15 Must-Dos Over the Mid – Year Break
No exciting overseas trip planned this year? Got the holiday blues scrolling through all your friends #instatravel pics? Not a worry! Here is a list of local adventures and getaways that will make all of your friends jealous!
- Weekend Away/ Camping
For a short getaway that isn’t going to break the bank, why not go on a camping trip? There are heaps of campsites a short drive from the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Check out O’Reilly’s National Park, Mt Barney, Stradbroke Island or the Glass House Mountains. If ‘roughing it’ isn’t really your style, try a cute little BnB, retreat or cabin.
- Comedy Night
Who doesn’t enjoy a good laugh? Why not check out the free comedy every Friday night at the Powerhouse starting at 6pm. If you are on the Coast, The Avenue in Surfer’s Paradise also has a comedy night every Wednesday.
- Glow Worm Caves – Springbrook
A short drive from the Gold Coast is Springbrook National Park. Boasting beautiful rainforests, tranquil creeks and some amazing glow worm caves, Springbrook is the perfect little escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- Chinatown Street Market
Where: Chinatown – Centre of Young and Davenport Street, Southport
When: Bi-monthly – next market will be the 1st July, 5pm-9pm
Craving some delicious Asian cuisine? Look no further. Head on down to Chinatown and enjoy authentic Asian food as well as some impressive live entertainment.
- Cooking Classes
Hone in your culinary skills and impress your friends by taking a cooking class. Create your masterpiece, then enjoy the fruits of your labour with your class mates and maybe a cheeky glass of wine. There are heaps of cooking schools to choose from! If you are in Brisbane check out Mondos in West End or James Street cooking school. On the Gold Coast, why not take a pizza master class at Double Zero in Broadbeach or for a healthy cooking class visit Tenteram Fine Foods.
- Climb Mount Warning
Challenge yourself and climb Mount Warning! Take on the 8.8 km mountain track, hiking through a mixture of lush rainforests and rocky terrains. At the top, take in the sweeping views of the Northern New South Wales coastline.
- Tasty Street Food
If you are looking for some mouthwatering street food and great entertainment, we have the place for you! Eat Street in Brisbane and NightQuarter and Miami Marketta on the Gold Coast have loads of delicious street food, live bands, home ware and plenty of other goodies.
- Museums/Art Galleries
You want culture? We have culture! Wander through the Queensland Museum or visit the QCGOMA and check out some of the magnificent exhibitions. Why not make a day of it? Take a stroll through South Bank and stop in at one of the many fabulous restaurants and bars.
- Gold Coast Airport Marathon
Where: Broadwater Parklands
When: 1st – 2nd July
The Gold Coast Airport Marathon is fast approaching! Why not strap on your running shoes and get involved? There are a range of distances for every fitness level and numerous teams you can join. The uni break might also be the perfect time to start training.
- Walking Tours
While your friends are doing walking tours through Florence and Rome, why not take a walking tour around Brisbane or the Gold Coast? You can even go at your own pace and save money by downloading apps with maps and walking tracks. Here are just a few apps to get you started:-
Brisbane maps & Walks App
Gold Coast Travellers
WunderWalk
Culturist
- O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk
Just 90 minutes from the Gold Coast, is the stunning Lamington National Park. O’Reilly’s has a number of guest facilities including cafes, a day spa and walking tracks varying in distance and difficulty. Even better the tree top walk is free! There are also accommodation facilities if you feel like extending your stay.
- Visit Your Local Markets
For a lazy Saturday or Sunday, why not pop into your local markets? Sample some fresh local produce, listen to music and browse through handmade crafts. There are a number of awesome markets across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Here are a few you might want to check out!
The Collective Markets
Where: Stanley Street Plaza, South Bank
When: Open Saturday, Sunday and Friday nights.
Boundary Street Markets
Where: Cnr Boundary and Mollison Streets, West End
When: Every Saturday and Sunday 7am-2pm
Jan Powers Farmers Market
Where/when: The City (George Street) Wednesday, 10am-6pm;
Brisbane Powerhouse (New Farm) Every Saturday, 6am-12pm;
Manly (Little Bayside Park) First and Third Sunday or each month, 6am – 12pm;
Mitchelton (Blackwood Street) First Sunday of each month, 6am- 12pm.
Davies Park Market
Where: Davies Park, Cnr Jane Street and Montague Road, West End
When: Every Saturday, 6am-2pm
Palm Beach Currumbin Farmers Market
Where: Palm Beach Currumbin State high School
When: Every Saturday, 6am – 11:30pm
The Village Markets
Where: Burleigh State School
When: First and Third Sunday of the month, 8:30am – 1:00pm
Tamborine Mountain markets:
Where: Tamborine Mountain Showgrounds
When: The 2nd Sunday of each month 6am – 2pm
- Byron Bay Road Trip
Missing summer? Why not take a little road trip down the coast and soak up some sun in Byron. Stop by The Farm or have brunch at one of the many delicious eateries around town. You might also want to check out some of the sleepy little towns close by like Lennox Heads and Bungalow.
P.S. remember to take lots of Snapchats and pics for Instagram to make all of your friends jealous!
- Food and Wine Tours
Now that you have a little more time you can finally check out some of those new bars and restaurants popping up all over Brisbane and the Gold Coast. For something a little different why not take a guided food and wine tour? Get a group of friends together and try a walking tour through Burleigh or a food and wine tour around the Gold Coast hinterland. Both walking and chartered bus tours are available.
- See a Show
Thinking of seeing a show? There are numerous shows performed in a range of genres (including ballet, opera, comedy and plenty more) happening across Brisbane. Check out QPAC to view their full list of shows.
It is also worth mentioning that The Queensland Cabaret Festival 2017 will be held in Brisbane between 1st June – 15th June. The festival will feature shows at the Brisbane Powerhouse, QPAC and the Queensland Multicultural Centre.
Happy Exploring!
Coutrney Quast – Bachelor or Laws/ Bachelor of Business majoring in marketing.