Freedom is a strange feeling. It’s been a hot minute since we’ve strutted into summer without having to worry about the act of going outside. A new start is on the horizon in 2023, so let’s distance ourselves from the last few years by doubling down on fun and freedom.

In other words, folks, let’s live large. Sheridan recently floated a giant towel in Sydney Harbour, which got us thinking. The legendary Australian brand took something unassuming (but iconic for summer) and supersized it. They lived large. Here’s how you can too.

Here in Australia, we’re accustomed to making a day trip over water when the weather is just right. And sure, a public ferry can remove you from the hustle and bustle of the busy city, but you’re sailing right past the chance to live large.

Instead, locate your nearest boat charter business to hire a vessel. You’re set if you or someone you know has a boat license. If not, best hire a nautical pro for safe and smooth sailing. Either way, bring some friends, brews and a summery spread of food.

Sydney sailors should consider the north end of Sydney Harbour, past the heads crossing to Collins Flat (a cosy bush bay adjacent to North Head) or Balmoral (if you don’t mind a crowd). Melbourne mariners can sail to St Kilda Pier and Breakwater or across the port to Wyndham Harbour. Brisbane boaters can chart a course on the river for reserved spaces at Colmslie Reserve or Gardens Point Boat Harbour to drop anchor.

Image: Maksim Gonchareno

Not everyone is made for the water, and that’s okay. Living large isn’t exclusively synonymous with a seaside summer. If you instead focus on something like a camping trip, we’ll stop you there. Our tip: upgrade it to a glamping trip. It’s camping, but with extra comfort and a whole lot of style — living large, in other words.

Brisbanites can make the trip to North Stradbroke Island and Minjerribah Camping, where glamping options are available in four locations across the island. Our glamping pick for Sydneysiders is Paperbark Camp, a luxury, eco-friendly bush retreat in Jervis Bay. Melburnians are lucky because they can book at Werribee Open Range Zoo and get their glamp on within safe eyesight and earshot of the zoo’s African menagerie.

Suppose you’d prefer not to escape the urban environment, which works just fine. You have an excellent opportunity to visit a beautiful local park for a picnic with the squad. Observatory Hill stands out in Sydney with an easy-access location, stellar views and wide-open spaces.

Brisbane locals have their fair share of parks, but our pick is the Roma Street Parkland for its central location, gorgeous landscaping, and space for restrained and extravagant activities. In Melbourne, there’s the waterfront splendour of Albert Park, boasting plenty of room to get moving. Just don’t throw any games in the water.

Speaking of games, why not level up your picnic with a bit of friendly competition? For something fast and frantic, get your hands on Throw Throw Burrito, a dodgeball/card hybrid game from the makers of Exploding Kittens. If you’re after physicality, look for Spikeball, a game making waves in the professional backyard sports scene. And if you feel like taking your friends down a notch, get stuck into a game of Bottle Challenge, a hybrid of frisbee and backyard cricket made for one-to-one showdowns.

Images: Declan Blackall; Simone Gallaher (below, first); TEQ Brisbane Marketing (below, second)

You’ve undoubtedly heard it from your parents year after year: wear sunscreen. It is 100% necessary under Australia’s scorching rays. In the interest of the largest organ in your body (your skin) and going big this hot season, hit the trifecta in your routine: hydration, sun protection and overnight repair.

Gone are the days of thick, tacky, clog-your-pores sunblocks — we’ve got silky-smooth options, sprays and those boasting all-natural ingredients. A crowd fave is Queen Screen, a high-protection serum from the expert sun-defenders at Ultra Violette. Top it up on the run via Clemence Organic’s botanical-rich Protect & Clarify Daily Face Lotion (which is also a handy SPF15+). Or if something creamy is your jam, nab a bottle of Mecca’s To Save Face.

Our picks of the beautified smorgasbord to hand-hold that SPF: a skin-quenching splash by way of Clémence Organic’s naturopathically formulated Tone + Hydrate Spritz; Youth to the People’s vitamin-packed Superberry Hydrate Glow Dream Mask (to work while you sleep); and Imbibe’s Collagen Lips for a tried-and-true way to keep that pout plump.

Think of sun-smart skincare as you do staying hydrated and brushing your teeth: non-negotiable.

Take the idea of living large to another level and go faster, fly higher and dive deeper than ever before. Tucked away in the waters of Bobbin Head in Sydney’s North Shore is Fliteschool Manly, which offers high-speed efoiling (electric surfboard) tours. Alternatively, head out to Penrith for a Jet Pack flight experience to fly like a hose-propelled Iron Man.

Brisbane adrenaline seekers should dust off the aviators and flight suit, then head to Archerfield Airport. Here, you can experience your wildest Top Gun dreams with a fighter jet experience. These airborne adventures range from relaxing scenic tours to heart-pounding, G-force-intensive aerobatic and combat experiences in various aircraft.

In Melbourne, you can float high above or dive down below your comfort zone with experiences galore. Book a sunrise hot air balloon ride in the Yarra Valley, with champagne and breakfast included. Or visit Sea Life Aquarium and dive into the shark tank to get up close and personal with a variety of sharks, rays and fish in this extreme (but beginner-friendly) session.

Images: Pixabay (below, first); 

It’s easy to head into town and back to enjoy some live entertainment, but have you considered staying out and enjoying a five-star stay in your own city? Sydney residents might not know it exists, but our pick for this season is Oxford House, a tropical-style resort in Paddington. It’s within a stone’s throw of the Darlinghurst Theatre Company and Golden Age Cinema and Bar for live theatre or luxury cinema experiences, respectively.

In Melbourne, it doesn’t get much more gorg than AC Hotel in Southbank. This design-heavy five-star stay has skyline views to die for and an aesthetic to match. It also has you right near the bustling town centre and well within the range of Her Majesty’s Theatre, which has a summer schedule that’ll tempt even the most stage-sceptical.

The best view award might go to Brisbane. It’s hard to beat Crystalbrook Vincent and its infinity pool that looks out over the river, with amenities and style to boot. It’s also within easy range of New Farm Cinema and QPAC, where there’s always something interesting to see.

How do you like to start the day? You could sleep in, or you could take advantage of everybody else sleeping in. At this time of year, that means sunrise swims at your local beach. Everybody has a favourite, but some just hit differently in that early morning light.

Sydney has no shortage of quality beaches, but some standouts include Fairlight, Clovelly and Whale Beach, spread across the northern and eastern suburbs. In Brisbane, you can’t beat the stretched-out shorelines of Moreton Island, which are worth the trip over the water and then some. And, of course, Melbourne locals are familiar with names like Brighton and Altona when it comes to some of the best beaches around.

If you time it right, the water should be calm and clear, and the sand should be almost empty, save for a few runners, dog walkers and fellow swimmers. And, of course, you need a top-shelf Sheridan beach towel to chillax and drip dry on to find that ideal state of drift.

Live large and find that state of drift with Sheridan and the new ‘State of Drift’ summer collection, available online and in-store. Visit the website for more information.

Image: Andrew Gregory