Review: The W Hotel, Brisbane

Big, bold and brash, the W Brisbane brings unmatched vibes to the sunshine state.

When the W Hotel in Brisbane opened its doors, it brought with it the debaucherous, unabashed flauntiness that dwells within.

We explored its uniqueness and energy to see whether it lives up to the hype.

First impressions

When I step out of the taxi at the W Brisbane , I’m instantaneously stunned by the wow factor of the hotel. The luminescent ‘W’ draws you in initially, but then it’s the bright and colourful arrival area that catches the eye.

W Hotel in Brisbane exterior with 'W' sign — The luminescent ‘W’ draws you in.

Ripe with riparian themes in the design, it starts with a staircase of timber river reeds delivering us to the welcome desk and continues through to the carpet pattern in our room, inspired by the shifting tide patterns of the Brisbane River.

Checked in, we’re shown to the moodily lit elevators, and it’s abundantly clear this is no place for minimalists.

Arrival area of the W Hotel in Brisbane — The staircase of timber river reeds leads to the welcome desk.

The room

The curtains automatically draw back as we enter our Wonderful Room, allowing the sun to pour over its showpiece: a turquoise circular mix bar, topped with a hot pink glass pineapple and an array of mid-sized bottles of booze.

Wonderful Room mix bar at the W Hotel Brisbane — The mixing bar is an eye-catcher.

The room snakes from the entrance, past the bathroom with its ‘10-gallon drum tub’ inspired by the Aussie outback, around the end of a king-size bed and into the curved floor-to-ceiling glass.

Bath in W Brisbane room — Not a bad spot for a bath.

Along one wall, white panels bring a touch of traditional Queenslander home; opposite is a shimmering print with thin glass poles running along it, channelling mangrove reeds. There are mirrors everywhere.

All this ostentatiousness is new to me; it’s my first initiation into the world of W. On one hand, I love it, on the other, I’ve stepped into the unknown and I’m feeling conscious about my outfit choice.

Spectacular King Room in W Brisbane — The views are a killer.

We glam up and continue to the Living Room bar, which backs onto the adjoining shopping complex, Brisbane Quarter, for a pre-dinner cocktail.

EWOW living area at W Hotel Brisbane — If you really want to take it up a notch, the EWOW Suite is available…

Living Room Bar

The Living Room Bar evolves from a serene spot for daytime reading or meetings to a lively night scene to mix and mingle. The soundtrack connects the crowd for you to enjoy good conversation and of course, fab cocktails.

Our drinks come with a side of deliciously sweet and salty popcorn that we couldn’t get enough of.

We then head upstairs to level three where the boys from Byron Bay’s Three Blue Ducks made their Queensland debut .

The Living Room Bar at W Brisbane — The Living Room Bar makes cocktails as quirky as its décor.

Three Blue Ducks

We are graced by spectacular nighttime views over the Brisbane River at Three Blue Ducks. We choose a table by the window with a direct view of QAGOMA lit up on the other side of the river.

The menu is all locally sourced produce showcasing Queensland’s vibrant yet laidback culture with ‘The Ducks’ legendary paddock-to-plate ethos. It changes seasonally, but the quality remains the same no matter when you go.

Three Blue Ducks summer menu at W Brisbane — The Ducks menu changes seasonally to keep the quality of food the best.

We start with freshly shucked oysters and finger lime dressing because oysters are always a good idea. For mains, we shared the gnocchi and the 300g scotch fillet steak with a side of roasted garlic and rosemary potatoes. The food was incredible with service to match.

They also have a ‘Ducklings’ menu for all the little ones you might have. We actually shared the frozen chocolate parfait and fresh raspberries dessert from the Ducklings menu because we were SO full but needed that sweet hit!

Three Blue Ducks summer menu desserts at W Hotel Brisbane — The desserts utilise all the freshest fruit on offer.

Three Blue Ducks is also where the hotel breakfast is on, come morning, and it is easily one of the best hotel breakfasts I’ve ever had. The food was phenomenal and there was so much range to choose from. From spanner crab scramble with papaya to the buffet breakfast option, there is something for everyone.

Poached eggs with avocado on sourdough at Three Blue Ducks in Brisbane — Don’t miss breakfast during your stay! (Image: Nikki To)

The pool

If you like a more relaxed dining option, take the plunge at the psychedelic WET Deck pool and bar on the level four rooftop. The tropical poolside oasis in the heart of the city boasts a resort vibe complete with photo-worthy vistas, bar and pool.

Psychedelic patterns on the roof of WET Deck pool in W Hotel Brisbane — The psychedelic WET Deck pool is a vibe.

The rooftop bar is the ultimate place for vivid sunsets, handcrafted cocktails, light bites and live DJs. Plus, WET Deck hosts lots of fun events so see what’s on when you plan on staying.

WET Deck Terrace bar at W Brisbane — Head to the WET Deck Terrace for a casual dining moment with some delicious cocktails.

Amenities

We make ourselves at home visiting the AWAY Spa and leave having reached new levels of relaxation and pampering.

You can also take it up a notch at the FIT gym which has an abundance of cutting-edge fitness equipment.

The AWAY Spa relax station at W Brisbane — The relaxation station at W Brisbane’s AWAY Spa has some incredible views.

The location

W Brisbane is situated right on the banks of the Brisbane River in the CBD. It is super close to Queen Street Mall, one of the best things to do in Brisbane, and Brisbane City Hall, which is also the home of the Museum of Brisbane.

Just across the river, you’ll find QAGOMA and Queensland Museum in South Bank’s Queensland Cultural Centre.

WET Deck Terrace by day at W Hotel Brisbane — Look out over Brisbane from the WET Deck.

The price

A Wonderful Room costs around $450 per night.

Cocktails at WET Deck in W Brisbane — Head to WET Deck for a cheeky sunset cocktail.

The verdict

Luxury without the stick up its behind, the W is like a hedonistic travel buddy you’d fly to Ibiza with.

Score: 4.5/5

We rated: The fact there’s absolutely nothing else like it in Brisbane and the staff were so bubbly and welcoming.

We’d change: The prices aren’t cheap, but you are paying for uniqueness and an experience like no other.

Where: 81 North Quay, Brisbane, Queensland

Pizza, tacos and chips from WET Deck in W Hotel Brisbane — WET Deck may be casual, but don’t be fooled, the food is still to die for.

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.