The City:
Where to find the fairies

18 JANUARY 2023

Hunting for fairies in Brisbane? Find secret fairy doors, enchanting (beer) gardens, magical fairy lights and hidden nooks across The City. Whether you’re looking for a fun, free activity for the kids, somewhere sparkly to grab a drink or the perfect backdrop for your next picture, you’ll find a glittering oasis around every corner. You just need to know where to look.

Discover the entrance to fairyland  

Enter the City Botanic Gardens adjacent to the Goodwill Bridge to find two large fig trees covered in fairy lights, welcoming you into the historic gardens. Chase fairies through Brisbane's lush, inner-city haven, meet the wildlife and marvel at the towering sparkling canopies. This is a popular spot among students, tourists and locals, all seeking that magical selfie. 

If the fairies at the City Botanic Gardens are playing hide and seek, try and track them down to the historic Mooney Memorial Fountain at 118 Eagle Street. Here you’ll find another large Brisbane tree adorned with glittering fairy lights.  

Uncover a hidden fairy door  

Stroll down Burnett Lane, a hidden laneway in Queen Street Mall, and you’ll find a little red fairy door. Take a break at one of the hideaway cafes, Felix for Goodness or Brew, along the way.  

For the big kids  

Love the magic of fairy lights but prefer to do it with a bevvy in hand – glitter wings optional?  

Sip on a cocktail and snack on tapas at Riverland. The party lights adorning the venue are cute but they play second fiddle to the greatest lights show in town – the ever-changing illuminations of the Story Bridge you can gaze upon from a prime riverfront table. 

Riverbar and Kitchen is one of The City’s favourite beer gardens with sparkling fairy lights and waterfront views. Tuck into bar snacks and keep an eye out for water fairies.  

Head to the Pig & Whistle Riverside and pull up a table outside, under a canopy of fairy lights.  

The Grand Central Hotel gets lit every evening with cascading fairy lights hanging down the face of the heritage building. Dine al fresco to soak up the magic and do a spot of people-watching.  

Find more light installations across The City  

Check out Brisbane City Council's City of Lights strategy and map to discover evening lighting installations that are illuminating The City.

Friends enjoying a drink at Riverbar.