A 60-second guide to doing summer in Brisbane right

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It doesn’t get much better than summer in Queensland’s cool capital.

A good portion of Brisbane’s winter months could pass off as summer in much of the world, so it stands to reason that when summer does roll around, the River City is already in solid form.

The city’s proximity to premium beach destinations is undoubtedly a drawcard, but increasingly, Brisbane is demanding visitors stay put thanks to its treasure-filled al fresco lifestyle.

Taste a Brisbane summer at these restaurants and bars…

Choose your poison: riverside or rooftop? Brisbane’s most coveted venues cluster in these hotspots and they are at their glistening best under the summer sun. On the river, Howard Smith Wharves is a bustling one-stop shop.

people dining at Riverside Felons Brewing Co., Howard Smith Wharves

Riverside Felons Brewing Co. is perched under the story bridge at Howard Smith Wharves. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Jesse Lindemann)

Felons Brewing Co. and Mr Percival’s are among the precinct’s top picks, but you can’t make a bad choice.

a close-up of Mexican food at MAYA rooftop

Mexican fare at MAYA rooftop.

On high, head to Fortitude Valley where Cielo Rooftop, Maya rooftop and Hotel X’s Iris Rooftop deliver on views and vibes.

the venue at MAYA rooftop

The space is a rustic chic oasis.

Hit snooze at these Brisbane stays…

If your algorithm is anything like mine, Instagram has already told you exactly where to lay your head, and your towel, during a Brisbane summer.

The Calile in Fortitude Valley

The stylish hotel is nestled in Fortitude Valley.

The Calile Hotel in Fortitude Valley is a must-visit urban retreat, giving a brand of glam that rises faster than the temperature come summertime.

the bedroom interior at The Calile

The Calile is Instagram-famous.

Brisbane’s summer to-do list…

You’re sweating anyway. Why not work it up in the traditional way? Riverlife Adventure Centre at Kangaroo Point can fix you up with kayaks, bikes and even rollerskates (BYO Barbie lycra), while abseiling and rock climbing are also available.

friends kayaking, Riverlife Adventure Centre

Hire kayaks from Riverlife Adventure Centre.

Meanwhile, the Mt Coot-tha Summit Track is an easy-to-access hike complete with sweeping views of the city and beyond from the lookout.

Our hot tip: Sunny weather, sunny disposition. Brisbane has the polished offerings you want from a world-class city – see above for a non-exhaustive shortlist – but has thankfully retained the easygoing temperament for which Queenslanders are traditionally famed.

the rooftop pool at Hotel X Iris Rooftop

Laze by Hotel X’s sun-soaked rooftop.

Kate Symons is a freelance writer with a particular passion for uncovering the people that make the place. On assignments near and far, she observes and absorbs, waiting for that satisfying moment when the story lede - the tale that is sure to entice - presents itself.
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A new 170-km hike and nature retreat are coming to Brisbane

    By Kassia Byrnes
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    Mt Coot-tha is set for a glow up with the announcement of a new hiking trail and nature retreat.

    Long a popular retreat for Brisbane locals, Mt Coot-tha Reserve is the city’s largest natural area. Just a 15-minute drive from Brisbane’s CBD, it’s already the place for unbeatable skyline views of the city. But now, it will be more than just a short break. Brisbane City Council appointed Brisbane Sustainability Agency to transform the area into a nature-based tourism and recreation hub, including a world-class Mt Coot-tha nature retreat.

    person making a heart from their hands at mt coot-tha lookout

    The view from Mt Coot-tha is already much loved. (Image: Visit Brisbane)

    The plan is to transform the location ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to be hosted in Brisbane, with the intention of developing a long-term strategy make it an an eco-tourism destination and protect the precinct’s native bushland while also enhancing the offerings and accessibility for the over one million visitors Mt Coot-tha already receives per year.

    In a press release, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner stated the revitalisation of Mount Coot-tha includes “a 170-kilometre wilderness walking trail with overnight huts, glamping, a botanic gardens night-time lights show and a reimagined tropical dome”.

    That tropical dome will transform the one that currently stands on-site to be reminiscent of green tourism destinations like Singapore’s iconic Gardens by the Bay and Butchart Gardens in Canada, complete with botanic gardens and an immersive night-time light experience, a treetop walk and upgrades to the current summit lookout. The current Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium is also slated for an upgrade. Visitors will be able to make the most of it by staying in the new nature retreat, with glamping spots.

    exterior render of Mt Coot-tha tropical dome after renovation

    A brand new dome, hiking trail and Mt Coot-tha nature retreat are coming.

    For those keen on a little more adventure than the retreat can provide, a key feature of the proposed improvements is the Brisbane Wilderness Walking Trail. This 170-kilometre track would connect Mt Coot-tha to Mt Archer. Drawing inspiration from longer hiking trails like Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain and New Zealand’s West Coast Wilderness Trail, the trail will enjoy features to make hikers more comfortable along their journey, like bush huts, way-finding signage, composting toilets, camping sites and refurbished picnic areas.

    “Brisbane is riding a wave of international popularity as a tourism destination and with the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games coming, now is the time to start planning more to see and do in our city,” continued Schrinner.

    “We have South Bank, the city, Howard Smith Wharves and Fortitude Valley for locals to enjoy and visitors to explore. I believe Mount Coot-tha presents an incredible opportunity for nature-based destinations and attractions, which is exactly what international visitors are looking for”.

    a render of the inside Mt Coot-tha tropical dome after renovation

    The current tropical dome will be transformed to match the likes of Singapore.

    What can you do in Brisbane while you wait for the Mt Coot-tha glow up? Try these experiences and these delicious restaurants.