Brisbane Apartment Market Builds Momentum Heading Into 2026

Brisbane’s apartment market is entering 2026 with strong underlying momentum, underpinned by sustained demand, limited new supply and a structural shift in buyer behaviour that shows little sign of reversing.

Latest data from the PropTrack Home Price Index confirms Brisbane units were one of the strongest-performing segments nationally over the past year, with apartment values rising 18.3 per cent, adding around $125,500 to the median price. More importantly, market analysts say the conditions driving this growth are set to persist well into 2026.

Apartments Emerge as the Engine of Growth

While Brisbane’s broader housing market has performed strongly, apartments have increasingly become the city’s growth driver. Affordability constraints, demographic change and lifestyle preferences are pushing buyers toward well-located units as a primary choice rather than a fallback.

As Brisbane’s median dwelling value moves further beyond the $1 million mark, apartments are now the most realistic entry point for a growing cohort of buyers — including downsizers, interstate migrants, professionals and long-term renters transitioning into ownership.

This demand is colliding with a severely constrained supply pipeline.

Supply Shortages Set to Intensify

New apartment construction across Brisbane remains well below historical averages, impacted by high construction costs, financing challenges and delayed project commencements. As a result, the number of new units expected to be delivered in 2026 and beyond is unlikely to meet population-driven demand.

Economists note that this imbalance is creating a durable floor under apartment prices.

REA Group senior economist Anne Flaherty said that while interest rates remain a variable, structural factors are expected to outweigh short-term monetary headwinds.

“Home prices are predicted to move to new highs in 2026,” she said, pointing to constrained housing supply and ongoing demand as key drivers, even if borrowing conditions tighten.

Momentum Persists Despite Rate Uncertainty

Although interest rate cuts supported price growth through 2025, Brisbane’s apartment market has continued to show resilience even as the outlook for rates becomes less certain. Monthly figures show Brisbane unit values rising into December, while Sydney and Melbourne recorded declines.

This divergence suggests Brisbane’s growth cycle is being driven less by credit conditions and more by fundamentals — population growth, housing undersupply and relative value.

Government incentives such as the five per cent deposit scheme are also expected to disproportionately benefit the apartment sector, where price points remain more accessible to first-home buyers.

The Gap Between Houses and Units Continues to Close

Another trend supporting momentum into 2026 is the narrowing price gap between houses and apartments. Long viewed as a secondary asset class, apartments are increasingly being valued on lifestyle, amenity and location rather than land size alone.

In Brisbane, this convergence reflects a market recalibration rather than a temporary surge — aligning the city more closely with global urban centres where high-quality apartments command long-term price resilience.

Outlook: A Market Still Moving Forward

With population growth remaining strong, new supply constrained and buyer preferences continuing to evolve, Brisbane’s apartment market appears positioned for continued growth into 2026.

For owners, this momentum reinforces the value of holding quality, well-located apartments. For buyers, it highlights a narrowing window of opportunity as competition intensifies and supply remains limited.

Brisbane’s apartment market is no longer catching up — it is setting the pace.

Brisbane’s Apartment Market Tightens as Lifestyle Demand Outpaces Supply

Brisbane’s apartment market is entering a new phase — one defined not just by rising prices, but by a deepening imbalance between demand and supply. As inner-city living cements itself as the lifestyle of choice for young professionals, downsizers and investors alike, the availability of quality apartments is shrinking to record lows.

In a city once dominated by detached housing, the tilt toward vertical living has been unmistakable. The latest figures show that unit listings in Brisbane are now around 45 per cent below the five-year average, underscoring just how limited choice has become for buyers. At the same time, rental vacancy rates are hovering near 0.8 per cent, with many inner suburbs – from Newstead and Teneriffe to West End – dipping closer to 0.5 per cent. These are crisis-level numbers in a market still absorbing record migration inflows.


