Exploring your local neighbourhood, sipping your favourite brews and enjoying lunch at your favourite spot is what life's all about. What could make it even better? Doing it all in a kit tailor-made for urban explorers.
The good news is National Geographic has launched a range of clothing that is ideal for exploring. To put the threads to the test, our Senior Strategist, Sophie Oddo, shares her favourite ways to explore her hometown of Brisbane.
Teneriffe Riverwalk
8AM
For me, there is no better way to start the day than working up a sweat, so each morning you’ll usually find me at Club Bunker on Doggett Street or, running along the river. Brisbane is hilly at the best of times so the river is the perfect spot for a scenic jog. But really, the best part is getting to come face-to-face with the elitist yet utterly adorable dogs of New Farm and Teneriffe.
Agnes Bakery
10AM
After working up an appetite, it's time for an iced oat latte and if I’m feeling devilish, a pastry from one of Brisbane’s best — Agnes Bakery. There is almost always a line out the door for this place but it’s worth it for their passionfruit + torched meringue kouign amann.
James Street
11AM
At the risk of being totally cliche — I can’t go passed some (mostly window) shopping on James Street. In addition to the painfully aesthetic lush greenery that drapes and drenches the sidewalks and the stunning architecture of the iconic Calile Hotel, there are loads of great fashion, design and homewares shops to browse. I can easily spend hours here, wandering through the stores and resisting the urge to drop an absolute bomb.
When I’m feeling peckish, Sunshine is my absolute favourite spot for lunch. It’s a bougie cafeteria vibe, serving up the tastiest array of Mediterranean dishes and they have loads of outdoor seating to soak up that stunning Brisbane weather. Don’t forget to order the crumbed eggplant!
Howard Smith Wharves
2PM
After a busy morning of exercise and hitting the aesthetic James Street pavement, it's time to relax and enjoy a few drinks by the river — and there's no more iconic place to do that than Felons on Howard Smith Wharves. Even in winter, Brisbane weather is almost always serving — so this huge outdoor setting with views of the Brisbane River and Story Bridge really is the perfect way to enjoy a marg on tap.
Biang Biang Noodle
7PM
Come dinner time, I can’t resist Brisbane’s best Chinese Noodles at Biang Biang in Fortitude Valley. Don’t sleep on this little red hole-in-the-wall — Chef Kieran Zou handmakes the deliciously fat and chewy noodles to order, serving up flavoursome and fresh bowls like Sichuan-style dan dan noodles, dry sizzling chilli oil noodles and my favourite, Shaanxi-style biang biang noodles.
Kieran tells me that in China, long noodles mean 'long life' — and lucky for me, he is always serving up the freshest, tastiest, and longest noodles around Bris.
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Images: Kirra Smith.