Discovering Bulimba
If you asked most locals, they would tell you that Bulimba encapsulates many of the best parts of living in Brisbane. Its idyllic riverside location supports a slower pace of life and a real sense of community. It also offers an abundance of amenities and urban conveniences, but still manages to maintain a real village vibe.
While sitting only 4km north-east of Brisbane’s CBD, Bulimba truly feels a world away from the hustle and bustle. Formerly home to pineapple and sugar cane farms, the local landscape remains quite lush, with an array of green spaces accentuating the area’s leafiness. There is also a real sense of history, with several significant buildings – like the Bulimba Memorial Park Grandstand, Bulimba Ferry Terminal, and Bulimba House – celebrating the area’s heritage.
Residential development in Bulimba began in the 1880s and early marketing for the area focused on its connection to the river. This remains a significant selling point for the suburb, with much of the area enjoying sweeping river views. There are also two ferry wharves located in the suburb, with regular services into the city and across the river to Teneriffe.
More than being a novel way to get to work, the ferry connections provide a real benefit to residents. While geographically close to the CBD, Bulimba’s location on the southside of the river means the average drive is around 9km. Many of the local roads can also experience significant congestion during peak hours, substantially increasing commute times. Jumping on a City Cat service avoids this issue, making the journey time into the city a consistent 25 – 30 minutes.
That said, with almost everything they need on offer in the area, most locals have little reason to leave. Oxford Street, Bulimba’s main shopping strip, has become a major drawcard for residents and visitors alike. Lined with a wide range of eateries and specialist retail stores, it is the buzzing heart of the local community.
While there are almost too many great options to name, Ambrosia & Co’s hearty Mediterranean fare and Vietnamese Mint’s Pho are perennial favourites. Revel Brewing Co. is a local institution known for its woodfired pizzas and impressive selection of craft beers. And anyone with a sweet tooth is sure to be delighted by Darvella Patisserie’s range of pastry treats, filled doughnuts, cakes, and croissants.
Those looking for a little retail therapy are also spoiled for choice. Whether you are after the perfect floaty kaftan (go to Fiera Boutique), the ideal gift (try Indigo Bulimba), or something to stimulate your mind (Riverbend Books one of Brisbane’s leading independent bookstores), you are sure to find something that appeals. Or skip the boutiques and catch the latest releases at the Balmoral Cineplex, known for its quirky vintage styling, themed cinemas, and surprisingly affordable prices.
More active community members are also well served by a 9-hole golf course, sports club, and the Brisbane Sailing Squadron. There are also two large primary schools in the suburb, and a range of well-regarded secondary schools in the surrounding area. This makes Bulimba particularly popular with young families, though it attracts interest from a wide range of household types.
While the Bulimba property market is best known for its beautifully renovated Queenslanders, these are steadily becoming harder to find. Instead, the local market is increasingly dominated by higher density developments (apartments and townhouses), which range from modest to extremely high end. The market is also usually highly competitive so, if you are considering moving to Bulimba, you should expect to pay a significant premium.
Your Home Hunter loves the convenience and community feel of Bulimba. So, if you’re looking for a laidback lifestyle in a family-friendly, waterside village setting, Bulimba could be the suburb for you.