Pop quiz! Where’s one place on the Gold Coast, where you can shop till you drop, eat your body weight in quality nosh, wander amongst stunning natural parklands and more? It’s Robina! There’s also a hospital and train station, but unfortunately, they’re not exciting enough to make our list.

Here are 18 things that are exciting enough to make our list.

Pasta Emporium

Say ciao to Robina’s (perhaps, Gold Coast’s) most authentic and downright delicious pasta joint! The artisan pasta boutique store is brought to us by a European mother and daughter duo – how could it not be? Made with high-quality durum wheat semolina (rich in fibre, protein, vitamin B, and also digestion-friendly), their fresh-as pasta can be paired with a selection of their no-nasties, slow-cooked sauces. The best!
Where: Easy T Centre, 514 Christine Avenue, Robina

My French Pastries

The Euro food tour continues at My French Pastries- a slice of Paris right in Robina. They deliver made-from-scratch croissants, tarts, and decadent desserts, with each pastry crafted with high-quality ingredients that keep locals coming back for more (and more and more). Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.
Where: Shop 5, 4226/361 Robina Pkwy, Robina

CBUS Super Stadium

Home of our beloved Titans, CBUS Super Stadium is one of the best regional stadiums in Australia and it’s ours, all ours (insert wicked snigger). Not only do Gold Coasters spend their weekends cheering on the boys here, but we’ve also been lucky enough to watch A-league and international football games, the Nitro Circus, and the Rugby 7s as part of the Commonwealth Games. High five to CBUS for being our homegrown hub of sporting joy.
Where: Centreline Place, Robina

Eddy + Wolff

An intimate 24-seat Asian bar and restaurant offering a modern take on Southeast Asian cuisine. The menu showcases creative dishes from Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, inspired by vibrant street food flavours and regional classics. With its cosy setting, flavour-packed plates and a Chef Hat from the Australian Good Food Guide for 2025, it’s a top pick for both date nights and group dining.
Where: 44 Commerce Dr, Robina

Bond University

She’s smart, she’s stunning- she’s Bond University. Yes, Robina is home to the prestigious and world-class institution that helps current and future generations reach their biggest goals! Bond combines innovative teaching, a supportive campus community, and beautiful surroundings to create an inspiring study environment.
Where: 14 University Drive, Robina

The Sporting Globe

The spacious, sports-themed bar and restaurant made a big splash on Robina Town Centre when it first moved in and continues to do so in 2023. Within The Sporting Globe there are no less than 50 high definition screens including two 5m2 screens and a nine-screen video wall, so yeah nah, you’re not missing a single second of the action. They’re also serving up perfect sport-watching food, frosty bronsons galore, and an all-round cracking good atmosphere. It’s a sure thing.
Where: The Promenade, Robina Town Centre, Robina

Robina Parkway Dog Park

Calling all dog lovers! This expansive dog park is the perfect place for your furry friend to run, play, and socialise safely. With plenty of open space and shaded areas, it’s ideal for a weekend outing with your four-legged family members.
Where: Lot 21 Robina Pkwy, Clear Island Waters

Harvest Foodhouse

A vibrant café serving wholesome, flavour-packed meals crafted from fresh, local ingredients. Harvest Foodhouse is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a relaxed lunch, with mouthwatering options like lamb shoulder tacos, cauliflower steak with a white bean hummus, loaded savoury croissants and triple-choc waffles. You’re gonna need to make a few trips.
Where: 361 Robina Parkway, Robina

Greenheart Robina Parklands

The playground to end all playgrounds! Greenheart Robina Parklands is a 22.5-hectare wonderland with towering slides, net bridges, trampolines, swings, water play, and a toddler zone, all fully fenced with an onsite café (hallelujah). Kids can pedal off to the bike track with humps, bumps, and traffic signs, while parents chill under shady umbrellas. Add in walking paths, a boardwalk, half basketball court and a dog park, and you’ve got the ultimate family day out.
Where: Stadium Dr, Robina

