Bardon Ranked Top 6 Safest Suburbs in Queensland

Data analysis of the property crime records in Queensland shows that Bardon ranks as the sixth safest place in the city.



Postal Code 4065, covering Bardon and Rainworth, located northwest of Brisbane CBD, logged 26 crimes per 1,000 properties from Queensland Police Service data drawn between 2017 to 2022 for crimes under Unlawful Entry and ‘Other Theft (excluding Unlawful Entry). The state average is 130 crimes per 1,000 properties. 

According to Budget Direct, Bardon’s crime rate dropped by 14 points in the last year, further lowering its risk profile for residents. However, it’s still a few points higher than the number one postal code on the list, 4055, covering the suburbs of Ferny Hills, Kedron Upper, Bunya, Ferny Grove, Ferny Hills and Upper Kedron which average 14 crimes per 1,000 properties.

Bardon’s ranking comes as no surprise as it has maintained its desirability and liveability for many years.

Nestled at the Mt Coot-tha foothills, Bardon, with a little under 10,000 residents, has a peaceful and rustic charm where families and their dogs can walk to local parks, biking trails and recreational places. Residents raise their kids amongst nature and wildlife and enjoy the weekly community events or dine at thriving cafes and restaurants.

Top 10 Safest Post Codes in Queensland from 2017 to 2022

  1. 4055 Ferny Hills, Kedron Upper, Bunya, Ferny Grove, Ferny Hills and Upper Kedron
  2. 4070 Anstead, Bellbowrie, Moggill and Priors Pocket
  3. 4061 The Gap
  4. 4037 Eatons Hill
  5. 4154 Gumdale, Ransome and Wakerley
  6. 4065 Bardon West, Jubilee, Rainworth and Bardon
  7. 4035 Albany Creek, Bridgeman Downs and Cashs Crossing
  8. 4025 Moreton Island, Bulwer, Cape Moreton, Cowan Cowan, Kooringal and Tangalooma
  9. 4067 St Lucia, St Lucia South and Ironside
  10. 4069 Brookfield, Chapel Hill, Fig Tree Pocket, Kenmore, Kenmore East, Kenmore Hills, Pinjarra Hills, Pullenvale, Upper Brookfield, Kenmore Dc and Lone Pine


Published 18 March 2023

Resilient Bardon Records High Buyer Demand as Property Market Cools

As the property market cools in other parts of Australia, Bardon still managed to record high buyer demand as it makes it to the list of resilient suburbs in Queensland, the latest research says.



PopTrack’s latest data crunch covering the three months to November 30, 2022, identified the areas with the largest number of potential purchasers per sale for listing as well as an average house or unit price that has been stable or has shown growth.

They looked into the suburb’s automated valuation model or AVM figure, which estimated the value of individual properties to then assign a suburb value. This gives a more holistic overview of the suburb as compared to looking at sale prices alone.

PropTrack economist Angus Moore said that whilst prices across much of the country fell due to higher interest rates, the declines didn’t appear to be evenly spread and there are some areas where values hold up. 

Brisbane continued to perform strongly over the past year or so, the report said, defying the current coiling trends in southern states. The list is led by Belmont which managed to record an AVM of $1.11 million, rising 0.9 per cent, and where 106 potential buyers per house listing showed interest.

Meanwhile, Bardon topped the list when it comes to the units market where it recorded 116 buyers per listing and an AMV value of $948,000 or an increase of 2.4 per cent in the three months to 30 November.



Experts say that Bardon attracts young professionals, small families, downsizers and astute investors due to its good growth prospects and rental returns. In 2023, buyer demand is seen to likely exceed supply in the area mainly because of its good location, lifestyle and proximity to reputable schools.

Meanwhile, national home price falls have slowed down in January 2023 or a decline of just 0.09 per cent. That equates to a downturn of 4.51 per cent from its March 2022 peak, PopTrack Home Price Index shows.