Lifestyle at the Core of the Shift

This surge in demand is as much cultural as it is economic. The new wave of apartment buyers isn’t just chasing affordability; they’re chasing experience.

Neighbourhoods such as Newstead, Fortitude Valley, and West End have evolved into complete lifestyle precincts, where residents can work, train, dine, and socialise within a few blocks. The proximity to the river, Brisbane’s expanding green corridors, and the emergence of luxury mixed-use projects have redefined what apartment living can offer.

“Buyers are no longer treating apartments as a stepping stone to a house — they’re viewing them as long-term homes,” said Cavalé Sales Director, Ari Shahabazifar. “People want convenience, community, and amenity. They want to walk downstairs for coffee or dinner, not drive 20 minutes across town.”

That sentiment is reflected in who’s buying. Downsizers are swapping suburban backyards for lock-and-leave living, while professionals are trading commuting time for lifestyle time. The result is a powerful demographic shift — one that Brisbane City Council has noted is leaving the city structurally short on one- and two-bedroom dwellings.


Supply Playing Catch-Up

Despite the appetite, the pipeline of new apartments remains thin. Research from CBRE suggests Brisbane will deliver just 4,600 new apartments per year between 2025 and 2030, even as population growth drives housing demand for closer to 16,000 dwellings annually. The imbalance is pushing both sale prices and rents higher, with limited relief in sight.

Developers are facing mounting challenges — from elevated construction costs to labour shortages and prolonged approval timelines — all of which are constraining new supply. For buyers, this means established apartments in premium precincts are becoming increasingly valuable, both as homes and investments.


A Market Redefined by Scarcity

Unlike the speculative booms of the past, Brisbane’s current apartment surge is underpinned by structural factors: population inflows, changing household composition, and the enduring appeal of well-connected inner suburbs.

REA Group senior economist Eleanor Creagh notes that while affordability pressures have capped some of the exuberance in house prices, “the apartment sector continues to see solid growth due to the chronic undersupply of quality stock and rising rental yields.”

That scarcity has turned the market on its head. In precincts such as Newstead, South Brisbane and Fortitude Valley, competition for listings remains fierce, with many properties selling off-market or within days of launch. For investors, rental returns have become some of the strongest in the country, while for owner-occupiers, the appeal lies in lifestyle permanence — proximity, culture, and community.


Looking Ahead

With migration expected to remain strong and no meaningful increase in supply on the horizon, Brisbane’s apartment market appears poised for further tightening through 2026. As more residents seek to live closer to the city’s dining, wellness and waterfront precincts, the fundamentals favour continued growth — not through speculative exuberance, but through the enduring demand for well-designed, well-located homes.

In short, Brisbane’s apartment market is evolving from a value play to a lifestyle benchmark. And in a city where demand keeps outstripping supply, that evolution is likely to define the next chapter of urban living.

Technogym Checkup Launches at Long Island Brisbane Flagship— A New Era of Personalised Wellness Has Arrived

The future of fitness has arrived in Brisbane. Introducing the Technogym Checkup — a first-of-its-kind innovation in personalised health and performance, now available exclusively at Long Island Brisbane, home to Australia’s first Technogym Flagship Showroom.

Developed by global wellness pioneers Technogym, the Checkup combines science, technology, and design to create a deeper understanding of how your body performs — and how to train smarter.

What Is the Technogym Checkup?

The Technogym Checkup is a quick, in-person assessment that analyses key health and performance markers, including:

  • Body composition
  • Cardiovascular fitness
  • Strength and mobility
  • Metabolic health

In just minutes, you’ll receive your personalised Wellness Age — a science-backed reflection of how your body is functioning compared to your actual age.

Your results then sync directly to the Technogym App, where an AI-powered training platform builds a fully tailored program based on your data. From there, you can track progress, refine goals, and access guided workouts across Technogym’s global ecosystem — whether at home, at your gym, or on the go.


