SHORT HAUL
Hopping over to Queensland for the Brisbane Festival, an annual celebration of theatre, music, dance, circus and opera, with big public events like the closing night fireworks display Sunsuper Riverfire. September 9-30. Eating: At Customs House restaurant, close to the river and the Arts Precinct, for the perfect view of the festival's comings and goings. Drinking: A cocktail at Sazerac, on the 30th floor rooftop bar of the Four Points by Sheraton. Staying: At The Johnson, a luxury design hotel in a former office tower, dedicated to the work of artist Michael Johnson.
MID HAUL
Attending the 25th annual
, and catching as many of the 38 different shows as I can.
Eating:
At
, a 30,000 square foot food and drink emporium in Chinatown, with an oolong cafe, restaurant, bar and retail store.
Drinking:
Behind a secret bookcase or hidden room at
, a low-key Prohibition-themed bar where you need a password to get in and photos and mobile phones are strictly banned.
Staying:
At
, last year voted the number one hotel in San Francisco by readers of
Conde Nast Traveler
.
LONG HAUL
In the picturesque resort village of Portmeirion in north Wales (where TV series
The Prisoner
was filmed) for
, dubbed "the UK's most unique" event. This year's line-up includes headliners Mogwai, Bloc Party, The Flaming Lips and many more.
Eating:
Sunday lunch at
, a historic building overlooking the surrounding countryside.
Drinking:
A pint at the
, with views out to the estuary.
Staying:
In the delightfully-named
, a boutique camping option onsite for the festival.