You may have heard the exciting news that Gallery at HOTA is set to open on Saturday 8th May. Along with it, a new rooftop bar, the Exhibitionist Bar will also be unveild, which will be the perfect chance to grab a cocktail or two from its elevated deck with unparalleled views of the hinterland — after taking in some art, of course. But it gets better. HOTA has now also enthusiastically disclosed an equally incredible space to tantalise your taste buds. Behold – Palette Restaurant!

Much like the gallery itself, Palette aims to impress and captivate its guests with a modern Australian menu, a fully curated wine list, degustation menus inspired by the major exhibitions all whilst having the capacity for up to 120 people with indoor and veranda seating options available. *chefs kiss*

It appears the art (and food) scene here on the Gold Coast is about to jump up into an entirely different gear.

Leading the kitchen is Chef Dayan Harthill-Law. Dayan is no stranger to fine food establishments; stints at The Star, Press Club, Dinner by Heston, Vanitas and Quay (often voted Australia’s best restaurant) should undoubtedly cement his culinary pedigree and assure us of the deliciousness we can look forward to.

“You can expect all the great aspects of fine dining, fresh local, high-quality produce with amazing provenance, knowledgeable staff but without any stuffy bow ties or waistcoats,” said Dayan.

“Nautical seafood bonito cooked in native ginger leaf, or dry-aged Burrawong Gaian duck with sauce of rosella and fermented riberry are just a sample of what you will see on our main menu along with delicious desserts featuring local distillery caramel, rich cream,” he said. Sounds very fancy to us!

The menu will make vegans and vegetarians feel entirely welcome also — “Palette will also boast an extensive vegetarian menu featuring enticing starters of Vegan Clouds, Beetroot tartlets, and Oxheart tomato tartare as well as an indulgent main menu consisting of House-made silken tofu with Watermelon radish, Blue Quandong, Native tamarind, Lemon myrtle and Grilled Oyster mushroom glazed in mushroom miso Purslane, sorrel, flowers,” he said. A veggie mouthful indeed.

The sophisticated new venue, influenced by Australian painter William Robinson’s stunning artwork, The Rainforest, will subtly align elements from this artwork and showcase inspiration incorporated into the dining space.

HOTA Head of Culinary Arts, David Ashford says “The Rainforest provided plenty of inspiration and will tie both The Exhibitionist Bar and Palette into the design of the building”.

“We’re excited because the dining scene is evolving on the Gold Coast, and we are looking forward to being a part of this space where quality food and flavours take the front of house,” he said.

We’re excited too David, we’re excited too.

Where: Gallery at HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Hours: TBA

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

The Gold Coast is about to swap surfboards for spotlight beams as the music of Sia takes centre stage in a world-first ballet spectacular at HOTA. Yes, that Sia, the global pop powerhouse behind anthems like Chandelier and Elastic Heart. Her music will form the beating heart of Elastic Hearts, the first in a three-year run of world premiere productions from Queensland Ballet and HOTA.

This isn’t just ballet with a pop soundtrack slapped on. Elastic Hearts is choreographed and directed by creative trailblazer Garry Stewart, who’s known for turning contemporary dance on its head. Layer on Sia’s soaring vocals, reimagined live by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, and you’ve got a performance that’s set to shake you to your core.

And let’s be clear: this is Sia like you’ve never heard her before. Forget Spotify, this is spine-tingle territory. Imagine the full force of a symphony swelling under Chandelier, or a raw, haunting take on Elastic Heart that leaves you reaching for tissues (and maybe your neighbour’s hand). It’s big, bold, and goosebump-inducing.

Of course, it’s not just about sound. The visuals will be every bit as breathtaking. Set and costume designer Charles Davies is delivering high drama with striking, textured looks, while lighting maestro Alexander Berlage dials the atmosphere up to eleven. Together, they’re crafting an immersive world where light, movement and music collide in the most cinematic way.

