Welcome to Brisvegas, Where the “Brown Snake” Runs Gold

So you’ve landed in Brisbane, a city known for its golden glow. Somehow, it has landed itself a nickname no one saw coming: Brisvegas. How did Queensland’s famously laid-back capital earn this bold callsign? Some say it was a jab at the city’s neon nightlife of the 80s and some say it’s the swanky new casino. Others argue it was coined by backpackers to add sizzle to their Greyhound itineraries. Either way, the name stuck like sequins on an Elvis jumpsuit, and now more than ever, Brisbane’s got the goods to back up it up.

October in Brisbane is like that enabling friend who’s fun yet reliable… like the Dr Jekyll to your Mr Hyde, or even Bonnie to your Clyde. The month kicks off with everything from Oktoberfest on the river to the Brisbane Pickleball Classic. Fancy some intellectual conversation? Check out the Brisbane Writers Festival at the iconic Brisbane Powerhouse. Jonesing for a bit of the Bard? Grab your pound seat at Bell Shakespeare Company’s Romeo & Juliet. Or for something less wordy, float your tush in the silence and sunny serenity of South Bank’s man-made lagoon at Streets Beach.

Whether you’re uncovering bohemian gems at the weekend bazaars or slipping into James Street’s luxe boutiques, Brisvegas does couture with a no f***s given attitude.

But why settle for Brisbane’s earthly realm when you can soar above it all like Evel Knievel? Strap yourself into a helicopter and watch the Brown Snake twist and turn beneath your feet. Need to get your steps in? Climb the iconic Story Bridge (or you could walk across it like a normal person). Get your adrenaline fix with a hot air balloon ride over the hinterland. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, channel your inner explorer, and tackle the summit of Mount Coot-tha Summit Trail.

If high-altitude hangouts are your thing, then all roads and rivers lead to ABOVE. Brisbane’s newest rooftop bar at yours truly, Ovolo The Valley in Brisbane.

Say hello to ABOVE – Brisbane’s sky-high sanctuary at Ovolo The Valley. Open-air tables, punchy small plates and sunset-hued cocktails set the scene, while a subtle disco pulse keeps toes tapping long after dark. Whether you’re a local chasing a new perspective or a visitor chasing skyline thrills, October 2025 is your moment to rise above the ordinary. Reserve your rooftop rendezvous, we’ll see you there.

Viva Brisvegas, baby!