How It Works

1. Download the Technogym App
Scan the QR code in-store or online to download the app.

2. Create Your Profile
Set up your account to ensure your results are automatically saved and accessible.

3. Book Your Checkup
Open the app, select TG Brisbane from the menu, and tap Wellness Assessment to book your appointment.

4. Visit the Technogym Showroom
Head to the Technogym Flagship Showroom, located at 20A Festival Place, Newstead, where a Technogym consultant will guide you through your personalised assessment.

5. Continue the Journey
After your appointment, your results remain in the Technogym App — ready to guide your ongoing wellness journey. From here, you can:

  • Track your progress across all Technogym-connected equipment.
  • Access precision programs created by the Technogym AI Coach.
  • Book follow-up assessments to measure improvement over time.

Where Science Meets Lifestyle

The Technogym Checkup isn’t just another fitness test — it’s a holistic approach to wellness that empowers you to understand your body, train intelligently, and live better.

Now open to the public, Technogym Checkup appointments are available at Long Island Brisbane — the new heart of wellness innovation in Queensland.

Brisbane’s Design Dream: MCM House Opens Luxe Showroom on Wickham Street

Brisbane has a new home of luxury furniture—MCM House has opened a flagship Brisbane showroom on Wickham Street that’s straight out of your Pinterest board dreams.

Proving a laidback lifestyle doesn’t mean skimping on taste, the Sydney-born brand has nailed the art of making interiors feel equal parts curated and lived-in. From oversized linen sofas and timber textures to contemporary staples and their new outdoor collection, Dell’Oro, it’s furniture designed for every day with a healthy dose of understated elegance.  

The new showroom is a standout on the iconic corner, boasting multiple levels and a bold exterior. Inside, relaxed coastal vibes meet modern urban chic across pieces that are timeless, tactile and a little bit undone in the best way possible. It’s a true MCM House sanctuary, where each piece is placed to showcase a life well lived—not just a product.

From their first Paddington showroom to seven new spaces in the last three years, the people have spoken and MCM House is rapidly becoming the centre of Australian homes. Your dream space is waiting; check out the full range here. Or, you can find the new showroom in the old Godfreys space here.

Evra Brings Long Lunches to Life with a Fresh New Seasonal Menu

From rooftop-picked greens to chef-driven classics, Newstead’s newest lunch ritual is here just in time for spring.

Long lunches and Newstead are a natural pairing, and Evra is setting the scene with the launch of its brand-new lunch menu. Just in time for spring, the offering brings together executive chef Kelvin Andrews’ seasonal philosophy, a rooftop farm that supplies greens and herbs daily, and trusted producers from across the country.

On the menu you’ll find dishes that balance elegance with ease — think smoked salmon crumpet with dill and crème fraîche on a buckwheat base, vitello tonnato with thinly sliced veal and house-made tuna sauce, and the always-classic steak frites with peppercorn sauce. Seafood lovers can dive into spanner crab pasta with XO butter, or the delicate Abrolhos Island scallop Rockefeller, while those after something heartier might be tempted by roasted lamb cutlets with red pepper caponata.

It’s a menu designed for long afternoons that stretch into early evenings, made to share or savour solo, always with a glass of wine in hand. Lunch is served Thursday through Sunday from 12noon — the perfect excuse to gather your people, settle in, and enjoy Newstead’s newest midday ritual.

Book your table here.

The Rise of the Rightsizer: How Australia’s Luxury Apartment Market is Evolving

Across Australia’s premium suburbs, a sophisticated demographic shift is reshaping the luxury property landscape. Empty-nesters with substantial equity built over decades are increasingly looking to transition from large family homes to thoughtfully designed apartments—and developers are taking notice.

This “rightsizing” movement represents one of the most compelling trends in today’s property market, driven by affluent buyers who refuse to compromise on quality while seeking more manageable, functional living spaces.

