Suburb Guide: Greenbank

1. The Good Bean

While there are plenty of top coffee spots in the area, locals will tell you that Lotus Cafe is a stand-out for its precision-made locally roasted coffee. Open for breakfast and lunch, Lotus is particularly accommodating to diners with dietary requirements, with gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options available. There’s an outdoor play area for kids and furred friends are welcome, too. 

145 Sinnathamby Boulevard
Springfield Central, QLD 4300

2. A Warm Welcome

“Our aim is to put people on the path to being able to thrive,” says Bonfire Yoga CEO Wendy Goulding. Yoga is performed in a studio heated to 37 degrees, the heat helping to relax the muscles as asanas are performed. You don’t need to be a yoga guru or a gym junkie to attend one of the 18 weekly sessions either, with the classes attracting a wide demographic of ages and fitness levels, according to Goulding. 

bonfireyoga.com.au

Unit 13, 59 Eastern Road
Browns Plains, QLD 41180
(07) 3800 7140

3. Down-home Barbecue

Busy lunchtimes at BLVD often feature locals tucking in their napkins and digging into sticky ribs or two-handed burgers at this flag-waving American barbecue restaurant. Owner Ted Matthews bought the restaurant from well-regarded chef Josh Lawson (ex-Two Small Rooms) 12 months ago, and the team has carried on smoking and slow-cooking meat and making all their own rubs and sauces. Sweet tooths will find a tough choice between chocolate brownies, pumpkin pie or the brûlée. 

blvdrestaurant.com.au

7/1 Springfield Lakes Boulevard
Springfield Lakes, QLD 4300
(07) 3818 8423

4. A Close Shave

The fit-out at the Ace of Blade barbershop – think wood-panelled walls, tessellated tiles and leather chairs – along with the old-school service by white-jacketed staff suggests a time gone by, but as locals will testify, the sharp cuts are always bang up-to-date. Bearded gentleman are particularly well served, with wet shaves and reshapes finished off with a hot towel. Cuts come with plenty of at-home styling advice and product recommendations to keep it looking fresh.  

10/20 Eastern Road
Browns Plains, QLD 4118
(07) 3806 6262

5. An Old Faithful

Starting life in a modest brick building in 1991, Greenbank RSL is today a multi-level, multi-functional centre offering entertainment, community activities and two restaurants. The Gardens cafe has a globally roaming menu with dishes such as soft steamed Peking duck bao or twice-cooked pork belly with Asian slaw, while The Grange Buffet restaurant has a smartly priced weekend seafood option. A supervised kids’ club with a collection of both retro and contemporary video games means parents can dine or take in a show in peace. 

greenbankrsl.com.au

54 Anzac Avenue
Hillcrest, QLD 4118
(07) 3800 7746