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Local Restaurant Guide – 4066

We’ve combed Auchenflower, Mount Coot-tha, Toowong, Toowong BC, and Toowong DC for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!

Read: Community Sessions Announced for Toowong Central Redevelopment

1. The Boatshed Restaurant

About The Boatshed Restaurant
4.4 Google Rating

543 Coronation Dr, Auchenflower QLD 4066

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Gaby A
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I recently came here with my partner for a celebratory dinner. Straight away, we were met with a beautiful ‘postcard’ congratulating our special occasion; beautiful touch! Our lovely waitress Leah attended to us promptly despite the restaurant being busy, and ran us through the food and beverage menu, recommending us an amazing red that paired perfectly with the steaks that we ordered. She uncorked the wine at our table and allowed us to try it before pouring, explaining the flavours to us. Our food was brought quickly and everything was delicious! Leah also stopped by often to fill our waters and wine, as well as checking that we were okay. This service goes above and beyond what I’ve experienced at other restaurants, and we will definitely be returning in the near future!

Geoff Y
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Leonardo was an exceptional host ensuring our lunch date was made that extra special. Leonardo went above and beyond to make pur lunch very enjoyable. The food was beautiful and very tasty. We really enjoyed the chefs work. The setting was very elegant. We felt like we were eating in a very nice restaurant, but with very down to earth waiters who wanted to engage and make the experience even more special.
Thank you

Marianna SH K
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Superb steaks! The portions were not on the substantial side, but my party thoroughly enjoyed their steaks. The service was friendly and a little chaotic. The place felt quite spacious and full of natural light. Overall I’ll revisit the restaurant for the steaks in the near future.

2. Bullrush Bistro Smokehouse

About Bullrush Bistro Smokehouse
4.4 Google Rating

41 Sherwood Rd, Toowong QLD 4066

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Samuel J
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was devastated when Frankie’s Smokehouse moved and the American BBQ options in my area dried up, so Bullrush Bistro is a very welcome addition. The meat was fantastic and the service excellent. It did seem a bit expensive (ignoring the public holiday surcharge), but maybe that’s a sign of the times. I will be returning to try their specialty, the brisket.

Cess
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
One of the premier private function venues for intimate gatherings of up to 20 people. Our experience was exceptional from start to finish, thanks to the attentive and friendly service we received. The staff showcased remarkable flexibility, easily accommodating our specific requests and ensuring every detail was taken care of. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it the perfect backdrop for our event. I highly recommend this venue to anyone searching for a memorable and well-serviced location for their special occasions.

Rachel
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We had the Ultimate Platter and the serving was very generous and the food was delicious. Notably the chicken wings, sausages, beef brisket, ribs and corn were well seasoned. Service was attentive and the ambience as nice. Will definitely be back to try other items in the menu.

3. Bistro on Bywong

About Bistro on Bywong
4.6 Google Rating

17 Bywong St, Toowong QLD 4066

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Nicki Y
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hands down, this is the best roast in Brisbane! I had roast lamb and devoured it!

Katie H
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Huge shout out to Luke! Beautiful food, with a beautiful view overlooking the course.

Terrance A
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Always great meals, authentic cooking, very economical too.

4. KatsuCo Toowong

About KatsuCo Toowong
4.9 Google Rating

Ground Floor/63 Jephson St, Toowong QLD 4066

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Christopher P
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I had an outstanding dining experience at this restaurant. The food was exceptional, with each dish bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors and beautifully presented. The menu offered a wonderful variety of options, catering to every taste. The service was equally impressive; the staff was attentive, friendly and knowledgeable, making sure we had everything we needed without being intrusive. The warm, welcoming atmosphere added to the overall experience, making it a place I’ll definitely return to. Highly recommended!

Joerg T
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is probably the best katsu I had for a long time. The pork was succulent, moist and tender. The condiments went well with mains. The salmon was fresh too, and we came back again following day. I just glad I don’t live close by, otherwise, I might be back often. One of those, you pay for what you get. Few more economical options just across the street, just different quality. Also, some discount for cash payment. Pls note to call as this place is popular.

