The Good Lane stocks local makers and artists.
The Good Lane stocks local makers and artists.
Not only is the Gold Coast becoming THE place to be for epic eateries, cool cultural events and all things art and entertainment, we are also embracing all things sustainable and zero waste at a rapid pace and it’s so exciting to see.
In the last year or so we’ve had a couple of sustainable product stores pop up around the place and they have been welcomed with open arms by us locals.
Happily, there’s a new kid in town and this one can be found right in the heart of Burleigh Heads. It’s called The Good Lane and it’s a zero-waste, plant-based marketplace where you can stock up on all things good-for-the-planet.
Owner Elijah McQuinn was the man behind Sustainable Social, a zero-waste, plant-based market on the Coast; but wanted a retail space so he could bring local makers together and hold events for the public too.
What kind of things you ask? Well Gold Coasters, pretty much everything.
You can treat your skin to something special with clay masks, deodorant pastes and bath soaks by local brand Rustic Peppermint.
There are kitchen goodies like coconut bowls, bamboo straws, cutlery kits, produce bags, dish brushes, lunch boxes and drink bottles.
Of course, you can also get eco-friendly tote bags and produce bags.
There are also hand-crafted ceramics including incense holders and ritual dishes from Blue House Pottery plus prints and macrame for your walls by local artists.
Stock up on (hot commodity) loo paper by the legends at Who Gives a Crap or a beautiful thrifted / upcycled piece of clothing .
The Good Lane is also a micro nursery so you can take home some (yes, more) greenery for your house as well as candles by The Glass Half Full and there’s also a selection of stunning vintage homeware, carefully curated by the team.
That’s not even all of it.
You can pretty much find anything you need and all within the pretty, light-filled space and it’s all made by locals from Northern NSW to Brisbane. How good.
If you’re thinking you might like to spend a bit of extra time in there, you’re in luck.
Events like watercolour art classes, sound healing sessions and cacao ceremonies are all on offer throughout the week. Sounds like the perfect place to us.
Head down there to check it all out for yourself and pick up some sweet, sustainable goodies to fill your home with and keep an eye out for shop pup Chase, he’s a fluffy little sweetheart.
LOCATION: 73 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads
HOURS: Wednesday to Friday 10am to 4pm and Saturday & Sunday’s 10am to 3pm
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Bug rolls, the beloved hill and local brews.
Oh, Burleigh, you little beauty, what’s not to love, right? Since the dawn of time (or the dawn of the GC at least), Burleigh has been one of the most-loved suburbs amongst a slew of strong contenders.
Sure, the beach is beautiful (that Hill is iconic for a reason) and James Street boasts all the best eats and acai bowls galore, but it’s more than that. Burleigh has a soul of its own born of cruisy, barefoot, salty sea breeze vibes you simply won’t find anywhere else. Gushing aside, we’ve found the best of Burleigh so you don’t have to.
Here’s our guide to the best eats, bars, shopping spots and places to visit so you can see why the locals love it and you should too (or else). We always say, when in Burleigh, do as the locals do.
Perched three floors high, within the stunning new Mondrian Gold Coast, is Haven. What is the Haven, you ask? It’s a nothing-short-of-exceptional beach club, spanning a refined yet relaxed dining room, private cabanas, a full-service pool club and a sunset bar. Whether you’re brunching in your bikini or toasting at twilight, Haven is where it’s at. As the sun sets, the evening comes alive with a soundtrack of DJs, curated playlists and live performances.
Where: Level 3/3 First Ave, Burleigh Heads
Literally opening out onto the sand at Burleigh Beach, Rick Shores is loved not just by locals but globally for its stunning sunset views and those tiny little taste sensations, otherwise known as Bug Rolls. If you’ve never tasted one, you’ve been wasting your life (seriously). Make a booking RIGHT NOW and order like 5. Wash them down with one of Rick’s signature cocktails, and you’re a bona fide Burleigh-ite.
