, Townsville North Queensland is a genuine tropical playground.

    Here, find postcard-worthy landscapes all the way from nearby Magnetic Island to inland swimming holes and waterfalls – all dotted with an array of endemic wildlife. Get the heart racing with adrenaline water sports. Soak in a world-class arts scene. And take advantage of a culinary offering that punches well above its weight.

    And, then there’s the fact that Townsville has fast become the destination to an outstanding line-up of events – from live music to top-level sporting contests.

    Whether you have a weekend or weeks, there’s plenty here to fill your tropical getaway.

    Day 1: An eventful day

    Morning

    The Strand in townsville
    Explore The Strand.

    Daily flights offer easy connectivity from all capital cities to Townsville Airport, and within 10 minutes’ drive, you’re in the city centre. Start your stay by recharging with breakfast or coffee at the city’s newest spot, Botaniq Cafe, on the ground floor of the award-winning Bridgewater restaurant on the banks of Ross Creek.

    Start exploring on a breezy walk along the 2.5-kilometre foreshore of The Strand. Here, a waterfront path stretches all the way to the headland of Jezzine Barracks parklands. Admire more than 35 sculptures and artworks, as well as stunning views from the top of the park. Further along, Queens Gardens, established in 1870, offers a cool retreat and is Townsville’s oldest botanic garden.

    Stroll Gregory Street, off The Strand, for boutiques, homeware stores, cafes and restaurants, or follow a self-guided street art walking trail through the city centre, stopping to admire colourful works by big-name artists including Queenslander Fintan Magee.

    Afternoon

    concert in front of castle hill townsville events
    Time your trip for one of many Townsville events.

    For a casual lunch, stop in at Balabite for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired street food. Build your own pita with a choice of fillings, before enjoying a relaxing afternoon in preparation for one of Townsville’s big events.

    Whether it’s a concert from a big-name international band – think Foo Fighters or Guns ‘n’ Roses – or a night cheering on the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup, there’s plenty to entertain you.

    Time your visit for events like the Townsville Folk Festival (June 12-14), Supercars Townsville 500 (July 10-12), Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week (August 27-September 2), North Australian Festival of Arts (September 25 – October 11) or see the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup (coming in 2027).

    Day 2: Island dreaming

    Morning

    Pilgrim Sailing magnetic island
    Take a lunchtime sailing trip with Pilgrim Sailing.

    Fuel up with breakfast at Cbar on The Strand, looking out to your destination for the day: Magnetic Island (or ‘Maggie’ to the locals). Catch a quick ferry to spend the day exploring walking trails through national park, choosing from 23 beaches and trying a hand at the island’s water sports.

    The Forts Walk is the best place to see wild koalas in Australia, and you’re likely to find friendly wallabies at the Nelly or Geoffrey Bay headlands. Try guided snorkelling with Aquascene Magnetic Island or Pleasure Divers, or take a land-based tour with MI Ride Discovery Tours to the secluded west coast of the island.

    Pilgrim Magnetic Island offers four-hour lunchtime sailing trips aboard a 58-foot luxury yacht, dropping in to some of Magnetic Island’s remote bays for snorkelling or swimming and including gourmet grazing platters, drinks and ocean views.

    Afternoon

    picnic bay on magnetic island
    Head to Picnic Bay for delicious dining.

    Refuel after a morning of adventure. Seasalt Arcade at Picnic Bay has several good options. Savour craft brews and Latin tapas at Maggie Island Brewery, opt for bagels and light bites at Lava Lava cafe or fine dining at Restaurant Elsie.

    Now, it’s time to choose your own adventure. Stay the whole day on Maggie, or return to Townsville, where there’s plenty more to discover.

    Head to The Docks at Flinders Street Wharves for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach or join Poseidon Adventures for water sport adventures.

    Evening

    Ardo's Rooftop townsville
    End your day watching the sunset from Ardo’s Rooftop.

    However your day looked, end it with cocktails and canapes at Townsville’s Ardo Rooftop. Find something more substantial at the hotel’s elegant but casual Chef-hatted Japanese restaurant Terasu, where each dish is a work of art.

    Day 3: Natural delights

    Morning

    couple holiding hands at the top of castle hill in townsville
    Join the locals for an early walk to the peak of Castle Hill. (Credit: My Colourful World)

    Join the local early morning pilgrimage to hike up Castle Hill for the best 360-degree views in town, before heading to breakfast at Spirited Goat for gourmet treats and locally brewed coffee.

    A trip to Townsville wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the outer Great Barrier Reef. For those with time, Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive runs full-day trips to the Museum of Underwater Art for snorkellers and divers to admire the reef’s stunning collection of submerged sculptures on John Brewer Reef, about two hours by boat from Townsville.

    Afternoon

    Shorehouse restaurant townsville
    Stop into the award-winning Shorehouse.

    Round off your Townsville getaway with lunch at Shorehouse, awarded Best Restaurant in the North Queensland People’s Choice Awards every year since 2023. Dine on the deck to catch the breeze and sample modern Asian cuisine as you watch the world go.

    Keen for something more to extend your stay? There are always more adventures –new, familiar and with a twist – in the events capital of the North.

    Plan your eventful visit to Townsville North Queensland at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au.