A one-time industrial hub turned hippie haven then hipster hangout is now a sought-after place to live in Brisbane and a fun place to visit.

Discover brewpubs, coffee corners, creative little alleys, vintage fashion, colorful markets and ethnic restaurants when you visit West End. This is one of Brisbane’s most colorful neighborhoods, with cool street art, an alfresco dining scene, quirky locals, artisan bakers and makers, and a bustling café scene.

West End was first known as Kurilpa and Musgrave Park in particular has a long history and ongoing connection with the indigenous peoples of the area. If you are in Brisbane in May, don’t miss the Paniyiri event in this park. This annual festival organized by West End’s Greek community is a weekend-long celebration with food trucks, a fair and dance performances.

West End was a former farming and working-class neighborhood then a hippie hangout for decades. More recently it has become a trendy hub where interior and fashion designers work from big warehouses.

Davies Park with its huge, shady trees is the place to be on a Saturday morning when it hosts the always popular West End Markets. Live music, plenty of food and fresh produce stalls and craft vendors make this market a feast for the senses. The Boundary Street Markets are equally popular on weekend nights, but are focused more on street food and souvenirs.

Boundary Street is the beating heart of this neighborhood at any time of day and affordable Indian, Vietnamese, Greek and Thai restaurants draw in the crowds come sunset.

West End’s eclectic nightlife scene attracts people from all walks of life. There are trendy cocktail bars, typical Aussie hotel pubs with poker machines and trivia nights, bohemian cafés, quality restaurants and cool concert venues to choose from.

Note that parking is limited and costly in West End, so consider traveling by public transportation to South Brisbane or Highgate Hill and walk the rest. You can also hail a cab or make use of the bike share system and cycle to West End from the nearby South Bank parklands or train station.

Any local will tell you that one of the best ways to explore West End is to allow yourself to get lost in its alleys, riverside streets and parks. The Brisbane River will always be there to guide you back and you may encounter some real surprises along the way.