With summer well and truly in full swing, these are some of our favourite local spots to chill with your mates and beat the heat.

The Rooftop at Limes Hotel

Hidden at the top of the Limes Hotel on Constance Street in the Valley, you’ll find a surprisingly awesome spot to head this summer. Not only is the Rooftop Bar serving tasty cocktails in a whimsical garden-esque setting, but there are also plunge pools and hot tubs to relax in and wile away the long summer days and nights.

Cedar Creek

It’s 45 minutes out of the city, but holy moly, this is a stunning spot to cool down. Bring your mates or that special someone along for a fun and scenic mini road trip for gorgeous and relatively secluded swimming holes and rock pools at Cedar Creek under the appropriately named Mount Glorious. Be sure to discover a couple of cafes along the way to boost your energy levels for the long ride. It’s a little out of the way, it’s a little adventurous, and it’s 100% worth the effort.

Cylinder Beach on North Stradbroke Island

The picturesque little cove of Cylinder Beach, between Cylinder and Home Beach Headlands on North Stradbroke Island, is the perfect spot to enjoy summer. You’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to some exotic faraway tropical island (sans cabanas and fruity cocktails containing alcohols you’ve never heard of). Its breath-taking serenity will surely inspire you to discover more and perhaps lead you to nearby feeds.

Soleil Pool Bar

Soleil Pool Bar in the city is sophisticated, cosmopolitan and all those other words you use for a place that’s classy as hell! What’s great about Soleil (besides the extensive drinks menu, tasty tapas, stunning rooftop setting, gorgeous pools, and ever-so-hip social vibe) is that while this place is literally the complete package, the atmosphere means there’s no pressure – you can just park yourself down and chill out.

Scarborough Beach Park

Once awarded Queensland’s Friendliest Beach and Australia’s Friendliest Beach… do we really need to go on? Well alright, since you asked so nicely. Scarborough Beach, on the tip of the Redcliffe Peninsula, is a super-duper spot to head for a fun summer outing. There’s plenty to love about this idyllic summer hangout spot, with barbecues, bike tracks, basketball half court, and novelty-sized chess. If you’re feeling the need for a coffee or quite bite to eat, there’s plenty of great local cafes nearby too.