When I purchased my first home in Zillmere at the end of last year, I was met with the same two comments – “where is that? I’ve never heard of it!” and “don’t worry, it will gentrify”, which was usually followed by a sympathetic look and a query about how I found the nightlife.
Let’s face it, many who know the area know it by its reputation, thanks largely to one big, heinous event that took place here. You might be further alarmed by the handmade sign adorning the local 7-Eleven which talks about high levels of theft, and how staff have a right to lock the doors to feel safe.
I don’t doubt they’ve had bad experiences. But on the whole, Zillmere is surprisingly quiet. You’ll hear chippies hard at work and birds chirping in the trees more than you’ll hear any neighbourhood disturbance.
Under a microscope, it really doesn’t look much different to my old stomping ground of Clayfield – and even the coffee is the same. My local here, Milk and Froth, has a Clayfield sister venue that stands proudly outside Harris Farm.
Each morning at the Zillmere-Aspley junction, Pilates princesses from the adjacent Studio Pilates sip their iced lattes with their spoodles and spaniels – my own golden cocker in tow for the social outing. I couldn’t tell you which suburb was which, if I did not already know.
In fact, we walk daily in our neighbourhood and see many designer dogs with their owners enjoying the same tree-lined streets and nearby Zillman Waterholes route.
Most people have their grass mowed and edged, often with signs reminding people to clean up after their dog, as many an older resident waves from the garden.
There’s no doubt the area is a mixed bag in terms of housing, but each day we see more builders on site and more renovations underway, as the post-war timber homes with large yards take shape and get hedges, nice fences, and decorative features to rival those in our blue-chip suburbs.
We’re seeing more and more young couples and families buying here for the large backyards and potential to make a home, and the area is starting to recognise that, with local plant shop and boutique café Little Fox Lane just one example. The shop looks like it would be more at home in West End, but always has an endless stream of people dining in.
There’s no shortage of great food here, with the much-loved Banh Mi Factory proudly keeping local factory workers, residents and travellers across town fed. The Geebung Bowls Club, which falls in Zillmere, offers an authentic and affordable Malaysian restaurant, Little Nyonya. Meanwhile the pop-up momo restaurants, such as Laphing Brisbane, have you transported to Kathmandu. Locals fill the plastic chairs under fairy lights every night they’re open, as the tiny food truck cooks up a storm, with a meal for two with a starter setting you back a mere $30 in total.
Sure, we may hear the occasional siren or argument, but that’s city living, and something I have experienced in all the much fancier suburbs I have called home. I also hear the school bell, the kids laughing and playing on the nearby oval, and the kookaburra on my back fence each morning. It’s the best of the ’burbs, without the hassle of being too far from the city.
I had affectionately nicknamed the area ‘No Frilly Zilly’ for its no-frills offerings in terms of a night out. For what Zillmere lacks in wine bars and sandwich shops, it makes up for in proximity to friends and wine drinking on back decks. It seems everyone just like us had already made the move to the outer suburbs to buy a house, and seeing friends is easier than ever. We live around the corner from one of our besties, and enjoy the walks home late at night, which always do feel safe, and the new-found dining experiences we are making at home.
It would be remiss of me not to mention nearby Hodfellows Brewery, which runs Brisbane’s best trivia on a Thursday. The host, André, is charming and funny and fills the venue each week with a cool crowd of smart people brimming with competitive spirit and European beer. It is one of the best things about the area.
Come Saturday morning, the nearby Carseldine Farmers and Artisan Markets is just as buzzing. You can grab a fancy pastry and a matcha, buy plants for your garden that won’t break the bank, and get all your weekly essentials. There’s often live music and a community atmosphere.
Zillmere’s problem is an image issue more than any actual issue. But the reality is, what people think of the area doesn’t matter. The waft of freshly baked biscuits from the Arnott’s factory on my drive up Robinson Road of an evening sets off my comfort response: I am arriving back at No Frilly Zilly, my home.
