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

Grab your little ones and all the snacks – it’s finally here. Bluey’s World Brisbane, a world-first immersive experience celebrating the hit TV series, lands at Northshore Brisbane this summer. You’ll explore life-size replicas of the Heeler family’s living room, kitchen, kids’ bedroom and backyard while engaging in multi-sensory games and activities. There’s also a cafe, playground and gift shop to keep the entire family buzzing.

Learn more about the extravaganza with our ultimate guide to Bluey’s World Brisbane.

The 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT11)

When: 30 November 2024 – 27 April 2025

Step into a world of boundary-breaking creativity at The 11^th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art. Staged across the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), the annual showcase of international work sweeps the entire arts spectrum. More than 500 pieces from 70 artists will span painting, sculpture, performance, installation and mixed media. Public discussions and cinematic programs provide the icing on the cake, guaranteed to get your own creative juices flowing.   

NRMA Insurance Brisbane Test v India

When: 14 December – 18 December 2024

The summer of tennis kicks off with the Brisbane International, bringing the world’s stars to Brisbane before their Australian Open campaigns commence. A full week of fast-paced matches set the Queensland Tennis Centre in Tennyson alight, delivering 14 day and night sessions in total. Homegrown heroes are sure to get crowds roaring so secure your tickets early for a well-positioned slice of the action.

To help you plan, take a look at our complete guide to the Brisbane International.

Things to do this summer in Brisbane

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

The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival

When: 1 - 15 January 2025

Dust off your fanciest frock and loosen the purse strings to make the most out of The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival. The state’s preeminent horse racing event will flow into the evening in 2025 as twilight racing on 4 January lights up the Gold Coast Turf Club in spectacular style. The prize kitties are also bigger this summer, promising more competitive racing than we’re ever seen before.

AACTA Awards Ceremony

When: 7 February 2025

Bringing serious Hollywood glitz to the Gold Coast, the AACTA Awards Ceremony celebrates Australia’s biggest achievements in the worlds of film, television and online content. Held at HOTA, Home of the Arts in always-on Surfers Paradise, local and international actors, directors, writers, producers and more will converge for one night only to offer one another well-deserved pats on the back.  

Tickets go on sale November 2024.

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

2025 Noosa Summer Swim Festival

When: 22 - 23 February 2025

Embrace the dazzling blue waters of Noosa Heads’ Main Beach, one of the best Sunshine Coast beaches, when the 2025 Noosa Summer Swim Festival kicks off. Inviting swimmers of all ages to race for glory, the event attracts serious crowds every year. Dip into races that range from 1km to 5km, while kids can flaunt their stuff in either 300m or 1000m races.

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 and Sunday 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

Agnes Blues, Roots & Rock Festival

When: 21 February – 23 February 2025

Dance like nobody’s watching at the Agnes Blues, Roots & Rock Festival in the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Saturday night’s headline act, Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks, are destined to get the party started but three full days of toe-tapping shenanigans will deliver non-stop live music, food vendors, markets, bars and great vibes.

Thirsty for more water action? Check out our guide to the top 5 best ocean swims in Queensland.