The Rusty Barrel opens its doors.
The Rusty Barrel opens its doors.
It’s been a minute since we’ve had the pleasure of venturing out Varsity Lakes way but here we are with news from the crew there.
A new venue has arrived and it’s bringing all your whisky sipping, tasty snack eating dreams to life. It’s called The Rusty Barrel and it’s the work of local lad Billy Crean who sought to breathe some newness into Varsity’s bustling little business precinct.
And that he has with a new bar and eatery that’s serving up something quite different to the norm.
You can find The Rusty Barrel just behind Hotel CBD, it’s a 70-seat space with both indoor and outdoor seating areas and a sweet little garden area soon to be overgrown with greenery.
Unsurprisingly, the space is decked out with rum barrels, sourced from Beenleigh Distillery, a mural taking up the length of one wall and a delightful neon sign shining out from another stating “we’re all mad here” and same, to be honest.
Let’s chat drinks first and the cocktail list has been created by local legend Jesse Chan, who knows all of the things about tasty tipples and there are many on it you should sample.
Starting with a Kaffir Lime and Agave-infused Old Fashioned which smells as good as it tastes and (as with many of the cocktails on the list) is infused with a housemade syrup and is so very delicious.
Not only that one though, The Chilli Jam is made with House made chilli tequila, agave, grapefruit and lime and is a little party in your mouth. We also loved the PBJs which is made with Vizor Peanut Butter Schnapps, J Cartron Coconut Liqueur, strawberries, lemon and peanut crumble.
All the good sips guys.
To eat, there are both share-style and keep-to-yourself-style options so you can choose your own adventure in that regard.
Small plate-wise there are dishes like Port Lincoln Kingfish Ceviche with pickled jalapeno, coriander, kaffir lime, avo mousse and beetroot Wagyu, King Prawn and Barramundi Sugarcane Skewers and Koji-marinated Tuna Tartare with Buckwheat Bark. Tasty.
You may also indulge in big old burgers like the Barrel’s Brisket Ragu Burger, the Zucchini and Corn Cheese Burgers and the BBQ Peri Peri Chicken Burger. There’s a tasting trio of sliders if you fancy a little bit of everything.
Not only all of that though, there’ll also be live music on Saturday nights. How fun.
Get into Varsity and give them some love.
LOCATION: 11/228 Varsity Pde, Varsity Lakes
HOURS: Wednesday until Sunday 11.30am until late
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
From Tav to Pav.
Summer is coming guys and so are all the fun refurbs and slew of new restaurants to match.
Robina has lately had a resurgence of little eateries opening and now much to the delight of locals, their famed local Robina Tavern will be receiving a stunning renovation to the the tune of $4 million.
Tucked away behind the local drive-thru bottle-o and set by a picturesque lake, Robina Pavilion, as it will soon be known, will bring locals a multitude of different dining areas to choose from and revel in by the end of November.
But if you’re looking for the piece de resistance of this makeover, it was what we considered to be the under utilised deck. Well under utilised no longer friends! Ask and ye shall receive. Sunny’s is the new place to be seen in the hood. A sunkissed deck with retractable roof (for you know, on those 5 days a year it might rain) offering woodfired pizza and what goes well with those, Aperol Spritz baby!
If you’re looking more next level, The Lakeside has you covered (but like with no roof) where daybeds will be available with dedicated service to your crew and overlooking the stunning lake, who needs Bali right?
If you’ve got the littlies with you, Marco Polo is the dedicated kids lounge with giant games like jenga… it’s for the kids, we swear.
We can’t wait for Robina Pavilion to be unveiled in late November with it’s impressive upgraded ‘tavern’ experience. 4226 forever.
Written by Carly Snodgrass
The Sporting Globe now open.
Summer in Australia means three things; scorching heat, frosty beverages and sports. All of which compliment one another perfectly (unless you’re a player of said sports obviously), good one Oz.
Just in time for what might in fact be the hottest summer of all (don’t quote us on that) comes a brand new venue serving up all of the sports you could possibly hope to consume in one season, frosty cold beverages AND some perfectly good eats to accompany all of the above.
