Overview
Summer is here and oh don't we know it, Brisbane. The days are longer, the sun scorches all it touches and the humidity hangs heavy in the air. Whether you seek the arctic embrace of the air-conditioned indoors, want to splash around in your new swimmers or prefer to stay hydrated with a glass of ice-cold craft beer, there are plenty of ways to beat the heat in the city this summer.
STREETS BEACH AND SOUTH BANK SURF CLUB
The white sands, turquoise waters and shady palms of the Streets Beach at South Bank Parklands create the River City's most iconic watering hole. The artificial beach is patrolled by lifeguards six days a week and is free to the public. After taking a dip at the beach, dive into a meal at the South Bank Surf Club and continue to enjoy amazing views of the city. While you can't surf at Streets Beach, the South Bank Surf Club is making waves on the Brisbane casual dining scene serving a menu that defies traditional surf club fare. Think fresh seasonal seafood, BBQ pork ribs, grass-fed Cape Grim scotch fillet, creme brulee, and not a schnitty in sight.
30a Stanley Plaza Parklands, South Brisbane
LA MACELLERIA GELATERIA
A scoop (or two) of cold, creamy and utterly delicious gelato from La Macelleria will have you mistaking Teneriffe for the cobblestone streets of Rome. Cup or cone? Gelato, sorbet or granita? The choices are tough. Arguably the best gelato in Brisbane, it boasts classic flavours like pistachio, espresso and hazelnut scooped alongside special creations whipped up by the two boys from Bologna. Just one lick and you'll be screaming amore.
29 Florence Street, Teneriffe
SOLEIL POOL BAR
Soleil Pool Bar might just be the hottest new spot to stay cool around town this summer. The digs previously known as Bacchus Pool Bar have been renovated, revamped and relaunched to celebrate the sun that shines brightly over the River City. An extensive cocktail list will be guaranteed to quench your thirst as you lounge by the pool and listen to the sounds of summer.
Corner of Grey and Glenelg Streets, South Brisbane
SPRING HILL BATHS
Don your cossie in the vivaciously coloured Victorian changing cubicles and make a splash at Brisbane's heritage-listed Spring Hill Baths. Holding the title as the oldest surviving swimming baths in the Southern Hemisphere, the 23.43 metre aqua-blue pool and wooden grandstand seating exude old world charm. The baths are suitable for all swimmers from those learning to swim to those staying fit or just trying to keep cool.
14 Torrington Street, Spring Hill
NEW FARM CINEMAS
Air-conditioning — check. Entertainment – check. Ice cream – check. The New Farm Cinemas are the perfect place to escape the sweltering sun on a hot summer's day. Chill out in comfort at the recently renovated, retro-style cinemas and catch the latest blockbusters or a flashback film. The Purple Bar and Lounge serve light snacks and beverages to be enjoyed in front of the big screen, and Scoop Café and Gelato Bar stock goodies from neighbourhood favourites Dello Mano and La Macelleria.
701 Brunswick Street, New Farm
WOOLLY MAMMOTH ALEHOUSE
Boasting Queensland's largest selection of craft beer, the Woolly Mammoth Alehouse in Fortitude Valley is the place to stay hydrated this summer. With a beastly 23 beers on tap (rotating small-release batches), a decent cocktail list and wines by the glass or bottle, a summer's afternoon is likely to melt away faster than the ice age. A plentiful share menu will whet your appetite while you stay entertained with indoor bocce, giant Jenga, shuffleboard and live music across three distinct spaces within the beer hall.
633 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
QPAC
Queensland Performing Arts Centre is a haven on a hot day (or night), as ice-cold air-conditioning meets live entertainment. Their December lineup includes smash-hit musical Les Miserables as well as the Queensland Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker.
Grey Street, South Brisbane
BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL POOLS
With 20 council pools splashed across the city, there is no shortage of H2O to dive into. Depending on your 'hood you'll find facilities that cater for learn to swim, stroke development, water polo, aqua aerobics and cooling off. Some pools offer slides and play equipment, barbecues and kiosks. Grab your cap, goggles and Speedos, and head down to your local pool. We've rounded up our favourite outdoor swimming pools across the city here.
Locations across Brisbane
QAGOMA
The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art are wonderfully airconditioned spaces that offer Brisbanites the chance to engage with Australian and international exhibitions. Both galleries hang a combination of permanent and visiting exhibitions, many of which can be enjoyed for free. And if art ain't your thing, maybe science is. Try the Sciencentre at the Queensland Museum — it's also air conditioned.
Stanley Place, South Bank
ACAI BOWL CRAWL
Whats cooler than being cool? Acai. That little purple berry is right on trend as a #superfood of the moment. We've compiled a list of our favourites to get you through the hot days. But hey, if clean eating is not your game, the infamous CP Milkshake Crawl should be added to your foodie bucket list asap to get you milk drunk on a lazy day.