The Island Rooftop is slinging Margs & Margs every Friday.
The Island Rooftop is slinging Margs & Margs every Friday.
Summer’s in the air and you know what that means – longer days, later sunsets and way too many excuses to clock off early at the end of the week. The hardest decision on a Friday is usually where to sip our knockoffs, especially on the Gold Coast where watering holes are aplenty, but one of our favourite sky-high playgrounds has made that choice so much easier.
The Island Rooftop is shaking things up (literally) with Margs & Margs Fridays – a deliciously simple concept that pairs two of life’s greatest joys: margaritas and Margheritas.
Every Friday from 5pm to 9:30pm, The Island Rooftop offers up a curated lineup of Olmeca Altos tequila margaritas and wood-fired Margherita pizzas. Whether you’re rolling in straight from work or easing into the weekend, this is the ultimate way to toast to Friday, rooftop style.
The margarita menu reads like a tropical love letter to summer, all made with Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila, a punchy high-quality blue agave from Mexico that’s the hero in every sip.
Start spicy with the Chili Mango Marg, a Gold Coast sunset in a glass, featuring tequila, Cointreau, lime, mango and habanero chili.
Then cool off with the Watermelon, Cucumber + Mint Marg, a crisp, refreshing number that feels like a poolside breeze in cocktail form with tequila, Cointreau, lime, cucumber, mint, watermelon.
Feeling tropical? The Pineapple + Coconut Marg will transport you straight to the Mexican Riviera thanks to a cheeky splash of tequila, Malibu Coconut Rum, lime and pineapple.
And for those who like their Fridays a little fruitier, the Blueberry + Vanilla Marg offers tequila, Licor 43, lime and blueberries in perfect harmony.
Of course, no marg is complete without its perfect match: the humble Margherita pizza, wood-fired to bubbly, blistered perfection. Simple and classic, it’s just like your go-to Friday outfit. With pomodoro, mozzarella, basil and extra virgin olive oil, it’s the perfect partner for your tequila adventure, and it’s only $15.
For those who like to go all in on a Friday, The Island will be slinging their full rooftop menu too.
Add in The Island Rooftop’s open-air vibes, a panoramic city backdrop and DJs spinning the soundtrack, your post-work wind-down quickly turns into a “where did the night go?”. This is a weekly ritual worth raising a glass to.
The best part? You don’t need to plan weeks ahead (because, honestly, who’s that organised on a Friday?). Walk-ins are welcome, so you can clock off, grab your crew and let the good times roll… or should we say, shake?
So next time your work week has you feeling on the rocks, remember: there’s no problem a good marg and a crispy slice can’t fix. Now that’s what we call tequila therapy.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
When: Margs & Margs Fridays is on every Friday, 5pm to 9:30pm. Book online or just roll on up.
Words by Lisette Drew
STORY SPONSORED BY THE ISLAND AND PERNOD RICARD
Cheers to the freaking weekend….and weekdays.
If there’s one thing we never grow tired of, it’s a cracking cocktail and lucky for us, the GC is a melting pot of masterful cocktails guaranteed to leave you shooketh.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these spots are a must-visit for anyone who loves a tipple (or five), tried and tested by the team because, you know, we had to complete our due diligence. From beachy vibes to moody speakeasies, here’s the scoop on where to sip the best cocktails in town listed north to south.
It’s where Mediterranean-inspired decor, an atmosphere as light as the sea breeze itself, and world-class service collide to create an unmissable destination for cocktail hour. Need we say more? This little gem at Sanctuary Cove is the gift that keeps on giving. Earning a reputation as a cocktail connoisseur’s haven within its first week, the initial hype has not only endured – it continues to soar. If you’re up the north end (or even if you’re not) – just go.
Where: Shop 38c, 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island
Flirt with breathtaking views of the Gold Coast to the Hinterland, with a cracking array of cocktails to choose from at The Exhibitionist Bar. Sitting high on the HOTA Gallery rooftop, their specialty cocktails are inspired and expertly curated, with each drink drawing on major art exhibitions. Naturally, the cocktails change with each new major exhibition, meaning you’ll never run out of reasons to pop in for a sip.
