Slow Travel in Australia: Immerse Yourself in Brisbane’s Relaxed Lifestyle

By 10 a.m. on a Sunday, stylishly dressed men and women are already seated at the wooden tables in front of the boutique supermarket James Street Market, sipping coffee while tapping away on their iPhones. Across the lane, the open dining area of Spoon sees white-uniformed waiters delivering breakfast between tables, trays laden with—yes, more coffee—and colorful salads so fresh they look almost too vibrant to eat. Some diners haven’t even put down their newspapers yet, even though it’s Sunday. But nothing seems to stop here. People at James St. have relaxed yet purposeful expressions. They seem well aware of their plans for today and tomorrow—even on a Sunday, life must be lived precisely and well.

 

Order yourself a modest but fresh and delicious breakfast, finish it, then visit a nearby gallery for a mini exhibition, chatting quietly with the staff about the artworks and shifts in the collecting market. Next, head to a home décor store to pick out some ornaments or tableware, and finally return to James Street Market to select some cheese or imported spices. With freshly bought organic nuts from The Nut Market and prime cuts of beef from Prime Specialty Meats in hand, don’t forget to spare a hand for a takeout cup of fresh fruit yogurt from dessert shop Quench on your way to the parking lot—just enough to recharge before heading home.

Start the engine, roll down the windows, slip on sunglasses, and drive off with that carefree, seafaring expression. By then, the clothing stores on James St. are just beginning to open—but these people aren’t tempted by the beautiful garments in the windows. For them, Sundays are for enjoying home life and private gatherings with friends. They need everything that makes life more comfortable: premium ingredients, sturdy silverware, exquisite porcelain plates, an aromatic essential oil candle, or some cultural and current affairs topics to discuss. That’s why they choose James St. on a Sunday morning—it always delivers.

 

Located in Brisbane’s newly developed upscale district New Farm, James St. is likened to New York’s Upper East Side. Home to many lawyers, architecture firms, and design studios, New Farm exudes an elite vibe and has become a hub for high-end restaurants, boutiques, and top-tier supermarkets. James St. sits right at its heart, radiating a strong urban pulse that captures Brisbane’s modern rhythm—sleek yet light.

 

James St. is dotted with independent galleries of all sizes, but REDSEA Gallery, opened in 2008 and hailing from Singapore, has recently become the most dazzling highlight.

 

Spanning 2,600 square feet, REDSEA Gallery showcases a wealth of contemporary artworks, featuring not only artists from across Australia but also pieces from other countries. The works span paintings, sculptures, and installations. What makes REDSEA Gallery truly special is its pursuit of novel, avant-garde concepts without obsessing over formal challenges—so the art here feels approachable and comforting, allowing visitors to enjoy art in a relaxed and natural way.

After visiting several lifestyle shops on James St., Kova Lifestyle left the deepest impression on me. Behind its simple, minimally decorated storefront lies a collection of exquisitely tasteful home goods. The steady stream of customers is a testament to the store’s refined style—it’s truly a favorite among Brisbane’s new elite.

 

Kova Lifestyle offers a wide range of items without being tacky: locally made handmade soaps, exotic textiles, vintage home décor, and more—all thoughtfully selected. Though not inexpensive, the quality is exceptional. Recently, they introduced items from the UK brand True Grace.

 

Founded under ARCO, True Grace uses pure natural oils like rapeseed and beeswax as main ingredients, with pure cotton wicks to ensure complete burn-off with zero residue. Each candle is hand-poured in Wiltshire, England. The fragrances are inspired by founders Philippa Nolan and Roger Biles, who have previously worked with brands like Calvin Klein, Molton Brown, Mulberry, Pringle, and Muji. The scents are unmistakably upscale. Kova Lifestyle carries around 30 fragrances, mostly subtle ones like ocean, grass, and tea. I’m particularly fond of Whitetea for its bright, refreshing aroma—like a cleanse for the senses, leaving days feeling crisp and soft.

 

As soon as I step into James Street Market, I’m reminded of the Tokyo Kinokuniya supermarket described in Haruki Murakami’s novels—everything here is “beautifully arranged,” making even a pumpkin or tomato feel like a handcrafted art piece to admire—their unique shapes and flawless skins. The fruits and vegetables, curated by Fine Fruit on James, are meticulously selected, with staff constantly ensuring they remain in peak condition. The rich selection of imported spices and foreign foods further highlights its upscale status.

Additionally, James Street Market houses a flower shop and a French patisserie, injecting a touch of elegance into this everyday supermarket. Walking through it, you can’t help but envy the lifestyle of Brisbanites.

 

The first to bring European charm to Park Rd was La Dolce Vita Caffe, opened by Italians. But based on recommendations from locals, we decided to go even more “Parisian” and chose a restaurant called Rue de Paris for lunch.

 

Compared to the dimly lit curved seating inside, we fell in love at first sight with Rue de Paris’s vine-covered front courtyard. Let those starlit sky seats be reserved for couples in love.