“There’s a growing recognition that this market demands a very specific type of high-quality product,” explains Richard Temlett, national executive director of research at property advisors Charter Keck Cramer, who has been analyzing this emerging segment. “We’re seeing a fundamental shift in what luxury apartment living means.”

The numbers reflect this evolution. In Sydney’s most coveted locations, premium apartments with harbour and bridge views are achieving up to $100,000 per square metre, while Brisbane’s river and CBD-facing properties command around $50,000 per square metre. These price points signal a market that values quality, location, and design sophistication above all else.

What’s particularly interesting is how these buyers approach space differently than traditional apartment purchasers. Rather than simply wanting smaller homes, they’re seeking more intelligent design—spaces that work harder and live better.

“Empty-nesters don’t necessarily want smaller floorplates,” Temlett observes. “They want liveable, more functional, well-designed space.” This translates to two, three, or four-bedroom configurations with flexible secondary living areas, quality entertainment spaces, and the kind of views and outlooks that enhance daily life.

This demographic brings unique characteristics to the market. Largely unaffected by interest rate fluctuations, these cash buyers represent a stable, premium segment with exacting standards. They’ve built substantial wealth over time and are willing to invest significantly in properties that deliver on both lifestyle and long-term value.

Their expectations extend beyond square meterage to encompass superior fixtures, fittings, and finishes. They gravitate toward developers with proven track records and established reputations, viewing their apartment purchase as both a lifestyle choice and a reflection of personal taste.

Projects like Luminare Newstead and it’s House-Sized Sub-Penthouse which is currently for sale, exemplify this evolution, offering four bedrooms, uninterrupted river views, and wellness-focused rooftop amenities. Currently accepting best offers through September 22nd, the development by Cavcorp demonstrates how builders are adapting to meet this discerning market.

“Buyers in the top end of the market have an astute appreciation for the rarity of locations like Newstead, which has continued to drive demand for product in this area that meets their needs,” notes sales agent Ari Shahbazifar.

The recent launch of a $5 million penthouse in the award-winning LeBain building further illustrates this trend. The four-bedroom, three-car space penthouse features river and city views, plus a rooftop equipped with sauna, magnesium spas, and Technogym fitness center—amenities that speak to a more holistic approach to luxury living.

While building costs have increased substantially—rising 30 to 50 percent since the pandemic—this segment has proven resilient. The intersection of supply constraints and strong demand has created opportunities for developments that truly understand what these buyers value.

“They’re a very discerning market with an increasing awareness of the importance of design quality,” Shahbazifar explains. “There’s more pressure on what’s available, which means developers who get it right are seeing strong response.”

This rightsizing trend represents more than a temporary market shift—it signals a fundamental evolution in how affluent Australians approach their living arrangements. The focus has moved beyond simply accumulating space to curating experiences and prioritizing lifestyle enhancement.

For developers, this presents both opportunity and challenge. The market exists, the buyers are qualified, and the appetite for quality product is strong. Success lies in understanding that these purchasers aren’t just downsizing—they’re upgrading to a more intentional way of living.

As this segment continues to mature, expect to see more developments designed specifically around the needs of sophisticated empty-nesters who refuse to compromise on quality while embracing a more streamlined lifestyle. The luxury apartment market is evolving, and the rightsizers are leading the way.

A Kaleidoscope of Colour for the Launch of Brisbane Festival

For the next three weeks, Brisbane’s riverbanks will be transformed into a vivid playground of colour and form as internationally acclaimed design duo Craig & Karl debut their large-scale installation Walk this Way across three of the city’s landmark bridges.

Stretching across the Neville Bonner Bridge, Goodwill Bridge, and the brand-new Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, the project sees giant inflatable arches and bold graphics animate the everyday, inviting passers-by to walk through, linger, and see the city in a new light. The installation is part of this year’s Brisbane Festival, which runs until September 27.

A Homecoming of Sorts

For Craig Redman and Karl Maier, who grew up in New South Wales and the Gold Coast and first met as students at Griffith University in Brisbane, the project is as much a return as it is a debut. “We developed our design sensibilities in Brisbane,” says Redman. “That bright Australian light, the super high contrast—it’s always been in our work.”

