Brisbane is truly the Cinderella of Australian cities. It’s gorgeous, but just needs a fairy godmother to highlight what’s underneath the somewhat bland exterior.

I was at a dinner recently with some good friends and a girlfriend wisely said ‘Brisbane is beautiful, but it’s only a great place to visit if you know someone, a local, to show you around the hidden gems.’

This group of women – ranging from long-time residents to relatively new Brisbanites – all nodded their head in agreement and thought of the times they took their own friends around the city and  showed them their little hidden finds.

So for those of you not fortunate enough to have that fairy godmother-like figure in Brisbane, allow me to wave my magic wand and show you some of Brisbane’s hidden gems.  Brisbane Scouts will be a regular section in Scout & Finch.

No it won’t feature the usual suspects of tourist activities, but places or things to do that interest me and potentially might interest you and your guests.

My top five (with no theme, rhyme or reason to my order) –

Downey Park Food Trucks

Held every month at Downey Park at Windsor (near the hospital) this is Brisbane’s best food truck event. Join their Facebook page to be notified of the next one. Each month they have a selection of yummy food trucks and it’s free to wander.

Some delicious food from crepes, ribs, donuts, nachos, delicious iced tea etc…you got to go. Hint: don’t eat beforehand (despite the 2pm starting time) and bring cash.

The New Inchcolm Hotel & Suites

You must visit the newly renovated Inchcolm Hotel and wine and dine at the gorgeous bar and restaurant. This heritage-listed boutique hotel has a rich and varied history dating back to the 1880s.

Dr John Thomson chose the site to build his personal residence. The accomplished doctor, scientist, astronomer, psychologist and pioneering photographer named his home Inchcolm after Scotland’s Inchcolm Island.

The hotel was built during the 1920s era. It replaced Dr Thomson’s home and private medical practice and was originally built to house the rooms of a number of medical specialists.

In 1997, the building was purchased by its current owner who was actually born in the building. His vision to create a New York style boutique hotel saw The Inchcolm Hotel open its doors in 1998. It was renovated and reopened as The New Inchcolm Hotel and Suites last year.

For those special occasions, make sure you book a spot at their very stunning restaurant called the Thomson’s Reserve Restaurant. Located on the ground floor, this restaurant is named after the doctor who originally owned the building.  He was known for ‘reserving’ his judgement until he had proof, like a high quality or reserve wine, Thomson’s Reserve Restaurant provides the quintessential experience.

All Inn Brewery

Some of the best things to do in Brisbane are outside of the city, like really out of the city.

In Banyo you will find the very cool and non-assuming All Inn Brewery Co. Drink right where the beer is made, and sit at their makeshift bar and surrounding picnic tables.  It’s currently only open Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings.

They regularly have live music and food trucks visiting. Dogs, kids are welcome and they sometimes have board games out. Each beer is named after a vintage pin up girl. My favourite beer is the Betty, Lucy oh who am I kidding they are all lovely. Also, try their new cider.

Great and relaxed find, plus the owners Harley and Clare are lovely.

Every month they release their schedule of events and which charity they are supporting that month. It’s a great place and worth the visit. Keep an eye on their Facebook page to hear of what is coming up.

This is what is in store for August.

Hawthorne Garage

It’s a deli, market, café, florist…the Dan & Andy’s Hawthorne Garage is just a great place to visit for food and coffee. But the main selling point, for me, are their gluten free bagels and donuts. Oh my!

My recommendation, buy some picnic items and go for a very small walk down to the river (where the Hawthorne ferry terminal is) and watch the world go by.

As you can see I’m very much led by my eating habits, but it’s a great start to showcase what this cool city has.

Once you have uncovered some of these cool gems, you will start to see it as the lovely princess it is.

What would you recommend for your Brisbane scouts?