The early bird gets the w̶o̶r̶m̶ coffee!
The early bird gets the w̶o̶r̶m̶ coffee!
Coffee is a part of most Gold Coasters’ morning ritual, and whether you brew up at home or grab an expertly poured cup of joe from any of our roster of talented baristas across the Coast — caffeine is the way and the light.
One such neighbourhood where cafes are king is Nobby’s Beach. This uber-trendy and always fun to visit suburb has slowly garnered itself a reputation for fantastic food options and great places to grab a drink and let your hair down.
Hold this thought, though. Because Sparrow Coffee Co. has only gone and opened themselves a rather cute looking hole-in-the-wall style coffee store right in the heart of this much-loved enclave, and we know you — the locals — are going to love it.
Straight off the bat, these guys are taking their coffee game extremely seriously; with a top-of-the-range La Marzocco coffee machine (basically the Ferraris of coffee dispensing) pride of place, the benchmark is already set high. Next in the equation is Allpress coffee; using their signature espresso blend, accompanied by a separate rotating single origin roast. Wins all round!
While the main focus here is coffee, for those who appreciate the rewarding and comforting sensation of tea — look no further. Quality organic teas from Mayde Tea are put together by hand in Byron Bay and available in an assortment of types for you to enjoy, such as Green Sencha, Jasmine & Rose.
And should you feel like you deserve yourself a sweet treat, then be sure to check out the assortment of slices and bites from Brisbane-based Sweet Nectar, as well as soft and crispy baked goods perfect for bridging that little gap between meals.
If you’ve been to any of their other four stores (Port Douglas, Byron Bay, Bangalow, and Burleigh Heads), you’ll instantly recognise the cheery turquoise styling with splashes of white. Each place has its own unique identity with specifically painted mural walls. Still, for the observant ones out there, you may recognise their signature eye-catching floor tiles when you step into this new Nobby Beach epicentre of caffeine.
Sparrow Coffee Co. appreciates if you’re the type of person who finds themselves always in a hurry, then waiting in a queue can be a nightmare come true. So for their customer’s pleasure, they have their very own coffee ordering app! Once downloaded, you can select which store you’d like to order from, set up your account, and order coffee at your disposal for immediate pickup. Great if you know you’ll be swinging by, and time isn’t on your side. And to makes things even better, once you sign up, your first coffee is free! *heads straight to the app store*
Wonder in off the beach for a much-needed pick me up or grab your pre-ordered coffee as you beeline it to work. Either way, Sparrow Coffee Co. in Nobby Beach has got you covered.
Hours: Every day 5am — 2pm
Where: 3/2211 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
Now open at Elevation Fitness.
There are some things in life that are meant to be together – wine and cheese, Sunday arvos and Burleigh Hill and us and Chris Hemsworth.
You get the point.
Another couple of things that absolutely go together are tasty coffees and a sweaty gym session (or so we hear).
Which is great news because Sparrow Coffee Co. just moved into Elevation Fitness at Burleigh Heads and you can go there for both a sweaty gym session and an epic cup of coffee.
Or just an epic cup of coffee if you like.
Anyway, you may have sipped a cuppa from the team at Sparrow Coffee Co. before.
They have little hole-in-the-wall venues in Byron Bay, Bangalow and Port Douglas and the newbie is all ours.
They are pouring one of our absolute favourite drops, All Press Coffee and you can also grab a Mayde tea, Chai, Hot Chocolate and Dandelion tea too.
To eat there’s banana bread, wellness bars and protein balls and it’s a healthy little time all around honestly.
If you’re in need of a coffee on the go, Sparrow has an app that you can download to your phone, order a coffee on your way and grab it ready to go once you get there.
No more lines and no more waiting for your precious morning cuppa.
What a dream.
So, if you’re looking for a place to enjoy an epic workout and drink copious cups of coffee afterwards, the wait is over Gold Coasters.
