‘Has it all’: Australia’s coolest neighbourhood may surprise you

The New Daily
Sep 18, 2026, updated Sep 18, 2026

New Farm Park and the Brisbane Powerhouse are at the heart of Australia's coolest neighbourhood. <i>Photos: Wikimedia Commons / Facebook</i>

New Farm Park and the Brisbane Powerhouse are at the heart of Australia's coolest neighbourhood. Photos: Wikimedia Commons / Facebook

Step aside, Sydney and Melbourne, Australia’s “coolest neighbourhood” is actually in Brisbane.

In a new Time Out list of the top 40 neighbourhoods in the world, the leafy riverside suburb of New Farm took out 29^th position – sandwiched between New York’s bustling financial district and the lively Parisian food haven of Quartier d’Aligrethe.

It was the highest-ranked of three Aussie suburbs featured in the list, which Time Out says is based on nominations by its global network of “on-the-ground experts”.

North Hobart – AKA “NoHo” – in Tasmania came in at number 32. Sydney was snubbed completely, while South Melbourne just slipped in, taking 39^th spot.

In a list featuring diverse neighbourhoods in cities including Athens, Budapest, Delhi, London and Lima, Brisbane’s New Farm stood out for its enticing mix of amenities and attractions.

“Perched right on the Brisbane River, and seamlessly linked to the city by walking and cycling paths, New Farm has it all,” wrote Time Out’s Australia editor Melissa Woodley, highlighting its indie galleries, boutique stores, 24-hour café Death Before Decaf and new cocktail bar Ruma Rooftop.

Brisbane Powerhouse arts centre sits at the heart of the neighbourhood, alongside 37-hectare New Farm Park – a popular spot for picnics, play, relaxation and exercise – and the Jan Powers Farmers Market.

Night Feast is a popular annual event at Brisbane Powerhouse. Photo: Supplied

“August is the best time for foodies, when the Powerhouse hosts Night Feast – a massive after-dark food festival featuring Brisbane’s best street eats, alongside immersive art and live music,” advises Woodley.

The venue also presents Brisbane’s annual queer arts and culture celebration, Melt Festival, in October and November.

A New Farm community group on Facebook was quick to promote the plaudit, posting: “Jacarandas, the Powerhouse, Merthyr Road brunches, sunset on the riverwalk, and a Saturday at the markets. Honestly, it was only a matter of time.”

Noting that city centres around the world have enjoyed a renaissance since the Covid pandemic, Time Out said its list of the coolest neighbourhoods included “downtown hubs and seaside strips, homely enclaves and warehouse districts”.

Final rankings were decided by looking at criteria such as food and drink, nightlife, unique local businesses, liveability and community.

The historic State Cinema is one of North Hobart’s attractions. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Hobart’s inclusion comes after it was previously named one of 2026’s top 10 “trending destinations of the year” by Expedia, which lauded it as a city of contrasts – “wild yet unrefined, historic yet forward-thinking”.

North Hobart is the city’s hippest hood, according to Time Out, which singles out venues such as the historic State Cinema, popular pub The Winston, “cool” cafes, bars, and boutique accommodation.

“Located just a 10-minute walk from the CBD, it strikes the perfect balance between a charming Tasmanian village and a bustling inner-city hub,” says Woodley.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Time Out Melbourne (@timeoutmelbourne)

At the heart of South Melbourne – described by the City of Port Phillip as one of its great gastronomic centres – is the South Melbourne Market, which opened in 1867 and is today home to more than 150 traders.

Time Out’s Melbourne editor, Leah Glynn, who especially recommends the market’s “famous” dim sims, says the suburb is also becoming something of a wellness hub, with several businesses offering bathing and meditation experiences.

“But for the truest sense of South Melbourne’s spirit, a wander along the main thoroughfares of Clarendon, Coventry and Cecil Streets – each lined with leafy trees, boutique shops and buzzy hospo venues – should do the trick,” Glynn recommends.

So where in the world do you have to go to soak up the hot vibes of the coolest neighbourhood of 2026?

Taking out top spot in the list is the foodie hub of Jongno 3-ga, in the South Korean capital of Seoul, which has recently been enjoying an “after-dark revival” thanks to an increase in late-night food stalls known as pochas.

Time Out’s Asia editor says visitors to Jongno 3-ga will be spoiled with tasty food and drink options – from traditional street foods to coffee and boutique beer – as well as craft and jewellery studios.

Portuguese tourist Anna Barra agrees, telling CNN: “It’s a mix of old and new and everything together, it’s very cool.”