How do you beat south-east Queensland’s icy winter chill?
Well, if the next three months are anything like last year’s when Logan recorded its hottest ever winter’s day, then you might not have to.
But if they are anything like today or yesterday, then you might need a plan.
While the city is again expected to record higher minimum and maximum average temperatures throughout winter 2025, there will be more chilly days.
As temperatures drop, local residents will, undoubtedly, dust off their fleece jackets and beanies – even if the moment never truly calls for it.
One of the city’s mosques, at Stockleigh, will be doing something similar with their monthly winter bonfires.
“It is a creative way of trying to build an intimate environment where people can just sit and talk and feel safe,” Stockleigh mosque youth leader Adeel Ahmad said.
Everyone is welcome to the bonfires – particularly those aged 15 to 40.
The event will sometimes include sports like volleyball, but always feature a barbecue, marshmallows over the fire, and a yarn.
“We have tried it in the summer time as well, but it’s more successful in the winter,” Mr Ahmad said.
“We have tried a couple of things, but this is one thing we found to be more successful, just because of the kind of environment it creates.”
Further north, inside the country’s largest indoor roller skate rink at Hillcrest, the Skate Paradise team is preparing for a busy winter season.
“We have a brand new venue, so compared to the old one with no aircon, it is a lot more comfortable for people. It does tend to pick up during winter, more so than summer,” Skate Paradise director Sharon McLean said.
“Every weekend we have our public sessions, and then our weekday skates through school holidays.”
Skate Paradise, formerly known as Digi Roller Skating Rink or Skatetrader, moved into their new $13 million rink at the end of 2023.
The new facility has party rooms, a bar, a pro shop, a massive rink, and a retro style diner.
But if getting active isn’t your thing, then maybe you’ll prefer one of Beenleigh charity-owner Tammy Robinson-Heynatz’s favourite winter pastimes.
The more expensive option is to head to a nearby wellness centre for a relaxing float.
“I have floats and saunas when it’s cold,” she said.
“But that’s not a cheap or free thing to do.”
If you’re not looking to spend, then Ms Robinson-Heynatz suggests you chuck on your slippers and pull out the slow cooker.
“If it’s cold, I stay indoors and I watch movies,” she said.
“We like to put the slow cooker on, make a curry, and binge watch Netflix.
“There is nothing better than family time. We’re often so busy that we can forget that.”