Yu-min S
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This restaurant is easy to find—I’d suggest parking at Toowong Village and taking a short walk over during the day. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a beautifully designed space that feels both stylish and welcoming. The food is absolutely delicious! While the sets are priced between $30-$35, they’re incredibly generous and filling. Trust me, you won’t leave disappointed. A definite 5-star experience—highly recommend!

5. Deer Duck Bistro

About Deer Duck Bistro
4.4 Google Rating

396 Milton Rd, Auchenflower QLD 4066

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Sharee D
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Our experience at Deer Duck bistro for our wedding anniversary was amazing. We really enjoyed it. The presentation of the degustation and the flavours was fantastic and the cocktail was delicious too. The service was excellent too

Kelly D
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We attended Deer Duck to celebrate my partners birthday and everything was exceptional! From the staff to the food, it was an easy evening to relax and enjoy some quality food. The long course degustation is worth a try! 10/10 guys!

Read: Brisbane Boys’ College Appoints Elite Coaching Team in Toowong

Charlotte R
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We have been a few times now and each time we are blown away! This most recent time we visited for my husband’s birthday. We had the long course degustation and as always, the presentation of the dishes and tastes were divine. Our favourite dish was the first dessert, surprising as my husband isn’t usually one for desserts but he was raving about it! He also enjoyed the wine (a Tate Shiraz). Another wonderful experience.

Brisbane Boys’ College Rugby Stars Earn National Selection

Photo Credit: Brisbane Boys' College (BBC)/Facebook

Brisbane Boys’ College has produced two of the nation’s newest young rugby talents, with Year 12 students Oscar Donovan and Taione Taka earning selection to the 2025 Australian Under-18 Rugby Squad.

Read: Brisbane’s Tallest Suburban Towers on Hold: Toowong Central Redevelopment Update

Selection Highlights Hard Work And Local Training

The announcement came in early October after the Australian U18 team’s series in Canberra, where Donovan and Taka played key roles. They helped Australia claim three straight wins over New Zealand Secondary Schools and the Australian Schoolboys team. Both have been part of the Brisbane Boys’ College rugby program since Year 9, developing under experienced coaches and mentors. 

Photo Credit: Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC)/Facebook

Their selection places them among the nation’s top young rugby talents, representing their school and the Brisbane rugby community. The Australian Under-18 squad often serves as a pathway to professional and senior national teams.

Strong Foundation Through School Rugby

Brisbane Boys’ College staff expressed pride in seeing years of player development lead to national success. The school’s rugby program emphasises discipline, teamwork, and consistency, shaping Donovan and Taka’s style and mindset. 

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Both athletes earned recognition for their leadership, work ethic, and technical skill. The school community also showed strong online support, praising them as role models for younger players.

Community Pride And Support

In a Facebook post announcing the news, community members congratulated the players and wished them success in future championships. Many expressed pride in the school’s sporting culture and its impact beyond the field. 

Brisbane Boys’ College continues to build its reputation for both academic and athletic excellence.  The rugby program plays a key role, with Donovan and Taka showing what dedication and community support can achieve.

Looking Ahead To 2025

With their selection to the Australian Under-18 Rugby Squad, both players now prepare for training camps and national fixtures ahead of the 2025 season. The experience will expose them to elite coaching and high-level competition, setting the foundation for future sporting careers.

Read: Olympic FC and Brisbane Boys’ College Form New Football Partnership in Toowong

Their success reflects years of preparation within the Brisbane Boys’ College environment, where teamwork, respect, and determination are core values. The community’s support, from teachers to parents and peers, continues to play a vital role in helping young athletes reach their potential.

Published 14-October-2025

Rightsizing, Not Downsizing: Finding More Life in Just the Right Space at Somerset Indooroopilly 

Photo Credit: Aura Holdings

With average life expectancy now stretching into the mid-80s, many Australians are realising that the family home—once a symbol of success—can quietly become a source of work and worry.

Nearly three-quarters of over-75s still live in houses larger than they need, while about 30 per cent are considering a move that fits their lifestyle today rather than the one they built decades ago.

