Where to find street art in Brisbane

Valley, New Farm and Newstead urban art sites

Fortitude Valley is one of the pimpest graffiti kingdoms in Brisbane. As you wander from Brunswick Street to James Street and into New Farm, you’ll find oodles of colour on the walls that add to the valley vibe. Here’s a few of the must-see street art spots in this part of town:

1. Start your Valley graffiti crawl behind Jamie’s Espresso, 49 James Street. Artist: Mik Shida.
2. Dig a bit deeper off James Street, between Wheel and Barrow and James Street Market you’ll find a secret wall.
3. Behind Oxlades, 136 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley. Multiple artists including Drapl and Treazy.
4. Drapl has been busy on Wickham Street with an illustration of what the future may look like.
5. In between the traffic you’ll notice the awesome wall covering the 4ZZZ Building, 264 Barry Parade, Fortitude Valley. Artist: Beastman.
6. Coniston Lane behind the Family Nightclub in Fortitude Valley is covered with colourful and moody urban art. Multiple artists including InstaGuss.
7. Between 17 and 19 McLachlan Street (just down from Brunswick Street) you’ll find a sneaky wall down the side of a building. Artist: unknown.

8. In Winn Street (just off Ann Street) you’ll find a cool stencil near the ‘No Standing’ sign. Follow your nose to check out the fun vibe in Winn Lane before heading further into the urban jungle. Artist: unknown.
9. Take a break from the street art trail and head to Jugglers Gallery at 103 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley. They have urban art exhibitions on from Wednesday to Friday from 10am till 3pm.
10. The Brisbane Powerhouse at 119 Lamington Street in New Farm is a graffiti hub, both inside and out. They have cool (and free) exhibitions on the ground floor, so make sure you have some time to walk through the whole venue. After you’ve seen the walls and exhibitions, find a spot to catch your breath and give your legs a break. Bar Alto or Watt Restaurant & Bar have Brisbane River views or grab a coffee and head to New Farm Park for some chill time and views of the city.
11. Explore a bit further into Newstead. Take a trip to Ross Street to see one of Fintan Magee‘s headstand masterpieces.
12. While you’re in Newstead, check out the street art site at 26 Wickham Grove. Multiple artists: Rone, Beastman and Numbskull.
13. Head to the Wooly Mammoth after dark for good times and indoor lawn bowls. They have loads of great street art and funky beats and beverages to boot (including a life-size mammoth on the ground floor).
14. Kerbside in Constance Street also has some great street art for you to explore.

15. After doing the graffiti hot spots, you might be looking for a place to stay that has street art at the core. Tryp Hotel is just the spot at 20 Constance Street, Fortitude Valley. While you’re staying at Tryp, hit up Chur Burger – their onsite foodie spot. If you’re looking to stay in one of Brisbane’s hippest hotels, here’s something we prepared earlier.

Street art in the city

You will find new graffiti and street art throughout the city – down secret lanes, up high above everyday busy thoroughfares, and hidden details missed by lots of passers by. So keep your eyes peeled and use these spots as a starting point. If you’d like a personal guide to highlight some of these secret spots, try a Brisbane Greeters tour. It’s free!

16. Parallel to retail hub of Queen Street you’ll find Burnett Lane. The lane itself is home to loads of funky bars, cafes and restaurants, and street art of course! Multiple artists.
17. One of the Burnett Lane hot spots is Brew. Head there to check out their wall art and grab breakfast, brunch, lunch or if it’s wine o’clock, hit up their impressive drinks menu. Multiple artists.
18. The driveway to Bean Cafe in 181 George Street is an ever changing wall of awesome. Multiple artists.
19. Once you’re well caffeinated, it’s time to find another colourful Mik Shida masterpiece at the Creek and Ann Street underpass.

Paddington, Red Hill and Milton

Wander through the hills of Brisbane’s inner west side to spot some great urban art pieces in Paddington, Red Hill and Milton.

20. Start your west side street art hunt in Caxton Street. Amongst the bars and cafes, you’ll spot a few interesting walls but definitely take note of Mik Shida’s wall at Cartel Bar on the corner of Weetman and Caxton Streets. There’s a few other smaller pieces to check out as you walk down Weetman Street into Sheriff Street.
21. Keep on trucking up Caxton Street till you hit Given Terrace. Don’t give into the hills until you hit vintage heaven, Retro Metro at 297 Given Terrace, Paddington. You will find an ode to cats by Tomsen on the side of the building. Super cute!
22. Next stop. Milton! Milton Rail Station features an awesome wall by Toowoomba local, Twolaks, on Platform 1. Keep your eyes peeled for walls by Dan Brock, which showcase the local history and other cool stuff.
23. As you exit Milton Rail Station, check out more of Dan Brock’s work as you head toward the underpass on the corner of Park Road and Milton Road.
24. Mik Shida has taken over a wall at 25 Railway Terrace, Milton, too.
25. You can’t leave the west side without seeing the work of two of Brisbane’s favourite street artists, Anthony Lister & Sofles. It’s massive and easy to spot on Milton Road, just opposite Frew Park and the Emerson Tennis Centre.

