Because laughter is the best medicine.
Because laughter is the best medicine.
Comedy is a sort of defence against the universe. A way for us to escape our everyday and remember, after all, none of us get out of here alive. Plus, is there any better midweek excuse to get out of the house and enjoy great company than a comedy night in one of our many great venues around the Coast?
The Gold Coast has a simmering comedy scene, and if you’ve never been the type to indulge, we think it’s about time you did so! And for those of you who already like to get amongst it and laugh regularly, this will be a brilliant guide on where you can ROFL next.
Fat Freddy’s
Broadbeach’s hotbed of delicious Americana-style eats and guaranteed good times wants you to swing in on Thursday and laugh yourself happy. And why wouldn’t you when you can score a full rack of bbq pork ribs and fries for only $24? Comedy entry is $20 for members (sign up for free at the door), and with this, you’ll be gifted a drink of either Young Henry’s beer or a house wine of your choice. You’re laughing!
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Precinct Brewing
If brilliantly fresh-made beer in a brewery within the artsy precinct of Miami wasn’t already a drawcard in itself, then an evening of laughs will only sweeten the deal further. Things kick off every Monday from 7pm with tickets costing $10 per person for your seats to happiness.
Where: 17 Christine Avenue, Miami
The Avenue
There is always something happening here, which makes this one of the Gold Coast’s best places to head if you’re feeling sociable. It also happens to be a premier comedy destination, with some of Australia’s most prominent and funniest acts lighting up their backroom every Wednesday evening. The cost is $20 and will get you a drink of your choice to boot.
Where: 3/15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Last Night on Earth
Southport’s fun-filled dive bar has a reputation as a place for high jinks and plenty of moreish drinks — so comedy is right at home here. Every Thursday, the crew from Based Comedy take over the space and make every effort to have you falling off your chair in merriment. Things get going from 7pm, with entry $20 per head.
Where: 50B Nerang Street, Southport
Duke’s Parlour
Right in the heart of Surfers Paradise, the Duke’s Parlour is a late-night hideaway at The Island where you’ll find great cocktails and friendly ambiance aplenty. Mixed bag of LOLs is their weekly comedy night held every Thursday from 7pm and costs $10 per person. A good time guaranteed.
Where: The Island, 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Scottish Prince
The one and only Scottish Prince is the place to escape the summer heat and have some serious fun. It’s also the place to head if you feel like lifting your mood; as every Tuesday from 7.30pm, three to four comedy acts are lined up to turn those Tuesday blues around. Tickets cost $20 per person and include a drink of beer or wine.
Where: 1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Ground & Sound
For you folks, up in the northern end of town, Chirn Park’s Ground and Sound is not only a great place to grab some great food and coffee during the day, but it’s also a hive of entertainment come the evenings. The first Friday of every month they hold their free (yes, free – not joking!) comedy evening from 6.30pm — 9.30pm.
Where: 6/23 Musgrave Avenue, Chirn Park
HOTA
One of the biggest entertainment venues on the Gold Coast and the very heart of our cultural identity has such a smorgasbord of regular comedy it isn’t even funny. Weekly comedy is back in the Basement at 7pm every Saturday night! You can also supersize the comedy underground by adding the 9pm session to your booking. Huge acts regularly find their way to the main auditorium of HOTA too, so if you’re a fan of laughter, you need to get yourself involved.
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
The Arc
This Nobby Beach institution has been drawing those midweek revellers for some time with little effort; after all, frosty drinks with good company is the best way to get over the office ‘Karen’. Every Wednesday, let your worries subside as your flamboyant host Dusty Rich gets the whole crowd roaring with hilarity. The show kicks off from 7.30pm and costs $20 per person — and is worth every cent!
Where: 3/28 Chairlift Avenue, Miami
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
New beach bar and diner opens to rave reviews.
If there is a threesome more made for each other in the world than spicy chicken wings, hot dogs and boozy milkshakes, we have not heard of it. Nor do we want to, thank you very much.
So, it is with great pleasure and very enthusiastic typing fingers, that we bring you news of the opening of Fat Freddy’s Beach Bar & Diner, Broady’s new venue we have been (im)patiently waiting for quite some time now.
As they say though, good things come to those who wait and wait we did, so now good things we have.
And yes, you guessed it, those good things come in the form of spicy chicken wings, loaded hot dogs and boozy milkshakes, all of which are extremely delicious and will be discussed in further detail in a few paragraphs.
Fat Freddy’s, underneath Avani on Surf Pde, is an impressive new space drawing on the classic US diner experience and breathing fresh, new life into Broady’s eating scene.
As you enter the space you’ll come face to face with some of the most controversial celebrities of our time including Charlie Sheen and Britney Spears (love you) to name a few. There’s bar and luxe, leather booth-style seating and an outdoor deck perfect for balmy Sunday arvo sessions.
