What to eat, see, do and play in Queensland this summer

If you’re on the hunt for what to do in summer around Brisbane, you’ll find adventure in every corner – from the city to the bayside, hinterland and islands.

Humidity might be high in the city centre, but you’ll find plenty of solace in our green, shady parks, from Brisbane City Botanic Gardens to South Bank Parklands, where you can throw down a picnic blanket and catch live music each Sunday afternoon at River Quay Green (best enjoyed after a splash at Streets Beach). Thrill the kids on a river cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary where you’ll meet all kinds of Aussie animals, or fill your calendar with gigs at the city’s live music venues.

Make your way into the Scenic Rim for hikes in the cool rainforests or a dip at the swimming holes in Mount Barney National Park, or switch walking for wheels while exploring Hidden Vale Adventure Park by mountain bike.

Two of the world’s largest sand islands, Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) and Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) – are an easy day trip away. But for one of Brisbane’s most unique things to do, ‘walk on water’ to Erobin (King Island) at low tide, when a sand causeway emerges from Wellington Point, allowing foot access to the tiny island.

Discover more things to do in Brisbane. 

Where to eat this summer in Brisbane

When the summer heat hits, head to the riverside to catch a breeze and have a bite to eat. You can’t beat Howard Smith Wharves for casual drink at Felons Brewing, or a bucket of local prawns and wild-catch lobster on The Prawnster’s moored trawler.

Prefer sky-high vistas? Dine beside city icons at Sixteen Antlers Rooftop Bar, or trade barstools for a poolside lounge at LINA’s rooftop, where you can sip cocktails, feast on Mediterranean bites in between dips in the infinity pool.

Keen to taste the newest spots in town? From sleek French bistros to highly anticipated newcomers like Supernormal, use this as your reservation guide.

And if you’re looking for more ways to keep the kids enthralled during the holidays, but family-friendly classic Eat Street is on your to-do list, where a smorgasbord of food trucks and live entertainment will keep them busy for an evening.

Gold Coast

Things to do this summer on the Gold Coast

Summer on the Gold Coast is all about clocking up beach time – this coastline is Australia’s most popular holiday destination for good reason. While there’s plenty of space to find a quiet spot, why not take the chance to learn a new skill – like signing up for surf school or taking a hydrofoiling lesson on Currumbin Creek.

Escape the heat with a getaway to the hinterland, where in the same day you can hike to rushing waterfalls and picnic in lush vineyards. Or get your own rush by challenging yourself to one of the region’s most thrilling adventure activities.

Here are more things to do on the Gold Coast.

Where to eat this summer on the Gold Coast

Soaking up rays continues at meal times on the Gold Coast – from beer gardens to rooftop bars, or a feed by the beach at the local surf club.

Rick Shores is forever iconic – but don’t forget that just upstairs you’ll find the casual cool of Pavilion or upscale seaside dining at The Tropic. Further south, Kirra Beach House draws a crowd every day.

Want to try somewhere new? Tuck into Thai-street-food-inspired LimLay in Burleigh Heads, or book date night at Pipi’s in Coolangatta where beach views and Mediterranean cuisine mix.

Catch summer of sport on the screens at The Sporting Globe x 4 Pines Surfers Paradise. This state-of-the-art sports bar officially opened in June and features 60 high-def screens to bring you the best matches all summer long.

For more places to feast, discover the Gold Coast’s best bars and cheap eats.

Sunshine Coast

Spend a day on the waterslides and dizzying rides at Aussie World, or sink your toes into the sand at the best beaches, from secret spots to family-friendly favourites.

Explore the weekly Caloundra Street Fair, or rent an electric picnic boat and explore the Noosa River for an afternoon.

Want to try something new? SEA LIFE has launched a new ‘behind the scenes’ experience, a private three-hour guided tour with one of the marine specialists, which includes the opportunity to swim and meet with the seals, feed the penguins and get an exclusive look at the seal and penguin back of house areas.

For a cultural adventure, make your way to Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World to wander the new Bush Tucker gardens, which grows Indigenous plants used traditionally in cooking and medicine by the Jinibara Peoples. Created in partnership with the Jinibara People Aboriginal Corporation, and local cultivators, Brush Turkey Enterprises, you can discover local flavours like Davidson’s plum, lemon myrtle, quandong and more.

Here’s more of the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast.

Where to eat this summer on the Sunshine Coast

Spend your summer eating local on the Sunshine Coast. Coffee lovers should beeline to the newly reopened Glasshouse Plantation – the working coffee farm offers a ‘farm to cup’ coffee tasting experience so you can tour the farm, sip the freshest brews and tuck into breakfast.

Sunny afternoons are best spent in the beer garden of your favourite local brewery, or lounging riverside beside Noosa Boathouse, which hosts free live music on the lawn session each Friday from 4.30-7.30pm (weather dependent). Bring your picnic rug and grab takeaway fish & chips from the Boathouse to complete this quintessential Sunshine Coast experience.

Want the hottest dining table in town? Pelis Noosa – the newest venture from the beloved Sum Yung Guys crew – has recently opened its doors, delivering diners a sprawling Mediterranean restaurant with floor-to-ceiling glass windows looking out onto the Noosa River.  

Hungry? Discover the Sunshine Coast’s best restaurants and most affordable eats.

Southern Great Barrier Reef