Maybe it's been overshadowed by its more famous cousin in Sydney, but Brisbane's Paddington hasn't really made the list of essential inner-city suburbs, if there is such a list somewhere. The long shopping strip along La Trobe and Given Terraces winds its way up the hill towards Mount Coot-tha, and is full of delights — converted workers' cottages entice you in with stunning vintage fashion and all manner of interesting little things (it's the place to go for '30s hat boxes). Pop into Miss Posh Poodle ("apparel for the disappointed Prom Queen") and wander down the road for the best brunch in town at Sassafras. Then make your own list! All of the above are only about 10 minutes from town via the Inner City Northern busway. On a Saturday, mix some free live music with markets and some of the Valley's best designer shops — the new kids on the block in the TCB, golden oldies Blonde Venus and Honor Lulu, and then the place for you to go handbag and '50s dress crazy at Maocchi. This is one of several brands that started life as a Valley markets stall. Now, as I can attest, its fame has reached Perth! There's a very lively DIY/fashion culture in Brisbane which is well worth seeking out.

Brisbane might lack the quirky megastore goodness of Kunikoniya, but we've got a thriving independent bookstore culture, from one of the world's largest second-hand book stores is on Elizabeth Street — Archives — to fabulous small shops. Folio on Albert Street has an emphasis on art, design and architecture, and Avid Reader on Boundary Street in West End is a hub for events and reading groups. Just up the road across Vulture Street is the aptly named Bent Books. As a bit of a sci-fi geek, my personal favourite is Pulp Fiction in Anzac Square Arcade.