Welcome to Kelvin Grove! Right in the heart of Brisbane, Kelvin Grove blends city living with a community-oriented vibe.
It’s a mix of old world charm and modern living, filled with established “Queenslanders“, post-war workers cottages and apartments as well as trendy cafes and lush green parks. It’s a place where you can grab your morning coffee at a local café and take a walk through the peaceful parklands. And, to top it off, you’re less than 3km from the CBD, making it convenient for city commuting without the hustle and bustle.
Whether you’re exploring the farmer’s market on a Saturday morning, strolling through Victoria Park or enjoying a show at the local theatre, there’s a warm, welcoming spirit that makes you feel like you belong. I’ve been living here since 2020 and, like other locals, Kelvin Grove holds a special place in my heart.
Kelvin Grove at a Glance
- Kelvin Grove Postcode: 4059
- Population: 7,927 people (2016)
- Location: Just under 3km north of the bustling heart of Brisbane.
- Transport: Buses are available from QUT Kelvin Grove bus station or from Kelvin Grove Road that take a few minutes to get into the city.
- History: This is the home of the Turrbal people and was first settled by Europeans in 1865.
- Education: Home to QUT Kelvin Grove Campus and several prestigious schools.
- Shopping and Dining: A mix of trendy cafes, restaurants, and convenient shopping options.
- Kelvin Grove Real Estate: A mix of traditional “Queenslander” homes, some post-war workers cottages and modern apartments.
Why You Should Come to Kelvin Grove
Just a few minutes from the CBD, the suburb offers the best of all worlds, which is why it’s so popular with students, families and professionals. The suburb is buzzing with activity throughout the year. The Kelvin Grove Markets, held every Saturday from 6am to 1pm across 2 streets in the Urban Village, are a great place to shop for fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious coffee. You can also get to know the locals here at the many stands!
If you’re an arts enthusiast, you will love our suburb. It’s home to the prestigious La Boite Theatre Company and the Creative Industries Precinct of the Kelvin Grove QUT campus grounds. Here you can explore student exhibitions and events year round.
Spending time outside is easy, too. There are parks and bike paths, recreational facilities such as the QUT tennis courts and the Kelvin Grove pool. You can also head to nearby Victoria Park Golf Course to enjoy a round of mini-golf or practice on their driving range (the full golf course is now closed to allow public access to the park). Our beautifully designed green spaces are the perfect escape, so you can unwind and connect with nature right in your backyard.
Shops and Restaurants
From fish and chips to mouth watering burgers and pastries, there’s a smorgasbord of dining options to suit even the fussiest little eaters. Whether you’re craving fresh flavours from Vietnam Corner Restaurant, the gourmet patties at Burger Urge, or the range of snack and meal options from Coco Cozy Cafe there’s something here to tantalise your taste buds.
One of my favourite spots is The Menagerie, a cosy café that doubles as an arts and live music space. Not to mention, their hot chocolate and cocktails are amazing! The nearby Normanby Hotel in Red Hill has been the setting for many happy memories over the years, and if you’re after the essentials, you’ll find Woolworths and Aldi are super convenient. Need to run some errands? The Kelvin Grove Pharmacy is in the Urban Village and Kelvin Grove post office is located up the street in the QUT convenience store on Victoria Park Rd, making it easy to get things done quickly.
Coffee lovers will feel right at home with our fantastic selection of Kelvin Grove cafes. I swear by Mean Beanz, “The Boys” House of Coffee and Coco Cozy Café for that perfect caffeine fix. And don’t forget to check out the coffee cart at the Kelvin Grove markets every Saturday.
Here’s a list of local cafes and restaurants:
Cafes (Coffee Shops):
In the Urban Village:
- Mean Beanz Espresso (closest to the apartments)
- The Boys House of Coffee (second closest to the apartments)
- Coco Cozy Café (has a large menu too)
- The Menagerie
- La Boite Espresso Bar
In QUT
- Gather Cafe & Bar
- Chi Cafe
- Brewed Awakening
- Earth & Steam
- Dil Campo Espresso
Across the Suburb:
- Finlay & Son Urban Deli
- Cafe Gia (technically Herston, but added because it is good!)
Restaurants:
In the Urban Village or QUT:
- Burger Urge
- Siam Spice (Thai)
- Kelvin Lee (Hot bread and Vietnamese)
- Caraway Pier (fish and chips)
- Donana Mini Hot Pot (Chinese)
- Southern Seoul (Korean Burgers)
- Momo Bento (Sushi)
- Sushi Mura (QUT)
- Zambrero Kelvin Grove (Mexican)
- Red Rooster Kelvin Grove (Chicken)
- Vietnam Corner (Vietnamese)
- Toshi Teppan & Toshi Ramen (QUT)
- Boba Chicken (Fried chicken)
- DannyBoys (Sandwiches)
- Golden Lava Toast (sweet and savory sandwiches)
- Sichuan Wok (Chinese)
- Saffrony Signature (Indian)
- Kamiil’s Kitchen
- Subway
- Osaka Sushi Express
- Domino’s Pizza Kelvin Grove
In the suburb
- Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)
- Kelvin Grove Seafood and Takeaway
- Victoria Park Bistro (technically Herston, but added for the awesome view!)