Robina Pavilion

A tried and tested (regularly. Very regularly….) favourite, Robina Pav features a sleek look’n’feel, dreamy deck overlooking the water, a specialised kids area, and plenty of good vibes. Boasting a menu packed with epic eats from woodfired pizzas to stacked burgers, it would be rude not to get involved with the impressive cocktail menu #IfWeMust. It’s the perfect spot for sun-soaked afternoon sessions with you posse.
Where: 229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina

Green Fields

A modern Australian rooftop bar and restaurant, Green Fields serves up flavour-packed dishes with a focus on quality produce and sustainability. The stylish rooftop setting makes it ideal for enjoying a meal while taking in the Robina skyline.
Where: 94 Laver Dr, Robina

Charcoal Charcoal Grill & Bar

A yakitori-focused Japanese-Korean grill in Robina, known for its smoky binchotan charcoal skewers. The menu features wagyu beef, free-range chicken, veggie options, and fresh seafood, paired with Japanese whisky, beer, and wine. Perfect for casual dinners or a night out.
Where: 126/128 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina

Cheltenham Park

If open spaces and oodles of greenery, in the middle of a city no less, is your thing (yes please), Cheltenham Park is the business. There are plenty of areas for the kids – human and fury – to run themselves ragged (#yeahmums!) bushwalking tracks, and big leafy trees to stretch out beneath with a picnic and your favourite people. Perfect for escaping the rat race without chewing through the petrol in search of a tree change.
Where: Cheltenham Drive, Robina

Cocoflufferia by Goji

Cocoflufferia by Goji is the all-new dessert wonderland, where dairy-free decadence meets a candy-land of toppings! Grab a bowl of their light and fluffy vegan soft serve, then go crazy with a line-up of delicious toppings like pistachio kanufa, Bueno, pistachio and Nutella sauce, Biscoff crumbs, mini mochi, M&Ms and fresh fruits!
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina

Artvo

Step into a world of optical illusions and interactive 3D art. Artvo is not only visually stunning but also a playground for your imagination, offering endless photo opportunities and fun for all ages.
Where: Ground Floor, Near the Kitchens, next to Lush, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

Riva Offices

Riva is the home of sleek and stylish premium workspaces that make the 9-to-5 grind feel…well, less grindy. They’re designed to foster productivity and creativity by combining comfort, style, and convenience, with both private and co-working options.
Where: 2/14 Edgewater Court, Robina

Small Fry

Small Fry offers a modern twist on classic Australian seafood. One of their signature dishes is the Bug Bao– lightly battered bug meat in a steamed bun with coleslaw, chilli, shallots, lime, and sriracha mayo. Don’t walk, run! Pair that with a serve of their Family Parmesan and Truffle Fries, and damnnnnn!
Where: 273 Scottsdale Drive, Robina

Matcha Therapy

Your most Instagrammable matcha moments await at Matcha Therapy- where everything is made with ceremonial grade matcha powder from Uji, Japan. Sit, sip and shop your way through matcha heaven.
Where: 129 Laver Drive, Robina

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

At some point during the week (usually Monday for us) you get sick of preparing meals, decide to throw in the tea towel, round up the rugrats and head to one of our fine establishments so they can handle that exhausting little song-and-dance. Only to be faced with a whole new issue – the prospect of taking the munchkins out for munches #cuepanic

To save you the ‘find-something-everyone-can-eat-without-too-many-tears’ struggle entirely – we’ve collected our very favourite purveyors of good vibes, welcoming atmospheres and of course, bulk ice cream and chippies.

So without further ado, here is a list of family-friendly Gold Coast restaurants to treat you and your cherubs to some chow, so you can have a reprieve from slaving over the stove for a night.

From north to south.

