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St Ignatius Students Turn Compassion into Action This Easter

Students at St Ignatius School in Toowong have proven that hope is a “doing word” this Easter, marking the season with a vibrant Easter Hat Parade and a major charitable drive for Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion.

The school community gathered on Wednesday 1 April to celebrate the season of renewal, while simultaneously answering a call to support those living on the margins. Families donated a mountain of Easter eggs, soft toys, activities, and stickers to create gift baskets for those experiencing poverty, turning a traditional school celebration into a hands-on lesson in global generosity.

The effort is part of a massive coordinated response from Brisbane Catholic Education, with students across its 146 schools uniting to support the 2026 Project Compassion theme: Unite Against Poverty.

Hope as a Practical Choice

For St Ignatius Principal Benedict Campbell, these activities go beyond simple fundraising; they reflect a core conviction that Catholic education must look outward.

“Hope is not about ignoring the challenges people face,” Mr Campbell said. “Rather, hope invites students to walk alongside others with compassion, trusting that love and faith can bring light even in difficult times.”

St Ignatius School Toowong — *Photo Credit: Brisbane Catholic Education*

He noted that the Easter story provides the clearest blueprint for the school’s commitment to service. “At Easter, we are reminded of Jesus’ example,” he said. “He did not turn away from the suffering of the world but responded with care, generosity and self-giving love. That is the kind of hope we aim to nurture in our students.”

A Tradition of Service

This practical approach to faith sits naturally within the school’s identity. With a history in the Toowong parish stretching back over a century, the school continues to model its outreach on the Ignatian tradition of “faith in action.”

By participating in Project Compassion, which supports long-term development programs in over 100 countries, St Ignatius students joined a national movement of approximately 1,700 schools and 1,200 parishes.

For the students parading in their handmade hats, the message was clear: belonging extends far beyond the school gate. Through these small, shared acts of generosity, the Toowong community is helping to place the dignity of the “global family” at the centre of their Easter celebrations.

Get Involved

Families interested in St Ignatius School can learn more by visiting the school’s website or calling (07) 3371 1094, while those who want to support Caritas Australia’s 2026 Project Compassion appeal can head to caritas.org.au/project-compassion to make a contribution.

Published 6-April-2026.

Toowong Apartment Project Koya Residences Launches as Construction Begins

Photo Credit: Koya Residences

A new apartment development in Toowong has been launched and moved into early construction, with Koya Residences introducing a Japandi-inspired design approach to the inner-west suburb.

Japandi Design Defines Toowong Development

The arrival of Koya Residences adds a design-focused residential project to Toowong, combining Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian functionality in a style known as Japandi.

The approach centres on simplicity, natural materials and restrained interiors, with an emphasis on comfort and long-term liveability. These principles are reflected throughout the development, shaping both the building’s exterior and the internal layouts designed for everyday use.

The project includes 40 one-, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments arranged across five levels, maintaining a scale that aligns with the surrounding residential streetscape.

Brisbane property — *Photo Credit: Koya Residences*

Construction Activity Underway In Toowong

Construction has commenced at the Toowong site, with early works progressing as the project moves beyond its initial launch phase. A piling rig is now in place as groundwork continues.

Brisbane Builders is delivering the project for developer Lantona, which has positioned the development around considered scale, material quality and long-term liveability.

A display suite is nearing completion and is expected to open by appointment, providing a preview of selected finishes and key design elements.

Toowong Location Connects Lifestyle And Access

Located on Josling Street, the development sits within an established Toowong neighbourhood known for its access to green space and transport connections. The site is near riverfront parklands and the Bicentennial Bikeway, supporting outdoor movement and everyday convenience.

Toowong’s connectivity extends to major destinations including the CBD, St Lucia and West End, with transport options available by train, ferry, bus and bicycle. The suburb also provides access to education facilities and established local amenities.

Rooftop Amenity Expands Living Space

Shared amenities are concentrated at rooftop level, where a communal retreat is planned to include a pool, dining areas and outdoor spaces oriented towards neighbourhood and city views.

These areas are designed to support both private use and small gatherings, extending the living environment beyond individual apartments.

