So we hear you’re sans a significant other. Don’t worry, we got you – and haven’t you heard, single is the new relationship! Or maybe it’s just us saying that. Who cares, because what’s more of a vibe than knocking back an entire pack of Tim Tams for dinner while you binge watch MAFS like no one’s watching? Because no one is watching.

Soak up that glorious singledom and being responsible for no one but me, myself and I (and my dog) because it turns out there are loads of things you could be doing to fill up your cup as the Gold Coast’s most eligible Bachelor or Bachelorette.

Try all the foods
One of the best things about being single is being able to eat whatever you crave without compromise. Feel like gelato for dinner? You got it! Cooking not on the menu? Uber Eats from your favourite Thai it is. Craving Jimmy Wah’s but got no one to go with? Who cares! There’s something we love about a solo dinner date. No eating something you don’t want because the person you’re eating with is fussy/boring/not vibing the same menu as you. Our favourite spots for solo dinner dates? Try Rosella’s, Local or Cantina in Mermaid Beach for epic eats and people watching.

Get crafty
Let your inner Picasso run wild at one of the multitude of adult craft workshops on offer around the GC. Mesi Studio is one of the Coast’s newest craft, paint and sip venues, with textured art classes taking centre stage #yippee. The Craft Parlour, offers everything from floral embroidery to bead & sips and kokedama workshops. Or if you like to get your hands dirty, why not try a clay and sip experience at Stone Studio & Co in Currumbin?  Come alone or come with a crew, either way you’re guaranteed a good time.

Shop ‘til You Drop
If you’re anything like us, there’s a good chance your retail therapy will cost more than your actual therapy #yolo. We’ve got some of the country’s best shopping centre’s in our backyard, so it’d be rude not to shop up a storm at Pacific Fair if you ask us. If you’re being budget-concious (or just love a good bargain) head north to Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre. They’ve got all your favourite brands for loads less with a spiffy eats and sips precinct to boot.

Self Care’s The Word
Spa days are the ultimate single gal good time. There are plenty of places to indulge on the Coast from escape-for-a-week retreats like Gwinganna to the luxe and spa-kling new embodiment of bliss, the Spa By JW. Nothing says ‘self care’ like a soak session at Soak Bathhouse. Go solo or grab your girl gang and cycle through the warm magnesium baths and cold plunge pools. If you’re wanting more – add on a luxe massage or solo infrared sauna session, listen to an audiobook while you sweat it out and we promise you’ll feel a million bucks for it. Smooth skin and super chill vibes await.

Let’s Get Physical
Hit the pavement and get your heart rate up at one of the many run clubs calling the GC home. Our personal fave? Unfit Run Club, because who doesn’t want to finish a jog with a jug of beer! A way to get fit AND meet new peeps? Sign us up.
If you’re more about the great outdoors then explore one of our incredible Hinterland hiking trails. If you’re lucky and the weather gods have been good to you, you’ll even get a solid waterfall spotting – perfect spot for a refreshing dip.

Movie Date
It might feel cliché but there’s just something so liberating about taking a solo movie date. Because when was the last time you went to the cinemas, be honest? Book yourself some tix to that rom-com you’ve been dying to see (Gold Class, because you deserve it) and treat yourself to your favourite sweetie treaties. No compromising and being forced to watch the 456^th Equalizer movie. Hot tip, DENDY at Queen Street Village, often screens previews and opening night specials including a glass of sparkling wine with your ticket purchase #fancy.

Get Your Mermaid On
‘Oh naurrrr Cleo’ we hear you say, but we know deep down you’ve been dying to have your mermaid moment and there’s no better place than Currumbin Rock Pools. The ultimate sanctuary for singles, pack a bag with a book and a baguette and you’ll be set for at least a couple of hours to soak up the tranquil vibes. If saltwater is your preference, perch up at Talle Creek or one of our other incredible beachside spots and ground yourself while you become one with the ocean. Bliss.

Bingo’s Not Just for Old Ducks
Get the girls (and guys if they must) together for a night of ugly laughing with Miami Marketta’s iconic Drag Queen Bingo. Thing big costumes and even bigger personalities, it’s a fixture on the GC events calendar for a reason. There’s a DJ spinning your favourite camp tunes and bringing the vibes all night long. The best bit? You can book in tables of two, four or six so grab a bestie or five and get ready for the night of your lives.

