New Farm named one of the world's coolest neighbourhoods
New Farm, Brisbane Named One of the World's Coolest Neighbourhoods for 2026
New Farm in Brisbane has been named the 29th coolest neighbourhood in the world. Time Out's 2026 list ranks it as the top Australian suburb, ahead of North Hobart (#32) and South Melbourne (#39). Seoul's Jongno 3-ga took out first place.
For anyone who's spent a Saturday morning wandering New Farm Park, it's hardly a surprise. But it's a big moment for Brisbane. New Farm is the only Queensland suburb on the list, and it puts our city in front of a global audience.
Why New Farm, Brisbane made the list
Time Out's editors judged each neighbourhood on food, nightlife, local businesses, liveability and community. New Farm ticks every box, and most of it is within a short walk.
Brisbane Powerhouse – the suburb's cultural heart, with more than 1,250 performances a year, including Melt Festival and Night Feast
New Farm Park – jacaranda-lined lawns, a rose garden and river views
Jan Powers Farmers Markets – a Saturday morning ritual for locals
The Riverwalk – the over-water path linking New Farm to the CBD on foot or by bike
Idle Bakery – a local favourite for fresh bakes and a morning coffee
Ruma Rooftop – cocktails with a view over the neighbourhood
It's the mix that makes it work. You can catch a show, grab dinner and walk home along the river without ever getting in the car.
What it means for Brisbane
Brisbane has often been cast as Sydney and Melbourne's quieter sibling. A top-30 global ranking changes that story. It shows our inner suburbs can hold their own against the best neighbourhoods on the planet.
Global profile – lists like this shape where travellers, students and new residents look first
Lifestyle credentials – river living, arts and food culture, all a few minutes from the city
Perfect timing – with the 2032 Olympics on the way, the spotlight on Brisbane is only getting brighter
It's a win for the neighbouring riverside suburbs too. Teneriffe, Newstead and Fortitude Valley share the same walkable, river-first lifestyle.
Buying in New Farm: what buyers should know
New Farm has always been tightly held. It's a small peninsula wrapped by the Brisbane River, so there's only so much land to go around. More attention on the suburb usually means more buyers chasing the same homes.
Expect competition – the best Queenslanders, character homes and riverfront apartments rarely hang around
Know the pockets – New Farm varies street by street in noise, flood overlays and walkability
Look next door too – Teneriffe and Newstead offer a similar lifestyle and are worth a look
Move with a plan – having your finance, brief and budget sorted early is what wins in a tight market
How a Brisbane buyers agent can help
At Buywell, we know New Farm's streets well. As a Brisbane buyers agent, we help you find the right home, often before it hits the open market, and negotiate so you don't overpay.
Thinking about buying in New Farm? Get in touch with the Buywell team for a no-pressure chat, or follow along on Instagram at @buywellgroup.