Anyone lucky enough to have kept a group of friends for a long time will understand the struggle of trying to meet up. Jobs, relationships, adventures and life in general have a tendency to move you all on to different places.
The solution? A friendaversary. My best mates and I have moved interstate and even inter-country over the last 16 years, but once a year we make sure we’re in the same place at the same time, even if it’s only for one glorious weekend.
When you only have a short time together, you want to make sure that you spend it doing something spectacular. You need the views, the food and the adventure to bond you all for another year of friendship. Here are four perfect options for your next shindig.
1. Get The Best Of Both Worlds
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Have you seen all the awesome things happening on the Gold Coast over the last few years? Because you really need to. Quality restaurants, a burgeoning arts scene and, of course, its proximity to nature. All of which makes it the perfect allrounder for a mates trip.
By day you can head out to the hinterlands to wander through nature, or just chill on one of many beaches. For a freshwater dip, head to the stunning Gorge Falls in Tallebudgera Valley.
Or maybe your group is more into the art side of things. If that’s the case, you can wander through the cool local stores popping up around industrial Miami. Get in touch with your own arty side by joining in a workshop at Mint Art House. The resident artists there are a delight and hold regular workshops to teach us plebs how to hone our crafts.
Later, you can check out the live music scene with gigs happening all over the city, but Miami Marketta and Mo’s Desert Clubhouse are definitely your must-visit hubs. The kitschy Rosella’s Bar is a cute spot for drinks, or check out the views and Mean Girls-themed cocktails at The Tropic.
2. Soak Up Those Island Vibes
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How about having a whole island almost to yourselves? The tropical paradise that is Wilson Island sits smack bang on the iconic Great Barrier Reef, about 80km offshore from Gladstone. The island has a maximum capacity of only 18 people at any one time, with nine super-luxe designer tents so you can glamp in style.
Just imagine you and your besties, no modern technology (goodbye work emails), and a natural world wonder at your doorstep. Oh, BY THE WAY, you’ll be greeted on arrival by your host/chef. Yes, chef.
Head out for a casual snorkel, lie on the beach with a few bevvies, ask your chef (!!) to pack you a picnic hamper and take a self-guided tour of the island and stay up late to stare at the stars in the clear night sky.
3. Take Your Friendship Offshore
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Soak in the beauty of Noosa with a kayaking trip around the tropical wetlands of Noosa Everglades. It’s one of only two everglade systems in the whole world, so what you see here is truly unique. It’s all stunning, but be sure to paddle down the picturesque River of Mirrors.
To really soak in the natural beauty, stay in an eco-friendly tent at Habitat Glamping. You can relax after all that kayaking at their 100% natural brewery on-site.
Don’t forget about Noosa’s stunning beaches and hikes, cafes and restaurants to satisfy even the pickiest of foodies among you (every group has one), and loads of trendy bars to wet your whistle.
Add to that the fact it’s a super easy half-hour drive from Sunshine Coast Airport, or about an hour and a half from Brissy, and you have a mates weekend reunion dream.
4. Reach New Heights Together
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If your mates are an active bunch, rekindle your friendship by bonding over a shared challenge like climbing to the highest point in the whole of Queensland, Mt Bartle Frere just outside of Cairns.
It’s no walk in the park, in fact, at 1500 metres it’s got the second-highest elevation gain of any Aussie summit and you will be climbing and/or scrambling in parts – which is exactly why you all won’t be able to stop talking about it for years to come. That and the views at the top, of course.
The best time to climb is during the dryer and cooler months of August to October, and start early in the day as you’re looking at about an eight-hour round trip hike and you’ll want to do it in the daylight. Alternatively, turn the memories up to 11 and camp at the top overnight.
So there you have it, whether you and your mates are fitness freaks, need help cutting down distractions, or enjoy getting out and about together, Queensland has your next reunion sorted.