- Normanby Hotel (technically Red Hill, but added because it is good!)
- No No’s (Lebanese) (another Red Hill option worth including)
- Banhmi 7 Days (also technically in Red Hill, but sooo good!)
There’s always something new to discover! If you would like to see a detailed list of all the places to eat across Kelvin Grove, take a look at my detailed article of cafes and restaurants here.
Housing
Whether you’re after a traditional Queenslander’s charm or a modern apartment’s convenience, Kelvin Grove has property to suit.
For urban living with modern amenities, apartment living might be your choice. Most apartment buildings have views of city skylines, and they’re all located close to shops, cafes and public transport. Urban Edge Kelvin Grove is particularly popular, providing contemporary living spaces with excellent facilities such as gyms and pools.
Rental prices for apartments in Kelvin Grove typically average $600 per week, while purchase prices average $510,000 as at 2024.
If you want something a bit bigger, you’ll love the space the beautiful Queenslander homes provide. With larger land sizes, bigger gardens, and character and charm, these houses are perfect if you want to get the most out of the area. The median price for houses for sale in Kelvin Grove is $1,251,500. Houses for rent prices average $850 per week.
Keeping in mind that Kelvin Grove is home to QUT, there are also plenty of affordable and convenient student accommodation options. These properties provide easy access to campus amenities such as the QUT library, Kelvin Grove gym, and swimming pool, ensuring a comfortable and productive student life. Rooms for rent in Kelvin Grove typically cost between $180 and $400 per week.
Short Term Rentals
Whether you’re visiting for a week or a few months, Kelvin Grove also provides excellent short-term Kelvin Grove rentals. From business trips and student stays to family holidays, you’ll find the perfect accommodations that offer both comfort and convenience.
All short-term rental apartments in Kelvin Grove come fully furnished and equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a hassle-free stay. You can enjoy features like high-speed internet, well-equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, and secure parking. These make it easy to settle in quickly and focus on what’s important—whether that’s work, study, or exploring the local area.
Staying in a short-term rental in Kelvin Grove allows you to experience the unique vibe of the community. Here at Urban Edge, we have the following:
Sapphire
- Sleeps 2 | 1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom | 1 Carpark
- This stylish and bright apartment is perfect for singles or couples. With its modern design and convenient location, Sapphire offers a comfortable and luxurious stay.
Find out more about Sapphire apartment and book here.
Diamond
- Sleeps 4 | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 2 Carparks
- Ideal for families or small groups, Diamond provides ample space and privacy. This contemporary apartment features two bathrooms and two tandem carparks, making it an excellent choice for extended stays.
Find out more about Diamond apartment and book here.
Emerald
- Sleeps 4 | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1 Carpark
- Emerald combines elegance and functionality. Two bedrooms and two bathrooms make it perfect for professionals or families looking for a temporary home. The single carpark adds an extra layer of convenience.
Find out more about Emerald apartment and book here.
You can also check here for other local accommodation options.
Employment
If you’re on the job hunt, Kelvin Grove has plenty of opportunity, particularly given it’s so close to the city. There are also local jobs, though, so you don’t have to leave the suburb to find work.
We have so many cafes here that are always looking for staff. The QUT campus offers jobs in education, research and student services. We have the creative industries with arts, media and design work often available. Local businesses are also thriving, with new shops, and service providers springing up to cater to the growing community, including hairdressers and pharmacies to butchers and post offices.
If you are looking for a more flexible work arrangement, there are plenty of Airbnb Kelvin Grove properties where remote workers and digital nomads can stay. The closest space for co-working near Kelvin Grove is WOTSO in Fortitude Valley.
Education
Kelvin Grove is known for education, particularly being home to the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Kelvin Grove Campus, a leading educational institution offering diverse courses across various fields of study. The campus is well-known for its state-of-the-art facilities and vibrant student life.
There are also several highly regarded schools that provide excellent education from Prep to Year 12, including Kelvin Grove State College, with education from primary through to secondary levels, and Queensland Academy for Creative Industries, a government secondary school that specialises in nurturing creative talents.
For younger children Compass Independent School is open for prep to Year 6. We also have excellent kindergartens and daycare centres that focus on play-based learning. These facilities are dedicated to helping children develop foundational skills in a nurturing and engaging environment. Our local daycares are:
Weather
Enjoy the subtropical climate, where the weather perfectly complements an active and outdoor lifestyle. With warm summers and mild winters, this is a place where you can engage in outdoor activities all year round.