Within each residence, open-plan layouts and private outdoor areas are designed to bring in natural light and extend the living space.

Boutique Scale In A Changing Market

Koya Residences enters the Toowong market at a time when smaller-scale developments are becoming less common, with many recent projects in the suburb favouring larger building forms.

The project’s measured scale sets it apart within this environment while maintaining access to key urban amenities.

The development is slated for completion in early 2027, with sales and marketing managed by Keenan & Byrne.

Published 16-Apr-2026

15-Storey Mixed-Use Residential Building Planned for Toowong Corner Site

Photo Credit: DA/A006913504

A development application has been lodged for a residential building in Toowong, proposing a 15-storey mixed-use tower at 22–24 Sylvan Road and Landsborough Terrace.

Prominent Toowong Site Set for Change

A residential-led development has been proposed for a site spanning 22–24 Sylvan Road and part of Landsborough Terrace in Toowong. The project centres on a 15-storey building designed to respond to its three-street frontage and the area’s established mixed-use setting.

The proposal includes a total of 88 apartments, made up of 11 one-bedroom, 44 two-bedroom and 33 three-bedroom dwellings. Ground-level uses are incorporated to support activity along both Sylvan Road and Landsborough Terrace.

residential tower Brisbane — *Photo Credit: DA/A006913504*

Podium Design Addresses Site Conditions

The development features a four-level podium forming the base of the building, accommodating parking and active frontages. This design responds to flood-affected conditions while maintaining open and accessible ground-level areas.

Above the podium, 11 levels are dedicated to residential use. The building includes screening elements and horizontal articulation to integrate the podium and tower into a cohesive structure.

Landscaping is distributed across the site, including ground, podium and rooftop levels, accounting for 37.6 per cent of the total area. The ground level is designed to remain largely open, allowing for pedestrian access through the site.

Toowong development — *Photo Credit: DA/A006913504*

Street-Level Retail and Access Arrangements

The ground floor includes approximately 272 square metres of space allocated for shop and food and drink uses, supporting street activity within the precinct.

Vehicle access is provided via Landsborough Terrace, with two entry points. A total of 165 car parking spaces is proposed, including 150 for residents, 14 for visitors and one for commercial use. Bicycle parking is also included, with 38 spaces planned.

Sylvan Road Toowong — *Photo Credit: DA/A006913504*

Rooftop Amenities for Shared Use

A communal rooftop area is proposed as part of the development, covering 563 square metres. The space includes a range of shared facilities such as a pool, spa, plunge pools, barbecue and dining areas, along with lounge and wellness spaces.

These amenities are intended to support shared use among residents and provide spaces for recreation and social interaction.

Application Progress Continues

The application seeks approval for building work and a material change of use, covering multiple uses including residential dwellings, retail, office space and short-term accommodation.

The site is located within a medium density residential zone and the Toowong–Auchenflower precinct. The application remains in progress, with assessment stages ongoing.

Published 13-Apr-2026

After Half a Century, Army Cadets March Back to Brisbane Boys’ College

Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC) in Toowong has officially become home to the newest Australian Army Cadets unit in the South Queensland Brigade, a milestone the BBC Old Collegians Association has described as the continuation of a proud tradition.

Read: World-Class BBC Pipe Band Delivers Award-winning Performances at Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Front of Worldwide TV Audience

The unit held its first parade on 2 March, marking the formal re-establishment of a cadet tradition that stretches back more than a century. The unit was officially re-formed recently, bringing to a close a hiatus of roughly 50 years.

A Tradition Rooted in History

Army Cadets — Photo credit: Instagram/BBC Old Collegians Association

The story of cadets at BBC is one that spans generations. The Cadet Corps was first established at the College in 1912, on the eve of the First World War. The program endured through the decades, revived during the Second World War, when 200 boys reportedly formed five platoons on the school grounds. In 1962, the College expanded the program further with the launch of an Air Training Corps, according to the College. The program was not revived again after 1975.

