West End/Highgate Hill is strategically situated within 2km of the City. West End was named by English settlers who found the local geography a fond reminder of the West End in London. Today, West End has flourished into a cultural center of Brisbane and a true melting pot for different cultures. West End is bordered by the Brisbane River on three sides and Highgate Hill on the east. Highgate Hill enjoys a particularly commanding view of both the City and the river.
 

West End is most renowned for its eclectic architectural style and an unique array of neighborhood shops focusing on niche and unusual products. Along with the heritage architecture, many modern, funky buildings are springing up in a frantic pace in here as a result of the rapidly growing population. While trying to cope with explosive growth by allowing more developments, it is also working hard to retain the "village" feel of the place and the relaxed atmosphere. Today, West End's shopping precinct still maintains a very distinctive look just like when it first started.

West End has a lot of independent, local grocery markets that offer excellent foods at a bargain price.  Unlike chain stores that provide standard products across the board, most neighborhood grocers source locally and offer niche products, particularly the organic foods, that cater to the health-conscious, progressive residents of West End.  Even the Coles at the Markets carry special lines of ethnic grocery food to appeal to the culturally and ethnically diverse West Enders.