From heritage listed pools to crystal clear beaches in the middle of The City, Brisbane is the best place to cool off this summer. Visit Brisbane has rounded up some of the top pools and water havens. Did we mention most of these spots are free?South BankStreets Beach, Australia’s only beach in the middle of the city, is the perfect spot to cool off this Summer. Take a dip in the crystal clear lagoon or escape the summer heat under one of the many palm trees. Take a break from the water and head over to Cafe Lagoona’s to enjoy some Streets Ice Cream.The CityBeat the heat and enjoy a little bit of history at the Spring Hill Baths, Brisbane’s first in-ground pool and the southern hemisphere’s oldest surviving public baths. If a state-of-the-art pool is more your thing, check out Healthstream at QUT Gardens Point.Brisbane’s BaysideEnjoy the cool bay breezes at Wynnum’s Water Park and Playground, it’s the perfect spot for families. With plenty of trees and cafés, grown-ups can relax as the kids are entertained by a pirate themed playground and a pod of rubber whales spraying jets of water. The nearby Wynnum Wading Pool, originally built during the 1930’s Depression, is a favourite with locals and tourists a like. Escape the heat and enjoy the cool salty water, then finish the day off with an ice-cream and some fish and chips on the jetty.Fortitude Valley

Behind the heritage listed brick façade of the municipal baths is a 50m oasis from the hustle and bustle of Fortitude Valley – the Valley Pool. After you dry off walk across to road to James Street and order a deliciously chilled smoothie from Quench. If all the exercising has left you feeling a tad peckish choose from a huge range of restaurants along James Street in Fortitude Valley.

Stradbroke Island

North Stradbroke Island is the ultimate summer hot spot. Boardriders and bodysurfers will love Main Beach which stretches for 32kms of unspoilt sand, dunes and surf. Further inland you will find the popular Brown Lake, named after its clear “tea” colour which comes from the surrounding trees and reeds.

Moreton Bay

Just off Brisbane’s shore is the third largest sand island in the world – home to crystal clear lakes, lagoon and pristine beaches. Tanaglooma is the ultimate place to cool off this summer. Hire some snorkels and enjoy exploring the islands mysterious wrecks and colourful coral reefs.

Redcliffe

Sutton’s Beach at Recliffe is a local treasure with playgrounds for children, barbeque facilities and plenty of shade. Nearby you will find Settlement Cove, a water wonderland that’s perfect for families and barbeques by the bay. Kids will love this free water attraction, which features a playground, water jets and play equipment as well as a wading pool and swimming area. The beaches of Redcliffe are always good spot for a dip too!