Be shore to have your say.
Be shore to have your say.
Okay Gold Coasters, here’s the chance for you to express yourself and we’re not referring to the Madonna banger. In case you haven’t heard the word on the street, a little Beach Club trial has been underway in downtown Broadbeach that could add a whole new genre of entertainment to the Coast’s ever-growing list of attractions and activities.
We’re not just talking food. Or beverages. Or live entertainment. Or even the beach (and yes, this pretty much rounds up our fave things here at Inside GC). Oh no friends, we’re talking ALL of the above rolled into one. Yup, you picked it, we’re referring to the Kurrawa Beach Club and more specifically, the suitability for this concept to be rolled out at some of our fave local beachy haunts.
As there has been a lot of interest about the possibility of beach clubs, City of Gold Coast selected hospitality group Australian Venue Co. to host the GC beach club trial over summer. Its intentions were twofold; firstly to explore how the concept sits with us Coasty folk, and secondly, to boost our City’s visitor economy and support local employment.
Being an eternal crowd pleaser and boasting a central location, our beloved Kurrawa Beach was ‘the chosen one’, with a temporary beach club erected for locals, visitors and tourists wanting to try the idea on for size.
Now that the trial has finished, the time has come to cast your vote…which sounds a little like we’re about to decide the fate of a Big Brother housemate. So, if you want to see the beach club again for more fun times or maybe it just didn’t tickle your fancy at all, either way, your thoughts matter, so follow this link to share yours before Sunday 20th March 2022: https://survey.ysquares.com.au/ys/211138A
You never know, your feedback might be the deciding factor on whether beach clubs become the new ‘thing’ here in our own backyard or not.
Words by Bianca Trathen
If you're not barefoot, then you're overdressed at Kurrawa Beach Club.
It’s been talked about for a long while now, and it almost seemed like it would never happen, but if you haven’t already heard the news, the Gold Coast has now got its own on-the-sand beach club!
Now, before you go and get all overly excited, at the moment the opening is just a trial. After talks, the City of Gold Coast has awarded Australian Venue Co. the opportunity to host the Beach Club during the trial period from Saturday 4th December 2021 until Sunday 30th January 2022. But from the looks of things, if it’s a hit, it could be the beginning of more to come. Hallelujah!
Aaaaand without further ado, say hello to Kurrawa Beach Club!
Australian Venue Co. is no stranger to our city and operates a number of the Gold Coast’s most loved pubs, including The Wallaby Hotel in Mudgeeraba, which recently underwent a $2.3 million renovation. The group also runs the famous Exchange Beach Club in Melbourne. So these guys certainly know what they are doing!
So, what can one expect?
The temporary Beach Club will be the perfect place for locals and visitors to relax and enjoy the views of the beach’s golden sands and rolling waves, but with the extra of benefit of being catered to, right on the sand. The venue will feature daybeds, casual dining areas, bookable VIP cabanas, a kids play area and a community recreational zone complete with volleyball nets. So all in all, there will be something for anyone and everyone! *excited squeal*
The decor and vibe of the space will be neutral tones of white, beige and light blue; blending seamlessly with the surrounds of beautiful Kurrawa Beach and the leafy foreshore. The beach here is already an eye-pleaser — and they plan on letting the space speak for itself. Because why not?!
The onsite container kitchen will deliver a fresh summer-inspired menu including snacks, seafood skewers, burgers and light salads and a dedicated kids’ menu using fresh, local seasonal produce. The bar will serve up textbook summer sips, including a line-up of homegrown brands such as Black Hops Brewing, Wheel & Spoon, and everyone’s chosen drink of the summer, Hard Fizz.
As you’d expect, no summer is quite complete without an extensive line-up of entertainment. And whilst some things are still hush-hush, you can expect live music from local Gold Coast artists, a Sunday Family Day, and all-age friendly activities such as yoga beach sessions and a community beach clean-up day.
Australian Venue Co State Manager QLD Scott Brydson is enthusiastic surrounding the venue’s opening. “Gold Coast is famed for its picturesque beaches, active lifestyle and exciting hospitality offering, and we have designed the Kurrawa Beach Club concept to showcase the best this incredible city has to offer”.
The pop-up will be an excellent addition to the already bustling social scene of Broadbeach, which not only promises patrons an enjoyable experience but supporting locals through employment and business partnerships.
Open now, we suggest you block a day out and be one of the first to experience an exciting new layer to our hospitality scene – yew!
When: Saturday 4th December 2021 until Sunday 30th January 2022
Where: Kurrawa Beach, Broadbeach
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
Look who just upped the surf club game.
If you’re ever in need of a giant parmi, icy cold Chardonnay and 180 degree ocean views, your best bet is most likely a surf club. The Queensland institutions have long been the destination of choice for a chill night out or a Sunday arvo session where thongs are completely acceptable.
While all this is still true of everyone’s favourite beachside venues, Kurrawa Surf Club has just changed the game in a big way. You may have noticed the (huge) sleek new building that slowly but surely made its presence known on Old Burleigh Road in Broadbeach. So fancy.
The old building (where yours truly once spent quite a bit of time behind the bar) is no more but the newly opened club is somewhat of a masterpiece. Stone steps lead into the spacious dining room past a shiny new, wine-on-tap serving bar that now also offers delicious cocktails (for only $12.95 a pop).
There’s ocean views for days from EVERY corner of the club including the upstairs function room where you’re welcome to marry your beloved or celebrate hitting the big 3-0 (or any other number really) in surfy style.
Kurrawa’s food game also got a little bit more golden with the addition of a Spanish charcoal oven that pumps out all your favourite meat treats along with pant-splitting delights like Twice Cooked Pork Belly and Portuguese-style BBQ Chicken.
