If you're a busy mum, you deserve some time out with your girlfriends. How lovely, if only for a few hours, to feel like you're part of the "ladies who lunch" set. Brisbane offers abundant opportunities for girls who want to have a bit of fun. So book the babysitter, grab your girlfriends and head off for some quality "me and my friends" time. Here are some ideas:
The me-time mini dinner
Heading out for a full-blown dinner at a fancy restaurant with your girlfriends can be hard to accommodate when you're on a tight family budget. So go for the fun and thrifty option. Eat your main course at home with the family then head off to a restaurant for a glass of wine, dessert and coffee - in that order! Eat, drink and enjoy the uninterrupted flow of conversation. Bliss.
Girls only golf
Swap the steam iron for a nine iron when you take part in the ladies mid-week sessions at Brisbane's public Victoria Park Golf Complex. Women of all ages and abilities are welcome to join the Tuesday or Wednesday morning classes to get advice from a trainee pro. The sessions include hitting a few holes on the course and a clinic at the driving range.
Or try out the new 18-hole putting range - great for practising your putting or having a giggle with your girlfriends.
Afterwards, head to the Caddy Shack café for eats and drinks while enjoying the city views.
Alternatively, arrange a golf day with your girlfriends at the St Lucia Golf Links. A ladies' social nine-hole competition tees off every Tuesday morning (excluding school holidays). If you stay for lunch you get a complimentary glass of wine.
Or just book in for a breakfast or lunch with your girlfriends at the award-winning Hundred Acre Bar, which offers expansive views of the surrounding parkland along with delectable food.
Anyone for tennis?
Whether you belong to the "hit and giggle" brigade or are serious about your game, there's nothing like a spot of tennis with the girls to put some physicality and fun into your day. Brisbane City Council has a number of tennis courts available for community use. For other options, check our directory.
Artist date
Instead of confining your visual arts experiences to the wonders created by your budding baby Picassos, book a babysitter, and visit an art gallery with a friend. You'll actually get to look at the art you're interested in rather than rushing around, trying to keep the kids amused. The Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art (or GoMA) offer not only rich art experiences, but several excellent cafés for morning tea or lunch.
Fashion events
Ok, these are getting into the pricier bracket, but they're a "ladies who lunch" favourite: fashion fix plus lunch. For $55 a head, you can combine haute cuisine with high fashion at Conrad Treasury's Fashion Fridays. Mingle with the fashion elite while you enjoy the latest styles and a two-course lunch.
Bond over books
If you love good books, good coffee and good conversation, then head along to a Mary Ryan's book group. In Brisbane, you can find the monthly groups at Mary Ryan's at Milton and Paddington. Enjoy an in-depth discussion about the chosen title, while tucking into coffee, tea and delicious cakes from the store café. Membership is free. Oh, the joys of intelligent conversation!
Avid Reader also offers regular get-togethers for bibliophiles in the form of feisty and entertaining book clubs. There's three monthly clubs to choose from so you're sure to find one that fits in with family and work commitments.
Check our business listings for other book shops in your area.
High teas
Convivial, delightful, delectable and, best of all, decadent - high tea has got to be one of the best ways to enjoy some quality time out with friends. Go on, indulge yourself - check out our guide to some of Brisbane's best known high tea destinations.
Are you a "lady who lunches"? Divulge all, girlfriend! Add your comments below.
