Five Ways to Get Snowy in and Around Brisbane This Winter

Snow and Fortitude Valley don’t usually mix, but they do until Sunday, July 3. And, all that snow is 100-percent real. You’ll find it at The Prince Consort as part of the venue’s Snow Week. The Wickham Street spot has turned into a winter wonderland, because it’s that time of year. And, it’s hosting a heap of snow-themed festivities to help you make the most of the event.

Fancy a round of Snow (Drag) Queen Bingo? Have an ugly sweater you’d like to bust out at a party dedicated to terrible woollen wares? Keen to pretend you’re at a ski resort? They’re all options throughout the week. So is attending a shindig dedicated to Canada, to celebrate Canada Day — poutine included.

Redcliffe’s Undersea Putt & Play is getting wintry from 5–9pm every day until Sunday, July 10, showering its greens with that glorious falling white stuff. You’re also getting two themes for the price of one at Snowland Putt Putt, actually, because Undersea is usually decked out with ocean-inspired decor. Think: sharks and fish hanging above the course, turtles and pirates scattered among the greens, entering through the jaws of a dunkleosteus, an extinct ancient fish that grew up to eight metres long; and also spotting squid, jellyfish, whales, stingrays, mermaids and treasure chests.

The venue has now added its nightly white Christmas setup on top of its usual theming, spanning that fake snow and festive decorations. And yes, Christmas tunes are pumping through the stereo — because of course they are.

For a few weeks this June and July, Brisbanites can walk through snow, build a snowman, make snowballs and throw the latter at targets in an arcade — all by heading to Springfield. No, the weather isn’t extra frosty just in the westside suburb. No, we’re not living in a Hollywood disaster movie. Rather, Snow4Kids is back for 2022.

The idea is simple: this winter wonderland has brought a heap of real snow to the Orion Shopping Centre, and it’s letting anyone with a $25 ticket frolic through it, with the space open daily from 9.30am–4.30pm until Sunday, July 10. This is a family-friendly event, but adults without any kids in tow are still able to drop by — the organisers just ask that you be mindful of the fact that you’ll have plenty of pint-sized company.

One way to pretend that Brisbane is snowier than it really is: In the Snow at Customs House. It sets up igloos and wintry decor by the river each year, as part of the Queen Street venue’s regular seasonal makeover when the mercury drops. It also comes complete with see-through domes for you and your mates to hang out in, all while peering at the river and knocking back a range of cocktails.

Open Thursday–Sundays weekly until the end of winter — operating from 4pm on Thursdays and Fridays, and from 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays — the pop-up is also serving up a selection of bites to line your stomach. Start with up to four cheeses with truffle honey, or the baked whole brie. There’s also oysters, rabbit rillettes, crumbed cauliflower and mac ‘n’ cheese croquettes. Or, there’s the always-popular Moreton Bay bug croissant, too, which you can also pair with truffle fries.

How does a rooftop beach club handle winter? By enjoying a brand-new alpine makeover till the end of August. Yes, the snow has set in at Cali Beach, with the 5000-square-metre Surfers Paradise venue transforming itself into a rooftop lodge. And, it’s taking the concept seriously, with more than 60 snow-topped trees, fire pits and even fake snow falling across the site.

Expect big alpine energy as you wander through a snowy forest the size of a tennis court, complete with a toboggan slide — and when you hit up the huge dome igloo bar within it. The winter oasis has also turned its Saké Sisters restaurant into an après-ski lodge, spanning both its fitout and its menu. As for the Cali shop, it’s now a chalet bar with fire pits and blankets. And, instead of hopping in the pool, you can take a splash in two hot tubs. Between dips, there’s ice hockey as well — because why not?