Brisbane River Walk + Brunch: The Perfect Southside Morning

There is a particular quality to Brisbane mornings in autumn and winter that the city doesn't talk about enough. The air is dry and cool, the light comes in low and golden across the river, and by 7:30am the southside paths are already filled with walkers, joggers and cyclists who have quietly discovered what the rest of Brisbane is only catching on to: the riverside is at its best before the rest of the city wakes up.

If you live on Brisbane's southside — or even if you don't and you're willing to make the trip — the combination of a riverside walk and a proper brunch is one of the city's most underrated half-mornings. Here's how we'd plan it.

The Walk: Oxley Creek to Tennyson

The southside river walk doesn't have the same profile as the Kangaroo Point cliffs or the Botanical Gardens circuit, but that's part of its charm. From Oxley, the riverside path winds northeast along the river through Corinda, Graceville and Sherwood before arriving at Tennyson — about 6–8km one way, with flat sections, good surface underfoot, and constant river views.

The path is shared with cyclists but wide enough that it doesn't feel crowded. Dogs are welcome on leads throughout, and there are several water stations and rest spots along the way. The section between Sherwood and Tennyson is particularly good — shaded by large mature figs and with uninterrupted river views as you approach the Tennyson Energy Queensland Tennis Centre.

Practical Details

Start: Oxley Train Station (park nearby or catch the train from the city). End: Tennyson, arriving at Bliss on Riverside for brunch. Return: Train from Tennyson Station — it's literally a 4-minute walk from the cafe back to the platform. The whole walk takes around 1.5 to 2 hours at a comfortable pace.

The Reward: Brunch at Bliss on Riverside

The walk finishes at 101/197 King Arthur Terrace — the address of Bliss on Riverside. The cafe sits on the river itself, with an alfresco deck that faces the water. After a morning walk, there are few better places to sit down.

The menu leans modern Australian — which means seasonal produce, genuinely considered dishes, and a kitchen that isn't just executing the same smashed avo and eggs bene it's been making since 2015. Expect things like slow-braised short rib with poached eggs, properly made acai bowls with house granola, and a specialty coffee program that takes single-origin espresso seriously.

If your group has dietary requirements — gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free — this is also one of the better cafes on the southside for handling them without making it feel like a negotiation. The menu is clearly labelled and the kitchen understands cross-contamination concerns.

What to Order After a Walk

After 6–8km, your body will have opinions. Here's what tends to work well:

If you want something substantial: The breakfast platter or eggs benedict with your choice of protein. Walk-sized portions that actually fill the gap without the post-brunch slump.

If you want something lighter: The acai bowl or seasonal fruit plate with a side of sourdough toast. Good for those who find a full brunch too heavy after exercise.

For coffee: The single-origin batch brew if you want something to sip while you settle in. Or a flat white if you need the morning's second coffee to actually land properly.

Bringing Your Dog

This is, perhaps, the best part of the whole combination. The riverside walk is one of Brisbane's better dog-walking routes, and Bliss on Riverside is genuinely dog-friendly — not just tolerant of dogs, but actively welcoming. Water bowls are provided, the deck has good space between tables, and staff will often greet your dog before they greet you (we don't apologise for this).

Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the outdoor deck. Keep them on a lead and seated away from the path where other diners are walking.

Getting Home

Tennyson Train Station is a 4-minute walk from the cafe — walk back down King Arthur Terrace and turn right onto Station Road. Trains run regularly on the Brisbane City line, connecting to Roma Street, Central, and South Brisbane. If you drove to Oxley, the train back takes about 20 minutes.

If you'd rather walk both ways, the return trip south has a slightly different character — you're now walking into the afternoon light, the path is more populated, and you've earned the quiet satisfaction of a proper morning well spent.