The Five Best Places to Keep Cool this Summer in Brisbane

As the temperatures begin to soar, birds are dropping off their perch, snakes are slithering into bath tubs and the humans of Brisbane are starting to seriously sweat. To keep you cool and calm throughout the humid Brisbane summer, there are a few tactics to get you through: 1. Air conditioning - ignorance is bliss; 2. Hydrate - counteract the fact that you're dripping with sweat by drinking as many liquids as you can; 3. Embrace it - soak in the sun (after you've applied your 30+SPF), enjoy the heat and the fun that summer brings.

Because we like to help you guys out, we have narrowed down our five best places in Brisbane to cool down - in whichever way that you prefer.

Bacchus

Located at Rydges in South Bank, Bacchus is one of Brisbane's newest hotspots and in turn one of Brisbane's coolest spots too. To embrace the summer heat, you can head to the Bacchus pool bar where you can lounge by the pool looking fabulous, or bomb dive* into the pool splashing said fabulous people. The pool bar is stocked with with top shelf booze sourced locally and from our Euro friends in Spain, France, Italy and Portugal. Pool side snacks include a selection of tasty tapas such as the tomato, basil and bocconcini empanada; and for something more substantial you have a delicious choice of hearty steak and club sandwiches or some fresh Greek salad, accompanied, of course, by shoestring fries.

*Bomb diving is likely to be frowned upon.

Cnr Grey & Glenelg Streets, South Bank; 07 3364­ 0843; www.bacchussouthbank.com.au

Birdees

In the heart of the Valley is Birdees, best known for backpacking, student partying debauchery. This bright and colourful place is the perfect spot for embracing summer, with Mexican food on the menu, reasonably priced drinks and pumping music. It's basically the scene out of a Cancun documentary. With a recently completed rooftop beer garden, and a 12 metre swimming pool, you'll be able to make the most of summer celebrating here with a big group of friends.

608 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley; 07 3257 3644; www.katarzyna.com.au/venues/birdees

White Lightning Tiki Bar (Alfred and Constance)

For a truly tropical experience, you must head to the White Lightning Tiki Bar, located upstairs at everybody's new favourite, Alfred and Constance. Be prepared to be lei'd upon arrival and keeping in the Hawaiian spirit, you should probably try the piña colada - served in a hollowed out pineapple. Icy-cold and delicious, this is one of the many incredible creations that the skilled bartenders can prepare for you. Everybody is happy including especially the bar staff who sing and dance behind the bar making it an unforgettable and awesome party vibe.

Cnr Alfred and Constance Streets, Fortitude Valley; 07 3251 6500; www.alfredandconstance.com.au

South Bank Surf Club

While Streets Beach hasn't seen a single wave since the summer of '09 when Uncle Sam visited, the surf is officially up in South Bank. A surf club without any surf sets the precedence for what has become quite an untraditional beach bistro. Don't think of the surf clubs located up and down the coasts with their offerings of sweet schnittys, carvery roasts and classic Fisherman's Baskets. With succulent pork belly, salmon wrapped in prosciutto and beef ribs on the menu, the South Bank Surf Club is stepping up surf club dining and has done wonders to cement itself strong in Brisbane's casual dining scene.

30aa Stanley Plaza Parklands, South Brisbane

Tippler's Tap

They've said it themselves - out the back at Tippler's Tap is like the back of the bus - it's where all the action happens. It's also where the air conditioning happens. And no windows to let in the ghastly sun. Inside at Tippler's Tap is the perfect safety haven for those wanting to enjoy some beverages without breaking a sweat...unless they're playing a vigorous game on the pinball machine. Enjoy some chilly craft beers and delicious Chicago-style food. We highly recommend sharing the plate of 5 sliders with a friend. The pork with caramelised star anise is so much better than you can even imagine. Just do it.

22 Masters St, Newstead; 07 3122 9886; www.tipplerstap.com.au