Comedy, covers and Aussie rock royalty – it’s all happening at Soundlounge.
Comedy, covers and Aussie rock royalty – it’s all happening at Soundlounge.
There’s something special happening on the southern Gold Coast, and it sounds a lot like your new favourite night out. Perched above the glistening waters of Currumbin Creek, Soundlounge at Currumbin RSL is where intimate gigs meet big energy, where the comedy’s clever, the music’s loud and the vibe is effortlessly cool.
Whether you’re sinking into a low-lit comedy night or on your feet at a full-throttle rock show, Soundlounge serves it up in style.
The space is flexible, intimate and welcoming. It’s cosy enough to feel personal and big enough to bring the house down. Add top-tier food and drink from Currumbin RSL and a sparkling creekside backdrop, and you’ve got yourself a memorable night out.
Just wait until you see the lineup…
Comedy fans, mark your calendars STAT for Dave Hughes – WTF, hitting the stage on Friday 13 June. You may know him better as Hughesy’s- the man who’s been cracking us up on the small screen since, like, forever! Now we get it all in the flesh for his brand-new hour of uproarious, Aussie-humour-packed stand-up. Trust us – you want in on this.
His first show sold out faster than you can say. “WTF?” It’s so lucky for you that they added a second show earlier in the evening.
When: Second Show 5:30 pm, Friday 13th June
On Saturday, 12 July, prepare to be dazzled by The Killer Queen Experience. Fronted by John Blunt, whose Freddie Mercury impersonation will have you convinced you’re at Wembley Stadium, this two-hour tribute show covers Queen’s greatest anthems from Bohemian Rhapsody to We Will Rock You. Get ready to sing, dance, and maybe even belt out a few high notes yourself.
When: 7pm, Saturday 12th July
See the legendary Fabulous Caprettos take over with an all-star Aussie rock lineup featuring Dave Gleeson (The Screaming Jets), Joe Camilleri (The Black Sorrows), Jack Jones (Southern Sons), and Rai Thistlethwayte (Thirsty Merc). Their combined rock pedigree means you’re in for an unforgettable evening of classics – think Better, Hold Me in Your Arms and Chained to the Wheel.
When: 4:30pm, Sunday 13th July
Fast forward to August, and the blues vibes roll in with Ash Grunwald on Sunday, 17 August. Known for his electrifying live shows and ‘surf by day, jam by night’ ethos, Ash is a powerhouse on stage. Expect guitars galore and foot-stomping rhythms that’ll have you tapping your toes well past the last note.
When: 3pm, Sunday 17th August
Award-winning comic Geraldine Hickey brings her warm, witty and wonderfully weird take on life to Soundlounge for one night only. It’s like a walk through your thoughts, but funnier.
When: 7:30pm, Saturday 20th September
October heats up with Dallas Frasca Plays Led Zeppelin – A Rock ‘n’ Roll Reckoning on Friday, 3 October. After a whirlwind year touring with ZZ Top and scoring an APRA AMCOS Award nomination, Australia’s rock powerhouse Dallas Frasca is back with a solo show honouring the rock legends Led Zeppelin. Her dynamo voice and blazing guitar skills bring fresh fire to classics like Whole Lotta Love and Kashmir. Rock fans, this one’s a must-see.
When: 7:30pm, Friday 3rd October
Where: Currumbin RSL (2nd Floor) overlooking Currumbin Creek, 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
STORY SPONSORED BY CURRUMBIN RSL
Note: 18+ only venue
Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist.
Russell Morris is a name that resonates with every chord struck in the heart of Australian rock history. From his early days as lead vocalist for Somebody’s Image to his chart-topping solo hits like “The Real Thing” and “Sweet Sweet Love,” Morris has crafted a legacy that spans decades.
Now, Morris is back with a powerhouse lineup in The Fabulous Caprettos, a supergroup that sees him join forces with fellow Aussie rock legends Dave Gleeson (The Screaming Jets/The Angels), Jack Jones (Southern Sons), and Rai Thistlethwayte (Thirsty Merc/Joe Satriani/Sammy Hagar).