Brisbane, Sydney and Hobart recorded the fastest pace of home price decline when compared to their respective peaks. Brisbane home prices dropped 0.07 per cent month-on-month in January 2023 which is 3.76 per cent below its recent peak.

Still, Brisbane home prices are higher by 42.1 per cent compared to pre-pandemic levels, a pattern seen in the rest of Australian capital cities as well as regional counterparts.

Published 13-February-2023

Old Monk: Indian-Inspired Dishes with a Modern Twist

Nestled in the heart of Rosalie, Old Monk elevates traditional Indian cuisine by giving it a fresh, modern twist that’s guaranteed to please even the most discerning palate.



Named after an iconic dark rum, Old Monk serves up contemporary versions of traditional Indian fare presented via an extensive menu of small and large plates designed to be mixed, matched and shared plus vegan and vegetarian options to boot. Enjoy their mouth-watering dishes al fresco or inside their purple-hued dining area where a long banquette seating awaits.

Whilst you will find re-interpreted classic Indian dishes, there are also fresh offerings plus chef-recommended dishes that are definitely worth a try.

 Old Monk: Indian-Inspired Dishes with a Modern Twist
Curry leaf lamb with fenugreek roti | Photo credit:  Facebook / Old Monk Modern Indian

Small plates offerings include Katori Chaat made with grated fried potatoes filled with spiced chickpeas and potatoes then topped with chutneys; Curry leaf masala tossed with shredded lamb and served with crispy fenugreek leaf roti; and Smokey Chicken Tikka made with boneless chicken marinated in yogurt and spices then cooked in tandoori before serving with salad and chutneys.

 Old Monk: Indian-Inspired Dishes with a Modern Twist
Chicken Tikka Masala | Photo credit:  Facebook / Old Monk Modern Indian

Large plates offerings you could try include Himachali Goat dish which is a slow cooked goat on the bone with onion and tomato masala and served in a handi; and Tandoori Roasted Chicken Tikka cooked with onion and capsicum in mild tomato gravy then finished with fenugreek leaves.

As for the drinks offering, Old Monk has prepared a list of sparkling, white, rose and red wines, plus gin, vodka, rum, tequila, beer and cider.



Reviews:

“Do yourself a favor and visit this lovely restaurant in Paddington. The service is unmatched. The staff truly cares about your experience. The food is absolutely amazing – everything we tasted melted in our mouths. Absolutely the best meal we had while in Old monk modern Indian restaurant. Highly recommend!” –  D. Patel

“Travelling from interstate stumbled upon this beautiful restaurant.. Great ambience & delicious food !! Staff is very friendly and helpful which made it a wholesome experience… highly recommend it.” –  E. Karhpal

“Highly recommend…service was amazing food was amazing so much flavour and extremely authentic. After searching for an Indian restaurant after travelling to India I can officially say I have found a place that taste just like your back in india.” –  T. L. Beasley

Old Monk sits at 1/151 Baroona Road in Paddington, next door Blue Room Cinebar. You’ll find them open from Monday to Sunday, 4.30 pm till late.

Published 12-February-2023

Bardon Latrobe Football Club To Get New Field Lights

Bardon Latrobe Football Club will have new field lighting, thanks to a $104,000 grant for sports infrastructure in Queensland.


Read: Issues Raised on Proposed Stuartholme School Sporting Precinct Development in Bardon


The provision of new field lights are expected to help the club build in new training flexibility and attract new members. It’s currently one of the largest football clubs in Brisbane with over 700 registered members.

Member for Cooper Jonty Bush visited the club on 25 January 2023, with Minister Stirling Hinchliffe MP to see the progress of the new field lights. 

Bardon Latrobe
Photo credit: Bardon Latrobe Football Club/Facebook

Ms Bush said that over recent years, the Queensland Government has invested almost $380,000 in the Football Club including two new change rooms, aluminium seating, Active Clubs funding and $5,400 in FairPlay vouchers.

