A Birthday Weekend in Brisbane (That I Didn't See Coming)
River City Suite - Emporium Hotel | view from 18th floor.
Some weekends surprise you. This one did — completely.
What I thought was a casual trip to Brisbane turned out to be an entirely orchestrated birthday celebration, put together by my boyfriend without me catching on for a single moment. To him: thank you. It was one of the most thoughtful things anyone has ever done for me, and I felt it in every detail of the weekend.
We stayed at the Emporium Hotel South Bank — 143 suites, a rooftop infinity pool on the 21st floor, and views over the Brisbane River from our room on the 18th. The kind of place that honestly earns the five-star label.
Dinner was at Ma Pa Me on Little Stanley Street — fresh, vibrant Southeast Asian small plates built for sharing. We ate vegetarian throughout, which was effortless here. Mornings started slowly at Belle Epoque over good coffee and better light. Evenings ended on the Emporium's rooftop terrace with drinks and a skyline that made it hard to go to bed.
We also took a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane — 60 metres tall, 42 air-conditioned gondolas, and a 12-minute pause at the top that puts the whole city into perspective. And in between everything, we walked along the river, which turned out to be the best part.
Brisbane is a city I would return to without hesitation. But more than the city, this weekend was a reminder that the best trips are made by the people you share them with.
Have you been to Brisbane? Feel free to reach out — I am always looking for the next recommendation.