Those themes will be be at the heart of Coffee & Conversations on 12 November 2025, where locals can hear about Somerset Indooroopilly—a new village that allows locals to downsize in the area they know and love.

Photo Credit: Somerset Indooroopilly

Set beside the Indooroopilly Golf Club, Somerset is a series of light-filled apartments around shared gardens, terraces and a café rather than cul-de-sacs and fences. The aim is to make life simpler without making it smaller.

Designed by Cox Architecture and built by Woollam Constructions, the whole complex is shaped around the concept of rightsizing: a lifestyle that trades maintenance for meaning, routine for connection, and isolation for ease.

Photo Credit: Aura Holdings

The shift speaks to a broader cultural change. Retirement communities are no longer seen as endpoints but as extensions of an active life. Research shows residents in such settings are physically healthier, more socially engaged and report higher overall happiness than those ageing alone. It’s less about giving things up than gaining back time—the chance to travel, volunteer or just enjoy an unhurried morning coffee.

Source: Meaningful Aging Australia infographic

Research shows that residents of well-designed retirement villages are more active, more socially engaged and less likely to need hospital care than peers who continue living alone.

People living in retirement communities can experience a reduction in patterns of hospitalisations, have the potential to reduced need for GP visits, and can stay healthy living independently.

RLC Report Better Housing for Better Health

Increasingly, people are choosing communities that give them freedom and flexibility, not just a smaller footprint. In practice, that means more time spent walking, reading, travelling—or simply enjoying a catch-up with friends—without the endless to-do list that comes with a large property.

At Somerset, that philosophy is built into everyday life, capturing that balance through thoughtful design. Apartments open onto gardens and shared terraces; the café hums with conversation; and facilities like the pool, gym, and library encourage activity without pressure.

Photo Credit: Aura Holdings

Each home includes a 24-hour monitored EEVI system for peace of mind, while a Village Manager and Wellness Advisor ensure help is close by but never intrusive. “Knowing the place is managed, looked after and secure—that’s a big factor,” one resident said. “It’s lovely knowing you’re in a safe area, surrounded by good people.”

The community is pet-friendly, the gardens maintained, and the atmosphere quietly sociable. “Moving here gave me freedom,” said another resident. “I can just close the door and go.”

For many, that’s the essence of rightsizing—choosing a space that fits this stage of life as comfortably as the last one did. “When you make the choice sooner rather than later, you give yourself the gift of freedom and the chance to enjoy more of what matters,” Aura Director Mark Taylor said at a recent Somerset event.

Pictured (L-R) Somerset Residents: Elsie, Ross, Elaine and Iris Photo Credit: Aura Holdings

And for anyone curious, participating in Coffee & Conversations on 12 November 2025 offers the simplest introduction: a walk through the gardens, a cup of coffee, and a conversation about how less maintenance can make room for more living.

Aura Holdings is a Proud Promotional Partner of Brisbane Suburbs Online News

Published 6-November-2025

Brisbane’s Tallest Suburban Towers on Hold: Toowong Central Redevelopment Update

Plans for the prominent Toowong Central redevelopment have been placed on hold after the developer requested that Brisbane pause its assessment process to review community feedback and planning concerns.

Read: $1 Billion Toowong Central Precinct Proposed to Transform Inner West

The project, located at 47 High Street in Toowong, was scheduled to enter its public consultation phase on 4 November 2025. However, the developer, Toowong Central Investment Holding Pty Ltd, has been granted a stop period of up to 130 business days — a move that could push consultation into mid-2026.

47 High Street (Photo credit: Google Street View)

The decision marks the latest delay for the long-vacant site, which has remained largely unused since the former Woolworths store was demolished several years ago.

A Landmark Proposal

Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A006836692

The estimated $1 billion proposal would see three residential towers of 49, 55, and 58 storeys erected on the site, making them among Brisbane’s tallest residential buildings outside the CBD. The scale of the development has drawn intense community and planning attention.

Brisbane has stated the proposed heights are a departure from those anticipated by its City Plan. The Council also flagged further scrutiny of issues such as building setbacks and separation, traffic modelling, heritage impacts (including the former Carver & Co building), and deep-planting/landscaping.