Sparrow Coffee Co. is the place to be. Get down there to welcome to the neighbourhood.
LOCATION: 2/151 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads
HOURS: TBC
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Burleigh’s buzzing, and it’s not hard to guess why.
Let’s be real: coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s a lifestyle. Without that first cup of liquid gold, productivity would probably collapse faster than a popped balloon. Honestly, how do people function without coffee? Because we couldn’t tell you.
In Burleigh, the rich aroma of fresh brews flows with the sea breeze, creating the ultimate feel-good combo. We’ve taken one for the team (you’re welcome) and hit the streets to track down the very best coffee Burleigh has to offer.
Needing no introduction, word has got around that Tarte is the place to be in Burleigh. The coffee is Parallel Roasters Exclusive Tarte House Blend so you know it’s going to be goooood. You can order it however you like to sip, from velvety flat whites to a rich filter. Pair your caffeine fix with a loaded bagel (the Bullseye Bang is a cult fave) or go light and sweet with a strawberry muffin top. Whether you’re a morning regular or just passing through, skipping a visit to Tarte is practically a crime.
Where: 1748 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
When it comes to coffee culture in Burleigh, Commune is the OG. This laid-back cafe has been fuelling locals with smooth, strong brews since day dot, and under the Blackboard crew, the espresso game is as sharp as ever. Grab a quick latte on the run or linger over a long black with friends, Commune’s coffee is the kind that keeps you coming back. Pair it with their famous rosti-stacked Eggs Florentine or a chorizo burrito if you’re hungry, and stay for the community vibes.
Where: 1844 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
If you’ve cruised the GC Highway, you’ve definitely spotted Palm Springs, the pastel-hued cafe serving up serious Cali desert vibes. But behind the breezy facade is a coffee club that locals rave about. Smooth espresso, perfectly poured lattes and iced coffees made for sunny mornings. The Therefore Coffee Roasters brew feels right at home under the Burleigh palms. Of course, the eats are on point too. Breakfast tacos, anyone?
Where: 1878 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Next Door Espresso in Burleigh is a coffee lover’s dream tucked inside the stylish St Barts space. With crisp white Besser block walls, timber tables and a sleek concrete bar, it’s the kind of spot you’ll want to linger. The coffee? Organic, roasted by Federal brewers Moonshine. Want to treat yourself? Try a speciality bev like a Banana Pudding Matcha or Dirty Chai Cloud. Pair your cup with wholesome brunch bites or a sweet treat, then browse St Barts’ dreamy homewares. Shopping, sipping, smiling – your day in Burleigh is sorted.
Where: 24 Junction Road, Burleigh
Social Espresso has been fuelling the Gold Coast caffeine scene for over a decade, roasting beans that power many of your favourite cafes. Their Burleigh HQ is a sleek space in the industrial area of Burleigh where the coffee truly shines with three signature blends, rotating single origins and smooth cold brew. Owners Mitch and Hayley have built a hub for coffee lovers and locals alike. Whether it’s a takeaway or a sit-down sip, this is specialty coffee done right.
Factory 1/9-11 Fremantle St, Burleigh Heads
Tucked inside the Big B Arcade, Social Brew is where Burleigh’s coffee culture comes alive. From early morning espressos to mid-morning cappuccinos, this buzzing cafe is fuel for brekky dates, work catch-ups and everything in between. The people-watching is as good as their signature house blend, and the vibe makes it easy to linger as breakfast drifts into lunch. Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s a little oasis in the heart of James Street.
Where: 34-36 James Street, Burleigh Heads
When it comes to cafes locals love, Canteen is the name on everyone’s lips. Crowned Best Coffee in Burleigh in last year’s Love My Cafe awards, their brews have earned a true cult following. Perched on the Park Ave side of the Burleigh buzz, the timber fit-out adds rustic charm, while friendly smiles greet you from kitchen to counter. Serving their signature Cleanskin Coffee Co. roast, Canteen feels like the perfect pause in busy Burleigh.
