Picture this for a spring weekend: live music under golden skies, good vibes turned up to 100 with country air and open skies that makes you want to dance in the grass until the stars come out.

Dust off your dancing shoes because that’s exactly what’s going down and more at this year’s The Long Sunset.

After a sellout in 2024, this flagship Queensland Music Trails event is tuning up for a three-day music fest from 31st October to 2nd November that promises beats and bliss in the lush surrounds of Boonah. And if you’re thinking of waiting around to grab tickets, don’t. The second release is nearly sold out and they’re disappearing faster than you can say “encore!”

The lineup features absolute chart-toppers. Beloved indie folk favourites Boy & Bear will bring soaring harmonies that echo across the hills, while Vera Blue’s powerhouse vocals guarantee goosebumps. Sprinkle a little of Gretta Ray’s heartfelt hooks, The Buoys’ punky punch, and the soul-soaked presence of Jem Cassar-Daley (yes, the daughter of country music legend Troy Cassar-Daley), and you’ve got yourself a weekend to remember.

But there are more beats to drop. Playlunch will crank up their signature bogan funk, Tjaka fuses ancient sounds with future beats and The Vernons keep things loud and bluesy. Families aren’t forgotten either – Bunny Racket brings pint-sized punk rock energy that’ll have kids and parents jumping in the pit (the safe, family-friendly kind).

And because festivals are about discovery as much as the headliners, keep an ear out for emerging talents Paper Lane and Silk ’N’ Oak, winners of the Win a Spot on the Lineup comp. It’s proof that the Scenic Rim knows how to nurture new voices.

Of course, this fest is more than just music. We’re talking sunrise yoga, artisan workshops, circus acts, line dancing, silent discos, community art and even a frog hotel workshop (ribbit, that’s right). Miss Bubbles will wander the grounds with her shimmering trail of magic, while open mic sessions and songwriting showcases prove that music really is the universal language.

The Long Sunset is just the opening note in a whole Scenic Rim symphony. If your vibe leans more acoustic and chilled, Between the Vines offers smooth tunes from local legend Clea and soulful Alisha Todd among the vineyards at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley. Add wine, picnic hampers and alpacas (yes, alpacas!) and you’ve got yourself a Sunday session to remember.

Or, for an action-packed family day that’s more garden groove than mosh pit, Sprout & About brings live music, workshops, storytelling and nature play to Kooralbyn Community Garden. Think seed bombs, pot-your-own herbs, cultural storytelling and a soundtrack by Amy John Roberts that will stick with you long after the day wraps.

Together, these three events form Qld Music Trails: The Scenic Rim, an invitation to lose the map, find the music, and let the region surprise you. Whether you’re here for the rockstars or the grassroots connection, the Scenic Rim has set the stage for you.

Grab your tickets here.

Where: 12 Melbourne St, Boonah
When: Friday 31st October – Sunday 2nd November, 2025

Words by Lisette Drew

STORY SPONSORED BY QLD MUSIC TRAILS

If Queensland weather doesn’t shout rooftop bars at you in a high-pitched squeal, we don’t know what will. Our climate, coupled with the amazing hospitality scene here in our city, means these open-air meccas of good times and delicious libations are the prime place to find yourself — any time of the year! It’s all about drinks in the sunshine and snapping selfies with picturesque backgrounds for Insta-bragging purposes.

So, in honour of bars in high places, here are 14 next-level rooftop bars (listed north to south) you should prioritise visiting this weekend, next weekend and the weekend after…

Aviary Rooftop Bar
Perched atop Mantra on Sharks, Aviary Rooftop Bar’s views are as stunning as their extensive drinks list. With 180 degree views over the Surfers Paradise skyline and the ocean, it’s the perfect place for an after work beverage or Sunday arvo session with the crew. Ohh and don’t even get us started on their authentic Italian pizzas, and tapas… if you know, you know.
Where: Mantra at Sharks, Melia Ct, Southport (next to Southport Sharks)

Mr PP’s Deli & Rooftop Bar
A game-changer in Southport’s food and beverage scene, Mr PP’s is a multi level pizzeria and rooftop bar boasting city views and plenty of good vibes in the century-old postal building. There is a generous menu full of pizzas, tapas and charcuterie boards, the ideal scenario. Plus cocktails and local tipples, of which there are many. Live music on Sundays too.
Where: 43 Nerang St, Southport

Last Night on Earth
Pretty sure that if it were, in fact, your last night on Earth, you would want to spend it at a sweet rooftop bar with bulk cocktails at the ready. Last Night on Earth is the work of local legend Arran Wollams and his crew. It’s a somewhat underworld themed rooftop bar in the heart of Southport offering good times aplenty. It’s a dive bar, but not as you know it. Check it out.
Where: 50b Nerang St, Southport 

Cali Beach Club
Cali Beach Club is not just a rooftop bar, it’s Australia’s largest Beach Club! This Gold Coast classic is the ultimate beachside party destination that’s never known a dull moment. The 2L spritzer and cocktail jugs may have something to do with this… One minute, you’re lounging on your dedicated daybed by the pool. Next, you’re sipping a Cali Colada in the pool. What’s that? The DJ set has begun?! Off to the dancefloor with you!
Where: 21a Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