Where: Shop 3, Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
If you’re looking for fancy food but with the relaxed vibe that’s quintessentially Burleigh, look no further. The stunning space offers incredible Vietnamese dishes inspired by trips to Vietnam, tasting some of the very best street food in the world every single day. Sounds epic! It’s a refined style of dining paired with mouthwatering cocktails and a sleek, pared-back vibe. Jimmy Wahs is one of the Gold Coast’s most impressive eateries, and we are big fans.
Where: 1724 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
The fine dining venue has become part of the fabric of Burleigh’s bustling heart, but it’s also become one of the Gold Coast’s premier dining destinations. Tucked away on West Street, the five-star, seasonal-produce-led restaurant is an absolute must-visit. Trust us, your dining experience here won’t be easily forgotten. The produce is sustainable, and the wine list features some of the most stunning natural wines in the world. The service is impeccable too, but in a fun, not-too-formal way. We LOVE.
Where: 2A/8 West Street, Burleigh Heads
Après Surf is your friendly neighbourhood bar in Burleigh. If a crisp beer, indulgent pub-style eats, and DJ beats sound like your pint of lager, this place is for you. It’s plain ol good vibes from 5pm daily (except Tuesdays) with DJs every weekend! Head there on a Thursday for $1 dumplings and free stand-up comedy from 8pm! Doesn’t get much better than that, and Burleigh locals know it.
Where: 1/1837 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
They started off as a taco-slinging hole-in-the-wall in Palm Beach in 2021, instantly becoming a cult favourite. Now, they’ve levelled things up with a move to Burleigh. Think bigger and better space, with the same beloved laid-back Aussie beach culture, and big Mexican flavours we all know and love. The new location invites you to settle in, sip a marg (or three) and let the good vibes take you to Mexico. Batanga, anyone?
Where: 1718 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Looking for a Burleigh locals’ guide to the best fish and chips in town? Look no further. And this place doesn’t just stop at fish and chips (even though we wouldn’t recommend going past them). They also serve fresh poke bowls and vibrant superfood bowls, plus a range of Bali-inspired dishes that reel in people from all over; they’re that good. Think flavour-packed Gado-Gado, nasi goreng and Bali satay chicken sticks. Wash it down with a premium cocktail and watch Burleigh come to life (this place is in a prime people-watching locale).
Where: 1716 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
A true family-run gelateria, Al Bacio Gelato Naturale is run by husband-and-wife duo Craig and Rebecca Heininger, alongside their daughter, Jaime. Since opening in late 2025, they’ve been serving scoops of authentic, 100% natural Italian gelato to Burleigh locals (and visitors), and we cannot be more thankful. The signature Al Bacio, meaning “as good as a kiss” in Italian, is a rich chocolate-hazelnut scoop made with homemade hazelnut paste from Piemonte, Italy. Then, for those who like to gulp down their gelato, you can order your favourite flavour in thick shake form. Can we get a hell yeah?
Where: 7/1840 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
As you cruise down the GC Highway, the striking red and white umbrellas and festoon lights grab your attention and give you a whiff of what awaits inside. Crispy Italian is where to head when you’ve got a hankering for wood-fired pizza done insanely well. You’ll get a fun, laid-back vibe and a menu stacked with la pasta, la pizza, woodfired gnocchi and desserts impossible to resist. Did someone say Aperol spritz? Oh yeah, that was us.
Where: 4/1840 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Local is one of those venues that just gets it. Equal parts polished and laidback, this Burleigh favourite nails the brief from morning through to late arvo and beyond, making it the kind of place you pop into “just for one” and somehow leave with a full camera roll and a new core memory. With multiple spaces to suit every vibe, from the fairy light–lit beer garden and fully stacked tinnie bar to plush indoor booths and a main bar made for game days, Local is built for long hangs, big feeds and even bigger catch-ups. The menu covers all bases (classic pub grub, elevated plates and a few fancy moments for good measure) and the atmosphere is always buzzing.