Local residents submitted around 28 formal responses before the pause was requested. Common themes included concern over excessive car-parking provision, demand for increased public open space, improved active and public transport infrastructure, and worry that the project favours private benefit over community outcomes. Some submissions noted that height itself was less of an issue so long as infrastructure and public-benefit outcomes were strong.

Read: ‘Better Uses’ Than Parking at Toowong Central Site, Say Residents

Developer’s Pause Raises Questions

Towers at Toowong Central Redevelopment (Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A006836692)

In October 2025, BCC took the rare step of ordering upfront public notification rather than issuing a standard further-information request, citing the proposal’s scale and the high level of community interest. The request for a stop period came only weeks later.

The stop period mechanism allows the developer to delay assessment for up to 130 business days, but the developer may elect to start public consultation earlier. If the full stop period is used, the Council indicates the notification window would commence on 12 May 2026 and run through to 19 May 2026.

State MP Michael Berkman said the delay reflects unresolved community concerns. “It’s frustrating to see this site continue to sit desolate and disused for even longer, but on the other hand, I think it’s quite telling that the developer doesn’t want to move to public consultation yet. No doubt they’ve realised that their proposal falls well short of community expectations. In my view, it’s a clear sign we can get a better offer.”

Berkman has called for any approval of the towers’ height to be conditional on at least 25 per cent of the homes being genuinely affordable, alongside better deep planting and public space outcomes. Meanwhile, social media commentary from the community has been mixed — some readers lament the delay amid a broader housing-supply shortage, others argue that scrutiny is justified given the project’s size.

What Happens Next

When the consultation phase opens, residents will be able to lodge formal submissions directly to BCC, which must consider this feedback before deciding whether to approve, refuse or require changes to the proposal.

While some members of the community hope the pause will lead to a revised scheme that better balances development ambition with Toowong’s character and liveability, others remain frustrated by the ongoing vacancy. For now, the empty block in the heart of Toowong continues to symbolise the suburb’s growth pressures and the ongoing debate about how Brisbane should evolve.

Published 6-November-2025

Olympic FC and Brisbane Boys’ College Form New Football Partnership in Toowong

Photo Credit: Olympic FC/Facebook

Olympic FC and Brisbane Boys’ College in Toowong have launched a strategic partnership to enhance football and educational development, offering players and coaches new opportunities to access elite training programs and facilities across Brisbane.

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

Expanding Football Opportunities in Toowong

The partnership between Olympic FC and Brisbane Boys’ College establishes a collaborative platform for youth and coaching development. The agreement provides BBC students and staff with access to Olympic’s elite facilities at Goodwin Park while expanding the club’s schools program.

This initiative aligns with Olympic FC’s focus on strengthening its ties with educational institutions to promote football participation and learning opportunities across Brisbane.

Toowong football partnership
Photo Credit: Olympic FC/Facebook

Development Pathways and Coaching Support

Through the collaboration, BBC players will have the chance to trial and train with Olympic’s academy and development squads. Olympic coaches will work closely with BBC staff during training sessions and matchdays, ensuring a consistent approach to technical and tactical growth.

BBC coaches will also attend workshops led by Olympic’s UEFA Pro Licence Technical Director, Scott Guyett, further enhancing their professional development.

Olympic FC
Photo Credit: Olympic FC/Facebook

Building Community and Collaboration

Both organisations share a commitment to fostering football at all levels and supporting the next generation of players. Leaders from both sides have highlighted the benefits of shared training, community initiatives, and mutual learning for students and coaches alike.

The partnership also aims to create long-term pathways from school programs into professional and community football environments, reinforcing Toowong’s growing contribution to Brisbane’s football network.

Outlook

Read: Australia Post’s Peak-Me-Up Coffee Van Arrives in Toowong

The alliance between Olympic FC and Brisbane Boys’ College represents a joint effort to elevate player and coach development, encourage collaboration, and build stronger links between education and sport in Toowong and across Brisbane.