At the centre of it all, you’ll find the commanding voice of ‘Gaia’, a matriarchal spirit anchoring the performance with her presence, embodying the cycles of life and creativity. She’s the grounding force in a production that otherwise soars, reminding us of the resilience and beauty of the human spirit.

But beyond the goosebumps, Elastic Hearts marks a massive milestone for the Gold Coast. This bold three-year partnership between Queensland Ballet and HOTA is putting the city firmly on the cultural map. The GC is levelling up from holiday hotspot to arts powerhouse, a place where groundbreaking work is being born, not just toured.

Now for the kicker: there are only four performances, 6th–8th November, 2025. Once the curtain closes, that’s it. Done. Gone. If you want bragging rights as one of the first in the world to see ballet meet Sia in such an electrifying way, you’ll need to snap up tickets faster than a dancer in a grande jeté.

Elastic Hearts isn’t just a performance. It’s ballet reborn, music reimagined, and proof that the Gold Coast has serious cultural muscle. And with Sia as its soundtrack? You already know it’s going to be unforgettable. Grab your tickets here.

Where: HOTA Theatre, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
When: 6th–8th November 2025

Once upon a time we left holidaymakers to their own devices in arguably the GC’s most famous beachside suburb, but off the beaten path – well to be fair, some are still very much on it – locals have been keeping these gems all to themselves for a little too long if you ask us. That’s right, Surfers Paradise is more than a postcard-perfect destination, it’s a lifestyle locals love to embrace, because why should we leave all the fun to the tourists! So now we’re here to spill the beans on all the reasons locals can’t get enough of Surfers Paradise.

For all-in-one spots
Surfers Paradise does convenience like a pro with destinations where you can shop, eat, and play all in one spot. Paradise Centre is a beachside fave with a mix of fashion, food, and fun, right at your fingertips in the heart of Cavill Mall. Just a short stroll away you’ll find Soul Boardwalk where laidback vibes met beachside dining and retail therapy aplenty – because what better way to get the food digesting than with a shopping moment.

If an urban escape is more up your alley then pop on over to Chevron Renaissance for all your boutique shopping needs, whether it’s a bite to eat, to grab groceries for the week, a new fit for that special event or a pedicure pamper moment your wish is their command. The two hour free parking is also a big drawcard!

All-you-can eats
If you’re in the market for a buffet that’ll bowl you over then you’ve come to the right place because at this point buffet should be Surfers Paradise’s middle name.

Locals know that they’ve got the buffet game locked down so if you’re up for eating so much seafood you’ll need to unbutton your pants to fit in another plate then Citrique at the JW Marriott has your name all over it.

Just down the highway you’ll find a bustling international market that dreams (and hungry bellies) are made of with QT Gold Coast’s iconic Bazaar Marketplace experience.

Edging on the cusp of neighbouring Broady, Horizon Sky Dining might have pretty much everything on the menu but what about revolving panoramic views of the Gold Coast? They’ve got those two and we’ll take a plate of both thank you very much.

For your morning sips
If you’re anything like us, the day doesn’t start until coffee has been sipped. Kickstart your day with the perfect brew at ESPL Coffee. This beachside gem is great for delicious bites with a friendly vibe.

If you’re seeking people who are serious about coffee, Paradox Coffee Roasters is the destination you seek. They are committed to producing the highest quality coffee there is — just ask the locals!

Like your morning sip with a side of epic treats? Janus Bakehouse is for you… don’t mind us drooling just thinking about it.

To escape the hustle & bustle head to Bumbles. Budds Beach has long been a local secret but there’s good reason why Gold Coasters have been flocking to this hot spot for 10+ years. Get your coffee fix, some snacks and set up on the edge of Budds Beach for the ultimate start to the day.

For you harder sips
Fancy a cocktail (or five)? Well you’ve come to the right place because Surfers is a cocktail connoisseur’s dream come true. After sunset – okay maybe before too – Surfers turns into a cocktail connoisseur’s playground.