The Wattle Hotel
A hidden gem in Upper Coomera, The Wattle Hotel is the perfect playground for parents and kiddies. The adult menu is filled with all your fave pub-style dishes while the littlies menu has all their favourites for $12 bucks including a drink and dixie cup – a bargain and a half, especially when you consider the inbuilt perk of those blissful sounds of serenity (the kind only a Cheeseburger could buy). 10/10 kids also agree the whopper playground is the bees knees (ok, so that stat is more of an educated guess, we hope you can let it ‘slide’…) Gather the kiddies and get down and see for yourself.
Where: 1 Reserve Road, Upper Coomera

Coomera Lodge Hotel
If riverside hangs and room to roam are high on your priority list, Coomera Lodge Hotel delivers. With an expansive open-air beer garden overlooking the Coomera River and an undercover pavilion for all-weather hangs, it’s an easy yes for families. The menu covers all the pub classics, while the real win for parents is the rotating kids’ fun, including a petting zoo and school holiday activities that keep little hands busy while you settle in.
Where: 160 Maudsland Road, Oxenford

Hope Island Tavern
Sunny days, good vibes and an epic playground? Say less. Hope Island Tavern is a go-to for families thanks to its sprawling beer garden and kid-approved play area that keeps them entertained while you dig into wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood or even a cheeky gelato. The kids’ menu is stacked (think battered fish, nuggets, spaghetti bolognese, and even a health bowl), and their Sunday Funday lineup offers even more reason to linger from 12pm.
Where: 93 Broadwater Ave, Hope Island

Dublin Docks Tavern
Set right on the water at Harbour Town, Dublin Docks Tavern brings relaxed family dining with a side of Irish charm. The spacious family bistro dishes up all your pub favourites- think steaks, seafood and hearty classics- alongside a kids’ menu to keep the little ones happy. Bonus points for being pet-friendly, so even the fur babies can get in on the outing.
Where: Harbour Town Shopping Centre, Biggera Waters

Charis Seafoods
Found in Harley Park, Labrador, Charis Seafoods offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a sweet view to boot. Enjoy your fish and chips by the Broadwater while the kids play in the park or swim in the lagoon. There’s a huge variety of seafood on offer, and everything is of the freshest and highest quality. This Gold Coast icon is also renowned for its pelican feeding at 1:30pm daily, where close to a hundred pelicans gather for their special feed of fish!
Where: 371 Marine Parade, Labrador

Historic Rivermill
Less of a restaurant, more full-blown adventure day – Historic Rivermill might be an overachiever, but we promise you, a meal at this beaut spot will delight you and your little people. The outlook from the cafe is breathtaking with views to the bushland beyond and plenty of space, including a cute ‘lil playground, for the kids to explore. This pretty riverside spot boasts its own petting zoo, so the animal encounters are a must-do for the munchkins. Feed the turtles and alpacas, or even go on a horse ride! Don’t sweat it when your little people grow peckish, of course, the cafe boasts plenty of yummy goodies for the human folk too. Including coffee, which we absolutely will require after herding the critters (we’ll let you decide which we’re referring to). Do yourself a favour and take a drive out there with the whole family.
Where: 950 Beaudesert-Nerang Road, Mt Nathan

Southport Sharks
For families, Frenzy’s buffet is the go-to – especially for the mini salad dodgers. Pair it with the Wobbygones Kids Club (rock climbing wall, mini basketball and theatrette), plus the LOL Crew Kids Show on Sundays from 5–7pm, and you’ve got them sorted as the small ones frolic under supervision, and you kick back with a frosty beverage. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner with buffet and à la carte options. Even better, kids eat free at Monday dinner and Saturday breakfast buffets with a paying adult, and score a half-price buffet with every full-paying adult on Sundays!
Where: Olsen Ave and Musgrave Ave, Southport

Mermaid Waters Hotel
When it comes to keeping kids entertained, Mermaid Waters Hotel has thought of everything. With both indoor and outdoor play areas- including a playground and a playroom with PlayStations- it’s a dream scenario for parents wanting a moment of peace (#guiltfree). Pair that with a dedicated kids menu (it’s an epic adventure within itself) and a solid lineup of adult options, and you’ve got a spot that ticks all the boxes for an easy family outing.
Where: Cnr Markeri & Sunshine Blvd, Mermaid Waters