Their collaboration, now nearly three decades strong, has taken them to New York and London, with commissions for global heavyweights like LVMH, Apple, Nike and Google. Their signature: bold, witty, and unabashedly colourful interventions that reimagine public spaces from Seoul to London.

Double Vision

Coinciding with Griffith University’s 50th anniversary, the duo is also presenting Double Vision, an exhibition at the Griffith University Art Museum that traces their creative journey. While not a retrospective, the show reflects on their early experiments while showcasing new work that leans toward immersive installations. “It’s a nod and a thanks to each other,” says Redman of their long-standing partnership.

Reviving Expo 88 Energy

For Walk this Way, childhood memories of World Expo 88 were a guiding influence. “It felt like you were experiencing the whole world in one place,” recalls Maier. That same spirit of wonder runs through their Festival projects—transforming familiar structures into moments of joy and optimism.

As Redman puts it: “Good public art tells the story of a place. It integrates into the city and shifts your mood, even if only for a moment.”

A Festival at Full Stretch

This year’s Brisbane Festival is the most ambitious yet, spanning 23 days, featuring over 2,200 artists, 23 productions, and more than 1,000 performances—nearly half free to the public. Against this backdrop, Craig & Karl’s kaleidoscopic bridges promise to be among the Festival’s most memorable sights: playful, bold, and distinctly Brisbane.


Brisbane Surges Past $200 Billion Economy as Growth Accelerates

Brisbane has cemented its position as one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities, with the release of the 2025 State of the City Report revealing the local economy has surged past the $200 billion milestone for the first time.

According to the report, Brisbane’s economy reached $201 billion in 2024, marking a 16% increase since 2020 and adding $28 billion of new economic activity in just four years.

A Job Market on the Rise

The city’s workforce is also expanding rapidly. Since 2020, Brisbane has created 274,000 new jobs — a 22% increase— with growth strongest in the health, construction, logistics, and tourism sectors.

This surge in employment reflects Brisbane’s evolving position as not only a hub for innovation and trade, but also a lifestyle destination that continues to attract both talent and investment.

Health Industry Leads the Charge

Among the city’s economic drivers, **healthcare has emerged as a powerhouse**. In 2024 alone, the sector contributed **\$22 billion** to the economy, having doubled in size since 2010. Growing at around **6% annually**, it remains the fastest-growing health industry in the nation.

Exports are playing a major role in this expansion, with **medical and pharmaceutical exports up 114% since 2013** — three times the national average.

The Experience Economy

Tourism, culture, and hospitality are also proving to be key growth engines. Brisbane’s so-called “experience economy” reached new heights in 2024, with visitor spending hitting $13.7 billion, the highest on record.

Hospitality in particular is thriving, expanding by 30% since 2020 — the fastest growth of any Australian capital city. With Brisbane’s reputation on the rise internationally, the city is well-positioned to capitalise on this momentum in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Investment Pipeline Fuelling Growth

Fueling this transformation is an extraordinary **infrastructure pipeline exceeding $100 billion. More than $11 billion is earmarked for the experience economy, with projects including new entertainment venues, sporting facilities, and the Mt Coot-tha Masterplan.

This wave of investment is reshaping the city’s landscape, ensuring Brisbane can meet the demands of a rapidly growing population while maintaining its liveability and global competitiveness.

Looking Ahead

Forecasts from Deloitte Access Economics paint a confident picture of Brisbane’s future, with significant growth projected across key industries over the next decade:

Property and construction: +41%

Advanced manufacturing: +29%

Transport and logistics: +43%

Knowledge economy: +50%

By 2041, Brisbane’s economy is expected to reach $275 billion, a 68% increase from today, underpinned by the fastest-growing working-age population in the country.

