Things to do in Brisbane during the Water Polo Summer Slam

Updated: 14 December 2021

You’ll have a ball in Brisbane while here for the Summer Slam from 10-20 January. Plunge into the city’s food, art/culture, and adventure scene, with this list of must-do activities.

The city will come alive when teams from around the country compete in 16&U, 18&U and 20&U divisions. We hope to see you, your team and family out and about exploring Brisbane’s must-do experiences.

Restaurants to satisfy your carbo-load

Brisbane’s dining scene is abuzz with renewed energy and new openings. The city is bursting at the seams with cool food precincts to explore including Fish Lane (South Brisbane), Eat Street Northshore (Hamilton), James Street (Fortitude Valley) and South Bank.

Just a stone’s throw from the Valley Pool, you’ll find Howard Smith Wharves – a fun and relaxed strip of excellent dining options on the water’s edge under the Story Bridge. Here you will find fan favourite Italian restaurant, Ciao Papi. Book for a group to enjoy a large, shared menu which will absolutely satisfy your hunger.

Discover our list of Brisbane’s best new restaurants, cafés and bars HERE.

Escape the heat (or the chlorine…) 

Don’t miss out on visiting the landmark tenth edition of Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art's (QAGOMA) flagship exhibition series, ‘The Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art’ (APT10). This exhibition is a perfect escape from the pool deck in QAGOMA's permanently crisp 18-degree air-conditioning.

Read our other suggestions for keeping cool in Summer, HERE.

Lay-day adventure

If you have a day in between games, River to Bay offers private small group daytrips from Brisbane City directly to the beautiful Moreton Bay and its islands, giving you a chance to experience paradise just an hour from Brisbane.

Or if you have a few additional days at the end of your tour, stay at Tangalooma Island Resort. Enjoy the unspoiled splendour of Moreton Island including wild dolphin feeding and thrill-seeking adrenalin activities.

Read our guide to exploring Brisbane’s islands, HERE.  

Team bonding

There are heaps of fun activities and adventures you can do with your team or family while visiting Brisbane.

Here are our favourites:

• Hit a hole in one at Victoria Parks 18-hole mini golf course
• Get a bird’s eye view of Brisbane City by taking on the Story Bridge Adventure Climb
• Go for a paddle or scale a rockface at Riverlife Adventure Centre
• Captain your own picnic vessel aboard a Go Boat cruising the Brisbane River
• Explore Brisbane’s best shopping precincts with a group tour facilitated by a local personal shopper from Spree with Me.
• Put your detectives badge on and take part in an outdoor escape room with Brisbane Street Games.

Sit back & relax

If you’re keen to rest your body after games, enjoy an open-air flick at the Moonlight Cinema (Roma Street Parklands). January titles include Bohemian Rhapsody, Enchanto, Scream and No Time to Die.