The Road Back

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A post shared by Brisbane Boys' College (@brisbaneboyscollege)

According to the South Queensland Brigade, Brigade Commander Colonel Arthur Tsamis personally welcomed the BBC Principal and two prospective unit staff members to AFX25, described as a field exercise for Army Cadets, giving them a ground-level look at what the cadet experience involves. The visit appears to have been a significant step in the unit’s formation.

Brisbane Boys’ College described the re-establishment in strong terms, framing it as more than the return of a program. In a post on the College’s social media, BBC described the return as “History renewed. Tradition restored. Servant leadership reimagined.”

The BBC Old Collegians Association was equally enthusiastic. In a post ahead of the first parade, the Association described cadets as sitting alongside the boater, the pipes and drums, boarding life, and the College’s green, white and black sporting heritage as one of the traditions that have historically shaped character at BBC. “From one generation to the next, the legacy continues,” the Association wrote.

Part of Something Bigger

Australian Army Cadets is a youth development program run in partnership with the Australian Army. With BBC now the newest unit in the South Queensland Brigade, the school joins a network of cadet units across the region. The Brigade has indicated that more updates from the new unit are on the way.

Brisbane Boys’ College is a long-standing part of the Toowong community, and the return of cadets adds another thread to the fabric of an institution that has been part of this corner of Brisbane for well over a century.

Read: Brisbane Boys’ College Puts Toowong Heritage House Goldicott on the Market

The first parade has been and gone, and the Brigade has indicated there is more to come. After roughly 50 years away, the cadets are back.

Published 31-March-2026

ANZAC Day: How Toowong Women Supported the Frontline

Photo Credit: State Library Queensland

Toowong residents Mesdames Donaldson and Patterson led a dedicated local knitting circle that formed a vital link in a massive community network providing over 100,000 pairs of handmade socks to Queenslanders serving abroad.

A Royal Call to Action

Toowong — *Photo Credit:* *State Library Queensland*

The movement began on April 19, 1915, during a meeting at Government House in Brisbane. Lady Goold-Adams, the wife of the Queensland Governor, gathered several influential local women to address a desperate need for warm clothing in the trenches.

Officers from the front had written home explaining that the intense conditions caused footwear to wear out rapidly. The Queensland Soldiers’ Sock Fund was created to collect money for wool and distribute it to volunteers who could turn the raw material into finished garments.

Strict Standards for the Front

The headquarters for the operation was located at the Queensland Missionary Depot on Albert Street. From this central hub, the committee managed a sophisticated production line. Because the socks needed to be durable and fit properly, the fund issued specific instructions for all volunteers. Each sock was required to have a 14-inch leg and a foot length between 10.5 and 11.5 inches.

To ensure they lasted as long as possible, the knitters used four-ply wool in natural or grey colours and included reinforced heels and toes. Every two weeks, the finished items were packed and sent to the Queensland Patriotic Fund for shipping.

A Network of Schools and Circles

The Toowong knitting circle was part of a much larger web of support that stretched across the entire state. In nearby areas, the Wynnum Patriotic Sewing League and Wynnum State School joined the cause. Other schools, including Brisbane Girls’ Grammar, Taringa State School, and Cleveland State School, also encouraged students to contribute.

Regional branches appeared in towns such as Roma, Gympie, Townsville, and Mackay. Local newspapers supported the drive by publishing the names of everyone who helped, which kept the community motivated and aware of the ongoing need.

Remarkable Local Contributions

While many worked in groups, some individuals achieved incredible results on their own. Rebecca Balser, an 83-year-old resident of Teneriffe, gained recognition in early 1916 for her tireless work. She managed to knit 100 pairs of socks by herself, along with a collection of caps, scarves, and mittens.

By the time the first annual meeting was held in May 1916, more than 19,000 pairs had already been sent to the front. The following year, an urgent appeal saw that number jump to over 45,000 pairs in a single twelve-month period.

Shifting Focus to a New Crisis

By the time the fund stopped its knitting operations in February 1919, it had raised more than £4,600, which is worth over $353,000 in modern currency. In total, the volunteers produced 104,594 pairs of socks. As the war ended, the community faced a new challenge with the arrival of the Spanish Flu pandemic. The same volunteers who had spent years knitting for soldiers were asked to use their skills to create influenza masks to help protect the public from the spreading illness.