Bardon Latrobe
Ms Jonty Bush with President of Bardon Latrobe Football Club Samuel Casey and Minister Stirling Hinchliffe MP (Photo credit: Jonty Bush – Member for Cooper)

“Sporting clubs like Bardon Latrobe FC are very important for keeping Queenslanders of all ages active and healthy, and connected with their local community,” Ms Bush said.

They also announced the new funding programs for community not-for-profit sporting clubs, which will open on 31 January and will accept applications until 2 March 2023.

Grants, which start at $50,000 can be used for projects such as new upgraded and end-of-life replacement projects, Lighting, cycling trails, pathways, ramps, skateparks, fixed exercise equipment, change rooms, as well as upgrading tennis, netball, bowls or indoor court surfaces.

Photo credit: Bardon Latrobe Football Club/Facebook

Meanwhile, the State Government has recently launched the first round of FairPlay for 2023, providing up to 46,000 vouchers worth almost $7 million to help low-income Queensland families with the cost of sport and active recreation sign on fees up to $150.

Applications for FairPlay vouchers are open to parents, carers and guardians with a current Services Australia Health Care Card or a Pensioner Concession Card for students aged five to 17 years.


Read: Bardon House, The Villa That Inspired The Name Of A Suburb


Clubs and recreation providers participating in FairPlay and more information about family eligibility can be found at: www.qld.gov.au/fairplayvouchers

Published 31-January-2023

Here Are The Upcoming Shows At Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium

Looking for activities to do with the kids during the school holidays? Get ready to welcome a new year of space discovery with educational and fun-filled activities at Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium! Here are upcoming events to look forward to at the planetarium in January 2023.


Read: Here’s Where To Go In Rosalie For The Best Croissants


Destination: Universe

Photo credit: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Explore the universe without leaving Brisbane! If you want to chart a course through the Solar System or venture past the Milky Way galaxy, don’t miss to book for Destination: Universe. 

Dates:

  • Tue, 17 Jan
  • Wed, 18 Jan
  • Thu, 19 Jan
  • Fri, 20 Jan
  • Sat, 21 Jan
  • Sun, 22 Jan

Perfect Little Planet

Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
Photo credit: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Ever wondered what it’s like to take a tour of the Solar System? Join the Perfect Little Planet, a new children’s show about our Solar System as seen from the perspective of a visiting family on vacation from another star system. Inclusive of a night sky tour, this 35-minute tour is suitable for children ages 3 and above. 

Dates:

  • Wed, 18 Jan
  • Thu, 19 Jan
  • Fri, 20 Jan
  • Sat, 21 Jan
  • Sun, 22 Jan

Cosmic Collisions

Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
Photo credit: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Cosmic Collisions is a show which illustrates the role collisions have played and continue to play in our universe. Narrated by actor and director Robert Redford, it is one of the great productions of the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

Dates:

  • Wed, 18 Jan
  • Fri, 20 Jan
  • Sat, 21 Jan
  • Sun, 22 Jan

Passport to the Universe

Photo credit: Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium/Facebook

Narrated by Tom Hanks, Passport to the Universe is a thrilling journey across the Solar System, through the Milky Way Galaxy to the edge of the observable Universe. 

Dates:

  • Thu, 19 Jan
  • Sat, 21 Jan
  • Sun, 22 Jan

Tycho Goes to Mars

Photo credit: Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium/Facebook

Join Tycho, everyone’s favourite cheeky dog as he discovers Mars. Tycho is in search of water to fly his steam-powered space kennel back home. But how will he find water on Mars, when it looks so cold, dusty and dry? Find out in this show, produced by Melbourne Planetarium at Scienceworks, Museums Victoria.

Dates:

  • Thu, 19 Jan
  • Sat, 21 Jan

Worlds Beyond Earth

Photo credit: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Narrated by Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o, it tells the story of the dynamic worlds that share our Solar System, and the unique conditions that make life on Earth possible. Take a journey far beyond our own planet to marvel at the latest discoveries from our cosmic neighbours.