Where: 23 Park Avenue, Burleigh Heads
Re-firing the coffee machine last year, Pretty Handsome has made a pretty epic comeback. Pouring Allpress beans, every shot is carefully weighed and extracted for consistently smooth, rich flavour, from your morning flat white to a cheeky espresso martini in the afternoon. Pair your cup with a breaky wrap, tacos, or ribs, and you’ll be fuelled up for the rest of the day..
Where: 18 Christine Avenue, Burleigh Heads
At LiTO, coffee takes centre stage in true Italian style, beginning with smooth Allpress brews that pair perfectly with breakfast favourites like Sicilian Poached Eggs or Spiced Avocado Bruschetta. Mondrian Gold Coast’s all-day eatery is the kind of spot where a quiet morning espresso naturally stretches into lunch and beyond, with every cup keeping the la dolce vita flowing. From that first sip post-surf to a final flourish of Tiramisu with coffee mascarpone cream and syrup, LiTO proves life really is better with coffee.
Where: Ground Level, 3 First Ave, Burleigh Heads
Coffee is at the heart of Common Ground, with Burleigh locals raving about their expertly poured Social Espresso brews. Whether you’re after a silky flat white, a refreshing cold brew or something a little spiced like their chai, every sip is designed to complement the sunlit garden setting. The sleek machine on the counter hums from morning to afternoon, fuelling long brunches and catch-ups. Pair your cup with one of their seasonal plates and you’ve found your new daily ritual.
2/2 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh.
If you’ve seen a classic red Jeep humming around town, you might have seen Willy’s Beans delivering signature roasts to many of your favourite caffeine hubs on the GC. Willy’s Beans takes you on a coffee journey from crop to cup. The warehouse cafe is decked with nods to Colombian coffee culture which captured the heart of owner Jayson to open Willy’s Beans. On the menu, you’ll find an impressive lineup of single-origin beans and rare specialties like the Summer Gesha, crafted for those chasing something extra. For an even deeper dive, Willy’s Beans hosts private tastings, giving coffee lovers an immersive experience that goes far beyond the everyday brew.
Where: 1/4 Ramly Drive, Burleigh Heads
Tucked just off Reedy Creek Road, Dover’s Drop is the kind of pit stop that turns into a daily ritual. Serving up fantastic brews from carbon-neutral roasters Locale Espresso, every cup is smooth, rich, and full of flavour that’ll keep you powering through the day. Swing by for locally sourced baked goods, fresh sandwiches and healthy bites that pair perfectly with your caffeine fix. Industrial district coffee never looked (or tasted) so good.
Where: 9 Dover Drive, Burleigh Heads
Paddock may have first won us over with donuts and sweet treats, but it’s their coffee that keeps locals lining up day after day. Tucked inside the charming weatherboard cottage, the team pours smooth, perfectly balanced brews that pair effortlessly with their fresh-baked goods. Whether you’re grabbing a latte to go, sipping a flat white in the garden, or settling in for a long breakfast, the coffee is always flowing. And yes, you should take home their signature sourdough or that Almond Croissant Cookie for later.
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
Just steps from the beach, Memento is the perfect spot to grab your morning flat white before a seaside stroll or settle in with friends (and furry companions) over a leisurely breakfast. The Supreme Coffee brews are smooth, the space is warm, and the vibe is carefree. But the best thing? It’s open at 5am, making it the ultimate pit stop for a pre-surf caffeine hit or a post-run club refuel.
Where: 16 The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads
At MC’s Sandwich House, the coffee is as carefully considered as the sangas. They’ve teamed up with Coffee Supreme, ensuring every cup is bold, balanced and smooth enough to stand alongside their globally inspired creations. Grab a flat white to go with a Hot Chicken sanga or sip a long black while you people-watch from the front window, MC’s keeps your sandwich game and your caffeine levels strong.