Published Date 23-March-2026

Toowong Motorists Feel the Bite as Brisbane Toll Petition Hits 1,509 Signatures

Wikipedia

Frustrated Brisbane motorists have put tolls back in the spotlight, with a petition calling for the removal of all tolls from the city’s bridges and tunnels attracting 1,509 signatures and drawing fresh attention to the cumulative cost of crossing the Brisbane River.

The petition, lodged by a Redbank Plains resident and tabled in March 2026, calls for tolls to be removed from Brisbane’s five tolled crossings: the Sir Leo Hielscher Bridges on the Gateway Motorway, the Go Between Bridge, the Clem7 tunnel, the Airport Link tunnel and Legacy Way. Together those five crossings have recorded around 490,000 motorist journeys since June 2025. Toll costs on the Airport Link alone rose 33 cents to $7.16 on 1 January 2026, continuing a pattern of annual CPI-linked increases that has steadily lifted the cost of using Brisbane’s tolled network year on year.

For Toowong residents, the Go Between Bridge is the crossing closest to home. The 300-metre span connects Coronation Drive at Toowong to the Inner City Bypass at Milton, carrying around 12,000 vehicles per day and providing one of the fastest cross-river connections available to inner-west commuters. Opened in July 2010 and now operated by Transurban Queensland under a concession running until 2063, the bridge was built at a cost of $338 million and was controversial from the outset, with the toll arrangement drawing community pushback at the time of its construction.

The Cost of Getting Around

The toll debate sits against a wider picture of worsening congestion. Brisbane commuters lost an average of 84 hours to traffic delays in 2024, a 14 per cent increase on the previous year. That figure suggests toll roads are not reliably delivering the congestion relief that justifies their cost in the minds of many drivers, particularly those who pay tolls daily and still find themselves stuck in traffic on connecting roads.

RACQ public policy head Dr Michael Kane offers a measured counterpoint. He notes that toll roads primarily function as a funding mechanism for major road projects rather than a guaranteed solution to traffic flow, and that removing tolls would not eliminate the construction debts that still need to be serviced. Making all toll roads free, he argues, is unlikely on its own to improve network performance, though he acknowledges that a broader review of how south-east Queensland plans and funds major road infrastructure is worth pursuing.

That tension, between the real daily cost to individual motorists and the financing reality of large-scale infrastructure, sits at the heart of the debate the petition has reignited.

A Long-Running Debate for Toowong

The Go Between Bridge has attracted scrutiny before. When it was built, community concern focused on whether the toll arrangement was fair for a crossing designed to connect the inner west rather than serve longer motorway journeys. Critics at the time pointed out that without adequate connecting roads, the bridge risked pushing additional traffic onto local streets in West End and Toowong rather than relieving congestion on them.

That concern has not entirely disappeared in the years since. The bridge carries respectable daily volumes, but Toowong residents who use Coronation Drive regularly will recognise the congestion that builds around the bridge’s entry and exit points during peak periods. The arrival of major new developments along the Coronation Drive corridor, including the Monarch Residences at 600 Coronation Drive, will drive further vehicle movements to a stretch of road that is already under pressure.

Why This Matters to the Toowong Community

For Toowong households, the toll question is not abstract. Residents who commute across the Go Between Bridge to Milton or the inner city each working day clock up more than 200 toll charges annually. At current rates, the annual cost for a regular Go Between Bridge user hits hundreds of dollars on top of fuel, parking and registration costs, and that figure compounds if other parts of the Brisbane toll network also feature in their regular routes.

Whether the solution is toll removal, toll reform or better investment in public transport alternatives that reduce the need to drive, the petition reflects a genuine frustration from motorists who feel the cost of getting around Brisbane has grown faster than the quality of the experience. Toowong’s location, sitting between the Legacy Way tunnel to the north and the Go Between Bridge to the east, means residents interact with the toll network more directly than most.

Motorists wanting to track the petition’s progress or add context to the debate can view the petition details at parliament.qld.gov.au by searching petition number 4408-26.

Published 18-March-2026.