North Side

26. Around 24 Ross Street, Albion. Artist: Fintan Magee.
27. At 26 Wickham Grove, Albion. Artists: Rone, Beastman and Numbskull.
28. 7 Hayward Street, Stafford. Artist: Paul Everest.
29. Bridge Street, Wooloowin. Artists: Gus Eagleton, Yannick Blattner & Dan Brock.
30. You will find a new wall just behind Nundah Railway Station. It’s all thanks to the Positive Partnerships program. Artists: Simon Degroot and Dan Brock.

West End and South Brisbane

If you are really into your urban art you won’t want to miss the back streets of West End, South Bank, and South Brisbane. Here’s a few locations to get started.

31. Our first stop is the corner of Ashington Street & Montague Road in West End. You’ll find a good looking lady blowing bubbles on the top of the Vegas building. Artist: Gus Eagleton.
32. What did the fox say? You’ll find out at 126 Hardgrave Road, West End. Artist: Fintan Magee.

33. The highlight of street art in South Brisbane is the Pillars Project on the corner of Merivale Street and Montague Road. Created by eight local artists, the Pillars Project was launched in 2014 as part of the G20 celebrations. Artists include: Guido Van Helton, Gus Eagleton, John Beer (aka Gimiks Born), Simon Degroot, Fintan Magee and Mik Shida.
34. Have a look through the sweet threads at Box Vintage, 73 Vulture Street, West End. Once you’re finished flicking through the racks take a look at the graffiti outside by Mik Shida and Andy Harwood.
35. There are so many other spots around West End off Vulture Street (definitely check out the walls down the driveway of 50-52 Vulture Street featuring multiple artists). Try your luck around Exeter Street and Cambridge Street.
36. Keep walking along Vulture Street until you find Princhester Street, West End. Outside of the first building on the left is a great mural featuring pineapples. Keep an eye out for the street sign collection at the next building. Artists: Pawell and Bosc.
37. Thomas Street (parallel to Boundary Road) is another hub for street art on both sides of Vulture Street. There’s a mural right in front of The Cupcake Parlour. Artist: Multiple.
38. There are a few sites around Davies Park, West End. Take some time to sit under the trees and chill out while you’re there or grab some tasty treats when the Davies Park Markets are pumping.
39. You will find an epic carpark full of different artists opposite Davies Park at 272 Montague Road. Artists: Multiple (including Lucks).
40. The Boundary Street Markets at 91 Boundary Street, West End is worth a stop as well. The markets run on Fridays from 4 – 10pm, Saturdays from 10am – 10pm and Sundays from 9am – 2pm. If you’d prefer a shot without the crowds, head there early or outside of the official market times. Definitely get your shot of Drapl’s wings outside of the Motor Room and take a wander down one of Brisbane’s up and coming alleys, aka Cosier Lane, which features loads of Drapl and Treasy’s fine works. Multiple artists.

41. On the corner of Fish Lane and Hope Street, you’ll find Fish Lane Creative Studios. Mik Shida has worked his magic on the building here.
42. Is it beer o’clock yet? If so, head to The Bearded Lady at 138 Boundary Street, West End which is covered from ceiling to floor with funky wall art. Even in the toot! Open from 3pm. Multiple Artists.
43. Drinks and food a plenty at The Burrow, 37 Mollison Street, West End. Multiple Artists.
44. The Ernest Street underpass (near Little Stanley Street) brings a bit of colour to the wander from West End to South Bank. Artist: unknown.
45. While you’re in South Bank, head to The Manhattan Line, Shop 3A Little Stanley Street, Southbank. These guys are known for their whisky, beer and street food (and street art vibes).

For more West End graffiti loving, check out this video by the West End Magazine crew.

Coorparoo, Stones Corner and the Gabba

Brisbane’s east side packs a serious punch in the street art department. Make sure you don’t miss the colour and crazy in Woolloongabba, Coorparoo and Stones Corner.

46. Take the train from the city and get off at the Coorparoo Train Station at 61 Clarence Street. Fintan Magee has a huge elephant mural for you to check out.
47. Now that you’re on the east side, check out Shady Palms at 427 Logan Road, Stones Corner. This street art hub is a great spot for coffee, breakfast, lunch, sneaky cocktails, brews and tunes. What an all-rounder!
48. Before you leave Stones Corner, head to Stoneham Lane (just behind the Stones Corner Hotel) for a look see.
49. Next stop is Canvas at 16B Logan Road, Woolloongabba. Enjoy their walls while you sip on specials from their fancy cocktail menu.
50. Another south side spot is at the Boggo Road Gaol. Check out the epic mono street art that has taken over the whole side of the building. Artist: Unknown.
51. At the Buranda Rail overpass on Logan Road you will spot an aqua mural featuring detailed birds that represent the indigenous roots of Buranda (meaning forest oak). Artists: Josie Prestipino, Jordan Bruce and Joel Fergie.
52. At the Annerley Road underpass you will find a cycling themed mural. This site is part of the Positive pARTnerships Program. Artist: Dan Brock.

Street Art Festival

Now into its sixth year, the Brisbane Street Art Festival is a celebration of all things outdoor art.

Take part in workshops or just watch on as the experts work their magic in live demonstrations. There’s also music, theatre performances and other exhibitions.

The fortnight-long event will return in 2021.