A City on the World Stage

Brisbane’s growth story is also gaining international recognition. The city recently debuted at 37th on Time Out’s “World’s Best Cities” list for 2025**, praised for its balance of green space, culture, and lifestyle.

With its economy booming, global visibility rising, and investment pipeline accelerating, Brisbane is firmly establishing itself as a city of opportunity — one that is not only thriving today but strategically positioning for long-term success.

Olympic Momentum: Why Newstead Apartments Are Poised for a Decade of Growth

Brisbane’s inner-city apartment market is entering a defining decade. With the countdown to the 2032 Olympic Games already reshaping the city, Newstead has emerged as one of the most tightly held and desirable precincts in the country.

Investor Confidence Surging

Since Brisbane was named Olympic host in 2021, investor interest has accelerated. Queensland has recorded a 47% uplift in property investment transactions, with demand pouring in from Sydney, Melbourne, and beyond. For many, inner-city suburbs like Newstead are the prize — combining strong rental returns with the capital growth potential of a market undergoing transformation.

A Suburb Where Demand Outpaces Supply

The fundamentals are striking. Urbis projects Newstead’s population will climb by more than 13,500 new residents between 2021 and 2046, requiring around 310 new dwellings a year just to keep pace. In reality, the past five years have seen only 187 dwellings delivered annually, well below demand. The imbalance is already driving price escalation, and with stock levels at historic lows, competition for quality apartments is fierce.

Escalating Prices and Premium Product

Apartment prices across Inner Brisbane have surged, with weighted averages rising from $591,000 in 2015 to more than $2 million in 2025. In Newstead, the escalation is sharper. Weighted average values for three-bedroom apartments now exceed $7.9 million, with penthouses recording price growth close to 300% over five years. Buyers are paying a premium for space, views, and design quality, and the data shows a widening gap between new product and the broader market.

Rental Market at Breaking Point

For renters, the story is just as dramatic. Vacancy in Newstead sits at 0.9% — among the lowest in the country— and rents are climbing rapidly.

  • One-bedroom apartments now command about $840 per week, up 10% over the past year.
  • Two-bedroom apartments are averaging $1,100 per week, up 7%.
  • Three-bedroom apartments are achieving $1,400 per week, with rents surging 21% year-on-year.

With only 13% of new stock since 2023 comprising three or more bedrooms, larger apartments are particularly scarce — and commanding a premium.

The Olympic Catalyst

The pipeline of infrastructure is only adding fuel. The 63,000-seat Victoria Park Olympic Stadium, alongside city-shaping projects such as Cross River Rail and Waterfront Brisbane, will redefine connectivity and amenity across the inner city. History provides a clear precedent: in the seven years leading up to the Sydney 2000 Olympics, unit prices grew by 8% annually, with growth momentum continuing well after the Games.

Outlook: A Market Set to Run

Strong population growth, low unemployment at 3.8%, and more than $10 billion in infrastructure investment are reinforcing Brisbane’s fundamentals. For Newstead, the convergence of undersupply, rising rents, and Olympic-driven confidence paints a compelling outlook: apartment values and rents are set to rise sharply through to 2032 and beyond.

Opening Soon: Golden Avenue — A Lush Middle Eastern Oasis in the Brisbane CBD by the Anyday Team

Get ready, Brisbane—next week, the Anyday Group is poised to unveil its most ambitious project yet: Golden Avenue, a brand-new Middle Eastern‑inspired eatery rising at 67 Edward Street, right in the heart of the CBD.

A Garden-Inspired Escape

Golden Avenue promises to transport diners to a verdant, garden‑inspired terrace, lush with greenery and atmosphere. Designed as an open‑armed haven, it will pair smoky charcoal cooking, woodfired breads, and a vibrant Levantine spirit—all under Brisbane’s city skyline.