Where: 83 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads
Long before Burleigh became a cafe hub, Nook Espresso was already shaping the Coast’s coffee culture. Now the beloved local keeps serving the smooth, perfectly balanced brews that built its cult following. Using the same Byron Bay beans for over a decade, Nook proves consistency is key and every cup hits just right. With friendly faces behind the counter and a breezy, plant-filled setting, it’s the perfect stop for your daily caffeine hit.
Where: Stockland Burleigh Heads, West Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Heads
Words by Lisette Drew
Cool beans.
A wise person once said that coffee makes the world go ‘round… or was it money that makes the world go ‘round? Either way, money buys coffee so same thing if you ask us. And let us tell you there’s an abundance of incredible coffee beans roasted right here on the Gold Coast.
And what’s not to love about the humble coffee bean? Well, these guys would say nothing, because what else is versatile enough to bring the energy in the morning before turning into the GOAT of cocktails in the evening – can you tell we’re a fan?
So, whether you know your coffee or you just like to think you know your coffee, we’ve found the best coffee roasters in our very own backyard so you can walk in and flex that knowledge like you’ve been studying the humble bean for years.
If you’re the kind of person that needs a brew at home before you even think about being an actual human (same), then here’s your key to take home and brew up the pearls of their labour or sit back and get them to do it for you, here they are for your jitter juice slurping pleasure.
Merlo Coffee Torrefazione
Escape our subtropical climates for just a moment, and pretend you’ve found your way to Italy at Brickworks Ferry Road in Southport. Italian for coffee house, Merlo’s Torrefazione is a haven of all things coffee and features an in-store air roaster, meaning a constant steady flow of the freshest espresso. Chat all things coffee and let their staff teach you about their blends and make you the perfect grind on the spot depending on what method you use at home.
Where: Brickworks Ferry Road, 107 Ferry Rd, Southport
First Fruits Specialty Coffee
Found in both Labrador and Southport, First Fruits believe coffee is an art form. Beans are ethically sourced and of the highest quality, and the team are very knowledgeable on all aspects of coffee. They roast in medium and city roast styles which bring out the oh-so delicious flavours of the bean and offer a smooth, balanced flavour.
Where: 129-133 Olsen Avenue, Labrador and 1 Griffith Way, Southport
Willy’s Beans
One of the newest roasters on the block, there’s a reason we ‘willy’ love what these guys bring to the table… errr, cup. Tucked away in Burleigh Heads, the coffee warehouse opened its doors in July and locals can’t get enough of the specialty coffee that Willy’s Beans have been brewing. Celebrating the art of coffee making, the boutique roastery pays homage to the heritage of the Colombian-grown beans that are expertly roasted onsite. They’ve got a range of blends for any style of coffee you’re looking to brew at home, so let the expert team guide you to your perfect match.
Where: 1/4 Ramly Drive, Burleigh Heads
Profile Coffee Colab
Don’t let its size fool you, Profile Coffee Colab is a hive of activity and if you’re a frequent visitor like us, you’ll know what we’re talking about. Bringing the buzz (and we don’t just mean the coffee) this local roastery is the home of Joy Organic Coffee Roasters and boasts the Gold Coast’s biggest range of specialty coffee! The line-up grows each and every week so if you’re looking for incredible coffee to enjoy at home, look no further. Not only do they have coffee en masse and beans roasted onsite to take home, but there’s also a co-roasting space, coffee training centre and coffee courses in case you’re looking to certify those coffee snob skills.
Where: 109 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Waters
Kuki Coffee
Kuki by name, Kuki by nature but in the best kind of way – these guys have been fuelling some of your favourite coffee spots so if you’re a Rafiki stan you’ll have tasted the sweet flavours of Kuki Coffee before. Using an air roasting method that brings hot air to circulate and roast the beans, a unique approach that means you’re getting a more consistent roast and flavour profile so you can trust your daily cuppa tastes the same every. Single. Day. Pop into their espresso bar which is right near their roasting warehouse for a brew to go and to ask the team all things coffee – they’re guaranteed to find your perfect match.
