The Brisbane Summer Guide 2015/16
It’s that time of year again, when the rising mercury sends us outdoors en masse, pumping our concrete playground with an energy of revelry and renewal.
The spirit of summer is a celebration of what it means to be alive. We rediscover our joie de vivre with sandy toes, burnished skin, BBQs by the beach, and one too many daiquiris. But with so much going on at this time of year it’s hard to know where to begin, and what is supposed to be some well-deserved chill time can become a full-blown panic attack. So, what do you do when overwhelmed with options?
Welcome to the Concrete Playground Summer Guide, a shortlist of the best this city has to offer over the warmer months, from rooftop bars to waterfalls to picnic spots to outdoor dining and much more. You’ll never be without access to the best of everything, because the year’s too long and summer’s too short to waste time on the mediocre.
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NewsThe Five Best Waterfalls Near Brisbane That You Can Swim Under
Don't stick to the rivers and lakes that you're used to — go swim under some waterfalls just a short drive from Brisbane's city centre.
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NewsThe Best Picnic Spots in Brisbane
Wait till the weather is just right, fill your esky with cold drinks and an oversupply of snacks, then get picnicking.
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NewsThe Ten Best Unconventional Dates in Brisbane
Don't just 'grab a drink'. Be adventurous on your next date night out in Brisbane.
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NewsBrisbane Is Finally Getting Its Own Crab Shack
Whether you're down with crabs of the blue swimmer, spanner or Alaskan king variety.
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NewsThe Ten Most Incredibly Designed Public Swimming Pools in the World
Dip a toe into the pool of amazing aesthetics.
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EventVibes on a Summer's Day
Sat, 23 Jan, 2016
The Triffid, Newstead
Ain't no party like a Triffid party.
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NewsConcrete Playground's 2015-16 Summer Reading List
Ten books to get stuck into by the pool, the beach or on the couch with an Icy Pole in hand.
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EventVai Niu Wai Niu Coconut Water
Fri, 27 Nov 2015 - Wed, 24 Feb 2016
The Caboolture Regional Art Gallery, Caboolture
No, this exhibition isn't concerned with the popular drink.
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EventSuffragette
Sat, 26 Dec 2015 - Wed, 10 Feb 2016
Various cinemas in Brisbane
A stirring if somewhat conventional tale about the fight for women's suffrage.
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NewsThe Ten Best Places to See Wildlife in Australia
Go forth and make friends with adorable animals.
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NewsEight Beach Accessories for the Ultimate Summer Day Out
Next-level beach days come with extravagant towels, everlasting phone battery and the best inflatables.
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NewsTake a Little Staycation in Brisbane with Jarryd James
The ARIA winner crafts a mini-holiday for you in his (and our) hometown.
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NewsThe Red Hill Markets Are Closing (But Hopefully Not for Good)
Get your inner-west shopping in while you can.
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NewsThe Ten Best Movies Hardly Anyone Saw in 2015
Do yourself a favour and add these to your must-see movie list.
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NewsThe Five Best Places to Go Horse Riding Near Brisbane
Now's the time to live out your Saddle Club fantasies.
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EventMoonlight Cinema 2015-16
Wed, 16 Dec 2015 - Sun, 6 Mar 2016
New Farm Park, New Farm
Start designating who'll bring the hummus and who's on wine.
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NewsAlquimia Is Brisbane's Classy New Tequila Bar
With more than 80 different tequilas to add lemon and salt to.
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GuideTen of the Best Burger Joints in Brisbane
Because if it's one thing this city has, it's burgers.
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NewsThe Catchment Brewing Co. Is West End's Newest Craft Beer Bar
And they'll start brewing their own beer on-site soon.
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NewsIndoor Skydiving is Coming to the Gold Coast
The thrill of skydiving without the fear of hitting the ground.
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NewsHave the Fanciest Summer of Your Life at Mollymook's New Boutique Hotel
Languish in luxury on NSW's South Coast.
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NewsBrisbane's Riverside Markets Have a New Home
Brisbane's market mainstay is moving from the pier to the gardens.
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NewsThis Private Island Off the Coast of Tassie Lets You Take the Ultimate Break From Reality
And it's all oysters, wine and seaside views.
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NewsThe Bulimba Barracks Are About to Become Brisbane's New Riverfront Hang Spot
You'll soon be picnicking and cycling at the barracks.
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NewsThe Best Rum Bars in Brisbane
Be transported to Tiki shacks, Cuban shores and illicit speakeasies.
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NewsTen Ways to Keep Cool in Brisbane This Summer
Stay cool at the hottest places in town all summer long.
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NewsThe Ten Best Summer Getaways From Brisbane
You're never more than an hour away from a cabin on the coast and a cocktail to shake in it.
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NewsSummertime Sips: Three Rum Cocktails to Make at Home this Summer
Your pool party punch and post-festival nightcap, sorted.
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NewsThe Six Best Acai Bowls in Brisbane
The acai craze is creeping up the coast and has made its mark on menus around Brisbane.
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NewsA Guide to the Perfect Summer Playlist from the Makers of JukeCase
Road tripping, house partying, beach-bumming. Here's how to soundtrack your summer.
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NewsThe Eight Best Ways to Exercise for Free in Brisbane
Getting fit in Brisbane doesn't mean you have to shell out for expensive gym memberships.
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NewsThe Ten Best Martinis in Brisbane
Where to drink "the only American invention as perfect as the sonnet".
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NewsThe Seven Best Healthy Eating Spots in Brisbane
A health kick is no reason to stay home with your green smoothie.
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NewsThe Ten Best Bars in the Brisbane ‘Burbs
And we're not talking New Farm. It's time to talk about the bars finding new frontiers.
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NewsThe Ten Best Farmers’ Markets in Brisbane
Shopping destinations for lovers of gourmet and eaters with a conscience.
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NewsThe Eight Best Healthy Breakfasts in Brisbane
Because not every breakfast can be covered in hollandaise.
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NewsThe Eight Best Chicken Wing Joints in Brisbane
Let your tastebuds be carried away to a yokel hangout or sports bar in the US of A.
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NewsTen Standout Craft Beers to Try Before the End of Summer
Meet some local beers doing amazing things with hops, water and yeast.
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NewsThe Best Fish and Chips in Brisbane
Some of the best fish and chips in the city, no dreaded stodge in sight.
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NewsTen Outdoor Accessories to Make Your Next Camping Trip the Ultimate
The best gizmos and accessories for getting back to nature.
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NewsThe Ten Best Milkshakes in Brisbane
Sure, we've grown up. But so too have Brisbane's milkshakes, which are now house-made, all-natural and pretty darn sophisticated.
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NewsThe Ultimate Escape in the Daintree and Port Douglas
For the ultimate Aussie getaway, we head far, far north to Port Douglas, the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
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NewsThe Ten Best Beaches Near Brisbane
Summer smells like sunscreen, feels like sand between your cheeks and looks like old men in Speedos.
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NewsThe Five Best Scenic Running Routes in Brisbane
Whether you are running for need or desire, one thing that will keep you motivated is a killer view.
