Hey all! My partner and myself will be moving to Brisbane soon. Just wanted to know if there are any suburbs in particular that is not only gay friendly but a lovely place to stay as well as socialise with same same (re: cafes etc). Close to public transport will be great. Anything below half an hours drive to Brisbane city will suit our purpose.

Why Brisbane? Why not go to Melbourne? Everyone always has good things to say about Melbourne (except the weather).

As for suburbs, there's New Farm. It's Brisbane's gay suburb plus there's a really popular street there called "James St" that has a nice cinema, many cafes and the likes. You won't need to worry about any homophobia there, plus it's only some 2km from the CBD.

Quote:

Originally Posted by deki

Why Brisbane? Why not go to Melbourne? Everyone always has good things to say about Melbourne (except the weather).

As for suburbs, there's New Farm. It's Brisbane's gay suburb plus there's a really popular street there called "James St" that has a nice cinema, many cafes and the likes. You won't need to worry about any homophobia there, plus it's only some 2km from the CBD.

I would rather Brisbane than Melbourne and I am a Sydney boy haha

The only down side with New Farm is it may be expensive but otherwise it is quite nice. Tenerriffe of Newstead are good as well.

Hey,

I'm actually contemplating a move from Melbourne, so also keen to hear what advice, experience, outlooks people have to offer

What do you reckon are Brissy's high and low points?

What do you reckon would be most missable (ie nothing similar in BNE) about leaving Melbs?

Quote:

Originally Posted by mervotron

The only down side with New Farm is it may be expensive but otherwise it is quite nice. Tenerriffe of Newstead are good as well.

What do you consider 'expensive' - what is a typical monthly rent? and what do you get for it?

Quote:

Originally Posted by longhornie

What do you reckon are Brissy's high and low points?

What do you reckon would be most missable (ie nothing similar in BNE) about leaving Melbs?

Events/productions/arts etc are not as plentiful or as big (lengthy), so you just need to plan ahead and book tickets etc early.

Brisbane is not designed for cold or wet weather - we don't get extended periods of either. But when it does it can be a bitch.

Markets - they are improving but still behind Queen Vic, South Melbs, Camberwell, Prahran etc.

Bar scene - its good, but given we have half the population, not as good as melbs!

Shopping - there can be a distinct lack of choice if you like retail therapy...

High points
- Spring through to Autumn... t-shirts and shorts almost the entire way through!
- Brisbane is starting to make more of an effort with events, food, culture.
- Close to some great beaches
- Friendly and relaxed
- Traffic is much lighter, compared to Melbs/Sydney
- It is not a tourist orientated city, people don't visit Brisbane, they pass through - it really is a residents city!

Low points
- Bob Katter mentality can be more prevalent than you would expect.
- Lack of choice - shopping can be very mainstream, food the same, but this is definitely improving
- Some artists/tours/events skpi Brisbane.

Rent: expect to pay 350-500 a week for a decent 2-3 bedroom apartment closer to the city.

Oh and I forgot to add... Brisbanites in general tend to be more active and outdoorsy... it makes for some great people watching aka perving!

Thanks, Andrewc!

That was some great feedback!

Brisbane struggles to meet the cultural needs of its more 'eccentric' natives. Pop culture, while highly encouraged by people in Brisbane, is highly lacking as the business and atmosphere for it is in Melbourne.

What does 'Pop Culture' refer to in this case?

What 'pop culture' usually means dear... Alternative music, fashion and art in general and bugger all interesting places to eat and drink at. There are minimal social niches as the Brisbane market targets very general variances of people.

You've got your terms back-to-front, but your examples are illuminating

"Brisbane market targets very general variances of people" - pop-culture as generalist, wholesale, chain, franchise, not-quality-oriented - which you say Brissy abounds

"Alternative music, fashion and art in general and bugger all interesting places to eat and drink at." speaks more to a crafted fringe experience, which you feel Brissy doesn't do enough of.

West End is another area high in gay culture, but its also a little darker and rougher..

I have lived in Fortitude Valley/New Farm and loved it, but it is very expensive.

I have also lived at Coorparoo which also has another high gay culture, close to the city and full of public transport.

Also Morningside is another very nice area's and both are more reasonable, and have full access to facilities and good shopping districts..

How would Brissy stack up against Gold Coast across the spectrum of criteria?