The Sporting Globe is the name of the exciting newbie and it can be found on The Promenade at Robina Town Centre overlooking the lake. Open as of the last few days the venue is very spacious, catering for 330 people with a pool table, centre island bar, extensive indoor and outdoor seating and a beer garden slash deck situation.
There are 50 high definition screens including two, 5m2 screens and a nine-screen video wall, so there’s absolutely no way you’ll miss a second of any of the summer sporting action.
Local Gold Coast brothers Mark and Brad Vigus have come on as franchisees to launch the Robina venue and with a strong sporting background, they’re definitely the best blokes for the job.
The premise behind The Sporting Globe is obviously a commitment to broadcasting live sport from across the globe but the venue is also very family-friendly and everyone and anyone who wants a laidback outing with good food and an even better atmosphere.
Speaking of food, the menu is a winner too. As you’d expect, a venue based on all things sport needs a menu to accompany it and The Sporting Globe has delivered.
From signature wings to loaded chicken parmis, stacked burgers and of course, healthy bowls in case you’re feeling that way inclined, everything you could possibly want is covered.
There’s also a VERY refreshing cocktail menu on offer with a few fruity faves to help beat the heat and of course, a range of tap and bottle beers (by the bucket if you please) because, sport and a nicely curated wine list if you feel a little bit fancy.
So, since summer is here and it’s practically an Aussie rite of passage to be watching all the sport and drinking all the things, The Sporting Globe is a godsend.
Go forth and get it.
LOCATION: The Promenade, Robina Town Centre, Robina
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
This ‘burb has all the bells and whistles.
Pop quiz! Where’s one place on the Gold Coast, where you can shop till you drop, eat your body weight in quality nosh, wander amongst stunning natural parklands and more? It’s Robina! There’s also a hospital and train station, but unfortunately, they’re not exciting enough to make our list.
Here are 18 things that are exciting enough to make our list.
Say ciao to Robina’s (perhaps, Gold Coast’s) most authentic and downright delicious pasta joint! The artisan pasta boutique store is brought to us by a European mother and daughter duo – how could it not be? Made with high-quality durum wheat semolina (rich in fibre, protein, vitamin B, and also digestion-friendly), their fresh-as pasta can be paired with a selection of their no-nasties, slow-cooked sauces. The best!
Where: Easy T Centre, 514 Christine Avenue, Robina
The Euro food tour continues at My French Pastries- a slice of Paris right in Robina. They deliver made-from-scratch croissants, tarts, and decadent desserts, with each pastry crafted with high-quality ingredients that keep locals coming back for more (and more and more). Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.
Where: Shop 5, 4226/361 Robina Pkwy, Robina
Home of our beloved Titans, CBUS Super Stadium is one of the best regional stadiums in Australia and it’s ours, all ours (insert wicked snigger). Not only do Gold Coasters spend their weekends cheering on the boys here, but we’ve also been lucky enough to watch A-league and international football games, the Nitro Circus, and the Rugby 7s as part of the Commonwealth Games. High five to CBUS for being our homegrown hub of sporting joy.
Where: Centreline Place, Robina
An intimate 24-seat Asian bar and restaurant offering a modern take on Southeast Asian cuisine. The menu showcases creative dishes from Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, inspired by vibrant street food flavours and regional classics. With its cosy setting, flavour-packed plates and a Chef Hat from the Australian Good Food Guide for 2025, it’s a top pick for both date nights and group dining.
Where: 44 Commerce Dr, Robina
She’s smart, she’s stunning- she’s Bond University. Yes, Robina is home to the prestigious and world-class institution that helps current and future generations reach their biggest goals! Bond combines innovative teaching, a supportive campus community, and beautiful surroundings to create an inspiring study environment.
Where: 14 University Drive, Robina
The spacious, sports-themed bar and restaurant made a big splash on Robina Town Centre when it first moved in and continues to do so in 2023. Within The Sporting Globe there are no less than 50 high definition screens including two 5m2 screens and a nine-screen video wall, so yeah nah, you’re not missing a single second of the action. They’re also serving up perfect sport-watching food, frosty bronsons galore, and an all-round cracking good atmosphere. It’s a sure thing.
