We all do it… keep a list of things, either in our heads, in endless phone notes or scribbled somewhere for future remembering. Usually however, these lists are full of chores, the daily drudgery of errands and the priority list for an organised work-life. Well, we are here to flip the “to do” list to fun. To put the ‘me’ in timetable, and the “I” in organised… ok we’ll get on with it. See our tips below for your summer “to do” list in our neck of the woods.
PICNIC LIKE IT’S HOT
You, our bikes and an absurdly good picnic in Brisbane’s most iconic picnic spot, New Farm Park. Forget the prep and go straight to the picnic in three easy steps: 1) Get the goods from Sunshine Mediterranean eatery directly opposite the hotel and pick out a gourmet spread on the spot 2) Chose your pleasure, drinks from Cru Bar & Cellar or carbs from Jocelyn’s Provisions (both nearby) 3) Cycle an easy 7-minute ride to the park and enjoy your feast among the roses by the riverside.
HAPPILY EVER AFTER
No, not a marriage proposal, rather an invitation to escape into a dream world via the latest exhibition, Fairy Tales at the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA). Our state’s leading modern arts institution has curated yet another original presentation, exploring centuries of folk stories and storytelling. Don’t be fooled, this is no children’s story, the GOMA curatorial team are renowned for developing extraordinary exhibitions that span contemporary practices and installations to create sweeping and immersive experiences. This is borne out in the artist line up, including work by Abdul Abdullah, Destiny Deacon, Rachel Feinstein, Trulee Hall, Carsten Höller, Anish Kapoor, Yayoi Kusama, Ron Mueck, Tracey Moffatt, Henrique Oliveira, Patricia Piccinini, Kiki Smith, Jana Sterbak and many others. Residing alongside original rarities by Hans Christian Andersen, Lewis Carroll and Henri Matisse. Worth a trip down the rabbit hole from 2 Dec 2023 – 28 Apr 2024.
STREETS OF OUR TOWN
Visitors may be surprised by Brisbane’s vibrant and diverse music scene, and we highly recommend attending a gig in our neighbouring nightlife centre, Fortitude Valley. For decades, Brisbane’s live music industry has thrived – recognised internationally for doing things independently and for being a hub for young creative talent. Live venues continue to drive the city’s creativity, providing opportunities for musicians and a spectacle for viewers with spaces large enough to ensure you’ll be swept up in collective joy and intimate enough to feel connected to the performance. Music, like all art is subjective, but our summer picks are: Australian electronic royalty Bag Raiders at The Zoo on 16 December; local legends Ball Park Music playing indie-rock undercover as ‘The Pizzas’ on 22 December at The Zoo; the hypnotic José Gonzáles soothing the transition from summer on 13 March at Fortitude Music Hall.
EAT LIKE A LOCAL
Once considered a culinary wasteland, our city has stealthily crept up on the rest of the country, doing its own thing and punching above its weight with award-winning venues across the inner-city sprawl. The revolution has been building for many years, with early adopters realising that our subtropical climate provides the perfect growing conditions for outstanding fresh produce. More a ‘lush-land’ than ‘wasteland’, pretty much everything and anything grows here, all the time – meaning our venues are serving fresh and creative menus year-round. It’s no wonder that you can’t take two steps in or out of The Calile without bumping into an award-winning venue, including (to name just a few as there are too many) Essa, Hellenika, Gerard’s and Gourmet Traveller’s Restaurant of the Year, Agnes, just up the road.
PLAY ON
In case you haven’t heard, Brisbane will host the Olympics in 2032. It’s no surprise to locals – sport is part of Brisbane’s DNA, maybe it’s the climate, whatever it is, our city loves sport of every kind – we attend it, we take part in it, and we watch it together at every opportunity. Sport is the one undertaking where our state has led for many years and summer is the time to watch it with world-class sporting events, including tennis at the Brisbane International from 31 Dec 2023 – 7 Jan 2024, cricket at The Gabba, and a little further afield all things equine at the Gold Coast Magic Millions from 3 – 16 Jan 2024 and surfing at the Gold Coast Open from 16 – 18 Feb 2024.
Looking for more ideas? Our concierge team can help you plan and navigate our community and the wider Brisbane region during your stay with us. Get in touch with them to help plan your itinerary.