They’re hitting the road this October (including Friday 4th October at Twin Towns), bringing their combined musical prowess to the stage in a show that promises to be a celebration of some of the most iconic moments in Australian rock history. With a setlist featuring everything from Morris’ anthems to Southern Sons’ ballads, Thirsty Merc’s pop hits, and The Screaming Jets’ rock classics, The Fabulous Caprettos are ready to reimagine and rejuvenate the songs that have defined Australian music for generations.
Tell us about how The Fabulous Caprettos came about?
The Caprettos came into being— originally from Billy Thorpe. He wanted a number of us to form a band— and play and record as that band. It never came to fruition, but the idea didn’t die. Always hoped that down the track, it would come into fruition.
Featuring in Aussie rock bands spanning from the 60s to late 90s, what do you believe has changed on the Aussie pub music scene?
The scene has changed, because any week, in every capital city, there were numerous pubs, where bands could play— five days a week.
What’s your favourite gig memory from the Gold Coast?
My favourite memory from the Gold Coast was playing at the Playroom— always a rocking gig.
What can fans expect from your upcoming tour?
They will see a band that really cooks— all playing together and accompanying each other on our various hits.
Where does the band draw inspiration from for your new music?
We have diverse interests in music— so when we get together— it’s like a big minestrone soup.
What’s the plan for The Fabulous Caprettos in 2025?
How long is a piece of string? We really don’t know where we will take things.
Tell us your favourites on the Gold Coast:
Coffee spot: Bear Boy, Helensvale — coffee, and breakfast.
Dinner: Omeros Brothers, Main Beach
Favourite place to grab a drink: Destino, Sanctuary Cove
Favourite live music venue: Miami Marketta
When Spotify just isn't cutting it.
There are a great many things to get amongst on the GC, and these days, a thriving local music scene is undeniably one of them. And we can all agree, if there’s one thing that takes kicking back with a frosty refreshment to a whole new level, it’s getting your ears around some sweet tunes while you do it.
From dank, hidden indie dive bars to classic pub-style serenades for the whole fam to vibe to – whatever genre you’re in the mood for, there’s bound to be a venue to match.
This Arundel’s brewery has been hitting all the right notes since they slid open their enormous barn door at the end of 2022. Hound and Stag is now the GC’s largest combining craft brews and live music, and honestly, how could you go wrong with a combo like that?! The regular array of tribute bands are the big old auditory cherry on top of an excellent atmosphere, brew-pub bites and endless frosty beverages here, folks.
Where: 13 Wrights Place, Arundel
One of Queenland’s largest AFL clubs, Southport Sharks is a family-friendly gem that’s more than merely a haven for footy fans to wet their whistles. With multiple venues and areas built-in, this Babushka doll vibing spot always has something going on, including live acts every weekend if you’re in the mood to groove. Every Friday and Saturday night, there’s an assortment of free gigs going down, from retro RnB shows, classic pub rock to tribute acts to get those toes tapping.
Where: Cnr Musgrave and Olsen Avenues, Southport
We can always count on our local dive bar to deliver us the very dankest of gigs, and Vinnie’s Dive does exactly that. Championing our local music scene, they’re no strangers to big alt/indie names such as Dear Seattle, DZ Deathrays, Wil Wagner (The Smith Street Band) The Bennies and Regurgiator gracing their small but mighty stage – in addition to karaoke and themed tribute nights. We think this review sums it up best: “It’s dark, the floors are sticky, the toilets seats are occasionally broken, the beers are icy cold and the staff are the best people you’ll ever meet.” Get down there for great times and even better gigs.
Where: Shops A & B, 44A Nerang Street, Southport
There’s always something happening at SOPO, the entertainment heart of Southport. Right in the centre of the CBD, this lively local is your go-to for everything from live music and DJs to trivia, bingo and special events, with something on the calendar day and night. Come the weekend, Seductions Lounge turns up the volume with a rotating lineup of talented local bands and performers every Friday and Saturday, delivering the perfect soundtrack for dancing, drinks and good times with friends.
Where: 36 Scarborough Street, Southport
Take the stairs to Level 1 and you’ll find one of Surfers Paradise’s most entertaining nights out. Hotel Jardin’s Piano Bar pairs expertly crafted cocktails with live piano sessions in a moody, intimate setting centred around a baby grand. Dubbed Surfers’ favourite sing-along piano bar, the resident pianist plays all your faves and happily takes requests, so whether you’re keen to belt out a classic, sip your way through curated wine flights at Sips & Sounds, or simply soak up the late-night energy, this is your cue. Live music kicks off from 5pm Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 6pm Thursday through Sunday.
