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Best Things to do in Annerley

Updated: Aug 26, 2025

The historic southside suburb of Annerley, made famous by Hugh Lunn with his popular Over the Top With Jim books is one of the coolest places to live this side of the river.

With colonial stores turned funky cafes, retro arcades, a fabulous indoor market, vintage and op shops, fantastic Vietnamese eateries, Italian bakery and even a cafe with its own doggie playground, there are plenty of good reasons to check out this suburb - here are 20 of the best:

Billykart Kitchen

Billykart Kitchen is a buzzy neighbourhood cafe housed in an old general store in a quiet suburban crescent

Miss Milly's Espresso

The crew from Dudley Street Espresso have opened a new caffeine pit stop in the retro Annerley Arcade

Snag & Brown

Annerley adds another notch to its foodie belt with hidden gem Snag and Brown Café, a foodie destination that is also child and dog friendly

Do-Op Shop

A former mechanics workshop has been transformed into a treasure trove of pre-loved fashion with 100% of profits going to

Pho Queue

Pho Queue in Annerley is Brisbane’s first restaurant dedicated to Vietnamese soups and Asian desserts

Vintage Collective

Vintage Collective is a tiny treasure trove of curated vintage pieces and nearly-new designer items

A Mano Cafe

This pocket-sized pasticceria provides a scrumptious selection of traditional Italian desserts

Red Lotus Vietnamese

Red Lotus Vietnamese Chargrill Restaurant is a local gem found in Chardon's Corner in Annerley.

Café O-mai

Cafe O Mai is a unique little gem of a Vietnamese cafe which occupies an historic corner shop

Little Clive

Little Clive is a welcome addition to Annerley, attracting foodies far and wide with a top-notch seasonal menu

Paper Moon Coffee House

One of Brisbane's coolest cafes is Paper Moon providing expertly-brewed coffee and delicious vegan fare in an old colonial store

Annerley Meats

Every day feels like St Patrick’s day in the shop of this uber friendly Irish butcher

Vintage Revival

This no-frills emporium style Lifeline outlet is the largest of Annerley’s vintage shops

This unique indoor maker's marketplace features 120 popup shops including local art, fashion, homewares, kids wares, decor and pet products, plus an onsite pet friendly cafe

Annerley To Stones Corner

Whilst this 4km return ride is low on scenery it is nonetheless a flat and safe pathway interspersed with a couple of inviting playgrounds and easily doable by younger children or less experienced riders.

First licenced as a hotel in 1866, The Junction is a recently refurbished family friendly hotel known for its pub grub and beer garden

Designed in 1956, Annerley Library is a surviving example of a purpose-built library designed by Brisbane City Council’s distinguished architect, James Birrell

Annerley Army Reserve Depot

This pair of army drill halls (and their parade ground), dating from 1914 and 1954 respectively are a rare surviving and intact pair from totally different eras.

Annerley is also renowned for its vintage shopping and op shops. As well as the those listed above there is also Vinnie's Annerley, Yesterday's Thrift Shop and Save the Children Op Shop.

Image credits:

Annerley Municipal Library courtesy of Brisbane City Council Heritage Places Brisbane.

The Junction Hotel courtesy of The Junction Hotel Facebook page

Looking to discover more hidden gems of Brisbane, check out our Guide to Brisbane Suburbs HERE! Happy exploring!

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