Where: The Promenade, Robina Town Centre, Robina
Calling all dog lovers! This expansive dog park is the perfect place for your furry friend to run, play, and socialise safely. With plenty of open space and shaded areas, it’s ideal for a weekend outing with your four-legged family members.
Where: Lot 21 Robina Pkwy, Clear Island Waters
A vibrant café serving wholesome, flavour-packed meals crafted from fresh, local ingredients. Harvest Foodhouse is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a relaxed lunch, with mouthwatering options like lamb shoulder tacos, cauliflower steak with a white bean hummus, loaded savoury croissants and triple-choc waffles. You’re gonna need to make a few trips.
Where: 361 Robina Parkway, Robina
The playground to end all playgrounds! Greenheart Robina Parklands is a 22.5-hectare wonderland with towering slides, net bridges, trampolines, swings, water play, and a toddler zone, all fully fenced with an onsite café (hallelujah). Kids can pedal off to the bike track with humps, bumps, and traffic signs, while parents chill under shady umbrellas. Add in walking paths, a boardwalk, half basketball court and a dog park, and you’ve got the ultimate family day out.
Where: Stadium Dr, Robina
A tried and tested (regularly. Very regularly….) favourite, Robina Pav features a sleek look’n’feel, dreamy deck overlooking the water, a specialised kids area, and plenty of good vibes. Boasting a menu packed with epic eats from woodfired pizzas to stacked burgers, it would be rude not to get involved with the impressive cocktail menu #IfWeMust. It’s the perfect spot for sun-soaked afternoon sessions with you posse.
Where: 229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina
A modern Australian rooftop bar and restaurant, Green Fields serves up flavour-packed dishes with a focus on quality produce and sustainability. The stylish rooftop setting makes it ideal for enjoying a meal while taking in the Robina skyline.
Where: 94 Laver Dr, Robina
A yakitori-focused Japanese-Korean grill in Robina, known for its smoky binchotan charcoal skewers. The menu features wagyu beef, free-range chicken, veggie options, and fresh seafood, paired with Japanese whisky, beer, and wine. Perfect for casual dinners or a night out.
Where: 126/128 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina
If open spaces and oodles of greenery, in the middle of a city no less, is your thing (yes please), Cheltenham Park is the business. There are plenty of areas for the kids – human and fury – to run themselves ragged (#yeahmums!) bushwalking tracks, and big leafy trees to stretch out beneath with a picnic and your favourite people. Perfect for escaping the rat race without chewing through the petrol in search of a tree change.
Where: Cheltenham Drive, Robina
Cocoflufferia by Goji is the all-new dessert wonderland, where dairy-free decadence meets a candy-land of toppings! Grab a bowl of their light and fluffy vegan soft serve, then go crazy with a line-up of delicious toppings like pistachio kanufa, Bueno, pistachio and Nutella sauce, Biscoff crumbs, mini mochi, M&Ms and fresh fruits!
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina
Step into a world of optical illusions and interactive 3D art. Artvo is not only visually stunning but also a playground for your imagination, offering endless photo opportunities and fun for all ages.
Where: Ground Floor, Near the Kitchens, next to Lush, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
Riva is the home of sleek and stylish premium workspaces that make the 9-to-5 grind feel…well, less grindy. They’re designed to foster productivity and creativity by combining comfort, style, and convenience, with both private and co-working options.
Where: 2/14 Edgewater Court, Robina
Small Fry offers a modern twist on classic Australian seafood. One of their signature dishes is the Bug Bao– lightly battered bug meat in a steamed bun with coleslaw, chilli, shallots, lime, and sriracha mayo. Don’t walk, run! Pair that with a serve of their Family Parmesan and Truffle Fries, and damnnnnn!
Where: 273 Scottsdale Drive, Robina
Your most Instagrammable matcha moments await at Matcha Therapy- where everything is made with ceremonial grade matcha powder from Uji, Japan. Sit, sip and shop your way through matcha heaven.
Where: 129 Laver Drive, Robina
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
