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Our 2026 summer reading list

The Silly Season is over and we’re (kind of) back in the swing of things, but we’re still looking for ways to keep that holiday feeling going a little bit longer. Our solution? A great book. Here are some of the buzziest titles to add to your reading list this summer.

‘The Housemaid’ by Freida McFadden

Still the psychological thriller dominating reading lists, and now firmly back in the spotlight thanks to its much-anticipated film adaptation. Fast, twisty and wildly bingeable, it’s the kind of book you’ll finish in a weekend – then immediately text your friends about.

‘God of the Woods’ by Liz Moore

One of the most critically buzzed literary novels of the moment. Set in 1975 at a summer camp in the Adirondacks, this atmospheric mystery blends family secrets, class and grief with a slow-burn sense of unease. A smart, elevated pick for readers who want something immersive and thoughtful.

‘Nobody’s Girl’ by Virginia Roberts Giuffre

If you’re looking for a light summer read, this certainly isn’t it – instead, it’s a powerful, confronting memoir that has sparked global conversation. Giuffre’s account of survival, justice and speaking truth to power makes this one of the most talked-about non-fiction releases of the year – not light, but undeniably important.

‘Atlas of the Heart’ by Brené Brown

Four years on, this is still one of the most culturally resonant non-fiction titles of recent years. In ‘Atlas of the Heart’, Brené Brown gives us language for the emotions that shape our lives – from joy and grief to belonging and loneliness. Thoughtful without being heavy, it’s the kind of book you can dip in and out of all summer, highlighter in hand.

‘Heated Rivalry’ by Rachel Reid

Yes, that ‘Heated Rivalry’. Still dominating romance charts, this sports romance has become a word-of-mouth phenomenon thanks to its TV adaptation. Fast-paced, addictive and emotionally charged, it’s a summer read that’s as fun as it is bingeable.

‘Wild Dark Shore’ by Charlotte McConaghy

Nature writing meets emotional suspense in this haunting, beautifully written novel. Expect isolation, shifting relationships and McConaghy’s signature environmental undercurrent – perfect for quiet afternoons and long evenings.

‘Beth Is Dead’ by Katie Bernet

A modern, Gen Z–fuelled reimagining of ‘Little Women’ with serious thriller energy. Dark, clever and highly discussable, it’s generating serious buzz among younger readers and book clubs alike.

‘Funny Story’ by Emily Henry

Because no summer reading list is complete without a romance everyone’s already halfway through. Emily Henry’s latest continues her reign as the queen of clever, comforting love stories – perfect poolside reading with just enough emotional depth to linger.

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How to make the most of the 2026 public holidays

We’ve studied the calendar to find out how we can get the most out of our public holidays and annual leave in 2026. And now, we’re sharing our findings with you. Just don’t tell our boss, okay?

Easter

Easter makes it surprisingly easy to turn one week of leave into a 16-day holiday. Take off work from Monday March 30 to Thursday April 2, then Tuesday April 7 to Friday April 10, and you’ll score yourself a decent holiday from Saturday March 28 through to Sunday April 12. Not sure where to go? Our 2026 travel bucket list has some great suggestions for that time of year.

Labour Day

With Anzac Day falling on a Saturday this year, we won’t get a proper weekday public holiday (if you’re starting a petition to change that, let us know – we’ll sign it). But Queensland’s Labour Day public holiday on Monday May 4 is here to save the day. You can take five days of leave (Monday April 27 to Friday May 1) and have yourself a holiday from Saturday April 25 to Monday May 4.

Show Days

The Queensland Show Days are a bit of a minefield – with so many Gold Coasters working in Brisbane, and vice versa, it’s hard to know what to do when our public holidays roll around. If you’re getting one of the Ekka public holidays (remember: they change from council to council), it’s the perfect opportunity to explore the Gold Coast hinterland while the rest of us are working – especially if you take off a couple of days either side and make a mini-break out of it.

For the Gold Coast Show Day on Friday August 28, if you’re not heading to the show itself, drive south – it’s the perfect opportunity to explore usually-busy Byron Bay without the crowds.

King’s Birthday

Falling on Monday October 5 this year, the King’s Birthday public holiday offers an opportunity to enjoy a cruisy nine days off for the price of four annual leave days. Make sure you take October 6to 9 off to get nine days of holidays, from Saturday October 3 to Sunday October 11.

Christmas and New Year’s Day

We know, we know – Christmas feels too far away to plan for. But being organised and carefully coordinating your time off will reward you handsomely when the festive season rolls back around. If you don’t have the time off already, you can take just three days of leave (Tuesday December 29 to Thursday December 31) and get a 10-day holiday, from Christmas Day through to Sunday January 3. Now that’s a gift worth planning for.