Date:

  • Thu, 19 Jan

The Little Star That Could

Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
Photo credit: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

It follows the story of Little Star, an average yellow star searching for planets of his own. Along the way he meets other types of stars, learns what makes each star special, and discovers that stars combine to form clusters and galaxies. 

Dates:

  • Fri, 20 Jan
  • Sun, 22 Jan

Read: Inside Thai Terrace, A Place To Grab Authentic Thai Cuisine In Rosalie


For bookings and more details about the events, visit Brisbane City Council’s website.

Published 17-January-2023

Rosalie Gourmet Market Expands After Buying Foodstore

Rosalie Gourmet Market, a long-time landmark along Baroona Rd, is gearing up for expansion after buying its next-door neighbour, Rosalie Foodstore.



Work has actually started with the expansion plans as walls have been torn down between the two shops. New floors, ceiling, lights and shelves will be added in the next few weeks to create a “superstore.”

The extra space, spanning 460 square metres, will provide Rosalie Gourmet Market with a back office and a commercial kitchen. 

“We are so excited to bring this new boutique food hub which will combine gourmet food products and some convenience lines. Bear with us while renovate, we know you will love the end result,” owner Raeleen Gough said.  

Plans to expand the favourite local shop have been Ms Gough’s goal for years. When she learned that her next-door neighbour, Delong Londrid, was planning to sell Foodstore, the two business people talked and negotiated. 

Ms Gough was also able to secure a five-year lease into the bigger space and will still be offering Foodstore products along with new versions of convenience store and gourmet picks. The Foodstore’s frozen line will also be expanded. 

Ms Gough said that the pandemic lockdowns gave her business the opportunity to expand because more people working from home patronised their products. 

Rosalie Gourmet Market has over 3,000 items from cured meats, cheese, artisan bread, patisserie items, take-home meals, and fresh fruits and vegetables. The shop celebrated 25 years at the end of October 2022. 



Goat Curry: A Must-try at the Old Monk in Paddington

Old Monk may be a newcomer to Paddington, having just opened in April 2022, but this modern Indian restaurant is already getting noticed for its extraordinary fare. Topping the list of popular dishes is an unusual one for most: the Himachali goat curry.


Read: Inside Thai Terrace, A Place To Grab Authentic Thai Cuisine In Rosalie


Himachali goat curry is slow-cooked on the bone and steeped in onion and tomato masala (blended spices). At Old Monk, it’s served in a handi, a deep round pot commonly used in north India.

This gluten-free dish is lovingly prepared by the owners according to their ‘mum’s recipe.’ It’s a dish close to their hearts and it’s often prepared on special occasions.

Curry is Old Monk’s signature dish and the neon writing across the wall of their dining area says it all. “I love you but don’t touch my curry.”

Photo credit: Old Monk Modern Indian/Facebook

“Old Monk is best described as India on a plate with Brisbane in Mind,” their owners proudly say. The restaurant offers a curation of their interpretation of Indian cuisine, with small and large servings of food designed to be shared, mixed and matched, so people dining together get to sample ‘a little of everything and not too much of something.’

Those who love curry can opt for the curry leaf masala toasted with shredded lamb with crispy roti. Also popular is the goan fish curry, a spicy fish curry with chilli, fenugreek seeds and tamarind pulp.

Aside from their curries, other standout items on the menu include lamb shank korma, Colonel Tso’s cauliflower, butter chicken, and the kadai chicken (chicken sauteed with onions, capsicums, fresh ginger, and coriander).

Old Monk
Lamb shank korma (Photo credit: Old Monk Modern Indian/Facebook)

“Love the ambience of the place and food is to die for. My favourites and highly recommended is pan fried momos, lamb shank korma and chef recommended goat curry is definite to hit those umami cravings…”

Sushen, local guide

Foodies who are in for a sweet treat always end up trying the rasmalai, flattened balls of Indian cottage cheese soaked in clotted cream flavoured with cardamom, or the kulfi, their house-made Indian ice cream.

