We caught up with radio host Abby Coleman, one third of Stav, Abby & Matt on Brisbane’s HIT105, to get her local’s guide to Brisbane and how she lives her best life in this amazing city.
When you’ve lived all over Australia like radio presenter Abby Coleman has, it’s a hard task to pick which city might be your favourite. For Abby, however, there’s no stalling in naming the Queensland capital.
“I’ve always said Brisbane is truly the prettiest city,” says the mum of two, when asked what she loves most about her adopted hometown.
“I feel so blessed to go for a walk around the river after work with workmates – without the crazy crowds. There is so much to do in Brisbane, but I always feel like it’s friendly enough to feel like a big town.” Abby Coleman
Abby has had many memorable experiences at Treasury Brisbane, a highlight being the launch of Fat Noodle, hosted by the “funny and charming” Luke Nguyen. More recently, she celebrated her 40th birthday party at Treasury with an epic bash attended by her favourite friends and listeners. We thought it a fitting time to ask Abby for her insider tips for how to experience Brisbane like a true local.
Best place in Brisbane to sip a cocktail
Abby says her favourite place to sip cocktails with friends is at Will & Flow, the new riverside venue by Treasury Brisbane. Her top cocktail recommendation? The Brisbane Gin Fizz “on a sunny day overlooking the river” cannot be beaten. “My friends and I went to Will & Flow then walked to the Riverstage to see the Brisbane Pub Choir recently – it was fantastic.”
Best place for brunch in Brisbane
“My go-to place for brunch in Brisbane is Flute Coorparoo,” shares Abby. Her early morning alarm to host on Brisbane radio station B105 means Abby doesn’t often have time for breakfast, which is why she takes brunch so seriously. “Flute’s serving sizes always make me happy when I’m really hungry.”
Top idea to show off Brisbane
When family or friends come to visit Abby always has several ideas up her sleeve, but to her, the quintessential Brisbane experience involves a ride on the CityCat ferry. “I took my parents on the CityCat from Bulimba over to Riverside and we walked to Howard Smith Wharves – it was perfect way to show off Brisbane,” she tells.
Best family day out in Brisbane
As a huge fan of the Brisbane Lions, Abby says her ultimate family day out is spent at The Gabba watching her beloved AFL team play. “We catch the bus in and will sometimes go to the German Club beforehand to extend the day.”
Brisbane’s best daytrip idea
“My favourite daytrip from Brisbane is Tangalooma,” says Abby. Tangalooma Island Resort is a 75-minute catamaran cruise from Brisbane and a well-loved family holiday destination with self-contained beachfront villas. “The kids and I love it there as it’s only a short ferry ride to feel like you’re on a tropical island.”
The best way to spend a lazy Sunday in the city
Abby says it’s all about “takeaway fish and chips” in the great outdoors with plenty of space for her two boys to run around. “They love it at the Botanical Gardens, and we have so many great parks in Brisbane,” she says.
The most romantic spot in Brisbane
Abby confides that she’s partial to a view, so her idea of a romantic experience in the city is anything that involves lunch and a view of the river with husband Scott. “Mt Gravatt Lookout is one of our favourite places.”
Abby’s B105 Breakfast co-hosts Stav and Matt recently hosted a birthday party for Abby at Treasury Brisbane featuring Australian music acts and 200 of Abby’s closest friends and radio listeners. It was an event to remember, and you can host your own celebration or event at Treasury too. Find out more information here.
We thought you might like…
