Sandstone Point Hotel

It might be an hour north of Brisbane across the way from Bribie Island, but Sandstone Point is worth the drive, and if it was only just a little further south we'd class it as Brisbane's best pub—it's that good. With multiple dining and drinking spaces, an epic playground and endless world-class concerts, festvials and other events on the calendar, the waterfront venue covers all the bases, no matter what you're looking for.

If you're there to dine, you can head for the relaxed bistro inside, the al fresco Poinciana deck or the outdoor picnic tables, a perfect choice for families with kids who need to run wild in the neighbouring playground. There's also a seperate bar with its own snack menu, a nightclub open until 2am on weekends and our new favourte part of the whole venue, the Oyster Shed Beach Club. 

Having just undergone a complete rennovation, the Oyster Shed is now triple its previous size, with an undercover dining area, a cocktail station, designer landscaping, lounge-style furniture day beds, with a fire pit still to come. Basically, you'll feel like you've been transported to a beach club in Bali or Greece, with the ocean breeze in your hair and an Aperol spritz in your hand. There's even a brand new menu to match, featuring fresh local seafood like charcoal roasted prawns and kingfish sashimi. 

Opening hours for each of Sandstone Point's drinking and dining spaces differ, so check out the details here before you jump in the car. 

Image credit: Mitch Lowe