Behind the absolutely stacked bar there are nine screens so you can catch all of the sport your competitive little Aussie heart desires.
Let’s get back to the food though because there is a lot of goodness to discuss. Executive Chef Braden White has worked some absolute magic on the American diner classics you know but have definitely never loved as much as you’ll love these.
The Crumbed Jalapeno Poppers are a taste sensation, as are the Breaded Bacon Bits (no words can explain but the flavours are American maple syrup and candied chilli – amazing).
Mac and Cheese Croquettes are made with four cheeses, truffle mayo and Parmesan and all of the good things in the world.
Bigger dishes come in the form of the New York Street Dog, a Po Boy complete with a poached Moreton Bay Bug and an array of exceptional burgers. There are also BBQ Pork Ribs, Flame Grilled Southern Chicken and Loaded Tater Tots and it’s probably the best US-style menu we’ve ever sampled (including in the US).
So eat all the things, then wash them down with a boozy milkshake or two why don’t you.
We were quite partial to the Pablo Escabar which is an Espresso Martini slash thickshake with ice cream foam and shaved chocolate and so, so yummy.
There’s also a Miami Vice Splice-Cream with Midori, lime, ice cream, pineapple and coconut foam. Perfect for a balmy afternoon treat.
Spiked Sodas are on the menu too and you probably shouldn’t go past the Monica Lewinski with Wyborowa Vodka, Fay Freddy’s Passiona, lemon and unicorn hair. Trust us.
Not to mention there’s an impressive selection of cocktails, tap and bottled beers and of course, an extensive selection of American bourbon and whiskeys.
On top of all that, Fat Freddy’s is home to a luxury gaming lounge complete with private parking and venue entry.
How fun is Freddy. Get in there Gold Coasters, it’s going to be a very good time.
LOCATION: 2663 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach (entry via Surf Pde)
HOURS: 11.30am until midnight daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Let’s get quizzical!
So it’s the end of the day, and you’re spent. All you want to do is chill on the couch with a chardy and some reality TV, until you realise it’s Trivia Night at your local. Suddenly, you’re rounding up the crew and heading out the door to prove you’re the smartest one in the group.
Not only is trivia next-level entertaining, but it’s cheap as chips (if not free), and you get to think of a hilariously inappropriate name for your team. Here are 16 local spots to test your knowledge and expand your useless facts repertoire across the Gold Coast (from North to South):
This is no ordinary trivia, folks- it’s one of the most interactive and exciting trivia experiences on the GC! Infusion Gameshow combines all your favourite TV game shows and high-tech alert – you use your smartphone to answer the questions. Happening every Wednesday and great for families, be there at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Don’t forget to ask about your exclusive team membership card with a host of cracking good deals. Online registration is essential.
Where: Shop MM7 Westfield Coomera, Level 2/103 Foxwell Rd, Coomera
Put your knowledge to the test at Parkwood Village’s Tuesday Night Trivia, kicking off from 6:30pm each week. Gather the smartest of your friends and family (teams of 3–8) and settle in for six fun rounds covering everything from Aussie trivia and TV & Movies to Sports, Around the World and more. There are plenty of prizes up for grabs, including club cash, venue vouchers, meat trays and even Titans tickets. Arrive early to grab a bite and make the most of the members-only two-for-one pizza and pasta special before the questions start.
Where: 76-104 Napper Road, Parkwood
Trivia night gets a high-tech upgrade at Sharks, where QuizzaMe brings a game show-style twist to your weekly brain workout. Ditch the paper and pencils and get ready to buzz in with wireless buzzers, making every question feel like you’re on your own TV quiz show. It’s free to play every Wednesday, with registration from 6:30pm for a 7pm start, and plenty of exciting prizes up for grabs. If you’ve ever watched a quiz show and thought, “I could win that,” now’s your chance to prove it.
Where: Corner Olsen & Musgrave Ave, Southport
Put your thinking caps on for Monday Night Trivia at SOPO, kicking off from 7pm each week. Hosted by the professional quizmasters from Peppers Entertainment, this fast-paced trivia night is completely free to play and perfect for anyone keen to test their wits. Gather your team, settle in with a drink and see if you can outsmart the competition, with bragging rights and great prizes up for grabs for first, second and third place.
Where: 36 Scarborough St. Southport
Round up your brainiest mates for Trivia Night at Gold Coast Tavern, kicking off every Tuesday. Registration opens at 6pm with a 6:30pm start, giving you plenty of time to grab a bite before the questions begin. Entry is free, there are great prizes up for grabs, and you can fuel the team with $18 pizzas while you play. Book a table online to lock in your spot and get ready to test your knowledge.
