The Ten Best Summer Getaways From Brisbane

Queensland might be hot, steamy, wet and stormy come summer, but it is also the place to be. Staying in the city isn't in keeping with the spirit of the season, even when there's plenty of fun to be had in the Brisbane sun. Head to a beach, hole up in the mountains or otherwise embrace the elements in that break you know you need: a summer getaway.

SURFERS PARADISE

See: Descending upon the centre of the Gold Coast sets any summer trip up for sun and fun. The beach is never more than a stroll away, and Cavill Avenue boasts more than its fair share of bars, clubs and restaurants. Wander down the road for a spot of mini golf, head to Broadbeach for some shopping, or jump on a bus to Sea World, Movie World, Dreamworld or Wet'n'Wild. Rest assured, you'll never be bored.

Stay: QT Gold Coast is one of Surfers Paradise's newest hotel, and it shows. With its own bar, cafe and spa on site, you might not even want to venture further.

Drink: Before your head starts thumping, why not enjoy a Pain Killer? This twist on the Pina Colada combines 60ml Appleton 8yr old, 120ml pineapple juice, 30ml coconut cream and 30ml orange juice, shaken, strained and served over ice. Add a Maraschino cherry and an orange slice for garnish.

TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN

See: A mountain getaway is just as enjoyable as a beach break, and more so if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the coastline. Tour the breweries, browse the galleries and trek along the many trails. Conquer your fear of heights on the rainforest skywalk, or bask in the glory of the glow-worm caves.

Stay: Take your pick – of places, and styles. Camping embraces the back-to-nature vibe, and Thunderbird Park even has its own theme park, as well as lodges if sleeping under the stars isn't for you.

Drink: Things might get Dark and Stormy staying up high, and we're not just talking about the weather. Pour 60ml Appleton 8yr Old, 90ml ginger beer and 15ml lime juice into a short glass filled with ice, stir and savour as the clouds form.

NOOSA

See: Which Noosa do you want to visit? Take your pick! Head to Noosa Heads for Hasting Street's boutique shopping strip, cavalcade of cafes and patrolled Main Beach. Go to Noosaville for chilling in, on or by the river. At Noosa North Shore, you'll find sand dunes, a national park and secluded swimming spots.

Stay: If you can't choose where to stay – or want to take in all that Noosa has to offer – then why not try a houseboat? Bring your friends for the ultimate in waterfront accommodation.

Drink: Kick back and relax with that summer-time favourite: the Daiquiri. You only need three ingredients and a cocktail glass, and you're on your way to liquid glory. Mix 60ml Appleton V/X, 40ml fresh lime juice and 20ml sugar syrup in a cocktail shaker full of ice, then strain and serve.

MOOLOOLABA

See: Home to Underwater World's aquarium delights, and a mighty fine surf club too, Mooloolaba is a little sleepy and a little stylish – and that's the way it likes it. Your trip might coincide with a local surf competition, if watching is your thing. Or cruise the canals all year round, and dream about permanent beachside living.

Stay: You won't get closer to Mooloolaba's many esplanades of action than the Aegean — or better views, either. Everything you need is in walking distance, be it food, fun or the ocean.

Drink: The Mai Tai is a cocktail classic, best enjoyed with a stunning summer view. Throw 30ml lime juice, 15ml orange Curacao, 7.5ml sugar syrup, 7.5ml Orgeat, 30ml Appleton V/X, and 30ml Coruba dark into a shaker, strain and pour over ice. Add a mint sprig and a lime shell, then look longingly out into the distance

RAINBOW BEACH

See: Known for its shaded sands of up to 72 different colours, Rainbow Beach is the quiet spot to end all quiet spots. Indoor types need not apply, unless you're happy reclining by the sea while others get active. There's fishing, boating and surfing – and diving and gliding, too, of the scuba and sky, and hang and para varieties. Four-wheel driving is the real thing to do, both along the beach and on specific tracks.

Stay: Keep close to the main drag while peering out over the sea at Plantation Resort. As an added bonus, The Rainbow Beach Hotel is part of the same complex.

Drink: You've enjoyed a spot of fishing – and maybe even caught your own dinner – so here's the drink to match. Mix up 45ml Appleton 8yr, 15ml cognac, 5ml peach brandy, 20ml lemon juice, 45ml water and 10ml sugar syrup, and you have yourself some Fish House Punch. Multiply all quantities by 10 to fill a punch bowl.