Masterful Middle Eastern Flavours

The menu will be crafted by Anyday co‑owner and chef Ben Williamson alongside Group Head Chef Adam Wolfers (formerly of Gerard’s Bistro). Expect a modern approach to Levantine cuisine, featuring hot and cold mezze, flatbreads, charcoal‑grilled meats, seafood, and more

First Glimpse of an Expanding Culinary Empire

Golden Avenue is the first brick in Anyday’s bold CBD expansion. Following its debut, attention will shift to the historic Coal Board House at 169 Mary Street, where the group will open two new restaurants and a cocktail bar—though details remain delightfully under wraps.

Why It Matters

For Brisbane’s dining scene, Golden Avenue is more than just a new restaurant. It’s a verdant gathering spot where bold Middle Eastern flavours meet atmospheric terrace vibes—a beautiful twist among the city’s evolving hospitality offerings. And with an exciting precinct planned next door, Anyday is helping pave the way for a vibrant new dining corridor in the CBD.

Stay tuned—as the cloche lifts later this year, Golden Avenue is set to become Brisbane’s next can’t-miss destination.

Winnifred’s | Champagne Bar & French Bistro

Brisbane’s most anticipated region champagne destination – transporting you to region Champagne, no passport required.

This Saturday August 2, Winnifred’s will officially open to the public. A decade in the making, this groundbreaking new venue is celebrating the diversity, terroir and craftsmanship of Champagne’s independent growers.

Housed in a stunning, multi-level space designed with meticulous detail and sustainability in mind, Winnifred’s offers a 14,000-bottle cellar, five distinct areas (including a bistro, bar and two event spaces) and a curated selection of champagnes with bottles sourced from all corners of the storied region.

From ultra-rare bottles to effervescent party starters that beg to be uncorked immediately – Winnifred’s selection is the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Matched by an elegant bistro-style menu of classic French dishes, Winnifred’s is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable openings to arrive on the scene in some time.

Address: 34 Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley

Source: https://www.indailyqld.com.au/theweekendedition-brisbane/food-drink/2025/06/11/winnifreds-on-arthur-fortitude-valley

Source: https://www.indailyqld.com.au/theweekendedition-brisbane/directory/winnifreds-fortitude-valley

James St Food + Wine Trail is this weekend

Brisbane’s most delicious day out is back. On Sunday July 27, the James St Food + Wine Trail returns to transform the city’s tastiest street into a sun-soaked flavour festival, featuring more venues, more dishes and more street-side buzz than ever before.

For one flavour-packed day, James St will close to traffic as 26 of the precinct’s top dining spots take to the street, dishing up over 170 restaurant-quality dishes from more than 40 market stalls. It’s the trail’s biggest line-up to date, with longtime favourites joining forces with exciting newcomers to showcase the full spectrum of local culinary talent.

Crowd favourites like Gerard’s, ESSA, sAme sAme, Hellenika, Cru Bar, Sushi Room, Gemelli, The Green and Jocelyn’s Provisions will return alongside trail newcomers Hideki Izakaya and Penelope. Among the headline bites, Hellenika will be carving charcoal lamb off the spit, Gerard’s will fire up its pulled eggplant man’oushe, ESSA is putting a luxe spin on comfort food with fried chicken topped with caviar, and Sushi Room is pairing fresh tuna sashimi with icy yuzu slushies.

Biànca is going all in on dessert this year, debuting a dedicated sweets stall serving its much-loved bomboloni, while Jocelyn’s Provisions will revive its colourful 100s & 1000s lamingtons. For those craving something truly decadent, Gelato Messina returns with its Gold Digger – deep-fried ice-cream with caramel and vanilla, chocolate pudding, biscuit crumb and dulce de leche.

Live chef demonstrations will also return to the trail, including Sushi Room’s theatrical whole tuna carving. And while the food is the hero, there’s no shortage of entertainment – roving musicians, DJ sets and family-friendly fun will keep the street pumping from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Visit the James St Food + Wine Trail website to view the program and plan your feast.

Article by The Weekend Edition.