Novotel Surfers Paradise is the MVP this celebratory season – even your doggo will agree!
Novotel Surfers Paradise is the MVP this celebratory season – even your doggo will agree!
If you’re anything like us, Christmas parties are in full swing, you’ve bought Bunnings out of fairy lights, and you’re stocking up on presents (jokes, that’ll be a midnight shopping haul the week before). But life beyond 25 December….we’re hearing *crickets*.
Well, spoiler alert – we have the DL on THE place to celebrate New Year’s which conveniently, also has a January calendar jam-packed with school holiday fun to put huge smiles on little dials. And the best news of all is it’s in our own backyard, so no annoying “are we there yet?” commentary from the backseat. The Novotel Surfers Paradise is your one-stop shop this holiday season, with everything from front-row fireworks to free Zooper Doopers, to fur child-friendly accommodation.
New Year’s Eve – Novotel style!
What better way to set yourself up for a stellar 2023 than celebrating at the epicentre of the GC’s New Year’s Eve revelry, Novotel Surfers Paradise. Located a short 100 metres stroll from the beach fireworks illuminating the sky into a kaleidoscope of colours, with not one, but two dazzling displays. The first serves as a pyrotechnic prelude at 8pm, perfect for kids and those of us who struggle to stay vertical until midnight. Once the clock strikes 12, the main event will go off with a bang (several actually), providing a multi-sensory spectacle so awe-inspiring that your first New Year’s resolution will be to rebook for the next NYE.
Personally, we fancy ourselves a prime perching position on the balcony of a Novotel Ocean View Room where fireworks go from hero to superhero status. But whether you’re a thrill seeker keen to get in on the action with Cavill Ave a stone’s throw away, or a chill seeker channelling a more relaxed hoorah, it’s Novotel for the win.
School holiday fun locked and loaded
Throughout the January school holidays from Tuesday 2nd until Friday 19th January, the hotel has organised a ripper line-up of activities for its guests to keep four- to 12-year-olds grinning from ear to ear.
At Novotel, they believe in creating memorable family experiences that go beyond mere babysitting. Monday movie nights kicking off at 6.30pm and wrapping up at 8.30pm, provide the perfect opportunity for your kids to discover their inner movie buff while fostering family connections. It’s all about #familytime! On Tuesday afternoons, the small folk can let their creativity (and sweet tooths!) run wild, with cookie decorating. On Wednesdays, we wear face paint, or at least your kiddos can between 10am and 2pm. Held by the barbeque area, it’s the perfect excuse to fire up a barbie (like you needed one…).
In pole position on every mini-me’s holidays to-do list is to cool down with an icy pole after some beachside or pool hangs. Enter Zooper Dooper Thursday, free from 12pm – 2pm which makes us ponder if there is any way we could pass as 12-year-olds….
And now we arrive at FriYay, where from 12pm – 2pm little, balloon twisting sessions will take the fun-factor to new ‘heights’. Sure to be an ‘uplifting’ experience, your kids will be ‘bursting’ with excitement and inspAIRation.
But wait there’s more and no, they’re not chucking in a set of free steak knives, but some digs for your four-legged friends! PAWSOME!
Doggo Friendly Rooms
Pawrents, this one’s for you! No need to leave Fido at home this silly season coz raise the woof – Novotel Surfers Paradise have dog-friendly rooms!
Hurry, though. New Year’s Eve bookings are as hot as the fireworks themselves, and don’t even get us started on school holiday bookings which are selling faster than slow cookers during the Black Friday sales.
For more information or to book, go here.
Where: Corner of Surfers Paradise Boulevard & Hanlan Street, Surfers Paradise
When: 31 December 2023 and January 2024
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY NOVOTEL SURFERS PARADISE
Lock in Novotel Surfers Paradise’s seafood buffet for a decadent Christmas day.
For those of us in charge of creating the Christmas magic year after year, it’s universally understood that well before ‘eat, drink, and be merry’, comes ‘exhaustion, determination and be…gging for mercy’ as we duke it out among the mid-December shopping centre droves.
This year, consider a carefree Christmas Day with all of the cheer and none of the tears – because this December 25, Novotel Surfers Paradise is throwing a spectacular seafood buffet lunch for the merrymaking pleasure of you and your kin. And lbh, these guys are so skilled at pulling a sumptuous spread out of their chef’s hats, they could do so with their eyes closed (#Can’tRelate).
Lock in a lavish long lunch and luxuriate in a seafood buffet complete with three hours of premium beverages, live music and children’s entertainer – all without lifting a finger.
Make no mistake, Christmas chill style does not equate to a shortage of cheer: for the little ones 12 and under, Santa will be doling out a special gift, while the adults will be appreciating the free-flowing Beer, Wine, Cider and Non-Alcoholic options on offer. Sit back and settle in to the surrounds of the Grand Ballroom, making some magical mems with your nearest and dearest while Novotel’s expert culinary crew, headed by Chef Praveen Dutt, diligently dish up a decadent array of festive eats.
