2022 has been a rollercoaster to say the very least. And while the start of the year was quite unexpected, especially with the devastating floods, there have also been many good things that’ve come along. We’ve seen the opening of some awesome new venues and events, copped news that Brisbane is undergoing huge transformations in the lead-up to the Olympics, and had plenty of weekend getaways in between. It’s nearly time to ring in the new year. But first, let’s take a look at the places in Brisbane and beyond that got you most excited in 2022.
10. Neighbourhood Earth
Developed in partnership with NASA’s George C. Marshall Space Flight Center and the US Space and Rocket Center, Neighbourhood Earth takes a look at our place in the universe, looks back at past exploratory missions and looks toward what’s on the horizon for us human beings in space.
Spark your imagination, satiate your curiosity and take a selfie in front of a Mercurian double sunrise or a blue Martian sunset as a memento of your visit.
A trip to the cinema and an art exhibition in one, Neighbourhood Earth is an interactive activation for anyone interested in learning more about space exploration.
9. Westoria
Fridays have been getting a whole weirder thanks to Westoria, the new night market that’s landed in West End. Prepare to escape the city (mentally) and step into a world way more bizarre and unexpected than the one you’re used to.
Your senses will be taken on a journey the moment you walk into the two themed spaces, from interactive roving entertainers to live music, fire twirlers, and stilt walkers to set the scene. There’s also a dance floor that runs until midnight, for the night owls.
8. Cheeky Waffles
As the name alludes to, Cheeky Waffles serves up risqué fun in the form of penis and vulva-shaped waffles dipped in chocolate and other sweet treats. So we’re not surprised this little joint has garnered plenty of attention this year.
Whether it be a post-dinner treat or a midnight snack on a Saturday night, Cheeky Waffles has your sweet tooth and your Instagram stories sorted.
7. Kalbar Sunflower Festival
Kalbar Sunflower Festival is held in the Scenic Rim, about an hour and fifteen minute drive south-west of Brisbane. The sixteen-acre sunflower field on the farm the festival is in full bloom, ready for all the camera snaps you can imagine.
Attendees at the 2022 festival got to experience some exciting things such as a walk-through sunflower maze, as well as an array of sunflower-themed activities such as sunflower sip and paint sessions, morning yoga, cooking classes, as well as helicopter rides and a sunset dinner set amongst the sunflowers.
6. Christmas light display in Burpengary
Every year there are some neighbourly neighbours that go above and beyond throwing up a cable of fairy lights, sticking up some festive words, and calling their Christmas light display complete. Instead, they meticulously plan their Brisbane Christmas light displays days, weeks or even months in advance as the best designers do, and when the time strikes they get to work setting up and decorating.
This spectacular display in Burpengary East seemed to take the cake this year in becoming one of the best around Brisbane.
Brisbane’s best Christmas light displays
5. Margarita festival at El Camino Cantina
El Camino Cantina is all about the Margaritas. So much so, their South Bank outpost threw a huge celebration dedicated to them over October and November this year. There was margarita flavours like Fairy Bread, Jelly Belly, Grape Nerd, and Wizz Fizz, just to name a few out of the 24 marg varieties that were on offer at Ritapalooza.
Ritapalooza at El Camino Cantina
4. Botanica: Contemporary Art Outside
Roaring back to life for its fourth year, Botanica: Contemporary Art Outside wowed us once again, taking over the Brisbane Botanic Gardens with an immersive and awe-inspiring curation of artworks that lit up the night.
We got to see plenty of interactive workshops and talks, as well as guided twilight walks.
3. Baedeker Wine Bar
Step back in time to the 1930s at this hidden vintage wine bar tucked away in Fortitude Valley. Baedeker Wine Bar is home to a secret city garden where you can enjoy a tipple, as well as wooden interiors that make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time.
Posting about Baedeker had us all curious in 2022. To taste our way through some of Australia’s best vintage wines and whiskeys in an antique atmosphere.
Baedeker was also where the Cluedo! Immersive Theatre Experience was held this year.
2. The Enchanted Garden
The Enchanted Garden has got to be one of Brisbane’s most popular events, and this year was no different. The spectacular sensory experience sold out in just a few days again this year. The light display enveloped the plants, trees and gardens in a kaleidoscope of colours and light for an incredible trip.
Visitors were guided through the parkland via a narrative journey that celebrates the Eastern Water Dragons of the parkland. To showcase the theme, the Roma Street Parkland came to life as we experienced over 22,000 square metres shines, sparkles and twinkles in the evening.
1. Soak Bathhouse
Out of all the venue openings this year, Soak Bathhouse came out on top for the Secret Brisbane community. And with good reason: it’s Brisbane’s first ever rooftop bathhouse. We love our rooftop bars, but we’ve never gotten a rooftop bathhouse before, so we were all excited about that.
Soak Bathhouse changes the way people visit the spa, transforming the experience into a social activity you can make part of your wellness lifestyle with friends and family. Soak’s new outlet boasts epic views of the city, a rooftop sundeck to lap up the rays, and lush relaxation gardens. Take a dip in one of seven mineral pools, sweat it out in the sauna and treat yourself to a range of pampering offerings such as massages and LED facials.