[Urban List Archives] Your Guide to the Ultimate Summer of Wellness in Brisbane

By Tayla Bruce

Whether your summer prep starts in July or you like to hold off on any exercise until the first of January, there’s something about the season that makes us all feel a little healthier.

Maybe it’s the lack of oversized sweaters to hide our expanding waistline, maybe it’s all the water drinking needed to recover from the summer hangovers—who knows?

Either way, we’ve outlined a (balanced) itinerary for your summer featuring plenty of activities to get you feeling tip tip—and to make space for all the fruit mince tarts.

November

Medibank’s Feel Good Program

Start (or continue) your summer wellness journey by stretching out those limbs in the sun with a totally free fitness class in South Bank. You can have a go at yoga, pilates, Zumba, or Tai Chi, among others, and feel all your end of year tension evaporate as you downward dog on the grass. Check out the full timetable of events here.

When: All November, various times

Where: South Bank Parklands and Queens Gardens

Beer Yoga

If yoga sounds way too much like exercise to you, how about combining it with beer? That’s right, Felons Brewery hosts a yoga session on the grass every Monday night, where you can stretch through some slow flow all while sipping on a frothy pour. Just don’t spill it.

When: Every Monday, 5.30–6.15pm

Where: The lawn outside Felons brewing Co. Fish n Chip Shop.

Take a Hike

Taking a brisk walk through the great outdoors is a sure-fire way to feeling at one with both nature and yourself. Lucky for us, Brisbane and surrounds are home to plenty of hiking trails ranging from low to high fitness levels, so there is something for everybody. Not to mention you can also take your pick of bush, coastal, elevated or waterfall-abundant trails—we’ve got them all.

When: Whenever you feel up for it!

Where: Various locations

Wellness Staycation

You know what? You deserve a staycation. No ifs or buts about it; treat yourself to a mini holiday by staying in one of Brisbane’s luxurious (but totally affordable) hotels for an all-round, incredibly relaxing weekend without having to leave town. Feel free to sleep in, hit the spa and just take it easy. You’ll ease into December feeling ready to take on the world.

When: Whenever you’re ready

Where: Various locations

Have a Belly Laugh at Livewired Comedy

Don’t they say laughter is the best medicine? Say hello to a Sunday afternoon giggling away at the Brisbane Powerhouse’s comedy event–oh, and did we mention it’s free? If you’ve got end-of-year blues or just feeling down in the dumps, this is the perfect way to turn that frown upside down and have a jolly good belly laugh with the local comedy scene.

When: Every Sunday, 5pm

Where: Brisbane Powerhouse

Soak and Steam

December = stress. Put it all behind you for a few hours and treat yourself to a long hot session at one of Brisbane’s best places to soak and steam. Whether you’re wanting to sink into a bubbling spa, sweat out toxins in a sauna, or even treat yourself to a facial and body scrub, click below for our top picks for Brisbane most luxe spas.

When: Whenever you want

Where: Various locations

Get A Massage

Season’s greetings, the holidays are finally upon us! You deserve a pat on the back for making it to the end of the year in one piece—or are you? If your limbs are ready to crack from a year’s worth of uncomfortable office chairs and train commutes, soothe those aching muscles with the help of a masseuse. Consider it a Christmas present to yourself. Find our fave massage studios below.

When: When you need it, please!

Where: Various locations

Finally Try Floating

Floating, you ask? Why, it’s only the best way to begin the new year (and if you played your cards right, you got a voucher for Christmas). Soothe your soul and mind by stepping into an otherworldly pool of peace and bliss, and then just float all your worries away. Want to know where the best spots to float are? You can find them by clicking on the link below.

When: Whenever

Where: Various locations

Foam Fest

With 2020 upon us, it’s time to hit the ground running (literally) at this 5km fun run, complete with foam pits, waterslides and a whole lot of mud. Sure, there’s some huffing and puffing involved—but mainly it’s hurtling down slip ‘n’ slides and leaping through jumping castles filled with foam. Warrior cries (and stain remover) at the ready.

When: Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 January

Where: Sirromet Wines

Create a Summer Reading List at the Lifeline Bookfest

Is reading more often one of your new year’s resolutions? Don’t know where to start? Luckily, Lifeline is holding their bookfest mid-January to help you on your way. Pick up a few books that peak your interest and go sit under a tree - you’ll feel totally relaxed with the sun warming your cheeks as you eagerly devour word for word. Enjoy the company of yourself and the good book in your hands.

When: Saturday 18 January - Monday 27 January

Where: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre

Try One of Brisbane’s Toughest Workouts

If toning up or losing those extra kilos you put on over the holidays is also one of your resolutions, then you have to give a red hot crack at one of Brisbane’s most sweat-inducing workouts. Whether it be crossfit, cycling, HIIT, or barre, it’s time to stick to your resolve and head to your choice of workout in order to get those legs pumping. Click the link below for our pick of tough workouts you can try.

When: Whenever

Where: Various locations

Get In Touch with yourself at one of Brisbane’s Beautiful Yoga Studios

Yes, it’s time to end January with some more yoga. But not just regular yoga - yoga in one of Brisbane’s most gorgeous yoga studios. Not only will it bend your body in ways you didn’t know it could, but the serenity of the studio will leave you feeling absolutely blissed out. Give both your body and your mind the Vinyasa or Bikram (your choice) it deserves, and leave January (and your summer itinerary) feeling accomplished. You can find the most beautiful yoga studios below.

When: Whenever

Where: Various locations