Where: 150 Bundall Rd, Bundall
Every Tuesday night, the Sports Bar at The Star Gold Coast is also turning up the trivia action. Hosted by the team from Think Trivia, this free-to-play quiz night kicks off with registration from 6pm and a 6:30pm start on the Casino Level. Rally a team of up to six players, grab a drink and settle in for a night of brainteasers, banter and friendly competition. There are some solid prizes on the line, too, including a $300 The Star gift card for first place, $150 for second and $100 for third- not a bad reward for knowing your stuff.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach
Gather your crew, grab a feed and a cold one, and settle in for a fun evening of brain teasers and friendly competition. Every Tuesday at 7pm- it’s on! With prizes up for grabs and a relaxed midweek vibe, it’s the perfect excuse to get the gang together and see who really knows their stuff. Dining bookings are welcome for groups of six or more, but if you’re coming for trivia, there’s no need to book, just rock up and play!
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Round up the crew for Thursday Trivia at Club Mermaid, kicking off every week from 7pm. It’s free to play, so gather a big or small team and get ready to battle it out for prizes in a fun, competitive night of brain teasers. While you’re there, settle in for a bite from D’Agostino’s Bistro, serving up family-friendly meals to keep you fuelled while you quiz.
Where: 2418 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Bring your brain and your appetite for Taco Trivia Tuesdays with Lisa. Kicking off weekly from 7pm (arrive 15 minutes early to get settled), this lively quiz night pairs brain teasers with $5 tacos all night long. Gather a team of up to six people and test your knowledge for $15 per team. Bookings are essential, so lock in your spot and get ready for a fun night of trivia, tacos and friendly competition.
Where: 1/28 Chairlift Ave, Mermaid Beach
With a name like Tipsy Trivia, sign us up! Hosted by the infamous Marty, this cheeky quiz night kicks off every Tuesday from 7pm at Precinct Brewing. Gather a team of up to eight people and put your knowledge to the test for just $15 per team, while tucking into $20 pizzas available all night long. It’s the perfect midweek combo of brainpower, banter and brews — just be sure to book your spot each week as bookings don’t roll over.
Where: 17 Christine Avenue, Miami
The Sporting Globe keeps the game show vibes going with QuizzaMe Trivia’s wireless buzzer setup, turning the night into a fast-paced, interactive quiz featuring video, picture and audio questions across a range of fun categories. Registration opens at 6pm for a 6:30pm start, so arrive early, grab a bite and settle in for a lively night of trivia, games and great prizes.
They also host special themed trivia nights, and this month it’s all about Disney Classics. Expect questions covering iconic characters, unforgettable songs and legendary movie moments from across the Disney universe. Rally your fellow Disney superfans, brush up on those lyrics and get ready to buzz in for your shot at the prizes and ultimate bragging rights.
Where: Robina Town Centre, 19 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina
Find more interactive trivia fun at North Burleigh Surf Club with Hard Fizz Tuesday Trivia, hosted by the legends at QuizzaMe. It’s free to enter, with registration from 6:30pm and a 7pm start, and teams of 2–6 players ready to battle it out for more than $200 worth of Hard Fizz prizes. Bookings are essential as spaces are limited, so lock in your table and get ready for a lively night of brain teasers and friendly competition.
Where: The Green Room (Level 1 North), North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Supporters Club, Burleigh Heads.
Round up your crew for Wednesday Night Trivia at Après Surf, kicking off weekly from 7pm. Gather your team and put your knowledge to the test for just $15 per team, with great prizes up for grabs each week. It’s the perfect midweek excuse to grab a drink, have a laugh and see who in your group really knows their stuff. Book your team in via the link in their bio to secure your spot.
Where: 1/1837 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Don your thinking caps and head down to Burleigh Town Hotel for Tuesday Trivia featuring the Funky Bunch, kicking off from 6:30pm each week. Entry is free, there are epic prizes up for grabs, and it’s the perfect excuse to round up your smartest mates and see who really knows their stuff. Grab a drink, lock in your team and get ready for a lively night of brain teasers and banter.
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads
Kickstart your week with Monday Night Trivia at Tallebudgera Surf Club, kicking off every Monday at 7pm. Entry is just $5 per person, and teams of any size are welcome, so gather your crew and settle in for a fun night of brain teasers. Expect rounds covering general knowledge, music, puzzles, current events, and a special-themed round, with over $200 in cash and prizes up for grabs each week. Plus, every eight weeks there’s a $250 Jackpot Round where one lucky team takes home the big win. No bookings required, just head down to the deck and join the fun.
Where: 1505 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
If themed trivia is more your style, Currumbin RSL regularly hosts special pop-culture quiz nights that are perfect for superfans. Keep an eye out for events like Shrek Trivia and “The One With All The Questions” Friends Trivia, where you can test your knowledge of iconic quotes, characters and moments while battling other fans for prizes. Grab your crew, brush up on your favourite episodes and movies, and get ready for a night of nostalgic questions and plenty of laughs. Tickets are required and can be booked online.
Where: 165 Duringan St, Currumbin
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