Proposed 17-Storey Tower at 44 Glen Road Divides Toowong Residents

Sammut Group

A development application seeking to more than double the height of an approved riverfront apartment building at 44 Glen Road, Toowong, from 8 to 17 storeys has drawn mixed reaction from nearby residents, with concerns about traffic, flooding and excavation impacts sitting alongside support for the site’s long-overdue redevelopment.

The applicant lodged application A006928427 in December 2025 to amend an existing approval for the site, formerly known as The Dell, after relocating the heritage property from the address. The amended design, prepared by Bureau Proberts Architecture with planning by Urbis, would increase the number of apartments from 22 to 42, expand basement parking from 60 to 101 spaces across three levels and consolidate communal open space to a rooftop terrace.

The site sits in the High Density Residential Zone under the Toowong-Auchenflower Neighbourhood Plan, which permits buildings up to 15 storeys. While the proposal is technically 17 storeys, Urbis notes in its planning report that it presents as 15 due to the slope of the site and the rooftop amenity design. The site is less than 400 metres from Toowong railway station, directly adjacent to Brisbane Street and within walking distance of Toowong Village, with 15-storey buildings already in the immediate streetscape.

Why the Design Changed

JLL and Colliers marketed the original approval for a 22-apartment, eight-storey scheme for sale in August 2025 and described it as development-ready with potential to increase the building height subject to further approval. The site then changed hands, and the new development team reviewed the project’s viability as the market had shifted considerably since the original design approval.

New Toowong development application near Glen Road — *Photo Credit: Sammut Group*

Toowong’s apartment market has moved sharply in that time. Unit values in the suburb surged 16.8 per cent over the past year, with rents rising 11.7 per cent to $670 per week. Across Brisbane more broadly, apartment prices climbed 15 per cent in 2025, following 16.6 per cent growth the year prior, while vacancy rates sit at a historically tight 0.9 per cent. The Coronation Drive corridor immediately west of the Glen Road site is also absorbing significant new supply, with the Monarch Residences development at 600 Coronation Drive adding to what is rapidly becoming one of Toowong’s most active development strips.

Against that backdrop, the development team’s rationale for scaling up the project reflects the same calculation reshaping apartment developments across Brisbane’s inner west. Urbis describes the changes as reflecting increased efficiency of land use to complement the emerging character of Toowong, a character that now includes several towers of 15 storeys or more in the immediate vicinity.

Support, But Not Without Reservations

One nearby resident who regularly cycles and walks along Glen Road expressed strong support, noting the site had been overdue for development given its walkable proximity to Toowong Village and the train station. Their only concern was the parking. At 101 spaces, the proposal sits close to double what the planning scheme requires for a site of this zone and location, which that submitter described as excessive given the high-quality public transport on the doorstep.

Traffic, Flooding and Ground Movement

Those who opposed the application raised three distinct concerns. On traffic, one submitter argues that the projected 70 per cent uplift in vehicle movements has not been adequately modelled at the Glen Road and Brisbane Street intersection, particularly as the nearby Monarch development at 600 Coronation Drive adds further load to the same corridor. The submitter also questions the proposed driveway width, arguing that it exceeds 30 per cent of the front boundary and that the application’s compliance claim does not align with the traffic report or the provided drawings.

Flooding drew separate concern, with published histories of The Dell, produced by the Toowong and District Historical Society, documenting multiple flood events at the address over the past century. With a larger basement now proposed below peak river height, the submitter argued the application’s flooding mitigation strategy needed considerably more rigorous treatment.

A third submission raised excavation impacts, with a neighbour reporting noticeable vibration in surrounding buildings during preliminary site works in early 2026. Given the amended design requires a tri-level basement, that submitter called for pre-construction structural surveys of neighbouring buildings, independent vibration assessments and ongoing ground movement monitoring throughout excavation. Many surrounding buildings date from the 1970s and 1980s and were not designed with deep basement excavation in mind.

A Corridor Mid-Transformation

Glen Road is not the only address on the street attracting development attention. A separate application for a 15-storey residential tower at 21-25 Glen Road proposes 28 three-bedroom apartments and draws on the same riverside context and proximity to Toowong station. Student accommodation at 33 Glen Road brought a 14-level tower to the street several years ago. The pattern points to a corridor in mid-transformation, with the built form shifting steadily upward and questions about how that transition is managed growing more pressing with each new application.

