Summer is officially here and if you’re anything like me, you’ll be dedicating every waking moment to staying cool. The air conditioned shopping centres and cafes are great but sometimes you really craving something a little less… indoors. Think of the dreamy feeling as you walk, barefoot down the rocks and into the cool, relaxing bliss of a mountain pool; or popping up the umbrella on the beach to shade yourself from the sun while you lay peacefully, snacking and reading a good book. Don’t spend the best days of summer cooped-up indoors, get out and explore these destinations on Brisbane’s doorstep and make the most of it as we celebrate a new decade!
Located on the gorgeous Bribie Island, Woorim Beach is a great spot to swim, surf or fish. There are both beach and bay areas for the fishing enthusiast and surf lifesavers patrol the main swimming and surfing areas of the beach. Grab your buckets, spades and SPF and prepare to hit the sand for the perfect beach session. Once you’ve been for a dip and worked up an appetite with all of your sandcastle shenanigans, head over to The Crab Pot – “The island’s favourite fish & chip shop for over 40 years!” If you’re into adventuring, why not spend the weekend at one of the camping areas accessible by 4WD or boat and if you’ve got a four-legged friend who’d love to go for a swim too, Red Beach is perfect for you and your pooch to paddle the day away.
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Cool off with style at the the Bli Bli Watersports Complex! They have a Wake Park, an Aqua Park and an area dedicated to Barra Fishing, so there’s fun for anyone who wants to check it out. The facilities are open from 10am to 5pm daily so you can pick the perfect time to head up there and give it a shot. The complex has wakeboards, kneeboards, vests and helmets for hire, and you’re allowed to ride from the age of 6. Never done it before? Don’t worry, the friendly staff members will be there to give you tips on getting up and once you’ve got the feel for it, you can cruise around the course with ease. If the Aqua Park is more up your (or your kids’) alley, chuck on a vest and head out for the time of your life, swimming, sliding and falling over the giant inflatable course. The Aqua Park sessions run for 50 minutes and begin on the hour. This complex is an absolute blast and the kiosk food is delicious too!
Image credit www.blibliwaterpark.com
This swimming spot is absolutely serene, a perfect area to float around, laze in the shade of the trees and relax. We recommend packing a picnic lunch and taking it to the little Kevin Gates Park to enjoy. This side of the creek is usually less busy than the main area on the opposite side and is also located at the base of the Ocean View Track. This walk will take you all the way around to Burleigh Heads Beach, where you can swim, get an ice cream (or coffee) and take in the sights before walking back.
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Mount Tambourine has so much to offer but in the middle of summer, a refreshing swimming hole is all that’s on my mind! Accessible only by foot (it is advisable to do this without strollers, etc), the Cedar Creek Rock Pools await your visit. The Cedar Creek Circuit is 3.2km return and with a cool-off along the way, how could you say no? This spot will have your skin prickling with anticipation as the natural soundtrack of wildlife and waterfalls fill your ears. Strip down to your swimmers and take advantage of this incredible, natural pool – just be careful not to slip on your way in! The best time to enjoy the falls is during the summer all the way through to April and if you can, try and go right after it rains.
Image credit www.queensland.com
So, what’re you waiting for? Plan your next day trip, pack the car and cool off from this Queensland heat in some of the best swimming spots around. Don’t forget to tag @ladybrisbane in your photos so we can see your summer adventures!
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BEKKI FOWELL (@darlingbekki)
Bekki Fowell is a social media enthusiast who lives in Brisbane and enjoys writing in her spare time. She has been posting online-content for over 10 years, check out her Instagram page, which she started in the Spring of 2012. On days off she over-indulges in sweet food and spends time with her boyfriend Jake, and Raph her cat.
Great spots, Enoggera reservoir in The Gap is another favourite. Combined with a visit to Discovery Wildlife Centre to see the Platypus: a great day out for the kids.
Thanks Ward, the Discovey Wildlife Centre is an absolute must see.