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Travel destinations to add to your 2026 bucket list

We’ve arrived in a new year, with a fresh calendar (and fresh batch of annual leave days) ahead of us. So, where are we going? Whether you plan to travel near or far, consider adding these travel destinations to your 2026 bucket list.

In Australia…
Jervis Bay Territory

Located on New South Wales’ south-eastern coast – though technically part of the ACT – Jervis Bay Territory is where rugged landscapes, white sandy beaches and pods of dolphins converge. It’s perfect for fishing, boating and whale watching, but you can also find a great feed (and a great beer) in bayside Huskisson.

When to go: Autumn and spring

Bruny Island

With dramatic cliffs, quiet beaches and a few friendly penguins and seals, Bruny Island might be even more magical than Tasmania. Stay for a day or a night or two, and you’ll be rewarded with fresh oysters, artisan cheeses, cool-climate wines and the cutest roadside bakery you’ve ever seen.

When to go: Summer and early autumn

Esperance

Perched on Western Australia’s wild south coast, Esperance has to be seen to be believed. Impossibly white sand, luminous water and vast, wind-sculpted landscapes await those who make the trek – it’s little wonder why nearby Lucky Bay regularly tops ‘world’s best beaches’ lists.

When to go: Late spring to early autumn

Uluru

Rising from the heart of the Red Centre, Uluru is one of Australia’s most breathtaking – and spiritually significant – landscapes. The way the colours change throughout the day is captivating enough, but you can easily wile away the days exploring the surrounding desert, walking ancient tracks, hearing stories and soaking in the scale and stillness.

When to go: April to September

Daintree Rainforest

Queensland really does have it all. Iconic beaches? Check. Scenic wine country? Check. One of the world’s oldest living ecosystems? Check! The Daintree is where ancient rainforest meets the Coral Sea – a lush, untouched paradise that’s teeming with out-of-this-world wildlife. Bucket list, indeed.

When to go: May to October

Further afield…
Kyrgyzstan

Never thought of travelling to Kyrgyzstan? We’re not surprised. But experience its mountainous scenery, charming locals and adventurous foods, you’ll understand why it’s becoming central Asia’s most popular destination.

When to go: June to September

Cuba

Colour, rhythm, personality – there’s so much to love about Cuba, a place like no other. Something of a time capsule, Cuba is where you go when you’re craving the good old days, from old cars to an old-fashioned sense of community.

When to go: November to April

Tanzania

Vast and diverse, it’s hard to pick just one place to go when considering a trip to Africa. But there are plenty of reasons Tanzania should be at the top (or close to the top) of your list: its spectacular safaris, scenery of the Ngorongoro Crater and the pearlescent beaches of Zanzibar.

When to go: June to October

Bosnia and Herzegovina

It may be small, but Bosnia and Herzegovina is jam-packed full of surprises, From Medieval bridges and café-lined streets to emerald rivers and valleys, there are so many reasons this history-rich country should be on your Europe itinerary in 2026.

When to go: May to September

Philippines

There are more than 7000 islands that make up the Philippines, so you really can choose your own adventure. Whether it’s island-hopping in Palawan, surfing in Siargao or snorkelling crystal-clear lagoons, the Philippines has it all.

When to go: December to April

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Gold Coast New Year’s Eve events

Here we are again, wondering how we’re going to mark the end of another year – and the start of a new one. Whether you see December 31 as an opportunity to celebrate or ‘just another night’, there’s plenty happening on the Gold Coast for you to enjoy.

Cocktails & Dreams at River House, Southport

The most exclusive soirée this side of the river. This New Year’s Eve, River House invites you to sail into 2026 with Cocktails & Dreams – a night of effortless glamour, glittering waters, and unforgettable indulgence. Dress in your chicest nautical stripes and toast under the stars with a two-hour cocktail package and decadent canapes, all for $199 pp.

www.riverhouse4215.com.au

Den Devine, Broadbeach

The epic New Year’s Eve lineup is here, promising three amazing party bands and one unforgettable night. Don’t miss the Fleetwood-esque Bayley Pearl Band, high-energy Half Step Down and the Drunken Midnight Choir (reminiscent of Pearl Jam and Foo Fighters).

events.humanitix.com

NYE with A-Trak at Burleigh Pavilion, Burleigh

A-Trak is taking over the decks to keep the dance floor alive until the countdown. Ocean views, cocktails in hand, and nothing but good vibes that’ll carry you past midnight. Doors open all day with a full DJ line up, the official event kicking off from 6pm.

www.burleighpavilion.com

Thorn Park, Miami

Enjoy DJ tunes, the New Year Express train, Bubble Zone, inflatables, arts and crafts, face painting, food trucks and much more – then, finish the evening watching the nearby coastline fireworks light up the sky along the beach from Kurrawa and Surfers Paradise.