Where: 1744 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
There’s a good reason this gem is heaving at all hours: the home of the iconic muffin top (IYKYK) and some of the best coffee in town. It’s not just locals who love it – you’ll find Gold Coasters and beyond flocking here for a taste of the goods. Come for a coffee and to get around their huge menu with something for everyone – literally, it’s impossible to not love something. Plus, we’re pretty sure it’s mandatory to leave with a pastry in tow – go on, you deserve it.
Where: 1748 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Locals know the only thing loose in this (top) paddock is scrumptious, buttery baked goods. Since opening its charmingly renovated doors in 2014, Paddock has been the ultimate spot for brunch, lunch and sweet treats that keep us coming back daily. With lush gardens, a cottage, loft, rooftop and barn to hide away in, the menu is just as endless as the spots to enjoy it – perfect for indulgence, people-watching, or a little bit of both.
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
A local newbie that’s already earned its rightful place on this list (which is saying something). Start with a coffee- because there’s no other way, and theirs is superb- before diving deep into their menu full of hearty but totally healthy eats. Think Shakshuka Scramble with charred eggplant, peppers, tomato chilli salsa & charred bread. Chef’s hot tip: add brisket. Or, indulge yourself in a croque monsieur made with ham and gruyere, fried eggs, cheese sauce, green pea chef salad and parmesan that will blow your beret off. Everything here is made fresh, seasonal, and irresistible.
Where: 4 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
Serving Southern California vibes (think cactus, umbrellas, pastel greens) all day long, alongside morning margaritas (you read correctly), epic eats and epic coffee. If you didnt catch on, Palm Springs does things a little differently, and Burleigh locals love them for it. They said, ” We will give you avocado smash and serve you one better”. Better in the form of a morning marg with breakfast tacos. It may sound rogue, but don’t tell us it isn’t exactly what you’ve been waiting for. Ideal hangover feed, perfect weekend brunch. Thank us later.
Where: 1878 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
This small but mighty wine bar has one of the largest selections of boutique wines (we mean, it is in the name) with some seriously epic eats to accompany. We can’t go past the cheeseburger – seriously, don’t sleep on this – and if you don’t know where to start on what to sip, the expert team always nail the reccos. Pop a Pet Nat on your must-try for something a little bubbly, or if you’re more of a red drinker, their signature chilled reds are the ultimate for a hot summer’s day.
Where: 12 James Street, Burleigh Heads
It’s the good time, slightly fancy Australiana bar of your dreams, and it is perfectly at home in Burleigh Heads. Rosella’s is a local haunt that’s been a firm favourite since its opening. With both a drinks and a food menu made entirely of Australian produce, we are in heaven. They’ve got cocktails inspired by Fantales, Blinky Bill and Bondi Beach, all the very best Aussie beers and some of the tastiest eats to pair. It’s refined, beautifully decked out and created by a couple of absolute legends. Love.
Where: 6/1734 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
This fam-and-friends-run distillery from husband-and-wife duo Justin and Lana Bell is serving up elevated cocktails designed specifically for sipping (and swooning), paired with snacky plates that absolutely understood the assignment. The space is a moody, deep-green, tropical-tiki dream and the drinks are bespoke and downright dangerous in the best way. Oh, and they’re big on collabs too, teaming up with like-minded legends to keep things fresh and fun, so consider this your official cue to keep a very close eye out for their next one. It’s intimate, it’s stylish, it’s packed with heart (and gin), and it’s proof that when you mix great spirits with great people, magic happens.
Where: 1/9 Calabro Way, Burleigh Heads
If Burleigh had a local hall of fame, Burleigh Pavilion would be its MVP. This beachfront institution sits right above the sand at Burleigh Heads, serving up panoramic ocean views, sunset vibes and reliably good times from arvo cocktails to dinner dates and everything in between. Within its sprawling space you’ve got casual beach-bar energy, breezy terraces and The Tropic, the coastal-meets-Mediterranean restaurant where you can settle in for a sun-soaked lunch or a long, leisurely dinner with views literally stretching to the horizon. Whether you’re here for the drinks, the eats, the views, or just to feel like you’re living your best summer life year-round, Burleigh Pavilion is basically Burleigh’s living room with a better wine list.