Old Monk
Photo credit: Old Monk Modern Indian/Facebook

There is also a variety of options for drinks, which includes beer, wine, gin, vodka, tea, coffee, and the housemade lassis (Indian drink made from a yoghurt or buttermilk base with water).


Read: I Had Never Heard of This Donburi Place in Rosalie But the Food is Incredible!


Old Monk is located at 1/151 Baroona Rd, Paddington. They are open daily from 4:30 p.m. Follow them on Instagram @oldmonkbne for updates. 

Inside Thai Terrace, A Place To Grab Authentic Thai Cuisine In Rosalie

Thai Terrace, located just below Cinebar Rosalie Village, is a restaurant serving authentic Thai and Cantonese cuisine in a contemporary dining setting.


Read: You Need to Check Out This Donburi Restaurant at Rosalie


A favourite among locals and tourists alike, this restaurant has been a longtime staple in Rosalie Village, having been established in 2002.

Thai Terrace is a great place for those who are especially fond of pad thai or those who need their quick fix of Thai curry and noodles. 

The restaurant’s vibrant pad thai (Photo credit: Thai Terrace/Facebook)

Pad thai, the famous stir-fry noodle dish, is served with tofu egg, shallots, your choice of protein, and their special sauce. Here, proteins include chicken, beef, prawn, duck, tofu and you can opt for vegan and gluten-free.

thai terrace
Photo credit: Foodie Adventure/Google Maps

Their Thai style curries, are such a hit, especially the Massuman beef curry, which comes with melt-in-your-mouth slow cooked chunks of beef, with potatoes, onion, peanuts, and crispy fried onion, simmered in coconut milk and balanced to perfection with an artisan Massuman paste.

Photo credit: Thai Terrace/Facebook

Dine on the restaurant’s elevated terrace, where you can take advantage of Brisbane’s great weather but if you prefer a more intimate dining experience, dine at their stylish indoor dining area.

The Chef’s Recommendations notably has lots of seafood, with selections like the Chilli Calamari, Prawn Superb, Tamarind Prawns, and Lemon Fish.

thai terrace
Photo credit: thaiterrace.com.au

End your meal with black sticky rice, deep fried ice cream, choc cookie sundae, or salted caramel sundae.

Thai Terrace is a licensed restaurant, with a wide selection of beers, wines and spirits specially selected to compliment the menu, though BYO wine is welcome.


Read: Here’s Where To Go In Rosalie For The Best Croissants


They are open daily, except on Tuesdays from 4:45 to 9:00 p.m. For more information, visit their website or check out their Facebook page.



I Had Never Heard of This Donburi Place in Rosalie But the Food is Incredible!

“I had never heard of this place but the food was incredible. The charred Edamame starter was one of the best things I’ve eaten in a while. The donburi was amazing and came with pickles, furikake and miso. Its a really awesome place and very yum. I will definitely be back again soon!”  – Harry Chiem

If you’re a fan of Japanese rice bowls but haven’t checked out Uncle Don yet, then it is about time you do. Visit this restaurant in Rosalie and get your fill of their casual yet tasty Donburi meals.



Donburi is a simple meal prepared using steamed rice and then topped with meat, vegetable and sauce before serving in a large bowl called “don”. And when it comes to preparing this delicious Japanese dish, Uncle Don elevates the art to another level.

Starters include charred broccolini in truffle soy; baked cauliflower with miso chickpea cream and herbs; a Japanese crunch pork cutlet sandwich and fried eggplant with sweet miso and spring onion.

Baked Cauliflower with Miso cream
Baked Cauliflower with Miso cream | Uncle Don / Facebook

Starters include charred broccolini in truffle soy; baked cauliflower with miso chickpea cream and herbs; japanese crunch pork cutlet sandwich and fried eggplant with sweet miso and spring onion.