Published 4-Nov-2025

Australia Post’s Peak-Me-Up Coffee Van Arrives in Toowong

Photo Credit: Australia Post

Businesses in Toowong received a caffeine boost this November as Australia Post’s Peak-Me-Up coffee van stopped by to serve free St Ali coffee and T2 tea during the busy retail season.

Read: Toowong Cemetery and Other Queensland Sites May Run Out of Burial Space by 2035

Australia Post Fuels Businesses in Toowong

Australia Post’s travelling Peak-Me-Up coffee and tea van made its way to the Toowong Business Centre at 24 Ebor Street as part of a Queensland-wide initiative aimed at supporting businesses through peak trading periods. The stop formed part of the organisation’s national Peak Performance campaign, which celebrates the effort of business owners and workers handling the year-end surge in orders and deliveries.

The Toowong visit took place on Thursday, 20 November, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., offering complimentary St Ali coffee and T2 tea. The initiative gave business owners, eCommerce operators, and retail teams a brief opportunity to pause and recharge before returning to the demands of the season.

Peak-Me-Up
Photo Credit: Australia Post/Instagram

Supporting Peak Season Operations

Peak season represents the most intense period for online and retail trade, coinciding with major events such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas. During this time, Australia Post’s logistics network operates at full capacity to ensure timely parcel deliveries nationwide.

The Peak-Me-Up van’s Queensland route included stops at the Archerfield Business Centre on 19 November and the Gold Coast Business Centre on 24 November. Across these visits, expert baristas served the exclusive St Ali Peak-Me-Up blend alongside a selection of T2 teas, providing a small moment of appreciation for those working to meet seasonal demand.

Toowong coffee van
Photo Credit: Australia Post/Instagram

A National Effort to Connect and Recharge

The Peak-Me-Up coffee van travelled across Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, and Queensland throughout October and November. Beyond delivering caffeine, it offered a chance for businesses to take a moment of connection and refocus amid the busiest time of year.

Australia Post stated the initiative serves as a gesture of gratitude to the thousands of Australian businesses that help sustain the economy and eCommerce sector during the holiday period.

Australia Post
Photo Credit: Australia Post/Instagram

Looking Ahead

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

Following its Queensland visits, the Peak-Me-Up campaign continues across business hubs in other states, bringing with it a reminder that short breaks can help maintain performance through the peak season rush. Businesses in Toowong and surrounding areas are encouraged to stay informed about future visits and initiatives supporting local operations.

Published 31-Oct-2025

Fact and Folklore Blur as Toowong Cemetery Tales Spread Online

Photo Credit: BCC

Brisbane’s historic Toowong Cemetery has become the centre of renewed community fascination as local storytellers and social media users breathe new life into its supernatural folklore, blurring the lines between urban legends and a chilling true crime.

Read: Brisbane Boys’ College Duo to Represent Queensland in Gymnastics

Modern Interest in Old Tales

Toowong Cemetery
Photo Credit: OzCamper/ Tiktok

A recent surge in online discussion, sparked by content creators like Aussie camper Marcus Sutherland, has brought the long-standing ghost stories of Toowong Cemetery to a new generation. Through platforms like TikTok, haunting rumours about the grounds are circulating widely, prompting Brisbane residents to share their own unsettling experiences. 

Many have described the cemetery as an eerie and frightening place, particularly after dark, with some claiming to have seen mysterious figures or heard unexplained footsteps while visiting. This modern-day storytelling has ensured the cemetery’s reputation as a fixture of local gossip remains strong.

Enduring Folklore of the Grounds

Toowong Cemetery
Photo Credit: Google Maps

At the heart of the community’s interest are several enduring legends. The most prominent is the tale of a 19th-century female vampire believed to be buried along Avenue 12. According to the folktale, her grave was once opened to reveal a body that had not decayed, and when touched, she supposedly opened her eyes. 

Another well-known story involves Spook Hill, an area near the graves of two young women who died in a car accident. Local lore claims that a vehicle parked in neutral at the base of the small hill will appear to roll uphill, a phenomenon some visitors have claimed to witness firsthand. The Museum of Brisbane has acknowledged that these wild and wonderful tales have been a part of the city’s culture for years.