Where: 3a/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
If there’s one thing Burleigh deserves (the big legend), it’s a brewery, and Burleigh Brewing Co. certainly delivers. since opening in 2006, Burleigh Brewing Co. has produced a lineup of delicious drops – all perfectly Burleigh. Get a sixer for Netflix and chill, or head into the brewery from Friday to Sunday afternoons to get amongst it.
Where: 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads
This place is the ideal setting for a lil cocktail and antipasti moment. A wine with your significant other, cocktail hour with the gals, or dare we say, a quick shot to kick off an epic night. Alongside wines, beers, margs and cocktails, they serve ‘a quality shot’ for those who value efficiency or are known to be fashionable-late and need to catch up, as they say. That’s definitely not us…Okay, it’s totally us.
Where: 1740 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Hidden inside the opulent Mondrian hotel, Ciel Spa is the city’s first bio-wellness spa blending high-tech treatments with high-touch luxury. Forget cucumber slices and pan pipe music, here you’re getting a serious glow-up down to a cellular level. From zero-gravity dry float sessions and Himalayan salt rooms to LED facials and cosmetic doctor appointments, they have it all. It’s a bit of a treat-yo-self moment.
Where: Level 2/3 First Ave, Burleigh Heads
Well, hasn’t this simple little piece of Mother Nature become an icon? No matter the day of the week (but particularly Sunday arvos), “the hill” as it’s affectionately known, is packed with picnic rugs, ball games and groups of revellers basking in the sunshine. Looking out over the ocean and with the city in the distance, it’s the perfect spot for a late afternoon lemonade or early morning coffee date with the crew. Order some of your fav takeaway from James Street, and perch up on a picnic blanket to soak up the scenery. Better yet, sunset.
Where: The south end of The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads
If you’re feeling energetic, take a stroll around Burleigh Hill to Talle Creek for some Insta-worthy rainforest scenery. Or if you’re game, head up the vertical trail for a hill climb that’s rewarded with an epic view. Yes, some sweat may be involved, but it’s all in the good spirit of exploration. Cool down after with a swim at Burleigh Beach or Talle Creek, wherever you end up.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
A relaxing little beachside club loved by young and old alike, Burleigh Bowls has been around since 1937 and is certainly a prime piece of real estate these days. Barefoot Bowls rolls on from 12–5pm every Sunday, and it’s a measly $10 per person, including coaching and bowls (AKA ball whipper snappers). Get down and support your local while sipping on a schooner.
Where: Connor Street, Burleigh Heads
If you’re in need of some retail therapy, then James Street is the only place you need to go. The range of shopping has everything you need, whether you’re looking for some new additions to your home from Maison & Maison or to update your wardrobe at Emte, you’re guaranteed to leave suitably more stylish. If you’re looking for the perfect piece of art to dress your walls at work or home, Art Yarramunua is our pick for their incredible collection of expertly curated indigenous art.
Where: James Street, Burleigh Heads
Everyone’s favourite Saturday morning market adventure. Get up early, grab your basket and set out in search of fruit, veggies and of course, your first coffee of the weekend. These days, the farmers market also boasts locally made clothing and homewares, flowers, meat and seafood and delicious breaky and lunch options. Happy days! Open every Saturday from 7am–12 ‘rain, hail or shine’.
Where: Burleigh Heads State School, Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Aux Fines Bouches serving up all the baked goodies.
Speaking of early Christmas gifts (roll with it), here’s one everyone can share. A decadent, French patisserie opened in Burleigh Heads just a little while ago and we have never been graced with anything quite like this Gold Coasters.
Aux Fines Bouches is the work of husband and wife team Richard and Sophie Le Deunff, who relocated from Adelaide not long ago to bring our city the goodies they’ve been delighting southerners with for the past 12 years.
Richard is the man behind the sweet treats, a Pastry Chef from northern France since he was 15 years old, he has won a slew of awards including Pastry Chef of the Year from prestigious Gault and Millau.
