Fortitude Valley, QLD local guide
The first immigrants to settle Fortitude Valley were Scottish. Short of ideas when it came to naming the area they took inspiration from the boat they arrived on, SS Fortitude. These days locals and visitors simply refer to it as the Valley.
The Valley initially became a hub for business and shopping after the flooding in 1893 and 1897 of South Brisbane. Tired of ending up in the drink shopkeepers moved north of the Brisbane River to higher ground, ending up in Fortitude Valley. It remained a thriving shopping precinct until the closure of the tram line in 1969. During the 1970s the area became celebrated for its rather seedy nightlife.
The opening of Chinatown Mall in 1987 kick-started the area’s redevelopment. During the 1990s the area became Brisbane’s cultural mecca, with live music, plenty of bars, nightclubs, restaurants and an arts community. The Brunswick Street Mall, constructed in 1991, reinforced this cultural shift, creating a vibrant outdoor environment to enjoy a coffee, catch up with friends or pass the time away.
Today any visit to Brisbane isn’t complete without a night or day in the Valley. And there’s plenty to do too. If live music is your thing head to the Tivoli for rock, hip-hop and everything in between or if you’re after dance beats check out the DJs spinning at Family nightclub. Those after something with a little more cultural depth try the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts. The space showcases music, dance, art, theatre and more.
In terms of food the Valley boasts it all. Everything from a simple takeaway snack to pub grub to fine dining is easy to find. The multitude of food options also provide sustenance for monster shopping expeditions, as once again, the Valley is a shopping precinct and is open for business.
Regular events in Fortitude Valley include Valley Transmission. Held on Brunswick Street the free event features new up and coming bands and introduces them to the suburb’s nightlife. Valley Fiesta is a three day music event featuring new and established bands which attracts over 100,000 punters to the area.
The perfect suburb for music, drinks, food and shopping.
Local information for Fortitude Valley
Featured businesses in Fortitude Valley
Plumbers in Fortitude Valley
Electricians in Fortitude Valley
Cafes and Restaurants in Fortitude Valley
-
Mick K reviewed New York Slice Pizzeria
Although the pizzas are pre-made, they are put back into the oven for a couple of minutes when you order, so you get the ’just cooked’ pizza taste. These guys are the best option at 3am in the valley and they’re always busy, so the pizzas are usually pretty fresh.