Get Your Exhibitionist On
Not like that, you weirdo. We mean to get better acquainted with the Arts at HOTA, one of Queensland’s most impressive Galleries and a very welcome addition to the Coast’s art and culture scene. The exhibits change every few months so there’s always something fresh to look at. Finish it off with a bite or beverage at HOTA’s rooftop bar, The Exhibitionist. Sounds like a pretty perfect day.

Learn to Surf
It’s pretty much a rite of passage if you’re a Gold Coaster, so if you can’t surf then what have you been doing?! Currumbin Alley is renowned for being one of the most beginner friendly spots to catch a wave, so book a spot at one of ripper surf schools and let your inner grom out. Currumbin Alley Surf School even have a 6 week surfing challenge so you can find some mates (or a mate) and put those new skills to work.

Chill out
If there’s ever been a time or a reason to focus on me, myself and I, it’s when you’re single. So what better way to dig deep and honour yourself than with the legends at Cool 2 Be Conscious. They’ve brought community breathwork, meditation and ocean dips to the masses and there’s a reason why hundreds – yes, hundreds – rock up rain, hail or shine for their sessions each and every week. As Australia’s largest breathwork movement, it’s the perfect spot to dip your toes into the concept of breathwork (pun intended). Sounds wholesome, because it is.

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.

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):

The Park Coomera

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

The Club Parkwood

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

Southport Sharks

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

SOPO

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

Gold Coast Tavern

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

Sports Bar, The Star

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

Beach Hotel 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

Club Mermaid

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

Bine Beer Bar

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

Precinct Brewing Co

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

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

North Burleigh Surf Club

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.

Apres Surf

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

Burleigh Town Hotel

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

Talle Surf Club

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

Currumbin RSL

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

If you love to wine, dine and shop you’ll love Broadbeach. If you prefer to surf, laze in the sun or strut along beachfront esplanades, you’ll also love Broadbeach. From cult-followed cafes to shiny new eats, boujee bars and shopping boutiques, this burb’s an A-grade entertainer that shines bright in the eyes of locals and visitors alike.

There are many reasons locals – and Gold Coasters far and wide – love a bit of Broady, but here are 15 to get you started.

The Star Gold Coast
If ever there was a reason to call up the babysitter, it’s for a session at The Star. Here, you’re greeted with live music and a melange of premium food options- you won’t need to go anywhere else. Start with a few bevvies at the Atrium Bar before choosing your cuisine for the night. Will it be the fresh Garden Kitchen & Bar or the award-winning Cantonese at Uncle Su’s? Why not taste Tokyo right on the Gold Coast at Kiyomi, authentic Italian eats at Cucina Vivo or the ultimate buffet experience at Harvest Buffet? Or maybe you’re looking for the chic rooftop bar at Nineteen at The Star or a sneaky drink at the new look Veladora?
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
If you’re after a tried and tested, long-standing comedy cabaret, good ‘ole Dracs has been serving up frights, food and frivolity since we were all ankle-biters. Most people are sold when they hear there’s a ghost train alone, let alone the actual show, which changes every so often, so there’s always a reason to go back! Enjoy a quality 3-course dinner and a menu of magical and mystical cocktails and shots!
Where: Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach

Social Eating House + Bar
If you consider yourself a gastronome, then this Oracle Blvd darling is for you. Social serves modern Australian flavours in a casual meets fine dining setting. For this, they’ve secured more hats than a Milliner’s workshop and have just won 3 glasses at the 2024 Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards. This comes as no surprise with Executive Chef Matthew Jefferson in charge. With a recently refreshed menu (promised to please even the most refined palates), you’ll experience a carefully curated range of bar snacks, charcuterie, and small and large share plates featuring the finest Australian ingredients and paired to perfection.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Blues on Broadbeach
Unlike our other listings, this one’s not here 24/7. However, it’s that much of a Broady icon that it would be criminal not to throw it a mention. As the name suggests, it brings us world-class blues music and jazz from locals and famous acts alike, performing across multiple venues over four unforgettable days. And it’s free. When does that ever happen?!
Where: Various Broadbeach venues

Elk Espresso
This place has never met an empty table; it’s constantly bulging at the seams with raving fans. Of course, we are one of such fans. Just a hop, skip and a jump from the beach, the coffee is all-time, the menus are seasonal and heavenly, and they do a Boozy Bottomless Brunch. And sold!
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