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
It’s bold, it’s quirky, and it’s guaranteed to get your cogs turning. Standing as Australia’s only steampunk-themed bar, Steampunk in Surfers Paradise is a one-of-a-kind spot that blends innovation, nostalgia, and a whole lot of fun. Step inside and you’re instantly transported, with gears, gadgets, and glowing lights, to set the scene. The adventurous cocktail menu is packed with playful creations (yes, even fishbowl cocktails), served with a dash of theatre and a splash of mischief.
Where: 3113 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Asking us to “find the red palm tree”– challenge accepted! We all know any restaurant or watering hole at The Star Gold Coast never misses a beat, and Veladora is no exception. This place is actual cocktail nirvana, so take it from us: leave the car at home- you won’t be able to stop at one. Watching the mixologists in action is half the fun, and don’t even get us started on the vibe, thanks to the Mezcal-inspired speakeasy design.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Hold onto your highball glasses, Gold Coast, because Six-Tricks is redefining the local distillery scene one cocktail, rum, or whisky at a time (okay, maybe more than one). This two-million-dollar masterpiece is state-of-the-art with a spacious indoor bar and sunset deck perf for sipping the night away – and even a private cask hall! You’ll be left shaken, not stirred, in the best possible way.
Where: 3 Brightlands Ct, Mermaid Waters
Mermaid Beach locals will tell you that if you’re frothing for a quality cocktail (us – always), it’s Cantina for the win. This pint-sized neighbourhood tapas bar proves that good things come in small packages, and by good things, we mean cocktails. Forming the perfect pair with sibling Piatto Italian restaurant right next door, line your tum with Spanish-style bar bites so that your sneaky cocktail can turn into two…or five….
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
If you haven’t stepped aboard The Cambus Wallace, are you even a Gold Coaster? Serving up the finest classic cocktails, international rums and whiskeys, and heartwarming food, the only thing moodier than the dark hues of the boat-themed bar is you if you don’t sample at least one of their tipples. There’s a reason (AKA epic cocktails) that it always gets a nod on our lists!
Where: 4/2237 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Perched above its sister venue, Norté, Sueño Rooftop offers a dreamy, Latin American-inspired rooftop escape in Nobby Beach. You can say hola to crisp, Latin-inspired cocktails, delicioso snacks, and sea breeze flowing in from just a few streets away. Spanish escape? Yes! Long-haul flight? No!
Where: 2217 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Looking for an absolute beachfront cocktail tapas bar? Look no further – this.is.it. Serving up an exciting fusion of coastal charm, inventive cocktails, and sumptuous tapas, it’s a winner, winner, cocktail dinner. Crafted by expert mixologists, the cocktail list boasts an array of innovative libations, from classic martinis to exotic tropical creations, so you’re assured a perfect pairing for every palate and mood.
Where: Level 1/293 The Esplanade, Miami
Distil our beating hearts! With a fresh curation of concoctions that could coax Sleeping Beauty herself from her 100-year slumber, this magical albeit not-so-faraway Miami-based fave has earned quite the rap for its bewitching, fable-inspired concoctions. If you’re after something extra spesh that you can’t find at every other cocktail bar, welcome. Extra points for everything from syrups to spirits made on site.
Where: 45 Lemana Lane, Miami
Welcome to Palm Springs! Well, almost- you’ll be fooled by the chic ambience and vibrant aesthetic. Nestled in the heart of Burleigh Heads, The Malibu Racquet Club is the perfect spot for sunset sips and pre-dinner drinks. Hello, double-parked margaritas. Patrons can enjoy the beautiful southern GC breezes while seated outside, or opt for a cozy booth or the bar inside. Everything from the cocktail list to the paired-back decor is curated to delight summer-lovers. Yes please!
Where: 1740 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Rosella’s has been serving up pure Australiana vibes to bustling Burleigh since January 2019— and clearly doing something right, because they once snagged the crown for Best Cocktail Bar in Queensland. And what’s more quintessentially 2025 Aussie behaviour than sipping on a host of sensational cocktails in a beautiful beachy ‘burb?! Serving up nostalgic and native fare, this little ripper hums until late seven nights a week. ‘Knoath!