Mermaid Beach Surf Club
Surf clubs are family-friendly by principle, but the Mermaid Beach Surf Club in particular has got the goods in the form of a playroom (with a jungle gym and TV) that will keep the kids entertained for hours. Some of us here have been in there and can attest that it’s a good time. Of course, they have lots of child-friendly menu options on their Nippers Menu, which include a FREE Zooper Dooper or vanilla ice cream, AND on Monday nights, kids eat free with any main meal purchased. How good.
Where: 172 Hedges Avenue, Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach Tavern
These days, Tavs, Pavs and Clubs have well and truly ditched their old-school beer dungeon rep — and Exhibit A is Mermaid Beach Tavern. Easy on the eyes, spacious, and serving up classic pub eats the whole family will love. Speaking of, you can feed the family (of four) dinner on a Thursday for $70 from 5:30pm. Now that’s an offer that one (one tired parent at the back end of the week) simply couldnt pass up! Putt wait, there’s more… Play a round of mini golf next door at Putt Putt Mermaid Beach, then present your voucher at the bistro to score an $18 adult meal or $10 kids meal for lunch or dinner — the perfect combo for a family outing, date night or catch-up with friends.
Where: 2500 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Miami Marketta
Another, ‘less of a restaurant’ venue, Miami Marketta is more a market-style dining situation, which is ideal when ‘relaxed eats’ is kind of the whole objective when we’re talking about feeding the oft-rambunctious rugrats. Open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, with food stalls and (often) live music, kids absolutely adore running around, dancing, and eating all the things. Same. There’s a ridiculous array of next-level desserts and a bar, so that’s pretty much all your bases covered, we think. Always a fun time.
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami

Hotel CBD
Varsity Lakes’ Hotel CBD is basically a one-stop shop for family nights out. There’s an indoor playground and a dedicated kids’ room to keep the little ones busy, plus regular entertainment, including Saturday night activities and school holiday fun. Add in perks like 50% off kids’ meals on Mondays and Tuesdays, Thursday movie nights with free popcorn, and a $45 family pizza night, and you’ve got yourself a very solid midweek solution.
Where: 15/21 Lake St, Varsity Lakes

Burleigh Town Hotel
We Gold Coasters do love a good all-rounder, and this spot delivers with a slick and spacious layout – it’s a firm favourite with locals (the top-notch steaks don’t hurt either), especially parents. The sprawling set-up is a win for families, with a modern bistro, two fully serviced bars and an epic playground where the kids can roam while you settle in. From woodfired pizzas to easy crowd-pleasing bites, the menu keeps even the pickiest eaters happy- we’re looking at you, kids. There’s also a dedicated Kids Club to keep the little ones entertained (think face painting, balloon and slime making and petting zoos), and even better, kids eat free with any main meal every Monday. This is livin’.
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads

Currumbin RSL
Sitting pretty (and we do mean pretty- she’s not your average RSL, she’s a cool RSL) right on the banks of Currumbin’s beloved creek, families flock here in droves. Whether it’s the dreamy waterfront outlook or the lineup of modern, crowd-pleasing eats is up for debate (though the ice-cold beers certainly help). Upgrade things for the little ones with a soft drink and a single scoop of ice cream with any kids’ meal. Even better, kids eat free on Mondays with any main purchase, and the menu is fit for a small king — think la bambino pizza, tempura chicken nuggets, cheeseburgers, linguine bolognese or battered flathead. Don’t worry, grown-ups, you’re well covered too. Add in a fully fenced park right next door, and you’ve got yourself a very easy win.
Where: 165 Duringan St, Currumbin

Club Banora
Just five minutes south of Twin Towns, Club Banora is a full-blown family playground disguised as a dining spot. The outdoor Kids Zone is packed with architect-designed play equipment, mini golf, table tennis and more – aka, hours of entertainment sorted. Meanwhile, the bistro serves up all the crowd-pleasers, with kids’ meals (hello cheeseburgers, nuggets and fish bites) coming with a free ice cream. Easy win.
Where: Leisure Drive, Banora Point, New South Wales

There you have it ,folks, from playgrounds to pelicans and nuggets to next-level pub feeds, the Gold Coast is packed with family-friendly spots that make dining out with the kids way less chaotic (and way more fun). Click here for Surfers Paradise family-friendly restaurants with the ultimate seal of approval: the kids themselves.