Where: 2/40 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh
Silipo Coffee
The team at Silipo Coffee use the very best green coffee beans from farms around the world. They’ve been in the coffee business for over 20 years, so they know what’s up when it comes to the perfect brew. Where possible, Silipo Coffee sources organic and fair-trade beans, and the end result is some of the tastiest coffee around. Sip in-store or take some beans home for yourself.
Where: 9/54 Bailey Crescent, Southport
Paradox Coffee Roasters
Speaking of people who know all about coffee, Paradox Coffee Roasters are all about the journey. They purchase quality green coffee beans from estate farms and co-operatives where farmers receive a fair wage for their work. The roasting team has over 15 years of experience, and they are committed to producing the highest quality of coffee there is — just ask the locals!
Where: 10 Beach Road, Surfers Paradise
South Coast Coffee Co.
Formerly known as Pomeroys Coffee Roasters, this Isle of Capri based roastery has a strong ethos: Great coffee isn’t created by accident; it is designed to be great from the start. And the proof is tasted in every cup. Multi-awarded with national titles over the last five years, the team take mountains of care when it comes to crafting blends considering what regions beans come from, the altitudes they grow at and what sort of soil they come from. Don’t just take our word for it; visit their café at Capri on Via Roma Shopping Centre and taste it for yourself.
Where: Capri on Via Roma Shopping Centre Shop 3G10, 15 Via Roma, Surfers Paradise
Koko Coffee Roasters
Passionate about roasting coffee and serving it to the people, Koko Coffee Roasters are all about trying new ideas and honing their skills so they can ensure you get the absolute best brews possible. Offering both espresso and filter coffee, drop in for a chat to learn a little more about coffee or grab some beans and equipment to take home and make your own.
Where: 17 Karen Avenue, Mermaid Beach
Blackboard Coffee Roasters
With almost a decade under their belt, these guys are one of the Coast’s best-known producers of fine coffee beans. What they do with them is utter magic. If you don’t believe us, try any number of their products, from innovative biodegradable coffee capsules to high-grade instant specialty coffee — these guys are true thinkers outside the box. And if you haven’t had the chance to delve into their deliciousness, change up your local cafe to one of MANY cafes located across the Coast that offer their beans!
Where: Roastery located in Burleigh
Quest Coffee Roasters
Burleigh’s beloved coffee aficionados Quest have been roasting up a storm for many, many years, and their brews’ quality is always exceptional. Their roasts are hand-crafted and organic and create the absolute perfect brew. Beans are as fresh as can be, selectively sourced, and only the best will do. You can pop in for a cuppa at the espresso bar or take some home to work your own magic with them. Quest recently branched out to a brand new cafe in Broadbeach, Banksy Bar & Kitchen.
Where: 20 James Street, Burleigh Heads
Laughing Pug Coffee Company
If their name doesn’t grab your attention, then maybe their innovative coffee drip bags will. Ideal for the next time you go camping — or are experiencing the hangover from hell — you can have speciality grade coffee with just the flick of your kettle switch. No grinding, no mess, and no fuss! They’re also quite the experts on brewing methods and offer friendly advice on how to brew and which of their blends work best with what. And if you are the organised type, sign up for a subscription and have your monthly caffeinated supplies delivered right to your door. — Now you’re talking!
Where: Brewed in Burleigh Heads, available online. Pickup from Pug HQ available.
Social Espresso
The Burleigh Heads team have nailed it when it comes to smooth, tasty brews and we’re big fans. Not only can you visit them at their brand new HQ (it’s where you’ll find us most mornings), but you’ll also find their roasts in cafés across the Coast, and you can take them home to pop in your machine. Their perfectly crafted coffee comes with a side of passion and all of the knowledge, and you can rest assured you’ll be handed the perfect cuppa every single time.
Where: 1/9-11 Fremantle Street, Burleigh