The reason for the awards is quite obvious as soon as you step inside the Taree Street space. Simply decked out with a few chairs, Aux Fines Bouches is really just about showcasing the absolute magic within the cabinets. The best part though, is watching Richard and his team at work through the window whilst choosing your goodies, so mesmerizing.
So what is the magic we speak of? Well friends, it comes in the form of tarts, cakes and pastries so decadent you almost feel bad putting them in your mouth. Almost.
The attention to detail that goes into each and every dessert is mind-blowing, how do you have so much patience, how do you not eat everything as you go, how do your fingers make such incredible things, you get the point.
For example, there is an apple shaped treat (fancily called a Pomme d’Eva) that looks exactly like an apple but instead of actual boring apple inside, it has a blackcurrant mousse and a crunchy outer shell. What.
That little guy went through five different phases of creation before it was perfected and it is indeed perfect.
There’s a Merveilleux – a traditional French dessert made up of two light meringues held together with whipped cream, covered in more whipped cream and dusted with chocolate shavings and so very yummy.
As people who LOVE a citrus dessert, we were very big fans of the Coucher de Soleil a lemon and raspberry tart with the perfect amount of punch that we absolutely did not share.
Richard comes up with one new dessert a fortnight and how he manages it, we will never know. He also makes incredible cakes for special occasions and we saw a pink one that we will order for every single person we know for the rest of time.
The point is, everything at Aux Fines Bouches is sweet and perfectly balanced and the array of stunning flavours on offer is going to knock your socks off.
Do yourself a favour the next time you’re in need of a sweet treat (so now).
LOCATION: 2/43 Taree Street, Burleigh Heads
HOURS: 7am until 3pm daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Owner of Machia et. – Sustainable & Vintage Fashion
With the world increasingly leaning towards a much more sustainable future, the young are certainly leading the charge. One very entrepreneurial Gold Coast lady at the forefront of sustainable and vintage fashion is 18 year old Georgia-Lili Howe. Launching her own clothing business Machia et. in 2020 at The Oasis Shopping Centre during the height of COVID-19, Georgia-Lili has been supported by several industries including public relations guru Karen Phillips of Gold Coast Women in Business and HIT 90.9 Gold Coast to name a couple. We caught up with Georgia-Lili to hear about her business journey to date and what big things we can expect from her in the near future.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I have lived here my whole life so 18 years.
What do you love most about living here?
The beautiful weather, beaches and cafes.
Tell us about your entrepreneurial journey thus far.
I have always loved coming up with crazy ideas that give me a challenge so I started the journey pretty young. I found that it was an outlet for creativity whilst also being a good way to earn my own money. Since my first idea when I was about 12, they have become more and more challenging the older I get. I have also always loved being different to everyone else, so this has been another way to stand out from the crowd. The support I have received as well has been a massive inspiration.
Tell us about your business Machia et. – Sustainable & Vintage Fashion.
I wanted to create something that hasn’t been seen before. Something I had always wanted but couldn’t find as well. So it started as a hobby, finding vintage clothes for myself, then I turned it into a business.
Tell us about your retail shop at The Oasis Shopping Centre.
I have had the most amazing opportunity to have a pop up shop. It has shown me the true ins and outs of having a shop and how challenging it can be. It has shown me a different perspective into the business world.
What’s your proudest business moment?
Probably selling my first item. Having a customer buy something from me was amazing and made me feel that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
A lot of my inspiration comes from fashion magazines and trends. Sources like Vogue and Pinterest inspire me and give me a good starting point for an idea, and how I can evolve it into something else.
What else is in the works for you in 2021?
Growing my online presence is definitely a goal of mine. I think social media is growing significantly everyday and I would love to gain more attractive via that.
Any advice for someone wanting to start a business on the Gold Coast?
Even if you think I your idea is crazy or unattainable it definitely is not. People will be inspired by your courage to do something that hasn’t been done before.
Tell us your favourites on the Coast…
Café for breakfast: elk espresso
Restaurant for dinner: gemelli Italian
How does your weekend usually look? Cuddles with my cat and rummaging through op shop racks and car boot sales.
