I had a fabulous trip to Brisbane a few weeks ago! As well as visiting the fabulous Mind Body Spirit Festival, I also checked out some other fantastic natural, new age places Brisbane has to offer.
Here are some of the highlights.
Mondo Organics. I had dinner with these gorgeous ladies (from left to right) – Debra, me, Vanessa and Alisha. Mondo’s is a fabulous organic restaurant in West End. Everything was wonderful. The food was divine, the service friendly and the atmosphere relaxed and casual. My dish (on the left) was crisp pork belly and braised cheek, charred gem lettuce, celeriac puree and shallot. The other girls all had (on the right) the sous vide duck breast, sarladaise potato, onion puree, red cabbage. Both were amazingly melt in the mouth and full of flavour. The restaurant has gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options, making it perfect for all four of us who have special dietary needs. Check out the Mondo Organics website.
Northey Street Organic Markets. Alisha and I braved the drizzly, cold Sunday morning and headed to Northey Street for the famous organic markets. We were in foodie heaven. So much beautiful, fresh, organic produce at great prices. You can get everything from fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy and pantry items at great prices. We chatted to the guy at the Buchi kombucha stall, where Alisha was kindly given a huge jar of scoby! I bought some ready made kombucha to take home (you can sample it first- yum). The markets are on every Sunday from 6-10.30am, just north of the city in Windsor. Check out the Northey Street website for more details.
Northey Street City Farm. After our wander around the markets, we went next door to the Northey Street city farm (it’s a community permaculture garden). You can do workshops, yoga classes, playgroups, tours or join up and become a volunteer. We had brunch at the funky Chai Cafe. They have organic, vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free options. We had real, brewed chai tea on almond milk, toasted GF pumpkin and pesto sandwiches and GF muffins. Yum! It is a fabulous place to just come and chill out with the family. There is a playground area close by for the kids to have a run. Check out some more info at the website.
Fundies Wholemarket. Yes, I do like to visit health food stores on my holidays! Fundies is a fantastic family owned store in Paddington. We stocked up on a few essentials (like Pukka tea!) and had a quick snack. Alisha had a plate of mixed salads and we both had some freshly squeezed juice. Can you tell how good it was from my facial expressions? Paddington is a great suburb for all things natural and new age! We also stopped in at Biome eco store and Presents of Mind and found lots of cool things. Paddo is also a great place for second-hand, vintage clothes. I could easily live here!
Brisbane City. I had all of Monday to explore Brisbane city on my own and I found some fabulous places! First, I had breakfast at Vege Rama in Adelaide Street. I had stewed apple and rhubarb, topped with a crunchy granola and a dairy free coconut custard and a spirulina and chia juice (pictured bottom left). I had to go back for afternoon tea for a slice of raw blueberry ‘cheesecake’ as well. Amazing real food – local, organic, vegetarian. Next up, I had a relaxing aromatherapy massage at Perfect Potion in Albert Street. The girls here are fantastic and I grabbed a few beautiful things (oils, books and chai tea) to take home with me as well. Do visit if you get the chance – it’s bliss!
Lunch was a real treat. I had heard of the fabulous Raw n Juicy on Facebook and eventually I found it. It is right up the northern end of Adelaide Street, tucked into a corner. The trek was worth it though! All the food here is 100% raw, organic and gluten-free. I had some really delicious raw, vegan nachos for lunch and enjoyed every mouthful. The staff are so happy and friendly (and they all look super healthy). This is Brissy’s best kept secret! After lunch I had to check out my favourite eco haven on the other side of Adelaide Street. Biome has everything eco-friendly from water bottles to make up to Aussie-made gifts. You can easily spend an hour in here just browsing and chatting to the gorgeous staff. I picked up a bamboo hairbrush I have had my eye on for a while and some cute cards.
Whew! It was a full-on, action-packed weekend. I had a fantastic time and was so thrilled to discover these amazing people with a passion for good health, whole foods and a natural, eco-friendly lifestyle.
Thanks for having me Brissy, see you next year!
What natural, healthy, new age places do you like in Brisbane?
Nice! i might need to go an explore some of those .
Let me know what you think Sandra! I think people selling healthy food just have so much better attitude and zest for life – the service is always fabulous! Coincidence? I don’t think so!! 😉
I LIVE IN PADDINGTON! You should have stopped by. Being new to Brisbane I loved the list from the city – will have to check out the raw organic place. I’m at Northey Street every weekend – isn’t it awesome? Even in the rain it is charming. Fundies is my local. Next time you’re here we must meet!
oh I didn’t know that!! next time I come to Brissy, we will catch up! Alisha used to work at Fundies !!
Was so great to see you! Love this post because I have lived her more than 6 years and been to none of those places. I need to explore padding ton more, making that my next me- day destination xx
It was lovely to met you IRL Deb! We will gradually convert you to being a NNAM! Paddo is awesome!! 😀
What an AMAZING trip and what gorgeous, vibrant ladies you are!!
It was fabulous. Looking forward to seeing you in August Bek !! 🙂
I just had a day trip to Brisbane on Saturday to do a beeswax candle making workshop at Northey St Farm. Yes it is was awesome. Looking forward to checking out Mondo Organics and the Sunday markets at Northey St next time. I am like you…I think a trip to new health food stores in fun! Natalie x
It is fun!! So many things to explore. The workshop sounds amazing and the markets are definitely worth a look.
You found all my fav places – you can see why I love Brisbane so much 🙂
do you live in Brissy? We lived there many years ago. 🙂
I’m living in Bali for a couple of months right now, but will be heading back to Brissy after some travel… 🙂
I’ve bookmarked this page for my next trip to the “big smoke.” I live 2 hours from Brisbane and love exploring new options. Can’t wait to try them out 🙂
there are loads of cool places – you just have to hunt them down! let me know what you visit Jules 🙂
Thanks Sonia, this is what I needed 😉
brilliant – let me know what you eat!!!