In the heart of Australia, a city is poised to capture the imagination of the world. Brisbane, once a quiet player on the global stage, has emerged as a beacon of culture and storytelling, etching its name in the annals of literary and cinematic history. This transformation has been propelled by the global success of “Boy Swallows Universe,” a Netflix series based on Trent Dalton’s best-selling novel, bringing Brisbane’s multifaceted personality to the forefront.
As the series, starring Simon Baker and Travis Fimmel, starts streaming globally, it’s time to embark on a 48-hour journey through Brisbane, retracing the steps of Eli Bell, the novel’s protagonist, and experiencing the city’s evolution from its gritty past to its vibrant present.
Fortitude Valley James St
Saturday – Heart of the City
Our journey begins at 10:15 am in the historic Brisbane City Hall. A free guided tour takes us up Brisbane’s oldest working cage lift to the Clock Tower, offering panoramic views of the cityscape. This iconic spot plays a pivotal role in Eli’s story, symbolizing the convergence of the past and future.
By noon, the culinary adventure beckons in Darra, a multicultural hub that flavours the novel. Vietnamese eateries like Kim Khanh and Que Huong Restaurant, which featured in the Netflix adaptation, offer a taste of the diverse community that shaped Eli’s world.
The evening unveils Brisbane’s darker history with the Moonlight State Fortitude Valley Crime Tour. Led by crime writer Jack Sim, this tour delves into the city’s underbelly, echoing the novel’s exploration of Brisbane’s complex character.
The day concludes with a meal at Stanley Restaurant at Howard Smith Wharves, a favourite of Dalton’s, overlooking the serene Brisbane River, a fitting end to a day steeped in history and culture.
Sunday – Coastal Escapades
The adventure continues 40km north in Redcliffe, the site of Brisbane’s first penal settlement. The Redcliffe Farmers and Artisan’s Market buzzes with life, a stone’s throw from the BeeGees Way. Here, we trace Eli’s footsteps, exploring the coastal beauty that frames his narrative.
Brisbane’s maritime adventures await those seeking thrills beyond the pages. Brisbane Whale Watching offers encounters with majestic Humpback Whales, showcasing the city’s natural wonders.
As the sun sets, Scarborough’s foreshore restaurants offer the day’s freshest catch. Places like Tempest, known locally as Morgans, provide a culinary experience that’s as authentic as it is delicious.
The night ends at the Sebel Brisbane Margate Beach, a tranquil retreat embodying the serene beauty Eli Bell so cherished.
Monday – In the Footsteps of a Dream
Before departing, a detour to the Courier Mail office in Bowen Hills is essential. This iconic newspaper, where Eli and Dalton aspired to work, represents the dreams that both the city and the novel inspire.
Brisbane’s transformation, mirrored in “Boy Swallows Universe,” is more than a tale of a city; it’s a journey through time, culture, and dreams. This 48-hour guide offers just a glimpse into the soul of a city that, like Eli Bell, found the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Written by: Michelle Warner