MONTVILLE

See: The only way is up if you want to eat your way through a summer feast. In Montville and its mountainous surrounds, you'll find candy stores, dairies, wineries, the ginger factory and strawberry fields ripe for the picking. You're also a short drive away from the famous Eumundi Markets for more supplies, and from the Glasshouse Mountains if you want to walk it off afterwards.

Stay: This one's for the lovers, who'll want to relax the only way you should in such a setting: in a free-standing tree house. With a spa bath overlooking greenery, and a fire to snuggle up around, you'll soon forget what season it is.

Drink: Holed up in a cabin and inspired to put pen to paper by your surroundings? You'll want a Hemingway Daiquiri to keep those creative juices flowing. All you'll need is 60ml Appleton V/X, 15ml maraschino liqueur, 20ml lime juice and 15ml grapefruit juice – and a Maraschino cherry for garnish – shaken up with ice.

STRADBROKE ISLAND

See: First, there are the ocean sights of the ferry ride across. Then, there's beach and bush as far as the eye can see. Checking out the flora and fauna – be it walking under koala-dotted trees, or going whale watching – are common pastimes. And then there's the famous Straddie Pub at Point Lookout. The old buildings may have been torn down, and new ones built, but its reputation remains.

Stay: A private lodge suits the laidback island atmosphere, and is perfect for groups. Try Straddie Bungalows, set against nearly 2 acres of Moreton Bay waterfront.

Drink: It does get mighty windy over at Stradbroke; however, the only Hurricanes you will see will be in your glass. The original fruity punch is a concoction of 60ml Appleton V/X, 20ml passionfruit puree, 30ml orange juice, 15ml lime juice, 5ml grenadine and 5ml sugar syrup, shaken, strained and served over ice. Then add as much seasonal fruit as you can find.

STANTHORPE

See: Head inland to eat, drink and be merry, courtesy of a plethora of gourmet food producers of all kinds and styles. There's a foodie event almost every weekend, but Stanthorpe isn't just known for its on-site tasty treats. Take a cooking class during your stay, and learn how to recreate the magic at home afterwards.

Stay: When in wine and cheese country, there's only one type of accommodation that fits the bill: bed and breakfast. Head to Diamondvale Cottages to sample the local hospitality not only while you're out and about but overnight too.

Drink: Being surrounded by so much wine and cheese might just set your sugary cravings into overdrive – and in need of Treacle. Add 60ml Appleton 8yr old, 10ml sugar syrup, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and ice slowly to the serving glass a little at a time, constantly stirring. Float the 15ml freshly pressed apple juice over the drink, tasting as you're making, and add orange zest as garnish when it hits the sweet spot.

CASUARINA

See: So we've ventured over the Queensland border and into the wilds of Northern New South Wales – but this sleepy new stopover is worth the trip. Not yet a tourist trap, but with plenty to explore, this place just past Kingscliff is perfect for baking on the beach, lazing by the pool and doing little else. Well, there's also the nearby Tropical Fruit World, if you need some sights to see. Yes, that's a themed destination devoted to lychees, mangos, papaya and the like – and the home of the big avocado.

Stay: Go all-out at Peppers Salt Resort and Spa, with its lagoon pool and top-notch day spa. If there's one spot for spoiling yourself, this is it.

Drink: Hang out at a beach resort and channel the essence of a movie star such as Mary Pickford. The silent siren's cocktail namesake will perfect the picture, combining 60ml Appleton V/X, 45ml un-sweetened pineapple juice, 5ml Maraschino liqueur and 5ml grenadine in an ice-filled shaker, then straining and adding a Maraschino cherry.

BYRON BAY

See: What isn't there to see and do in Byron Bay? Swimming, surfing, sunbaking – all the typical beach activities are covered. Shopping, eating, drinking – all the fun holiday things, too. Depending on the time of year, there's probably a festival in town. And for something different, head to the hinterland to check out the serenity of the Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens.

Stay: Accommodation is abundant in this popular destination, but there's only one place to experience the lifestyle of former lighthouse keepers: Lighthouse Cottages. You'll be surrounded by the peace and quiet of a national park, and gifted a truly amazing view.

Drink: Find the right part of Byron, and come nightfall, you might feel like the only ones around. Whip up a Zombie to embrace the mood. Blend 30ml Appleton V/X, 30ml Appleton 8yr old, 25ml lime juice, 15ml grapefruit juice, 45ml unsweetened pineapple juice, 7.5ml Falernum, 10ml Maraschino, 5ml grenadine, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, and 2.5ml Pernod with ice until evenly mixed through, then top with a pineapple spear, orange slice, cherry and a mint sprig. Avoid brains.