For Toowong residents watching the Glen Road streetscape change around them, the 44 Glen Road application is another chapter in that story. For more information, please click here.

Published 18-March-2026.

Toowong Locals Prepare for Annual Bowling for Millie Charity Event

A community in Toowong is preparing to gather on the bowling green for a cause close to many hearts, as the West Toowong Bowls Club hosts its annual “Bowling for Millie” fundraiser supporting families affected by epilepsy.

The community event will take place on Sunday, 22 March at the West Toowong Bowls Club, bringing together residents, volunteers and local businesses to raise funds for Epilepsy Queensland.

The initiative began through the efforts of Toowong resident and butcher Tim Walsh from Toowong Village Meats, whose daughter Millie lives with epilepsy and experiences seizures that cannot be controlled by medication.

A Community Event with Personal Roots

The fundraiser was started more than two decades after Millie’s diagnosis, as her family searched for ways to support others facing the same challenges. Millie recently turned 21 and enjoys creative activities such as art, music and dancing. Her family has spent years managing the impact of epilepsy on daily life.

Mr Walsh has said the event is a way for Millie and the family to give something back to Epilepsy Queensland, an organisation that has spent more than 50 years helping families across the state with education, advocacy and practical support.

The event has grown into a strong community effort in Toowong, with the local bowls club, volunteers and nearby businesses contributing time, prizes and support each year.

Local Support Grows Each Year

Last year’s Bowling for Millie community day raised $15,320 for Epilepsy Queensland. This year, the organisers hope the Toowong community will once again come together and match or exceed that total.

Club president Richard Goldsworthy has said the bowls club has always been about more than sport, and that the Bowling for Millie event reflects the strong sense of care within the Toowong community. He noted that the support shown by members, volunteers and local sponsors demonstrates how neighbourhood groups can work together to help families facing difficult health challenges.

The event will include barefoot bowls on the green, live music performances during the afternoon and a range of fundraising activities organised by volunteers.

Entertainment and Fundraising on the Green

Visitors attending the day will find a lively community atmosphere with raffles, auctions and entertainment throughout the event.

One of the major attractions will be a series of premium meat tray raffles supplied by local businesses, alongside auctions featuring sporting memorabilia. Food will also be available through the club’s bistro, along with bar facilities for attendees.

Organisers say the goal is not only to raise funds but also to increase awareness of epilepsy and the support services available to families across Queensland.

Published 5-Mar-2026

Choose-Your-Own Valentine’s: A Vibe-Based Guide to February 14 in Brisbane

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to follow one script. In 2026, plenty of locals are treating February 14 as a choose-your-own night out, whether that’s a proper date, a Galentine’s catch-up with an activity built in, a mixed-group dinner that can turn into a singalong, or a full-send party where singles can actually have fun.

To keep it simple, pick the vibe first and then pick the venue that matches it.

Vibe 1: Low-key romance with a view

If your ideal Valentine’s involves good food, a little scenery, and minimal effort (the best kind), go for a waterside setting or a backdrop that does the heavy lifting.

The Boatshed at the Regatta (Toowong)

A cosy choice for couples who want a relaxed lunch or dinner overlooking the river — intimate without being overly formal, and perfect for a proper chat that isn’t competing with a dancefloor.

Riverland (Brisbane City)

If you’re after “special occasion” energy, this one leans into the setting, with the Brisbane River and Story Bridge as your backdrop. Expect cocktails, shared chef’s specials, and live music from 6:00 p.m. — ideal for a date night that feels like a night out, not just a booking.

Best for: couples, first dates, and anyone who wants something classic without feeling locked into clichés.

Vibe 2: Galentine’s with an activity built in

If your group chat loves a plan that’s more than “we should catch up soon,” choose something hands-on. An activity gives the night momentum, keeps conversation flowing, and (bonus) you leave with a memento.