www.miamitwilightnye.com.au

Broadwater Parklands, Southport

Join us for an evening filled with entertainment, delicious food trucks and plenty of fun for the whole family. Little ones will love the free kids’ activities, including bubble play, face painting, and crafts, while adults can relax and soak up the atmosphere with two live bands.

www.whatsongoldcoast.au

 Aegean after Dark at Meltemi Mediterranea, Broadbeach

The new Broadbeach venue will ring in 2026 with its Aegean After Dark celebration. Kicking off at 7.30pm and running until late, the night will feature live music, a spritz on arrival and a delectable banquet featuring the very best of Mediterranean cuisine like Hervey Bay scallops and Albacore tuna crudo, arni kontosouvli and Greek pita.

www.meltemi.com.au

Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets, Surfers

The Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets have been providing a unique shopping and cultural experience since 1995, featuring 100-plus stalls, local artisans and live music performances.

www.surfersparadisemarkets.com.au

Paradise Point Parklands

Gather your family and friends and see in the New Year with free face-painting, electrifying performances from Made in the 80’s, Sensational 70’s, SS1 Dance Explosion and Mikky and the Other Guy, and the mesmerising Dancing Chinese Lions. A delicious sausage sizzle tops off the perfect night!

www.whatsongoldcoast.au

Varsity Promenade, Varsity Lakes

Ring in the new year with live music, food trucks and fireworks. Bring your picnic blanket and enjoy an evening of live music, food trucks, activities for the kids and more. The night will end with a fireworks display over Lake Orr at 8:30pm.

www.nyebythelake.com.au

Coomera Sports Park, Coomera

Gather your friends, round up the family, and head down to Coomera Sports Park for an evening of fun, food and festivities. Roll out the picnic blanket, savour a bite to eat from the tasty line-up of food trucks and dance into the night with a DJ on the decks as we celebrate the year that was.

www.whatsongoldcoast.au

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The best gift you can give yourself this Christmas? Time

In a season that asks a lot of us, time is the one thing we rarely feel we have enough of. The good news is that you don’t need a retreat, a booking or a long stretch of free days to feel grounded – just a quiet pocket and the permission to slow down. Here are 10 Gold Coast places that invite exactly that.

Burleigh Headland, in the early morning

Best before 7am, when the path is cool and conversation is sparse.

Try this: Walk without headphones and sync your breath to your steps. Count ten slow breaths as you walk, then start again. Let the ocean do the rest.

Tallebudgera Creek, in the late afternoon

Calm water, soft light and a noticeably slower pace than the open beach.

Try this: Sit with your feet in the water and name five things you can see, four you can hear, three you can feel. A simple grounding exercise that works surprisingly well here.

Currumbin Valley

A place that rewards wandering rather than planning.

Try this: Take a short drive with no destination in mind. Pull over when something catches your eye. Stay five minutes longer than you normally would.

Cougal Cascades track

Gentle, shaded and naturally quiet mid-week.

Try this: Walk slower than feels necessary. Notice temperature changes, bird sounds, and the feel of the ground underfoot. It’s mindfulness without the pressure to “do” it properly.

Palm Beach foreshore, sunrise or dusk

Wide, open and grounding in a very literal sense.

Try this: Sit facing the water and watch the horizon for five full minutes without checking the time. Let your thoughts come and go without following them.

A local café that encourages lingering

The calm ones aren’t always the trendiest – they’re the places that don’t rush you out.

Try this: Leave your phone in your bag. Read a few pages, write a short list of things that felt good this year, or simply sit and watch the room.

North Burleigh to Miami Lookout at sunrise

One of the quiet achievers of the coastline, especially early. The sky shifts quickly here, and there’s a sense of perspective you don’t always get at beach level.

Try this: Watch the sun come up without taking a photo. Notice how the light changes the colour of the water and buildings, minute by minute. Let it be fleeting.

Sitting with the surfers – any open beach, in the early morning

You don’t have to paddle out to feel the calm. Watching surfers wait, watch, and move only when the moment’s right is grounding in itself.

Try this: Sit on the sand and observe the rhythm – sets rolling in, pauses between waves, the patience involved. It’s a quiet reminder that not everything needs to be rushed.

Fishing from the rocks or estuary at low tide, unhurried

Fishing has a built-in slowness that feels especially welcome this time of year. It asks for focus, patience and presence.

Try this: Treat it as time outside rather than a goal. Feel the line, watch the water, notice the sounds around you. Catching something is an added bonus.

Remember: Christmas doesn’t need to be loud to be meaningful. Sometimes the most generous thing you can do for yourself is to pause, breathe, and spend time somewhere that asks nothing of you. Here on the Gold Coast, those places are closer than you think.

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