Penthouse dining, private screenings and personal concerts – here are the once-in-a-lifetime experiences to book in Brisbane
One of the positive consequences of the coronavirus restrictions is how imaginative and creative Brisbane’s hospitality and entertainment industries have been. Restaurants have pivoted to takeaway, bars have transformed into bottle-o’s and some very generous people have lent a helping hand to those in need. There has also been a bounty of some very special experiences that have come together during the pandemic, and we can’t wait to book ourselves in. From sky-high dining in penthouse suites and picnics with alpacas to private concerts and pasta-making classes with award-winning chefs, here are some once-in-a-lifetime experiences happening in and around Brisbane.
Have a one-of-a-kind dining experience at this penthouse suite
The W Brisbane team have decided to swing open the doors to its lavish penthouse, so you and nine of your closest mates can experience top-level wining and dining with some pretty good views to boot. For a limited time only, Suite Dining will see diners live it up in the ultra-luxe Extreme Wow Suite on W Brisbane’s top floor. After an elevator ride straight to level 33, you’ll find yourself at the massive suite that boasts panoramic views of the river, Southbank and Mount Coot-tha. For $2,000 (split between yourself and nine of your buddies), you and your crew can experience a three-hour exclusive dining experience that will have you feeling like a high-flyer in no time. You’ll be served four courses of mouth-watering dishes, which can all be washed back with a three-hour drinks package. Are you keen to soak up some absolutely gorgeous views of the city with a champagne in hand? To make a booking, email [email protected] or call 07 3556 8888.
Hire out a WHOLE cinema for your family and friends
The movies are back, baby! Well, for private sessions at least. In great news for movie buffs, Five Star Cinemas (New Farm Cinemas, Yatala Drive-In, The Elizabeth Picture Theatre and Red Hill Cinemas) is offering private cinema hire available from Friday June 12 for groups of up to 20 people. Perfect for small groups of mates, family celebrations and birthday parties, you can choose from a selection of new-release movies or you can even request an old-school flick of your liking. If you want to take things to the next level, you can choose to hire out the premium cinemas for the luxe experience – where snacks and tipples are delivered straight to your luxury leather recliners. There’s a variety of packages available to suit any budget – visit the Five Star Cinemas website to submit an enquiry.
Treat yourself to a personal concert and world-class fare at this theatre-turned-restaurant
A much-loved Brisbane institution, The Tivoli is reopening its gates once more, revealing a new intimate in-venue takeover experience that will blow the socks off both lovers of terrific music and mouth-watering eats. Commune at The Tivoli will see the iconic Art Deco venue transformed into an intimate ten-person restaurant that promises four hours worth of exclusive access to the venue, as well as decadent dining and killer tunes. Diners will be greeted with a glass of bubbly on arrival, followed by four courses of world-class fare from the fine foodie folk at Dalton Fine Dining, served with matched wines chosen by the sommeliers at Bacchus Wine Merchants. If you really want to immerse yourself into The Tivoli concert experience (and support the struggling local live-music scene) you can even book a live band or DJ for the evening. There are a heap of other fun-filled add-ons available such as a behind-the-scenes historical tour of the venue led by owners Dave and Steve Sleswick, murder mystery or poker night options, a professional photographer to capture all of the special moments, as well as a caviar and oysters tray for those wanting to be extra fancy. This luxe experience starts at $165 per person, with a group of ten people required to make a booking. Keen to live it up rock-star style? Make a booking visit The Tivoli’s website.
Have a picnic with an alpaca
Whilst not technically once-in-a-lifetime, this animal encounter is still pretty amazing! Located within the grounds of O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard (just over an hours drive from Brisbane CBD), Mountainview Alpaca Farm is a fun day out spent with some furry friends. Not only can you feed the alpacas here, but you can also pay a little extra to secure yourself some personal walking time around the vineyard grounds with your own alpaca! You can spend an hour strutting next to your alpaca (and taking plenty of selfies, of course), or if you’re hungry, you can grab some pizzas or a gourmet picnic hamper. If your birthday or big day is coming up you can even have alpacas for guests to pat at your event! For more info and to book, head here.
Become a pasta master at this world-class cooking workshop
To help you learn the basics of pasta making, Joedy Kyle of Joedy’s Cafe is teaming up with world-class pasta meastro Dario Manca to host 20 weeks of intimate, hands-on specialty pasta-making classes at Joedy’s New Farm eatery starting from Sunday June 7. Every Sunday evening, ten pasta lovers will come together at Joedy’s Cafe for a two-hour class learning directly from Dario, who will spotlight a different region of Italy each session. While you learn how to roll, press, plait, seal and cook that week’s specialty pasta, Dario will take you through the history and culinary intricacies of that week’s region and corresponding dish, as Joedy discusses the perfect wine pairing. Each class includes an aperitif and canapes on arrival, a glass of specially selected wine, a degustation-sized portion of pasta to enjoy, a detailed pasta-making method sheet and the pasta you made packaged to take and finish off at home. If you want to master the art of pasta, head to the Joedy’s Cafe website to book.