The Oasis
It’s an everyday escape for locals, and one of our top shopping centres on the coast (for good reason). The Oasis is home to stunning fashion boutiques, and the number of fabulous eateries at hand is impressive in of itself. In addition to the ones we highlight in this article, we’re talking Mario’s, Madison’s Café and Patisserie, Spice Kitchen and Bar, and The Broadbeach Tavern, to name just a few. It’s a #OneStopShop.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Broadbeach Bowls Club
Ahhh, good old lawn bowls. The game that never fails to deliver a good time. If you’re looking for the best way to spend a chill arvo on the GC, it’s with a game of barefoot bowls, brew in hand at Broadbeach Bowls Club. When you’re finished, they have a full bistro menu waiting with big portions of all your go-to pub-grub meals. They also have a canape package perfect for a laid-back birthday or celebration.
Where: 169 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

kōst Bar & Grill
Just over a year old, yet kōst has already wriggled its way onto our hot list… sneaky bugger. Just kidding, they’re here for a reason, and credit is due! The contemporary style bar and grill is perfect for sophisticated sips, flame-grilled eats and boujee’ bar snacks’, all within a relaxed-luxury setting. Champagne with a side of caviar, anyone?
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach

No Name Lane
Well, if it isn’t No Name Lane making a name for themselves as Blake Lively’s favourite coffee. In her exact words “”the best coffee of her life”. We can attest to this, alongside the cafe’s cult local following. Not only are they adored for their cuppa, but their all-day breakfasts and gourmet lunches also go down a treat so if you haven’t been, remedy this immediately.
Where: 16 Charles Ave, Broadbeach

Kurrawa Surf Club
Ocean views don’t come any better than this. With legit THE most prime location, Kurrawa Surf Club has everything you’d want from a Surf Club…and more. With awesome regular members specials and fresh ingredients, there’s no such thing as a bad meal here. They host a trivia night and live music, and of course there’s the obligatory gaming lounge for those who like a flutter.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach

CHA CHA Japanese Restaurant
Gold Coasters have been CHA CHA bound for an authentic Japanese nosh-up which won’t break the bank for years, and that’s not about to change any time soon. The banquet menu is divine and every visit you’ll experience the same level of scrumptiousness. But the soy on the dim sum…it’s BYO and it’s hard to find an already affordable yet high-quality restaurant offering our 3 favourite letters. Score.
Where: 2705 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

Pacific Fair
This list wouldn’t be complete without mention of THE queen. Pacific Fair (aka Pac Fair) is any Gold Coasters first point of call when a new ensemble or therapy (retail or other) is required. It has every retailer you could possibly wish for, fabulous food options and indisputably the most gorgeous fit-out you’ve ever seen. Nothing rivals it.
Where: Gold Coast Hwy and Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach

Costa Taco
You bet we did a happy dance when news broke that our fav taqueria from Palm Beach had opened a third location in Broady (the second was Byron). For us, and many (most) Gold Coasters, it was a love at first bite. Costa Taco stole our taste buds with their authentic, flavour-filled eats and there was no turning back. And why would we? You would have to be coco to say no no to coconut margaritas?
Where: Cnr Armrick Ave and Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach

The Lamb Shop
In a pita shell, you’re getting bangin bar snacks and succulent souvlaki- what’s not to love? After a long day on Broadbeach beach (presumably), when you’re feeling sun-kissed and salt wrapped, is there anything better than biting into a tangy lamb-filled pita wrap to replenish exerted energy? No! The Lamb Shop’s entire menu is prepared in-house daily, using only fresh local produce, premium cuts and authentic grilling techniques. That’s why we love em!
Where: 1 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach

The Beach Hotel Broadbeach
There’s no better place to snag a seat and sink a beer (or a Golden Hour Sour) on a Saturday arvy than at the brand new The Beach Hotel in Broadbeach. The airy spaces and indoor-outdoor flow let the sea breeze carry through the beer garden into the public bar. The vibe is set to ‘summer chill’, eats are delish, sips are refreshing and every corner is designed for the perfect gathering with your pals. After some spirited fun, head inside Cora, a restaurant within The Beach Hotel, where fine dining and a laid-back atmosphere come together to deliver palate-pleasing Mediterranean-inspired bites and crisp, cool drinks. Don’t mind if we do.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Words by Chelsea Ipsen