A seasoned pro more than qualified to take on our Chrissy day soirees, Chef Praveen’s resume reads more like a luxury vaycay itinerary – after spending over 17 years honing his craft among R&R heavy-hitters such as Q1, Mantra and Sheraton in Fiji.
Though Chef Praveen certainly has a flair for creating exceptional food, he’s also passionate about curating a welcoming experience for guests and families to come together through his crafted cuisine. And since this is the exact essence of what Christmas is all about – leaving our Chrissy day in those expert hands just got all the more enticing (and we haven’t even got to the menu yet).
Unsurprisingly, the culinary team has also applied an elf-like eagerness to perfecting the ultimate Chrissy feast, with the mouth-watering menu for the big day already locked in.
Go ahead and make yourself comfortable (read: discreetly loosen that top button), because this lavish seafood smorgasbord is the whole shebang (and good luck to us as we take on the impossible feat of attempting to summarise it.)
Seared, sautéed and roasted to perfection will be the signature selection of hot dishes including gourmet takes on the classics like Leg Ham (double-baked with bourbon and honey glaze) and Baked Spuds (chat potatoes with duck fat and rosemary).
Feast your eyes (immediately followed by your tastebuds) upon a tantalising seafood mountain stacked with spanner crabs, piles of tiger prawns, oysters and Tasmanian smoked salmon. And flavour-packed sides and salads such as Roasted pumpkin salad with spinach, pears, pine nuts, with lemon vinaigrette dressing are actually worthy of claiming that precious plate real estate.
Honestly, we could be here until Christmas unpacking this cracker of a menu – but if all that hasn’t already sealed the deal, decadent sweets such as Passionfruit Pavlova Roulade or Cascading Cadbury chocolate fountain (Spanish Churros, brownie, marshmallow) certainly will.
So it’s settled then. This year we’re swanning on into the Novotel like one extremely cool yule-cumber to partake in festivities infinitely more enticing than being holed up for days in a stinking hot kitchen. And we do mean ‘cool’ – because with the morning now wide open, a side quest to the beach for a pre-lunch dip could be on the cards.
Tickets start from $139 per child aged 5-12 (free for children 0-4 years), and hot-sip – full table bookings of 8-10 guests in one transaction and receive a complimentary 750ml bottle of Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut on the day. Cheers!
Tickets for all the Novotel Surfers Paradise festive celebrations here. (Please note that this event is hosted on shared tables to encourage a sense of togetherness and community during this special day.)
Where: Novotel Surfers Paradise, Cnr Of Surfers Paradise Blvd, Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise
When: Monday, December 25, 2023, Arrival from 11:30am; Lunch service from 12pm to 3pm
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY NOVOTEL SURFERS PARADISE
Taking kids out for a feed on the glitter strip has never been so easy!
Loading the kidlets into the car in search of a decent feed can be a wildly unpredictable sport. And by unpredictable, we mean slightly traumatic. But fear not — these Surfers Paradise restaurants are tried, tested, and given the ultimate seal of approval by many-a-small human (and therefore, relieved parents).
From the glitter strip classics to crowd-pleasing favourites, this is your go-to guide for taking the rug rats out to eat for a tanty/whinge-free meal. Bless their cotton socks…
A feast with a side of thrilling theatrics?! Count us in! If the kiddos (or you) haven’t yet experienced the fire and energy of teppan dining, this is your cue. From family-friendly to elevated eats, Misono serves up fresh Japanese fare that’s as delicious as it is fun. Think Australian Wagyu, chicken, scallops, bug meat and more, expertly cooked over flame, with fresh sashimi and sushi on hand to balance things out. Even better, there are dedicated kids’ teppanyaki banquets, making it an easy win for families. The venue is bright and open, the staff are welcoming, and bringing the whole crew along is refreshingly fuss-free.
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
If you’ve got little ones with big appetites, Wahlburgers is a win. Famous for its juicy, no-nonsense burgers and crispy fries, Wahlburgers almost guarantees a breezy family dinner out- like seriously, what kid is complaining about burgers for dinner?! Everything on the menu is totally kid-approved, with classics like cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, and mac & cheese. Don’t forget the shakes — another sure-fire hit.
Where: 2 Cavill Ave, Shop EP008/9 Paradise Centre, Surfers Paradise
A classic family favourite, TGI Fridays has something for everyone. From baby back ribs and burgers to chicken fingers and loaded fries, the menu satisfies every craving. Kids can enjoy their own smaller portions of mac and cheese, cheeseburgers, chicken nuggets, and more. They’re also open for breakfast, with options like avo smash, eggs on toast, pancakes. Casual and fun!