Everton Park Hotel (Everton Park)

A friendship-forward session with candle-making, bubbly and charcuterie. It’s equal parts wholesome and fun — the kind of afternoon that feels like a treat without requiring anyone to dress up like it’s a formal.

Bonny View Hotel (Bald Hills)

Paint-and-sip is a proven recipe: wine, laughs, and an art result that’s either surprisingly good or proudly chaotic. This one’s a great pick for friends, low-pressure dates, or anyone who wants a social plan that isn’t “sit and stare at each other across a table.” Dinner-only bookings are also available if you’d rather keep it simple.

Best for: besties, workmates, small groups, and people who prefer doing something over “just going out.”

Vibe 3: Dates or mates — the flexible night out

This is the category for mixed groups (couples plus singles), double dates, or anyone who wants a night that can shift gears as it goes — from dinner to entertainment without having to relocate three times.

Cannon Hill Tavern (Cannon Hill)

A full-night format that starts with shared plates, rolls into live jazz from 5:30 p.m., then turns playful with Valentine’s karaoke from 8:00 p.m. It’s the easiest option if you want something that can be romantic, friendly, or both — depending on who turns up and how the night unfolds.

Best for: mixed crews, “let’s keep it open-ended” plans, and anyone who wants dinner and a story afterwards.

Vibe 4: Singles and after-dark energy

If you’re not doing dinner-and-dessert, lean into venues that are unapologetically built for meeting people, dancing, and staying out late. Themes help. Loud music helps. A crowd that’s in on it helps most.

Fridays (Brisbane City)

A Traffic Light Party (plus DJs and glow sticks) makes the whole night feel more social and less awkward — especially if you’re heading out with single friends and want an excuse to talk to strangers without pretending it’s accidental.

Retro’s (Fortitude Valley)

For anyone chasing late-night, dress-up, “main character” energy, Cupid’s Playground is the kind of party where committing to the bit is half the fun. Think bold outfits, big beats, and a dancefloor-first plan.

Best for: singles, party crews, and anyone whose Valentine’s vibe is “no small talk, just music.”

A quick way to choose

Want calm + scenic? Pick Vibe 1.
Want something cute + social? Pick Vibe 2.
Want flexibility for a mixed crew? Pick Vibe 3.
Want loud + late? Pick Vibe 4.

Whatever you’re celebrating on February 14 — romance, friendship, or simply having a great night — the best plan is the one that matches your mood (and your group chat’s energy).

High Street Tunnel in Toowong Gains New Life With Immersive Street Art

Photo Credit: the_tervo.co/Instagram

An overlooked pedestrian tunnel in Toowong has been converted into a large-scale immersive street art space, with Brisbane artists Sofles and Drapl covering the walls and ceiling with bold murals that are attracting attention from locals and visitors. The High Street tunnel, located between the Royal Exchange Hotel and Toowong Village and Train Station, has shifted from a plain walkway into a public art destination designed to brighten daily commutes and encourage community connection.

The project was recently completed following about a week of painting and planning, according to social media posts from organisers and community representatives.

Local Artists Lead Public Space Transformation

The artwork was created by Brisbane-based street artists Sofles and Drapl, both recognised for their work locally and overseas. The pair were selected to transform the tunnel into a fully covered mural environment, using vibrant shapes and layered colour patterns to change the space’s feel.

The project goal is to trial creative ways to improve public infrastructure and reduce the number of plain or ageing spaces across the city. Posts promoting the artwork suggested the tunnel transformation was part of a broader effort to rethink how pedestrian links and underpasses are maintained and used.

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A post shared by Drapl (dr🍏) (@drapl)

The goal was to support local artists while improving shared public areas without increasing costs for residents.

A New Visual Landmark in Toowong

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The tunnel sits beneath High Street, linking foot traffic between the Royal Exchange Hotel and Toowong Village, close to Toowong Train Station. Visitors have been encouraged through social media to walk through the tunnel to experience the artwork in person, with organisers highlighting the layered design that surrounds pedestrians from every angle.

Community reaction shared online noted that the colourful design makes the walkway feel safer and more welcoming. The project is being viewed by organisers as a trial for future public art upgrades across Brisbane’s transport and pedestrian networks.

Published 11-Feb-2026