A Link to True Crime

Toowong Cemetery
Photo Credit: Google Maps

While many of the stories are pure folklore, the cemetery’s dark reputation is also tied to the factual case of Tracey Wigginton, who was dubbed the “Lesbian Vampire Killer.” In the weeks leading up to a murder she committed in October 1989, it was documented that Wigginton and her friends would often visit Toowong Cemetery for night-time picnics. 

During her trial, it was claimed she had an obsession with vampirism and had drunk her victim’s blood. Although Wigginton is not buried at the cemetery, her documented presence there has intertwined a gruesome true crime with the location’s supernatural legends in the public’s mind.

Read: Community Consultation Opens for Sylvan Road Bikeway & Local Network Upgrades

A Heritage Site of Stories

Officially opened in 1875, the heritage-listed Toowong Cemetery is the final resting place for many of Queensland’s prominent colonial-era figures. While it is now closed to new burials, it remains a significant landmark. For many in the Brisbane community, it continues to be known not only for its history but also for the restless spirits and chilling tales that are passed down from one generation to the next.

Published 1-November-2025

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

Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC) has placed the heritage‑listed Goldicott House in Toowong on the market, only three years after acquiring the property. The private school has re‑evaluated its use of the 19th‑century estate that remains one of the area’s notable historic homes.

Read: BCC Saves Toowong’s Cultural Heritage Building – “Goldicott House”

Sale Details

The current offering includes the heritage home and its immediate grounds, while BBC retains an adjacent 6,629 m² block. The school originally considered incorporating the estate into its boarding facilities, but it has now opted to return the house to private residential use. Located around five kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, the property combines substantial land, period architecture, and a prominent position in Toowong.

The estate spans approximately 5,711sqm of land and includes around 737sqm of built space. The house features wrap‑around verandahs, mature gardens and commanding views of Brisbane, reflecting both its Victorian era pedigree and its continued landmark status in Toowong. Offers for the property are due to close on 26 November 2025.

Goldicott House: History and Significance

Photo credit: QLD Heritage Register

Goldicott House was constructed in 1885 for engineer Charles Lambert Depree and his family. Depree used a construction method he patented in 1871, and the house is recognised as one of the earliest poured‑concrete domestic buildings in Queensland. It is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, entered on 26 November 1998.

In the early 1900s the property changed hands, and by 1903 the estate was acquired by the Sisters of Mercy and became known as Mount St Mary’s Convent. The grounds and building have been the subject of heritage protection over the years, including court decisions rejecting rezoning and subdivision proposals in 2018 and 2020.

BBC, together with the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association (PMSA), finalised contract terms for the 1.23‑hectare site adjoining the school in May 2022. The purchase price was reported at $17 million, with the previous developer having acquired the property for roughly $8 million. 

Read: Court Rules No to Goldicott House Rezoning and Development in Toowong

Goldicott House remains an important piece of Toowong’s architectural story. Its next caretakers will inherit not just a home, but a tangible link to Brisbane’s engineering and architectural past—while the estate’s heritage value continues to be safeguarded under its current listing and physical prominence in the suburb.

Published 30-October-2025

Toowong Cemetery and Other Queensland Sites May Run Out of Burial Space by 2035

Queensland is facing a growing challenge. By 2035, the state could run out of room to bury its dead, with Toowong Cemetery, Brisbane’s largest cemetery, one of the sites in focus. Local authorities across the state are warning that population growth, an ageing population, and rising demand are placing significant pressure on burial space.

Read: Fact and Folklore Blur as Toowong Cemetery Tales Spread Online

New research from the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) shows many Councils expect their existing cemetery land to reach capacity within the next 10 to 15 years. Unlike most other land uses, cemetery plots are treated as permanent in Queensland. Once used, they are rarely reused, and the scarcity of suitable new land means councils have limited options for expansion.

Alison Smith, CEO of the LGAQ, stated that councils have been studying these statewide challenges and are collectively urging the State to collaborate with them on planning the future of cemeteries across Queensland.

“We need a holistic, strategic and statewide approach to considering and addressing these issues,” Ms Smith said.