Where: Paradise Centre, Shop E10/10A/2 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise and Shop 1005B/19 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina
If it’s a family fiesta you’re craving, look no further than El Camino Cantina. Their shareable tacos, quesadillas, and nachos are perfect for little hands, and the colourful, lively atmosphere will be an adventure in itself for the kids. Head on down for Taco Tuesdays – 3 tacos of your choice plus an icy-cold drink, at only $35pp – or Wing Wednesdays – 1kg of saucy chicken wings for just $20, plus a chance to win a prize! How spec-taco-ular!
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Milky Lane is the ultimate kid magnet thanks to its retro milkbar-inspired fitout (perfect for Insta snaps) and epic menu. Think decadent burgers, loaded fries, and over-the-top milkshakes that even adults will envy. The kids’ menu is equally impressive and the desserts…well, you can’t go past them. Decadent, daring and downright delicious.
Where: 1/38 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Vapiano is perfect for families who love freshly made pasta, pizza, and risotto. I bet you can’t name a single person who doesn’t adore one or more of those things. And at Vapiano, they serve it hearty, yet elevated with everything from burrata and prosciutto with focaccia and roast pumpkin and quinoa salad to creamy carbonara and mini Hawaiian pizza. In other words, there’s something for every member of the family. Pop in any day of the week between 4-6pm for sips from $6 and snacks from $5. Hell yeah!
Where: Soul Boardwalk, T208 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise and Shop R006/103 Foxwell Rd, Coomera
As relaxed as the name suggests, and situated in the sunny Surfers Paradise, Longboards is perfect for families and any occasion. You will be hard-pressed to find a menu as loaded as Longboards, covering snacks, loaded fries, normal fries, mains, salads, wings, burgers, and sweets. The kids’ menu includes fun eats like mini sliders and chicken bites. But warning! They’ll be tempted by your popcorn chicken and cheesy garlic bread (assuming you would order such deliciousness), and will resort to stealing given the right opportunity!
Where: Q1 Resort & Spa, Corner of Hamilton avenue &, Northcliffe Terrace, Surfers Paradise
Nothing beats a surf club for that casual, welcoming family vibe, and BMD Northcliffe Surf Club is a real Gold Coast gem! They’ve got stunning ocean views alongside a menu of seafood, burgers, gourmet salads, pasta, and grilled classics for adults, and fish, burgers, pizzas, or nuggets with chips for kids. They’re also open for breakfast, serving favourites the kids will love.
Where: 51 Garfield Terrace, Surfers Paradise
La Playa is your little slice of Mediterranean paradise on the Gold Coast, serving vibrant eats by the beach. We’re talking chargrilled favs, exotic salads, pastas and skewers. The kids have it equally as good with chicken skewers with butter rice, chicken bites with fries, pizza, and spaghetti bowl. What’s more, kiddos eat free (yes, FREE) every day from 5pm to 6pm with a purchase of any main meal.
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Hog’s Breath is a family favourite for hearty meals that everyone will love. Think prime ribs, steaks, burgers, and chicken schnitzels — proper crowd-pleasers for hungry adults. Kids are well looked after too, with options like crumbled calamari, chicken quesadillas, mac and cheese, sirloin steak and more. Every kids’ meal is served with a choice of curly fries, kids’ salad or vegetables, plus tomato sauce, a free drink and a free ice cream — now that’s a big win. And there’s more! Sweet tooths can add strawberry jelly for $1, or upgrade to a kids’ banana split for $3.50. Okay, now we’re just jealous…
Where: Soul Boardwalk, Building T2/9 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
After a day of balls-to-the-wall adventure inside the infamous Hijinx Hotel challenge rooms, one’s appetite must be nothing short of ferocious. Enter, Hijinx Hotel’s straightforward yet incredibly delicious lineup of burgers, pizzas, and snacks to save the day. There’s plenty of plant-based options too, so no tummy is left growling!
Where: 40 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Why fly to the States when you can get the Yankees right here on the Gold Coast?! Let your kids get a taste (literally) of the USA: from American nachos and loaded fries to ribs and wings. While there’s no kids’ menu specifically, one meal can be made to share, or choose one of their epic American Platters for the whole family to enjoy! Go get your Yankees on!
Where: 4 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise
For something a little different (and seriously delicious), Shiraz Persian brings bold Persian and Middle Eastern flavours to a relaxed, family-friendly setting. The menu is extensive, spanning generous banquets, salads, soups, seafood, slow-cooked dishes, kabobs, plus plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. New to Persian cuisine? Expect fragrant rice, succulent grilled meats, warm breads with dips, and colourful sautéed vegetables. It might sound slightly outside classic kid territory, but trust us — one bite in and even the fussiest eaters are converted.
Where: 2893 Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise
And if all else fails, there’s the trusty buffet, the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure dining destination with something for everyone, and then some. You literally cannot go wrong. Check out our buffet list here.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
