Friendly reminder: the year is over halfway and winter is nearly gone!
We’ve gathered a quick list of fabulous events and experiences that will have you lapping up those last glorious days of winter.
For the food- and drink-lovers
Chilly temperatures call for belly-warming fare and indulgent drinks – The Hundred Acre Bar’s ‘Winter Long Lunch’ events promise just that. Each Sunday in August, the Saint Lucia venue will serve up a seasonal banquet complete with antipasti, hearty family-style mains, pasta and risotto. Our advice? Grab a table by their crackling fireplace for those wintery vibes.
Another indulgent offering, The Regatta’s ‘Forbidden Forest in the Courtyard’ (available until the end of winter) pairs floral-adorned scenery with winter-inspired cocktails. Want more? Minutes away, Queen Street Mall’s Lennons Restaurant & Bar is the place to go for a four-course ‘Winter Afternoon Tea’. Expect high tea classics like buttermilk scones alongside roast pumpkin soup and warm Reuben sandwiches.
If you really want to make a day or weekend of it, set your sights for the exciting Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival (August 19 to 21). Taking over Woody Point for a weekend of delicious cuisine, artisan markets and insightful cooking classes, this culinary event promises to be south-east Queensland’s largest food festival. See you there!
For the culture-fiends
Inviting you to experience a taste of thrilling Tokyo nightlife without the price of a plane ticket, Maho Magic Bar (open until September 18) in Hamilton is part neon-lit bar, part close-up magic show. Escape the chilly temperatures, step inside the glittering pop-up venue and prepare to be dazzled. Families, there are also kid-friendly shows on the weekend that littlies will love!
Keen to brave the cool? King George Square in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD will play host to Brisbane Fashion Festival’s fashion show on Tuesday, August 23. Rug up and see creations from the likes of Carla Zampatti and Ginger & Smart under the stars. Or, hop across Moreton Bay and discover pop-up galleries, workshops and art talks for the Straddie Arts Trail (August 12-22).
For the fitness-fans
A highlight of Brisbane’s fundraising calendar, the Sunday Mail Transurban Bridge to Brisbane (August 28) will see participants run 4.5 or 10km across the city. Starting at the iconic Gateway Bridge, this time-honoured event supports a slew of incredible charities. Register your spot, lace up those running shoes and get training!
If you’re looking for something a little less intense (but still wonderfully competitive, depending on the occasion), tee off at TopStroke at Oxley Golf Club. Brisbane’s newest mini golf course, this spectacular venue includes 18 holes and a bistro serving gourmet delights. A short drive away, Iceworld at Acacia Ridge (the skating group also boast a Boondall location) will have you channelling your inner Elsa when you take to the ice.
For the families
Another fun-run that’s perfect for farewelling winter, the North Lakes Colour Frenzy (August 27) promises an awesome night out for the family. Featuring foam stations, obstacles and even market stalls on the side, the fundraiser’s Night Time Glow Edition will have families exploring a 1.65-kilometre course with colourful zones. Take it at your own pace and get covered in a glow-in-the-dark rainbow – it’s all part of the fun!
The young and the young-at-heart alike will also be left mystified by Disney: The Magic of Animation at South Bank’s Queensland Museum (until January 2023). Showcasing hundreds of original sketchworks and artworks from favourites such as The Lion King and Moana, this sensational exhibition is a true must-see. For a little real-world magic, make the most of whale season (June to November) and join one of the many whale-watching groups across Brisbane to spot the gentle giants during their yearly migration. Popular groups include Redcliffe’s Brisbane Whale Watching and Moreton Island’s Tangalooma Whale Watching.
For more ideas and to keep up-to-date with all things Brisbane real estate, subscribe to the newsletter below.