The Summer Guide to Brisbane 2017–18
Slap on your invisible zinc and get out there. Blue skies wait for no one.
Summer in Brisbane is nothing short of glorious. It's sunny mornings, steamy afternoons and evenings that stay bright and burning long after you've escaped the office. It's gold-coloured sunsets at Shorncliffe, Friday afternoons at Kangaroo Point cliffs, post-work picnics in New Farm Park, eating chips by the shore at Manly and weekend jaunts to Straddie. We could go on, but you get it: summer is a jump-out-of-bed-in-the-morning time to be in Brisbane.
But, hey, we're spoilt and sometimes we forget just how damn special this time of year is. That's why we've put together the Summer Guide, a shortlist of the best this city has to offer December through to March, from rooftop bars and beaches to backyard barbecues and way, way beyond.
So whether its in the sand or a cool corner of a beer garden, go forth and frolic. Summer is the ultimate Brisbane pop-up and it waits for no one.
The essentials
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A Guide to Australia's Best Summer Festivals in 2017–18
The best camping festivals, one-day dance parties and multi-day arts meets hitting the country this year.
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Ten Epic Art Exhibitions to See Across Australia This Summer
From Yayoi Kusama to Pipilotti Rist to the NGV's huge new Triennial, this might be the country's best summer of art yet.
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Road Tripping: A Brisbanite's Guide
From quick city getaways just a few hours drive away to epic interstate adventures.
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Five Epic Multi-Day Hikes to Conquer Near Brisbane
Pack a tent, water and lots of snacks and walk your way through the most beautiful parts of Queensland.
Summer events
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Outdoor adventures
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News
Five Epic Multi-Day Hikes to Conquer Near Brisbane
Pack a tent, water and lots of snacks and walk your way through the most beautiful parts of Queensland.
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News
You Can Now Book a Luxe French Riviera-Inspired Poolside Cabana in Noosa for the Day
You'll also get your own butler who'll bring you Champagne and seafood.
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Guide
75 Highly Awesome Outdoor Brisbane Adventures to Try
There's got to be at least one in here for you. At least.
Summer eats
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Guide
Brisbane's Least Awkward Spots for a First Date
Because first dates are nail-biting enough without the added challenge of picking a good place.
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Guide
Where to Eat When You're Saving but Don't Feel Like Another Meal at Home
Places for a weeknight feed that won't blow the budget.
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News
DoughLord Is Brisbane's New Dedicated Cookie Dough Haven
No, you don't have to have ice cream with it.
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News
The Ten Best Beers To Drink This Summer
A beer snob's guide to the top hops for the summer months.
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News
Montrachet's Long-Awaited King Street Boulangerie Is Now Open
After moving across town, the French favourite has opened its own provincial-style bakery.
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News
Cheeky Poke Bar Is Newstead's New Home of Healthy Eats and Colourful Cocktails
Poke your head in on Brisbane's latest poke joint.
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Guide
Brisbane's Best New Cafes of 2017
Honouring the best new additions to Brisbane's cafe scene this year.
Crew hangs
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News
Five Romantic Brisbane Date Ideas for This Week From Budget to Blowout
This week, you and your plus one can watch festive flicks for free by the river, then escape the heat (and the Christmas chaos) at a day spa.
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News
Vegemite Has Released an Icy Pole Recipe and People Are Confused
The most Aussie summer treat since the Sunnyboy (RIP).
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News
Five Tournaments to Challenge Your Mates to This Summer
A bit of friendly competition never hurt anybody.
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News
The Rustic Hobbies Made Better by Technology to Adopt for Summer
For the burgeoning urban hobbyists among us.
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Guide
Where to Celebrate Your Birthday in Brisbane (and Not Send Your Friends Broke)
Our top picks to celebrate another lap around the sun.
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News
Eight Summer Eskies That Take Beverage Cooling More Seriously Than Most
Don't settle for warm beer.
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Guide
12 Killer Summer Recipes from Some of Australia's Best Chefs
Entrees, mains and cocktails from Porteno, Kitchen by Mike, Matt Stone, Big Poppa's and more.
Air-conditioned adventures
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Guide
Brisbane Bars with Games and Activities for When You Want to Do More Than Just Drink
Sip shiraz over 'Scrabble', mash buttons with a brew in your hand or pair cocktails with karaoke — or making your own perfume.
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News
Brisbane's Freeplay Gaming Arcade 1UP Adds Unlimited Pinball and a Console Lounge
The Morningside venue levels up, allowing patrons to play even more games until their heart's content.
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News
Brisbane Is Getting a Massive Ball Pit Playground Over Summer
Prepare to dive into an adult playground filled with one million glow-in-the-dark balls.
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Guide
Eight Captivating Art Exhibitions to Explore in Brisbane This December
Cover off everything from Japanese icons to artistic bootlegs to Queensland's neon past.
Reading List
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Guide
Brisbane's Most Popular Bars of 2018
The rooftop bars, themed hangouts, old-school pubs and cosy courtyards you flocked to this year.
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Guide
Brisbane's Most Popular Restaurants of 2018
The new openings and old favourites you flocked to this year.
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News
Summer Reading List 2017-18
Find a shady spot on the beach and make your way through these seven books.
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Guide
Brisbane's Most Popular Restaurants of 2017
The new openings and old favourites you flocked to this year.
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News
Ten Australian TV Shows You Should Stream This Summer
Hit pause on your fifth run of 'Seinfeld' — there's plenty of hilarious, relatable and completely bingeworthy local television to get into.
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Guide
Brisbane's Most Popular Bars of 2017
The rooftop bars, themed hangouts, old-school pubs and cosy courtyards you flocked to this year.
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News
Concrete Playground's Top Ten Films of 2017
If you didn't catch these in cinemas, make it your mission to seek them out before the year's end.
Wellbeing
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News
Eight Australian Yoga Retreats to Help You Achieve Your Most Flexible Zen
Practise your back bends in Byron and your downward dog in the Daintree.
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News
Ten Sustainable Hacks For Keeping Cool Without Air Conditioning This Summer
Fill up the ice bucket, buy a spray bottle and put your sheets in the freezer.
Warm Weather Getaways
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News
The Ten Best Beach Camping Spots in Australia
Wake up to the sound of waves at these incredible beachside campsites across Australia.
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News
Ten Must-Visit Places Worth Travelling Overseas for in 2018
Check for cheap flights and lock in a date.
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Guide
A Weekender's Guide to Brisbane's Best Getaways
Where to eat, what to see and where to stay in Queensland and northern NSW.
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News
Ten Great Australian Houseboats for a Cruisy Summer Holiday
Explore the rivers less travelled (and take your accommodation with you).
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News
Five Epic Australian Treehouses You Can Spend the Night In
You couldn't have dreamed these up as a kid.