Where: 3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
The Home of the Arts is certainly doing the heavy lifting to finally elevate the arts and culture scene here in our section of Queensland. From intimate, indoor performances to the homegrown darlings and headline acts routinely taking one of Australia’s best outdoor stages – the variety of shows are as varied and vibrant as its technicolour exterior.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Open Tuesday to Sunday, Den Devine was awarded Gold Coast Live Music Venue of the Year 2025, and it’s easy to see why. Since opening in 2020, Den Devine has put live music at the heart of everything it does, celebrating both seasoned pros and rising local talent across jazz, blues, and a whole mix of global genres. The intimate, “music is life” vibe makes every visit feel like a front-row experience.
Fuel your night with UK & Irish fayre, European classics, USA favourites, and a stellar whisky selection. Seats fill fast, book ahead to catch the vibe.
Where: 15 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
When it comes to star-studded acts and internationally recognised music performances, The Star Gold Coast is the place to grab a seat in a full-blown theatre and experience music as it was intended. But the entertainment doesn’t stop when the curtain falls.
Across the precinct, you’ll find live music lighting up Atrium Bar, Nineteen at The Star and Cherry, alongside the open-air ambience of Garden Kitchen & Bar’s Live on the Lawn series. From DJs and soloists to laidback acoustic sets and vibrant weekend sessions, there’s always a soundtrack to your night out.
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Build it, and they will come… though it’s not clear in this analogy if the ‘they’ should be the steady stream of stellar, live music acts, the hungry hordes, or adoring music fans. Either way, this iconic laneway has established itself as a cracking spot for many things, including one of the best places to catch a gig on the GC.
From 5pm from Wednesday to Saturday nights, Miami comes alive with foods from all around the world mixed with local blues, jazz and independent artists. A hotspot doing some solid heavy lifting to attract incredible national and international acts as they tour the country – Be sure to keep an eye on their gig calendar; tickets always sell out fast!
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
A true Gold Coast icon since 1883, The Wallaby Hotel is where cold beers, loud guitars and even louder singalongs collide. Fresh from a glow-up that still keeps its old-school charm intact, this Mudgeeraba fave is basically the unofficial HQ for live music lovers. Expect bands belting it out every weekend (and often midweek too), dance floors that don’t quit and plenty of boot-scootin’ opportunities. Whether you’re here for a chilled solo pint or a full boogie with the crew, good times are basically guaranteed.Where: 45 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba
Burleigh’s multi-use music, space hire and events hub, Mo’s Desert Clubhouse is a melting pot of goings-on and a principal meeting place for muso’s, movers and shakers and music lovers across the GC. The industrial-style venue is outfitted with a fully stocked bar and equally stacked gig guide, so refer back often and make sure you pencil in a date with Mo’s Desert Clubhouse ASAP.
Where: 6/36 Central Drive, Burleigh Heads
A fresh look is not the only thing Burleigh Town Hotel is boasting these days, also ‘drumming up’ a very solid live entertainment schedule studded with emerging bands and popular Aussie acts to get your ears around. There’s DJ’s and acoustic artists bringing tunes to the beer garden most weekends, along with with Punk, Motown and Pop themed tribute shows – where you can hit the d-floor to the likes of Ed Sheeran, Robbie Williams and queen Kylie (gold hot pants optional).
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads
This gem is a favourite among live music fans, having hosted a slew of local, national and international icons — but it also remains one of our best-kept secrets. Find your way down to Currumbin RSL, where, hidden just above, Soundlounge hosts acts from folk soloists and DJs to rock and roll bands. Listening to fantastic live music can be a hungry business, but this venue has you covered with food options, including pizza, an a la carte restaurant and bar snacks.
Where: 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin
Whether you’ve been catching world-class waves or lounging in the afternoon sun, Coolangatta — and specifically the Coolangatta Hotel — has long been known as one of the best for rounding out a perfect afternoon with live music. Being one of the Gold Coast’s largest live music venues, this OG frequently features both national and international touring bands and DJs on any given weekend. In between catching your fave big names, rock out to live, local tunes every Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun.