Lulu Rooftop & Bar
Say hello to the lovely Lulu. Think Miami’s art deco scene meets laid-back tropical Gold Coast, with lush greenery, plush booth seating and marble-topped bars, it’s a vibe! Throw in the fact it’s on a rooftop and we’re sold. Okay, that’s a lie, our booths were booked when we got word of Throwback Thursdays, RnB Fridays and the regular Grils Brunches…
Where: Level 2/4 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise

The Exhibitionist Bar
News flash: HOTA isn’t just for the arts and culture, people, it’s also for cocktails. Speciality cocktails- each inspired by and changed to reflect the art centre’s current major exhibitions. We feel more cultured already. Enjoy it all while absorbing the breathtaking views of the city skyline. The highly talented Tom Angel heads up the bar and cocktail list, which is a seriously good spot for a sundowner — and the ideal place to take out of towners!
Where: Level 5/135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

The Island Rooftop
It’s the largest open-air (and much adored) rooftop on the Gold Coast, perched on top of The Island in Surfers Paradise. This spot is kind of a unicorn, being part nightclub, part bar and part live music venue. It’s where killer beats meet delicious eats and craft cocktails. Every weekend you’ll find a line-up of DJs playing, a specially curated cocktail menu, and indulgent share-style eats. Think of it as your new weekend ritual.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

Nineteen at The Star
The fanciest of the bunch is undoubtedly Nineteen at The Star, complete with velvet booth-style seating, an infinity pool and ocean views for days. Found atop The Star Gold Coast’s The Darling, Nineteen is the perfect place for people-watching, dressing up and sipping on fancy tipples while dancing the night away. Be sure to take a snap on the runway stretching out into the pool!
Where: The Darling, Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach 

JuJu
This rooftop bar has serious “it’s a vibe” energy. JuJu in Nobby Beach delivers upscale dining with a side of cheeky fun. Split across two levels, this venue is perfect for sunset cocktails and late-night revelry. Expect Euro-summer vibes, lush greenery, and after-hours parties that feel straight out of Mykonos. With a sleek rooftop bar featuring a retractable roof, tequila carts, and live DJ-saxophonist duos, JuJu is where you go when you’re ready to keep the night alive.
Where: 2235 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Sueno Rooftop
Sueno is one of (if not, the) hottest bars on the Gold Coast, and for excellent reason. Go from dinner at Norte to a chilled rooftop, and chat the night away under the moonlight with a marg in hand. The Nobby Beach venue is ideal for a weekend catch-up, a mid-week cheeky cocktail, or an epic bottomless brunch every Saturday and Sunday. Do yourself a favour, find yourself here sipping a cocktail whilst drinking in the gorgeous view.
Where: 2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Justin Lane
A much-loved favourite among locals and visitors alike, Justin Lane is still one of the most popular rooftops on the Gold Coast and was actually the coast’s first official rooftop bar opening in 2011! Hard to imagine. The space is intimate, with booth-style seating overlooking Burleigh and plenty of cocktails to tickle your fancy. Once you’re done slinging back bevvys with the gang, head downstairs for some fair dinkum pizza (it’s so damn good).
Where: 1708-1710 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Pavilion
This one is straight-up iconic and the vibe is a match. It’s as close to the ocean as you can get with a cocktail before it becomes a safety hazard. You may be closer to Earth for this one, but the view here is arguably the best on the Gold Coast. Soak in the stunning sunshine while mulling over which epic cocktail to try first.
Where: 3a/43 Goodwin Tce, Burleigh Heads

The Collective
Everyone’s favourite multi-restaurant establishment, The Collective in Palm Beach, boasts a sweet rooftop bar with epic cocktails for your sipping pleasure. You can also order eats from one of the five menus on offer and watch the sunset while you’re at it. We recommend it.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

Kirra Beach House
Making waves for all the right reasons – Kirra Beach House redefined the southern eats and sips game. The handiwork of local hospo gun, Dave Galvin, which speaks to the caliber in and of itself – with three seperate bars, insta-worthy interiors, cabana-studded wraparound terrace and panoramic ocean views from all angles! We’d be remiss not to also mention the Mediterranean-style grazing and crafted cocktails. Perfect 10’s all round.
Where: Level 1, 2 Marine Pde, Coolangatta

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

Is it ever too late for a cup of the good stuff? The haters will say yes, but the loyal bean lovers will argue otherwise and frankly – we agree!

For those who love themselves a coffee (isn’t that all of us?), getting yourself a cup of steamy — or icy — inspiration after 3pm is tough. We’re aware most cafes close around 1pm, or at a push 2pm. And that’s all perfectly well and fine. However, if your cravings for caffeine don’t have any sense of time, this situation undoubtedly causes you some unnecessary upset.

You want to organise an afternoon meeting but everywhere is closed? We hear you. Put down the Google search because we’ve done the heavy lifting and found the Gold Coast’s best spots serving up the good stuff after 3pm. These cafes recognise that coffee never sleeps and continue to serve it well into the afternoon, and in some cases, the evenings. So when those mid-afternoon caffeine withdrawals start to kick in, fear not, we got you.

Tarte Beach House

You know, weekdays aren’t the only time you need a late arvo coffee moment – and Tarte Beach House understood the assignment. Your nights get later come Friday to Sunday so it just makes sense that they’re on the tools until 4pm – the perfect time for your last brew before you start taking your coffee in espresso martini form.
Where: Shop 1 2/4 Thrower Drive, Currumbin

Nook Espresso

The ultimate little coffee nook for your afternoon pick me up, Nook have been brewing the goods for as long as we can remember and lucky for us – they do it until 4.30pm every week day. Bonus points that it’s in primo location for the parents among us desperate for some coffee goodness post school pick up.
Where: Stocklands Burleigh, 149 W Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Heads

Black Dingo

Southern Gold Coasters have we found a treat for you, one of the newest cafes on our foodie scene, Black Dingo is already loved by locals for pouring up cups of liquid gold until 4pm. Serving up fantastic coffee AND the most epic ocean views, we don’t need to convince you why to check this one out.
Where: 1 Tweed Terrace, Coolangatta

Madison’s Café

Our knight in shining coffee (and treaties), this Broadbeach institution is known for satisfying your coffee craving all. day. long. Fear not because their coffee machine is on until 6pm and bonus points for the fact that you can finish with a cookie croissant – if there’s any left, that is!
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre, 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Rosé Gelateria

Should you find yourself in Sanctuary Cove after a mini shopping spree, a game of golf, parking up your superyacht (same) or decadent dinner at one of The Marine Village’s iconic restaurants, this gelateria is serving up delicious gelato right up until late (9pm in fact). The same is said for their perfectly made coffee, which you can have poured over gelato. Just saying…
Where: Shop 39a Masthead Way, Sanctuary Cove

Fixx Café and Lounge

Fixx my name, coffee fix by nature, one of our favourite spots inside QT Gold Coast just gets that once the clock strikes twelve we’re still looking for the good stuff aka coffee. Pop in for the crowd favourite high tea or if you’re on the run, takeaways are on the table until 4pm.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Ottimo

With owner Davide holding a Diploma of Gelato making from the Gelato University of Carpigiani in Italy (no joke), you’d be right to have a sneaking suspicion the gelato here is likely out of this world. And in truth: it is! Mix it with all-day (until 9.30pm-10pm every night) served coffee utilising beans roasted in Italy, and you have a slice of Europe in Coolangatta. Bellissimo!
Where: 18/52 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

South Coast Coffee Co.

Being one of the Gold Coast’s best roasters and dispensaries of magnificent coffee is not enough for these guys, oh no. They also have an adjoining café space with out-of-this-world sweet treats and coffee flowing till 5pm during the week (4pm Sundays) – we’ll cheers to that.
Where: Shop 3G10, Capri Via Roma, Surfers Paradise

Merlo Torrefazione (Brickworks)

If coffee is a happy part of your life (and if it isn’t, are you okay?) then you’ll want to pay a visit to these guys in Southport for you CBD folks. With pretty much every known piece of coffee apparatus under one roof, you can’t go wrong. They also roast on-site and serve coffee right up till 6pm most days (5.30pm Sundays), so you know it’s good.
Where: Brickworks Ferry Road, 107 Ferry Rd, Southport

The Kiosk Burleigh

All that walking (or running if that’s what tickles your fancy) is thirsty work so before you hit the pavement, we’re guessing you’re going to need a cheeky caffeine hit. Enter: The Kiosk Burleigh, answering our coffee prayers all the way up until 7pm – never too late for a latte if you ask us.
Where: 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Baker

Sourdough dreams and coffee schemes, Burleigh Baker has both rising to perfection. This village gem keeps the espresso flowing until 4pm, making it the perfect pitstop for a post-surf latte or an afternoon loaf run. With their “food integrity” mantra and artisan bread at the heart of everything they do, you’ll leave feeling nourished, caffeinated, and maybe a little smug about your healthy gut.
Where: 13/50 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Luna’s Deli

Never too late for a latte, and definitely never too late for a croissant. Luna’s Deli in Coolangatta keeps the coffee machine humming until 5pm (closed Mondays), so your arvo caffeine (and pastry) fix is well and truly covered. Think golden croissants, glossy pains au chocolat, and silky flat whites that’ll carry you right through to knock-off. Add in the ocean breeze and a cabinet of buttery treasures? Oui, chef.
Where: 7/120 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Marketta Coffee Bar

Night owls, rejoice, your coffee cravings don’t have to clock off at 3pm. Marketta Coffee Bar is fuelling the laneway with smooth brews from 5pm ‘til late (every Wednesday – Saturday), whether you’re after a straight-up espresso, a cheeky boozy iced coffee, or a Biscoff milkshake that deserves its own fan club. They’ve even got traditional affogato on the menu (because coffee + dessert = love story). Using top-notch beans from That’s Whyld Coffee Roasters, this spot proves caffeine after dark is always a good idea.
Where: 23 Hillcrest Pde, Miami

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski and Belinda Symons