Kirribilli Apartments

You know what struck me first about Kirribilli Apartments? The name’s actually a bit misleading – it’s not in Sydney’s Kirribilli at all, but tucked away on this quiet stretch of Oxlade Drive in New Farm. I mean, if you know Brisbane at all, you’ll get why that’s actually a pretty sweet deal. New Farm’s got that laid-back, artsy vibe without the tourist crowds, and honestly, the location here is sort of perfect if you want to feel like you’re living in the city rather than just visiting it.

The building itself is one of those solid, no-nonsense apartment blocks that Brisbane does well – nothing fancy, but you can tell it’s been looked after. What I really appreciated was how quiet it stays, even though you’re only a few minutes’ walk from the main drag. The apartments themselves are properly spacious (and I mean actually spacious, not hotel-brochure spacious), with those big windows that let in heaps of natural light. The kitchens are fully kitted out too, which is brilliant if you want to grab fresh stuff from the weekend markets at nearby Powerhouse or just avoid eating out every single meal.

Here’s the thing about staying in New Farm – you’re basically getting the best of both worlds. Walk ten minutes toward the river and you hit New Farm Park, which is honestly one of Brisbane’s most underrated spots for a morning jog or evening picnic. The other direction takes you straight into Fortitude Valley’s music scene and late-night eats. I found myself walking everywhere, actually – the Teneriffe ferry terminal is close enough that you can hop across the river easily, and James Street’s shopping and café strip is right there when you need your coffee fix. Parking was surprisingly hassle-free too, which anyone who’s driven around Brisbane’s inner suburbs will tell you is worth its weight in gold.

The 8.2 rating makes total sense to me. It’s not trying to be some luxury experience – the furnishings are comfortable but pretty standard, and don’t expect daily housekeeping or a concierge desk. But that’s kind of the point. This place works because it gives you a proper base to explore from, with enough space to actually relax and the kind of neighborhood feel that makes you want to linger over breakfast instead of rushing out to tick off tourist boxes. The staff know the area well too, which I always appreciate – they pointed me toward this excellent Vietnamese place on Commercial Road that I never would have found otherwise. If you’re the type who values independence and wants to experience Brisbane like someone who actually lives here, rather than just passing through, this is exactly the kind of place that delivers on that promise.