Charred Broccolini with house-made truffle soy sauce
Charred Broccolini with house-made truffle soy sauce  | Uncle Don / Facebook

The dons are divided into seafood, chicken, beef, pork and vegetarian options. You might want to try their salmon sashimi don served with sushi rice, shiso leaf, soy cured yolk and ikura. Or their steamed rice topped with oven-baked soft salmon prepared with kimchi, kewpie, tenkasu, roasted seaweed flakes and shallot. 

 Baked Cauliflower with Miso Cream
Baked Cauliflower with Miso Cream  | Uncle Don / Facebook
 Tenkasu baked salmon don
Tenkasu baked salmon don | Uncle Don / Facebook

If red meat is your thing, then try the wagyu steak don in teriyaki butter, soft-cooked free-range egg, roasted seaweed flakes and shallot; and sweet soy-marinated pork, fukujinzuke, soft-cooked free-range egg and shallot.

 Grilled Buta Don (marinated pork don)
Grilled Buta Don (marinated pork don) | Uncle Don / Facebook

Other options include premium panko crumbed chicken with housemade katsu sauce, scrambled free-range egg, fukujinzuke and shallot; and grilled shiitake mushroom with ginger yuzu, marinated mushroom and shallot.

 Matcha Tiramisu Don
Matcha Tiramisu Don | Uncle Don / Facebook

Don’t forget to try matcha tiramisu don which is a dessert made with mascarpone, castella and matcha for an enjoyable sweet finish.



“Authentic Japanese don! We love the environment and the food are very eye catching! I love how they present their food, it is like an art piece! I would definitely go back again to try the salmon don as it was out of stock when I visited. There are plenty of parking outside the restaurant.” – Yap venture

“We came here as it was highly recommended by a friend. The food was so delicious, neatly presented, and came out quickly. The matcha tiramisu is a must try! It’s so creamy but not too sweet. Tables fill up quickly, so best to book ahead.” – Janette M.

Pata Negra Spanish Tapas Bar Says Goodbye To Bardon, Hello to Fortitude Valley

After bringing a little slice of Spain to Bardon for almost four years, Pata Negra Spanish Tapas Bar is moving to a new location in Fortitude Valley.


Read: Here’s Where To Go In Rosalie For The Best Croissants


Famous for its paellas and homemade sangrias, Pata Negra Spanish Tapas Bar opened in Bardon in 2018, and has since been recognised as home to the most authentic Spanish tapas in the city.

Dining at Pata Negra feels like being transported back into the side streets bars of Seville, Madrid or Barcelona, with their traditional tapas and wines and beers which are all imported from Spain.  

The restaurant is gearing up for its August 5-7 opening weekend in Brunswick St in Fortitude Valley, after closing its MacGregor Terrace location in July 2022.

tapas bar
Photo credit: Pata Negra Spanish Tapas Bar/Facebook

The new location, around a 10-minute drive from the original, will still feature all their signature items, their huge, traditional family paella to the tapas, such as tortilla de patatas (potato omelette), croquetas,  and albondigas (Spanish meatballs).

“I have been to the Bardon restaurant. Fabulous food. Look forward to trying the Fortitude Valley one,” one of their customers wrote in their social media page.

pata negra brisbane
Photo credit: Pata Negra Spanish Tapas Bar/Facebook

They will continue to offer their famous Paella cooking class, a master class held every Wednesday night and guided by a Spanish chef. Here, students do not only get to learn how to cook authentic paella, but also a few of the tricks of the trade and its rich history.

flamenco dance
Flamenco show (Photo credit: Pata Negra Spanish Tapas Bar/Facebook)

More than the food and their paella master class, locals have come to enjoy their flamenco show every month and occasional wine tasting classes.

To book a table for Pata Negra Spanish Tapas Bar’s opening in its new location in Fortitude Valley, visit the website or follow them on Facebook.