We have weather that perfectly complements an active and outdoor lifestyle. In summer, daytime temperatures average 29°C, while nights are a cooler 22°C on average. This makes it perfect for a day out at Victoria Park and a night of outdoor dining, barbecues, picnics and more.
In winter, there’s not a lot of difference, though the bite of the summer sun is less impacting. Days average 21°C, with nights dropping to an average of 12°C.
Getting There and Around
Getting to (and around) Kelvin Grove is easy. It’s just under 3km to the city centre, which takes about 10 minutes driving, depending on the time of day. I prefer to walk to the city centre (and South Bank) and it takes me around 25 minutes to the Town Hall in the CBD and 45 minutes to South Bank from the apartments.
Driving: There are plenty of parking spaces throughout the suburb. Road access is convenient, with major highways like the Inner City Bypass and Kelvin Grove Road providing direct routes to Brisbane CBD and other key destinations like the airport and Gateway motorway.
Public transport: The area is well-serviced by buses that provide quick and reliable access to Brisbane CBD and surrounding areas. The QUT Kelvin Grove bus station acts as a central hub, with multiple routes running regularly throughout the day. Use translink to plan your journey.
Bike-friendly: If you prefer a more active mode of transport, there are numerous bike paths and lanes, making it safe and enjoyable for cyclists.
Walking: I have created a number of articles with videos to show you how to walk to your destination:
- How to Get to Roma Street Parkland
- How to Get to South Bank
- How to Get to Royal Women’s Hospital (RBWH)
- How to Get to QPAC
- How to Get to Suncorp Stadium
- How to Get to Queensland Ballet Academy
Things to Do and See Around Kelvin Grove
There’s always something to do around Kelvin Grove! Here’s just a handful of my favourite ways to spend my free time:
Local Excitement
Kelvin Grove Village Markets is a popular farmer’s market with regional produce such as breads, cheeses, meats, fruits, and vegetables at low prices. You’ll also find stalls selling art, fashion, flowers, gifts, and more. And you can enjoy live performances by some of our local talents.
When it comes to dining and nightlife, the local attractions do not disappoint. The Kelvin Grove Urban Village is a bustling community hub filled with shops, cafes, takeaway eateries, restaurants, and student-friendly bars. A short bus ride to Fortitude Valley is also a great option – it’s known for its mix of bars, clubs, and live music venues.
Victoria Park has an impressive golf course and recreational facilities; it’s the perfect spot for a round of golf or a relaxing picnic with friends and family.
Not far away, Roma Street Parkland in Spring Hill is an Instagram-worthy setting with brightly coloured designer gardens, grassy lawns, deck chairs, picnic tables, barbecue facilities, and free Wi-Fi. It’s a great place to relax and take a break from your busy schedule.
We are also conveniently located near some of Brisbane’s top cultural attractions. A short trip will take you to New Farm’s Powerhouse, a dynamic arts and cultural hub. And, just a short bus, train or ferry ride will take you to South Bank, which is home to several museums and theatres, making it a fantastic destination to explore Brisbane’s rich cultural scene.
Unique Experiences
Our suburb is also a gateway to a range of other adventure-filled experiences, including the following:
- A thrilling climb of Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city and beyond.
- Discover the fascinating history and brewing process of Queensland’s favourite beer. Enjoy guided tours and professional beer tastings.
- Twilight Kayak Adventure, Kangaroo Point: Paddle along the Brisbane River on a twilight kayak adventure, taking in the serene beauty of the cityscape and natural surroundings.
- Axe Throwing, West End: Test your aim and unleash your inner lumberjack with a fun and exhilarating axe-throwing session.
- Night Segway Tour, South Brisbane: Experience Brisbane at night on a guided Segway tour, gliding past illuminated landmarks and enjoying the city’s vibrant nocturnal energy.
I have written a long and detailed post about all my favourite things to do near Kelvin Grove, so if that helps, do take a read of that article too!
Come on Down!
Kelvin Grove is awesome for so many reasons! It’s just a short hop away from the CBD, so you can easily get to the city’s business districts, cool cultural spots, and fun entertainment areas. The suburb itself is packed with great local amenities, like the Kelvin Grove Urban Village with its awesome mix of shops, cafes, restaurants, and chill student-friendly bars. Plus, the friendly community vibe and lively local culture make it an amazing place to explore.
And of course, the short-term rentals, like Urban Edge, are a fantastic way to experience the area, whether you’re here for business, study, or fun. The fully furnished, all-inclusive amenities mean you can easily settle in and start enjoying your stay without any hassle.
What’s not to love?