Lulu Rooftop is the newest addition to the scene, serving up a funky art deco aesthetic alongside sophisticated sips.

Sports fan? Hit up The Sporting Globe to get all the sporting action live and loud or get ready to yeehaw and let loose at Cowboys, with a bucking bull taking pride of place the Americana vibes are vibing.

Okay party people, we hear you asking where to go get Gold Coast vibes going and it’s obviously got to be Cali Beach Club – it’s giving European inspired beach party so you’re guaranteed a good time. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it we say, so it’s no wonder locals keep going back for more at The Island Rooftop, an institution for good reason you can’t beat the open air and the huge beverage list never fails us.

For drinks with a view Surfers Pavilion has nailed casual waterfront meets ‘I don’t want to leave yet’ as it overlooks the canal so you can watch the boats drift by. Hinterland your preferred view? Well, The Exhibitionist Bar’s got them aplenty, actually they’ve got panoramic sight of the whole GC so take your pick. Back over on the beachside Coast Beach Bar are home to some of the best marg’s on the GC and even better views of the suburb’s namesake beach.

For casual eats
Sometimes you just want to keep it low-key and you know what, that doesn’t have to mean that the flavours are low-key too. You go-to for authentic Thai flavours has got to be Sura Thai, dine in to make the most of the cosy and authentic feel or grab your favourites to-go. Shiraz Persian Restaurant has become known as the Coast’s best Middle Eastern bites with aromatic Persian dishes like tender kebabs gracing the menu.

Don’t sleep on Velaa’s Asian fusion fare from classic poke bowls and new flavours like their signature Thai Milk Tea Parfait (uh, YUM) just waiting for you to discover.

We like big burgers and we cannot lie so Wahlburgers is a must-try for us, plus you might even sneak a peek at Mark Wahlburg when he’s in town next if you’re lucky!

Alright, this one is definitely loved by more than just locals, HOTA’s Markets are the ultimate hangout to ring in Sunday Funday, pick up all the local farm fresh produce and flowers your heard desires and then grab a bite (we’re looking at you, Mio Wraps) and a sweet treat for the road and thank us later.

For something a little bit fancy
Now’s the time to bust out your best fancy fit because Surfers has some pretty boujee spots up their sleeves.

Nestled beneath the HOTA Gallery, Palette proves that fine dining is back, baby! Treat yourself to the degustation for the full experience, with dishes and cocktails inspired by the each gallery exhibition you need to see it – or taste it – to believe it.

The buffet is always a winner at Citrique, but have you tried their a la carte? Take this as your sign to snag a seat and let the food come to you while you spoil yourself with the Chef’s Signature Bay Bug Dumplings (life-changing) or some chargrilled Australian Wagyu.

Elevated Thai is the word at Nahm Talay Thai, all your regular favourites but even better and cocktails that are just begging to be instagrammed – bonus point for the beach front views.

Let the good times roll
Surfers Paradise isn’t short on adrenaline or intrigue and it doesn’t matter if it’s your first or 50^th time visiting, they still pack the same punch in our humble opinion.

Scale SkyPoint for unbeatable views atop the Q1, chill out (literally) at the IceBar and get a moment to reflect at the Mirror Bar – see what we did there.

If you’d rather enter another dimension for a little while then Infinity is begging for you to explore their mysterious maze or drop into Other World HQ and escape the ordinary with mind-bending interactive games and escape rooms. Test your team work (and maybe patience) at Eclipse Escape Rooms and Fox in a Box, go on – put that big ol’ brain to work.

We’re partial to a trip down nostalgia lane so we’re always down to battle it out at Timezone, and when there’s fun for all ages on the menu how could you not! Feeling flighty? Take a literal leap of faith at iFly and get a taste of indoor skydiving before you brave the great outdoors.

Gosh all that exploring calls with some pampering to finish the day, but not without its quirks! Barefoot Fish have tanks full of fish – yep, real live fish – just waiting for you to dip in for a soak so they can get rid of any dry or dead skin and leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski