Escape the winter chill:
Spend your Euro Summer in Brisbane
Experience Brisbane’s endless summer this winter! Soak up sunny days, sun-kissed afternoons, lingering warmth, and playful whales. This is your Euro summer dupe in Brisbane.
Dine
Drink, dine and bask in the sunshine at some of Brisbane’s best alfresco bars and restaurants. Enjoy riverside dining at Howard Smith Wharves, nestled beneath the iconic Story Bridge, or explore the leafy surrounds of James Street, a boutique shopping and dining precinct brimming with open-air options and exceptional food. The City is also home to many restaurants with outdoor dining found along the Brisbane River, such as Mulga Bills, Opa Bar + Mezze and Babylon. Also found riverside, is Patina at Customs House where you can enjoy a winter igloo experience for a champagne high tea, dinner, or a Chalet bar experience.
Rooftop rendezvouses are also best enjoyed during the Brisbane winter. With baby blue skies and an ever-present sunny disposition, Brisbane’s rooftop bars and restaurants will transport you to the picturesque rooftop terraces in Greece. From Mediterranean oasis, Sunsets, to the 180-degree city views on the Queen’s Wharf Sky Deck at Cicada Blu, the intimate setting of Agnes’ terrace bar to LINA’s rooftop pool or their cosy igloo and fire pit settings for those wanting a more winter-esque experience.
If you’re looking for a true European summer atmosphere, you can dance the night away with these late-night offerings. Tama Supper Club serves delicious Asian flavours and incredible late-night entertainment that will have you dancing on tabletops. Brisbane’s basement dumpling bar, Central, will have you partying the night away. Go from feasting on dim sum at a late-night dinner setting (we’re talking 9pm earliest, the Euro-chic way), to dancing under the sparkling disco ball with signature cocktails and an exclusive late-night snacks menu.
Adventure
Soak in the warmth with an island hopping adventure, discovering two of the world’s largest sand islands and hidden havens across the coastline. While exploring all the islands have to offer, spend some time looking out towards the horizon, where you are almost guaranteed to spot the oceans most magnificent mammals migrating to the warmer waters. If you want to get an even closer look at the whales, you can embark on a whale watching tour with Brisbane Whale Watching.
Maybe your ideal European summer is you enjoying a vino in the midst of a vineyard and snacking on local artisan goods. Well look no further than Sarabah Estate. Wine and dine Tuscan style, sip on meticulously crafted vino and share woodfired pizzas in the sun at their winery, or sit amongst the vines at Witches Falls Winery and enjoy a wine tasting with a charcuterie platter to pair. For a completely immersed experience, join a food and wine tour with a Kiff and Culture, Pineapple Tours or The Vino Bus, which will take you to all the highlights in the Scenic Rim region.
Take advantage of the clear days, get outdoors and reconnect with nature! Embark on an adventure on one of the numerous hiking and walking trails only a short drive from The City. Enjoy the spectacular views and refreshing waterfalls along the trails that make the hike all worth the effort. Or spend some time with gorgeous furry animals at one of Brisbane’s unique and family friendly farm stays.
Wellness
If winter wellness sounds like your cup of tea, then take the pressure off and book in with one of Brisbane’s best day spas. From saunas, mineral baths and cold plunges at the rooftop Soak Bathhouse overlooking the cityscapes, to the moody and intimate experiences of The Bathhouse Albion that will leave feeling replenished and relaxed. Enjoy massages and facials at Total Fusion Spa, inclusive of the rooftop wellness access, where you can recline on the sun loungers and relax à la White Lotus Season Two-style, with the potential to spot a celeb or two - Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker famously dropped in for a Cryotherapy session! Or indulge in a treatment at the ultra-luxe Kailo Medispa at the renowned Calile Hotel before delving into a late-lunch of Greek fare at the pastel-hued Hellenika set by the poolside.
Events
Brisbane’s endless summer is accentuated through all of the incredible outdoor events that take place during the winter months. For the foodie and wine connoisseurs, check out Scenic Rim Eat Local Month, Moreton Bay Food and Wine Festival and Brisbane City’s Dine BNE City offerings where you can join special events, workshops and taste your way across Brisbane’s regions. Sirromet Winter Solstice will have you enjoying wine by a personal firepit in the Redlands Coast and The Star Brisbane will have you snacking on popcorn at the outdoor Skyline Cinema while cosied up to watch a cult classic. For an interactive experience you won’t soon forget, SPARK Ipswich is lighting up the entire Ipswich City with its mesmerising creative experiences including music, art installations and so much more.
Where to stay
Stay longer in the warmth of Brisbane and find your perfect accommodation. Whether you’re seeking lush amenities and rooftop outlooks at the likes of Emporium Hotel, the tall palm tree and umbrella-lined pool of The Calile, a quaint hinterland cottage where you can escape the hustle and bustle, or pink-forward Euro vibes with private courtyards and an umbrella-lined pool at Miss Midgley’s; your perfect stay can be found in Brisbane.
