SITE PARTNER:   lexus of brisbane is valued partner of Must Do Brisbane

Best Things to do in Ascot

Last updated: Feb 05, 2025

The gracious inner northside suburb of Ascot features tree-lined streets of beautifully preserved grand Queenslanders, Brisbane's oldest heritage-listed racecourse, historic old world parks and railway station and a bounty of cafes and restaurants, as well as cake & donut shops along its main avenue, Racecourse Rd. 

Here are 15+ of the best places to eat, drink and visit in the upmarket old world suburb.

Taro’s Ramen is an authentic slice of Japan on Ascot’s Racecourse Rd, owned and run by chef Taro
A charming and chic tapas bar offering top notch service and food, occupying a white Queenslander cottage
This colourful playground and heritage parkland features a 1930s bandstand rotunda with adjacent BBQ facilities
Verandah on Racecourse feels much like a corner of Saigon with its wide, timber deck, plenty of greenery and all the flavors of Vietnam.
The food and drinks at Ascot's Swalk Cafe are indeed "sealed with a loving kiss" - to quote the World War II postal acronym,
Vito's Cucina & Bar is an al fresco breakfast, lunch and dinner venue filled with greenery and a cheerful vibe, serving modern Italian cuisine
5 Boroughs eatery and garden bar brings a taste of New York and good all day casual dining to an historic building
This picturesque long-established park is heavily shaded with figs, jacarandas and poinciettas and features Federation era picnic rotundas and a bamboo grove
Bright & Early Books is a beautiful, independent bookstore that specialises in children's books and early childhood literacy
A casual laidback cafe and wine bar found tucked away off Ascot's main dining precinct
Dicki's is a plant-based cafe on a corner of Ascot's leafy Racecourse Rd, a sibling for its first vegan cafe in New Farm
The Magnolia Kitchen is a charming bakery in the heart of Ascot offering a delicious selection of sweet treats
Brisbane's first mobile fine diner brings a bespoke elegant dining experience to the streets of the city
As a quaintly suitable accessory for the nearby historical race grounds, Racecourse (later Ascot) Railway Station was purpose built to bring in the crowds to the popular horse races.
Horseracing in Brisbane had its roots in the early settlement with the first settlers keen followers and punters, with the Queensland Turf Club being established in 1865.

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

Top Things To Do In Brisbane This Week

The biggest little country show in Brisbane
Enjoy the freshest new season produce at the Farm Gate to City Door Market!
A thrilling stage adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is now playing at QPAC
Brisbane’s favourite sustainable living festival is back
FESTA ITALIANA back at Howard Smith Wharves across two weekends.
TAXIRIDE ft TTSAR live are coming to the Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct
Warm up on chilly winter weekends at Sirromet
Get revved up for the Festival of Horsepower
Dine BNE is back for another season of feasting
EDITOR'S PICK

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2025

Don't miss Australia’s boating event of the year! The four-day extravaganza returns to showcase the best in boating innovation, with over 760 boats
Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
EDITOR'S PICK

Sustainable BNE Festival

Formally known as Green Heart Fair, this free, family-and-dog-friendly event at Roma Street Parkland brings together Brisbane’s leading sustainability experts
Sustainable BNE Festival 25
MUST DO

Winter by the Water

With the summer crowds gone, enjoy the serene side of the Gold Coast with Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast’s Winter By The Water package
Winter By the Water Sheraton
THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do May 23-25

From Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Frankenstein on stage, Brookfield Show & Farm Gate to City Door markets to a new Indian restaurant, the top things to do this weekend
This Weekend May 23-25
COMING UP

What's on in June in & around Brisbane

From Moreton Bay Pridefest, Comedy at The Butter Factory, a mega career & employment expo and a dedicated arts festival for children to a magical immersive Harry Potter Frobidden Forest experience
What's On in May 2025 around Brisbane
MUST VISIT

Redlands Coast

With the glorious sunshine days of autumn and winter upon us, there's never been a better time to visit the beautiful Redlands Coast
Redlands Coast
FOR KIDS!

Out of the Box Festival

QPAC’s much-loved festival for children 8 years and under is back with a rich arts program, curated to nurture children’s creativity and imagination
Out of the Box Festival 2025
The monster returns to QPAC
CONTENT RESUMES ON SCROLL
ADVERTISEMENT