Toowong Cemetery, located in Brisbane’s inner west, has long served as the resting place for many families and is recognised as the city’s largest cemetery. In other parts of Queensland, local authorities are already grappling with both space and cost pressures, managing land, securing new sites, and maintaining ageing cemetery infrastructure under financial strain.

Photo credit: Ruth Mavroleon/Google Maps

The issue is not solely logistical but also cultural. Some religious communities, including Muslim, Jewish, and Eastern Orthodox groups, adhere to burial traditions that limit the wider adoption of cremation, which in turn adds to pressure on land. In other jurisdictions, grave reuse or renewable tenure systems have been introduced. In Queensland, however, perpetual burial rights remain the norm, limiting flexibility in managing space.

Strategies and Suggestions for Sustainable Cemetery Management

Photo credit: Sonia Ho/Google Maps

Industry experts and councils are advocating for a range of strategies to manage the impending space shortage. One proposed measure is the adoption of renewable tenure for burial plots, where graves are leased for a defined period and may be reused afterwards, a model already in use in parts of Australia and internationally. Such a change could significantly increase the functional life of cemetery land.

Other practical strategies include allowing multiple internments, for example, family members sharing a single plot, and deeper graves to maximise space. These approaches require careful consideration of safety and cultural comfort during burial services.

Cremation is another frequently discussed alternative. While less land intensive, its acceptability varies by community and religious tradition. Advocates are encouraging councils and the state to develop policies that make cremation a culturally sensitive and accessible choice where appropriate.

Local authorities are calling for a statewide strategy that brings together the state, local councils, cemetery operators, and community representatives. The objective is to plan for land supply, invest in infrastructure, respect cultural and religious needs, and ensure the long-term financial viability of cemetery sites.

Read: Toowong Cemetery Holds the Forgotten History of Susan McGowan

For Toowong and other Queensland cemeteries, the conversation is about more than land, it is about how communities honour their past while planning for future generations. With coordinated planning, innovative choices, and community engagement, Queensland may be positioned to balance tradition, memory, and sustainability in its cemeteries.

Published 29-October-2025

Global Cocktail Bar Death & Co. Chooses Toowong for First Brisbane Venue

Photo Credit: Death & Co/ Facebook

Acclaimed US cocktail institution Death & Co. has selected Toowong for its first-ever Brisbane bar, announcing it will take over the subterranean space beneath the Regatta Hotel.

Read: A Grave in Toowong Holds the Story of a Forgotten Boxing Legend: Peter Jackson

The celebrated bar, which first established itself as a New York City institution, will begin serving patrons in Brisbane later this summer. Its arrival is part of a wider Australian expansion, which includes a Melbourne venue set to begin operating in November. The move into Australia is a collaboration with the major hospitality group Australian Venue Co.

A New Era for a Familiar Space

Death & Co
Photo Credit: Death & Co/ Facebook

For many locals, the most exciting detail is the venue’s location. The new cocktail bar is currently taking shape in the space beneath the Regatta Hotel, a spot previously home to The Walrus Club. This signals a significant new chapter for the popular Toowong landmark, bringing a different style of world-class service to the riverside community.

From East Village to Brisbane River

Death & Co
Photo Credit: Death & Co/ Facebook

Death & Co. first made its name in Manhattan’s East Village in late 2006, quickly building a reputation for its creative team and commitment to quality. The brand’s philosophy focuses on restoring a sense of class and flavour to the specialty cocktail, aiming to create exceptional experiences for its patrons. While it has since grown with venues in Los Angeles, Denver, and Washington D.C., the company states its deep desire to be a centre for its communities has remained.

To ensure this standard is met in Queensland, newly hired Australian managers recently completed extensive training in the United States. This preparation aims to faithfully recreate the brand’s well-known service style and philosophy.

Read: Stuartholme School Educators Honoured in 2025 TEACHX Awards

What to Expect

Once operating, the Toowong team will serve the brand’s iconic signature drinks, including the Naked & Famous and the Oaxacan Old Fashioned. Patrons can also look forward to a range of new menu additions that have been created with local inspiration. Community members are advised to watch for more details as the summer launch approaches.

Published Date 23-October-2025