A burger bar is now a thing (hallelujah) with five-star options along the lines of Karaage Chicken, Crumbed Flounder and Middle Eastern Lamb. Seriously the menu is as long as your arm, better get preppin’.
Oh and there’s a hot seafood platter for two (or not) which is all the good things in the world.
Summer sure is shaping up to be a fun time gang and Broady might just be the place to be seen.
LOCATION: Beachside on Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
HOURS: 8am to 10.30pm Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday and 8am to 11.30pm Friday and Saturday
Words and photos by Kirra Smith.
Time to seas the day.
Is there anything more quintessentially Queensland than kicking back on the deck of a great surf club with an ice-cold drink, ocean breeze in your hair, and uninterrupted ocean views? Not really! It sounds like a holiday fantasy, but it’s really just a standard afternoon on the Gold Coast. How lucky are we?! Sometimes, we do forget it.
Our shoreline is scattered with surf clubs and you could pretty much stumble into any one and score relaxed vibes and a solid feed. But as always, we want the best for you, so we’ve rounded up the very best surf clubs from south to north. Grab a seat, order something cold, and settle in.
With a front row seat to one of Australia’s most iconic surf breaks, Rainbow Bay Surf Club gives world-class surf views, classic pub eats, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s one of the best spots on the Coast for sunset drinks after an ocean swim on a balmy summer’s afternoon. Salty hair? You’ll fit right in. There’s always a crowd here, so it’s always a good time. This surf club is nothing if not iconic.
Where: 2 Snapper Rocks Rd, Coolangatta
Quite literally built out over the ocean, “The Vikings” is one of the most iconic surf-club spots on the entire coastline. You’ll feel like you’re sitting above the waves while enjoying huge plates of classic favourites, weekend entertainment, and a buzzing crowd of both locals and visitors. The views alone are worth the trip, but their stacked menu and friendly staff seal the deal. You’ll hear everyone recommend this surf club, and for good reason.
Where: 741 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Positioned at the heart of Palm Beach, the award-winning Palm Beach Surf Club offers more than just a stellar upbeat atmosphere and sweeping ocean views, but a tasty menu (with weekly specials worth planning your visit around) and live music! Whether you’re popping in for a coffee, enjoying a drink with friends, or having dinner with the family, there’s a range of meals, snacks, and beverages to suit everyone’s taste and budget.
Where: 117 Jefferson Lane, Palm Beach
Perched between the beaches of Burleigh and Palm Beach, Tallebudgera Surf Club is the go-to for families and perfect for long lunches and locals who love a chilled waterfront vibe. You’ll find generous portions, vibrant cocktails, breezy open-air seating, and an epic playground for pre- or post-feed kid antics. You’ve also got Bean Surfing Cafe to enjoy from 5.30am-2pm daily, serving all your favourite beachside eats and epic coffee.
Where: 1505 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Overlooking one of the most famous beaches in Queensland, Burleigh Heads SLSC is where you’ll find old-school surf-club vibes. With sweeping views of the ocean and city skyline, hearty meals, and a prime position beside the iconic Burleigh Hill, it’s a natural choice for pre- or post-day-at-the-beach feeds.
Where: Goodwin Terrace & Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Situated at the quieter, more relaxed end of Burleigh, North Burleigh Surf Club is a top pick for families, groups, or anyone wanting beach views without the crazy crowds. You’ll get that gorgeous ocean breeze on the deck, reliable menu favourites, and a chilled atmosphere for an ideal arvo by the beach. There are weekly specials and regular entertainment top it all off.
Where: 293 The Esplanade, Miami
A true neighbourhood favourite since 1954, Nobby’s has entered an exciting new era after joining The Bears Group in late 2025. The partnership brings a refreshed hospitality focus while keeping the relaxed, community-first surf club vibe locals love. Expect updated menus with coastal-inspired flavours, classic club staples and the same welcoming atmosphere, with a major renovation planned for 2027 to further elevate the space.
Where: 25 Albatross Ave, Nobby Beach
Mermaid Beach AEME Surf Club remains a humble favourite among locals, striking the perfect balance between relaxed and lively. The club offers a kids’ playroom, heaps of weekly specials (the Tuesday Steak Night and Sunday International Food Night are local legends), plus trivia, members’ promos and plenty of big-screen sport. It’s friendly, consistent, and very easy to make a habit of.
Where: 172 Hedges Avenue, Mermaid Beach
Kurrawa Surf Club is one of the Gold Coast’s largest and most polished surf-club spaces, think sun-filled dining rooms, breathtaking beach views, a ‘something for everyone’ menu including pizzas and Spanish charcoal oven dishes, and a seriously popular brekkie menu. This surf club is fit for every occasion, from post-beach hangs to laid-back lunches to special occasions. They’ve also got live music and big screens to catch all the sports action. Its central location makes it one of the easiest clubs to access without a car.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
Not only are you getting all the perks of classic surf club- uninterrupted ocean views and unbeatable atmosphere- you’re also getting fed from an award-winning restaurant. Who says you can’t have it all? You’re getting everything from classic club staples to gourmet salads and asian dishes, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They have spacious, light-filled dining spaces and offer one of the best beachfront outlooks in central Surfers.
Where: 51 Garfield Terrace, Surfers Paradise
Sitting beachfront in the heart of Surfers Paradise, this iconic surf club is a welcome escape from the buzz of the strip. Following a major renovation, the space feels fresh and open, with sweeping ocean views that make any meal better. The bistro serves up elevated surf club classics (the Outback Parma still reigns supreme), ice-cold drinks and that easy, friendly atmosphere surf clubs do best. A top spot for sunset sessions, and whale watching if the time is right.
Where: Corner of Hanlan Street & The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