Where: Cnr Warner Street and Marine Parade, Coolangatta
For live music lovers, Twin Towns delivers in a big way. Home to a 1,000-seat, state-of-the-art Showroom, this Tweed Heads icon hosts an ever-changing lineup of acclaimed Australian and international artists, with both daytime and evening ticketed shows on the calendar. Beyond the big names, there’s more than 50 hours of free live entertainment every week, making it one of the premier live music venues on the Tweed and southern Gold Coast. Head to The Stage for complimentary performances from talented local and touring acts, and settle in for an easy, music-filled day or night out.
Where: 2 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads
Words by Belinda Symons
Soundlounge is back with another killer lineup.
If you know, you know… and if you don’t, consider this your sign to get familiar. Tucked within Currumbin RSL, Soundlounge continues to be one of the Southern Gold Coast’s best-kept secrets – and honestly, it’s about time everyone got in on it.
This cosy, intimate venue has long been a favourite for live music lovers, serving up everything from iconic tribute acts to homegrown legends and international talent. It’s the kind of place where every seat (or standing spot) feels close to the action, the sound is always on point, and the vibes? Immaculate.
You’ve got epic food and drinks downstairs and a full-blown live music experience upstairs. It’s giving dinner-and-a-show energy, but cooler.
And if you’ve been thinking about locking in a night out, this your official nudge. The upcoming lineup is stacked, and trust us when we say you’ll want to clear your calendar.
Kicking things off with a little southern flair, Goin’ Country is riding into town on Saturday 2nd May and it’s shaping up to be one big honky-tonk party. Expect all the hits from a Luke Combs tribute (hello HURRICANE), a Lainey Wilson tribute to get you warmed up, plus The Nashville Jukebox Party Band to keep the good times rolling well into the night. It’s boots, beers and back-to-back bangers – what more could you want?
If country’s not your thing, the following weekend brings the ultimate throwback with Live Baby Live – The INXS Tribute Show on Saturday 9th May. We’re talking all the anthems, all the nostalgia and a whole lot of “sing-it-at-the-top-of-your-lungs” moments. Whether you grew up with INXS or just appreciate a seriously good live show, this one’s a no-brainer.
Fast forward to June and things take a slightly more stripped-back (but no less impressive) turn with fingerstyle guitar phenomenon Alexandr Misko hitting the stage on Saturday 20th June. Known for his mind-blowing technique and viral performances, this is one for the music purists. It’s a seated show, so you can really soak it all in – every note, every tap, every “how is he even doing that?” moment.
And because Soundlounge loves to keep the good times rolling, there’s plenty more where that came from later in the year too. Aussie favourite Alex Lloyd is celebrating 25 years of Watching Angels Mend with a special tour stop on Friday 16th October. Expect all the classics (yes, Amazing will absolutely be on the setlist) plus a few stories and moments that make these milestone shows extra special.
Also on the lineup is Australian music icon Rick Price bringing his Call On Me Tour to the stage on Friday 19th November. With his signature vocals and timeless hits, it’s the kind of show that leans into the feels in the best possible way. Date night, anyone?
And let’s not forget – Soundlounge isn’t just about the tunes. This venue has long been a go-to for comedy too, regularly hosting some of the biggest names in the biz alongside rising stars. So whether you’re chasing a laugh or a live music fix, they’ve got you covered.
The cherry on top? Every ticket you buy helps support the local community. As part of the Currumbin RSL, Soundlounge contributes to veteran and community initiatives, so you can feel good about your night out while you’re at it.
So whether you’re rounding up the crew, planning a date night or just keen to discover your new favourite artist, Soundlounge is where it’s at. Great music, great atmosphere and a lineup that just keeps delivering – this is one Gold Coast gem that well and truly hits the right notes.
Get your tickets for Soundlounge gigs here.
Where: Currumbin RSL (2nd Floor) overlooking Currumbin Creek, 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin
When: Various dates, see Soundlounge website for upcoming events.
Words by Belinda Symons
STORY SPONSORED BY CURRUMBIN RSL