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

If you ever wished you could let loose at a live gig, sip a spiced jalapeno margarita and record a podcast all under one roof, then mosey on down to Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, a Burleigh Heads hotspot where where cactus-fuelled creativity comes to life.

Mo’s Desert Clubhouse was inspired by a vision to create a dynamic home for Gold Coast creatives that’s equal parts music venue, event space, and cultural hangout. Since opening its saloon doors in 2017, Mo’s has evolved from a humble warehouse into a full-blown cultural outpost for all Gold Coast creatives.

If these desert walls could talk, they’d probably ask you to pass the tequila.

Dust off your cowboy boots, we’re about to boot scoot our way through everything Mo’s Desert Clubhouse has to offer.

The Warehouse Venue
At the heart of Mo’s is its 250-person warehouse venue, perfect for live music, art shows, DJ sets, weddings, and, yes, your corporate end-of-year shindig. The industrial-cool fit-out features desert murals, disco balls, and a top-tier sound system, making it a go-to for everything from big-name bands to team-building events that feel a little less boardroom, a little more bass drop.

Keep an eye out for Mo’s Cheeky Midweeky sessions, think big-name bands rolling through for mid-week dinner, drinks, and a show. Because why should Friday have all the fun?

El Ranchero Cocktail Garden
Before (or after) the show, swing by El Ranchero Cocktail Garden, Mo’s leafy outdoor bar that’s open from midday until midnight. Whether it’s Friday afternoon knock-offs or Friday night cocktails, this is the spot to gather over dinner, drinks, and desert-inspired sips like spicy watermelon margaritas.

Spanish Girl Food Co. is also on-site, serving up a rotating menu of Mexican and Spanish flavours to keep you fuelled between sets. One destination, everything you need: drinks, eats, and a show.

Recording Studio and Podcast Space
Behind the swinging saloon doors (metaphorically speaking) lies the Vodcast Studio fully kitted out for musos, podcasters and content creators ready to record their next hit or hot take. Think studio-quality sound, video capabilities and a whole lotta main character energy.

Mojo Jam Rehearsal Studio
Got a band? Mo’s also offers the Mojo Jam Rehearsal Studio, soundproof, stocked with solid gear, and available to everyone from rising rockstars to your mate’s garage band.

Coworking and Creative Spaces
Forget sterile office vibes. Mo’s offers creative studios and co-working options ideal for freelancers, designers, and musos who want a little more mojo in their Monday. Studio #1 is currently looking for a long-term creative tenant if you’re on the hunt for a new HQ.

Workshops and Community Events
Live music might be Mo’s headline act, but its community calendar brings all the extras, from sip ’n’ paint nights and tattoo flash days to vintage markets and sound healing sessions. Expect an eclectic, free-spirited energy, creative, colourful, and a little left of centre.

Oh, and if you needed any more reason to check it out: Mo’s was recently crowned Best Birthday Party Venue on the Gold Coast at the Quality Business Awards, and they’re now officially in the Hall of Fame for Best Live Music Venue at the Gold Coast Music Awards, three years running. Not bad for a little warehouse that could.

Check out Mo’s Desert Clubhouse website for up-to-date opening hours, event times, and all the latest happenings.

Where: 6/36 Central Drive, Burleigh Arts Quarter
When: Daily, 10am–midnight.
Website: mosdesertclubhouse.com
Instagram: @mosdesertclubhouse

Words by Lisette Drew

STORY SPONSORED BY MO’S DESERT CLUBHOUSE