AN EVENTFUL WINTER
There are plenty of events making Brisbane a hot destination this winter, writes Stephanie Holmes.
BRISBANE RACING CARNIVAL WHEN: Until June 10 Starting with the James Boag’s Premium Doomben 10,000 Day, the BRC is billed as the biggest racing and social event of the year, with fashion, food and celebrities.
brc.com.au/brisbane-racingcarnival queenslandcabaretfestival.com.au
SCENIC RIM EAT LOCAL WEEK WHEN: June 24-July 2
A festival showcasing the food and wine producers in the Scenic Rim, a foodie destination in Southeast Queensland, featuring free and low-cost events including farm tours, cooking classes and producer dinners.
eatlocalweek.com.au
transformation of Marvel heroes and adversaries from comic books to the cinema screen, featuring more than 500 artworks from Marvel’s archives and private collections. There are more than 60 original costumes, 150 props and some neverbefore-seen set pieces from the upcoming film
Thor: Ragnarok.
THE ROYAL BALLET WHEN: June 29-July 2 From London's Covent Garden, The Royal Ballet returns to Australia for the first time in 15 years, as part of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s 2017 International Series, performing two original works — and
Woolf Works The Winter’s Tale. qpac.com.au/the-royal-ballet
QUEENSLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL WHEN: July 7-30
A state-wide celebration of international, national and local musical excellence, with its home base in Brisbane. If Goma whets your cultural appetite, the Museum of Brisbane and Macarthur Museum are
qmf.org.au
EKKA
WHEN: August 11-20 Formerly known as the Royal Queensland Show, Ekka began in 1876 attracting 17,000 visitors. It’s now Queensland’s most celebrated event with annual crowds of about 400,000.
ekka.com.au
BRISBANE FESTIVAL WHEN: September 9-30 Three weeks of theatre, music, dance, circus, opera and major public events such as Sunsuper Riverfire.
brisbanefestival.com.au
also worth checking out for rainy — or searingly hot, as the case may be — day activities.
Food, Drink, Shopping
When it comes to dining, Brisbane has something to tickle everyone’s taste buds. Gerard's Bistro on James St is place to eat — the atmosphere is relaxed, the staff knowledgeable, but not pushy, and the food will blow your mind. Tip: if you make it to Gerard's for dinner, order the beef brisket for two. Your life will be changed.
With almost 300 days of sunshine every year, it’s not difficult to see why rooftop bars have become a "thing" in Brisbane. Sixteen Antlers Rooftop Bar on top of the Mercure Hotel is a great place to have a beverage and take in impressive views of the city.
And for icecream lovers, Mister Fritz in Fortitude Valley is home to a number of handcrafted treats made from fresh milk and free-range eggs, including icecream and brownie sandwiches. Surprisingly refreshing in the heat.
For shopaholics, there’s a variety of outlet stores in the greater Brisbane area, and the Queen St mall in the heart of the city is home to more than 700 international and local retailers. Certainly an easy way to spend a day.
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