With some of the world’s best beaches in our very own backyard, it’s no wonder 90% of our downtime in summer is spent lapping up the glorious salt, sand and sun.
But what about the other 10%, we hear you ask? Well, we’ve come to the rescue with a few epic ways to mix it up during the warmer months when you’re not living that beach life.
#1 Get Creative
Get your creative juices flowing (as well as the wine) at The Sweet Fine Art Studio in Mermaid Beach. With over 20 years experience, artist Maree Quinn is at the helm of this brand new studio, so you know you’re in good hands. All you’ve got to do is bring the vino, some snacks and you’re set to release your inner Monet.
For more info, head here.
#2 Adopt A Plant
Admit it, wholesome weekends are the best weekends. And what better way to make the most of it than flexing your green thumb and extending your at-home garden. The Borrowed Nursery at Mermaid Beach has an abundance of lush plants in all shapes and sizes, so be prepared to be sucked into a vortex of cacti, succulents and leafy palms.
For more info, head here.
#3 Swing And Sip
Whether you’ve got a knack for swinging a driver or not, golf's not all you can find at the Gold Coas's newest entertainment venue, Topgolf. With plenty of games on offer to take your skills from zero to 100, our favourite is TopChip where if you hit the correct target you’ll score points, but if you hit the wrong one, your points disappear. Grab your mates and game on.*
There is also a restaurant, bars and private entertaining rooms for party season. So even if you’re not an avid golfer, you can relax comfortably on the sidelines sipping on a cocktail while you watch the fun. Better yet, get there in the afternoon and watch the sun go down on the Rooftop Terrace while enjoying a drink and listening to live music every Friday and Saturday night.
*Disclaimer: We take no responsibility for friendships lost through healthy competition. Buy them a drink at the bar.
For more info, head here.
#4 Salsa, Spanish And Coffee
Yes, you read that correctly, this ain’t no ordinary coffee shop. Morena Espresso not only serves up the perfect coffee, you and your pals can also take salsa classes, attend songwriting workshops or even learn Spanish. Muy bien!
For more info, head here.
#5 Cocktails At Burleigh Pavilion
Opening in December, this place will undoubtedly be summer’s hottest hangout for a sundowner. Complete with uninterrupted ocean views, a delish restaurant, The Tropic, and mouth-watering cocktails, roll in from an afternoon in the sun and set up shop into the evening.
For more info, head here.
#6 Wade In Waterfalls
There are some other pretty cool places to take a dip that aren’t the beach. Waterfalls, freshwater pools and cascades are strewn across the coast, providing dreamy summer escapes for you and your friends all season long.
For more info, head here.
#7 Take A Hike
Get your activewear on and hit the great outdoors to experience Mother Nature’s very best. Prepare to get your blood pumping and discover rainforests, mountains and gorges. If you’re after something a little more challenging, there are also a few pretty impressive mountains you can conquer too.
For more info, head here.
#8 Pick Sunflowers
You’ve almost certainly seen at least one person in your Instagram feed posing among a sea of sunflowers. Well now’s your chance to get a better one. Farm & Co in Cudgen will have their sunflowers blooming in December so make sure to head down, pick yourself a bouquet of sunshine and, of course, snap a pic. Plus, they’ve also got a cute shop chock full of fresh produce, so you can pick up your groceries too.
For more info, head here.
#9 Sunday Markets
There’s nothing more satisfying for the soul than heading to the markets on a Sunday to support local vendors, get a delicious feed or pick up a new treasure. And there’s no better place to do it all than at The Village Markets, every Sunday morning at Burleigh Heads. Expect to find hand-crafted furniture, vintage clothing from around the world and delicious food from a lineup of food trucks.
For more info, head here.
#10 Sink A Brew
Summer and beer are one of life’s best combos. So it would be a crime not to grab your mates and head down to Burleigh Brewing Co. Loosen your belts and get ready for delicious craft beer, droolworthy food trucks and live music each weekend.
For more info, head here.
Editor's Note: This article was produced in partnership with Topgolf. To find out more about who we work with (and why!), read our editorial policy here.