16 Things To Do In Queensland Instead Of The Beach This Summer

Music festivals, foam runs and squishy grapes between your toes.

1. Mixology masterclass

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When: Every week

Start summer off learning the craft of mixing cocktails in the heart of the Gold Coast. Hyde Paradiso is home to this new masterclass overlooking the ocean, where you can sip on your works of art while enjoying a cheese platter. It might even inspire you to become a cocktail bartender.

2. Falls Festival

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When: Dec. 31 — Jan. 2

Ah, the iconic Byron Bay New Year's festival — and one not to miss. Spend three days camping in the hinterland with an all-star lineup including Halsey, Vampire Weekend, Disclosure, Tash Sultana, Of Monsters and Men and a blast from the past — John Farnham! So, when's the break between sets?

3. The Enchanted Garden

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When: Nov. 29 — Dec. 13

Just in time for Christmas, Brisbane City's Roma Street Parklands returns with their free forest lighting display. It's great for an urban light hunt to get you in the festive spirit, or a date excuse that doesn't include a crowded restaurant or bar. Prepare to be mesmerised by rainforest and delicately-lit figs.

4. Woodford Folk Festival

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When: Dec. 27 — Jan. 1

Woodford is another favourite in Queensland to bring in the new year — especially if folk, country, blues and reggae is your jam. Not only is Woodford a music festival, it's a culture and arts experience — with an array of wellness workshops, market stalls and art installations. It's a wholesome journey in a beautiful rural setting to get your intentions right for the new decade.

5. 5K Foam Fest

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When: Jan. 11 — Jan. 12

You've heard of Tough Mudder and The Color Run, but it's time for them both to move aside this summer for their newest contender coming to Brisbane. The 5K Foam Fest offers the world's largest inflatable waterslide, slip and slides and mucky mud pits as obstacles along its five kilometre duration — not to mention a whole lot of foam!

6. Water at GOMA

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When: Dec. 7 — Apr. 26

The concept of water is very much associated with summer, especially in the perspiring Queensland. Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art just so happens to be running multiple exhibitions by Australian and international artists highlighting the importance of this natural resource and the problems we face today. Be educated, be inspired.

7. Whitsunday Clipper Carnival

The Sailing Yogi / Via instagram.com

When: Jan. 11 — Jan. 18

Airlie Beach is an ultimate gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and its sparkling beaches. It's also home to a great yacht race celebration this summer. If you're into slick boats and festivities, this is the carnival for you. Airlie Beach is the fourth leg for these avid yacht racers who traverse from London, South Africa, Australia — all the way to the USA and back to London as part of the Clipper Round the World Race.

8. ATP Cup

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When: Jan. 3 — Jan. 12

There's nothing quite like the atmosphere of a tennis match — from the tension at the start of a rally to the grunts from the competitive players. The ATP Cup will hit The Queensland Tennis Centre in Brisbane just after the new year, with tennis champs from all over the world. Start the decade off with a bucket-list-worthy experience.

9. Sacred Earth Summer Retreat

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When: Jan. 17 — Jan. 19

Nestled in the Sunshine Coast hinterland lies Hillier Retreat, a peaceful camping experience like no other. Early in 2020, Sacred Earth Music will hold a special family-friendly gathering on this land in celebration of mindfulness and connection. Along with three days of camping within the trees, there will be yoga, mantra singing, massage, community and meditation workshops.

10. Noosa Festival of Surfing

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When: Feb. 22 - Mar. 1

The east coast is a popular spot among surfers, with this festival on the Sunshine Coast dedicated to the sport. Show off your board skills or watch the competitors to be inspired. There'll also be an entertainment program based at Main Beach.

11. FOMO Festival

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When: Jan. 4

This 16+ indie and electronic music festival is held at the Brisbane Showgrounds. If you've got any high-vibe party energy left in you after New Year's, you'll get to see the likes of Lizzo, Brockhampton and Jax Jones.

12. Apple and Grape Festival

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When: Feb. 28 — Mar. 8

Named as one of the most unique and fun experiences in Queensland year-round, this festival in Stanthorpe, south-east Queensland is dedicated to apples and grapes. It has everything you need for a weekend of fun in the Granite Belt region, with messy grape crushing, busking competitions, fireworks and a street parade — not to mention a variety of food and wine from the region and beyond.

13. Earth Frequency Festival

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When: Feb. 14 — Feb. 17

You've probably heard of the term "bush doof" before. If you're not familiar, they're an outdoor dance party generally held in a remote forest location with a heavy highlight on music, art, community and sustainability. Earth Frequency, held at Ivory Rock close to Ipswich, showcases some of the best local and international electronic, reggae and acoustic acts, with stages that'll blow your mind with their carefully articulated orchestration. When you're not dancing, you'll be walking around the local handcrafted market stalls or attending an environmental wellness workshop or performance.

14. Festival of Hell

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When: Feb. 7 — Feb. 9

Known as the toughest and oldest triathlon in Queensland, Festival of Hell is held in the rural area of Goondiwindi. Temperatures of up to 38 degrees can sometimes be expected for this event, and the heat is what these athletes love, making it a bucket-list item for triathletes. Come on down and support these daring souls.

15. Sand Safari Arts Festival

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When: Feb. 14 — Mar. 1

Re-live your childhood obsession of making sandcastles at the beach every summer and head on down to Surfer's Paradise to check out some of the best sand sculptures around. There'll be live sculpting, art exhibitions and workshops for those interested in how these beach-scooped beauties are created. Prepare to be amazed when 15 world-known sculptors compete here for the best 10-tonne sand sculpture based on your favourite fairy-tale classic.

16. Laneway Festival

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When: Feb 1

St. Jerome's Laneway Festival returns to Brisbane Showground again this summer with an unbeatable lineup. If you couldn't spare a dime for a music festival over the new year period, this is the one you'll want to save for. This edition you'll get to see The 1975, Charlie XCX, Ocean Alley, Tones and I, DMA's and many more! *Books tickets asap*.