A 60-second guide to doing summer in Brisbane right

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

Laze by Hotel X’s sun-soaked rooftop.