Where: 1734 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh
Looking for a chic tropical cocktail bar and cellar door experience? Look no further than Familiar Spirits, the hidden gem tucked away in the industrial zone of Burleigh Heads. The intimate atmosphere, combined with a curated selection of house-made spirits, makes it a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts. The cocktail list is nothing short of impeccable —you must try them all! That’s an order.
Where: 1/9 Calabro Way, Burleigh Heads
With a name that (literally) sums up our guilty pleasure, Suga lives up to its namesake – and then some. When it comes to our local speakeasy, the only thing more satisfying than the cocktails is the…no, it’s definitely the cocktails. The low-lit lamps highlight the insanely good menu, which serves as the perfect belly-liner so that you can partake in another cocktail (yes, even on a school night).
Where: 1142 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
If you like your gin with a side of smooth operator, Burly Bar in Currumbin is your next stop. Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into a New York lounge with a Japanese twist – think dark corners, cool beats, and even cooler drinks. This distinctive and eclectic spot is where craftsmanship meets cocktail hour, treating mixology like an art form.
Where: 60 Currumbin Creek Road, Gold Coast
You’ve never met a cooler Evelyn (and if you’re born after 1980, you’ve probably never met one). This antipasto and pizza bar has not only garnered a staunch following for its A+ seasonal antipasti, sourdough pizza, and freshly made pasta but also for the evelyn-utionary cocktails. With its moody lighting and dark wooden charm, Evelyn is the kind of spot that makes even a balmy summer night feel effortlessly cool.
Where: Shop 20/58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Words by Bianca Trathen and Chelsea Ipsen.
Get ready to sleigh your festive season - 230 metres off the ground!
If you thought your Christmas party plans were looking up this year, you’re absolutely right. SkyPoint’s Christmas in the Clouds is quite literally taking celebrations to new heights, because why settle for ground-level festivities when you can jingle all the way to 230 metres above the Gold Coast?
On Friday 12th December, the SkyPoint Observation Deck is transforming into a twinkling, tinsel-draped Euro-style Winter Wonderland, complete with snow and a healthy sprinkle of Aussie sparkle. The perfect Christmas party destination, you’ll be surrounded by the city’s glittering skyline, roving winter performers, and a live band bringing the vibes faster than you can say “pass the prosecco.”
Forget fighting over who’s in charge of booking the karaoke machine or trying to coordinate a potluck lunch that somehow ends up being 80% dips. SkyPoint’s Christmas in the Clouds is a stress-free celebration designed for small teams, friends, or anyone who wants to kick back and toast the year that was – without lifting a finger. You just show up, sip something sparkling, and let the magic (and mistletoe) do the rest.
The night kicks off with an indulgent four-course festive feast that’s as extra as a Kardashian Christmas card. We’re talking fresh seafood straight from Aussie shores, seasonal produce worthy of a cooking show close-up, and mains that feel like a warm hug from Mrs. Claus herself. And it just wouldn’t be Christmas without decadent desserts plus a final flourish of farmhouse cheeses to share at the table. It’s fancy, it’s festive, and it’s definitely not your standard “chicken or beef” situation.
Keeping your spirits bright (and your glasses full), you’ll enjoy a premium 4.5-hour beverage package so whether you’re partial to wine, bubbles, or something a little more spirited, there’ll be plenty to jingle your bells. Add in roving entertainers and a live band that’ll have you out of your seat faster than you can say “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” and you’ve got a night that’s part party, part performance, and entirely unforgettable.
And yes, the rumours are true – Santa himself is dusting off his summer boardies to make a special appearance. So, if you’ve been more nice than naughty this year (or at least faked it convincingly), you might even score a selfie with the big man in red.
The best part? You get to enjoy all of this while gazing out over the glittering lights of the Gold Coast – 230 metres in the air. With 360-degree panoramic views from Coolangatta to Brisbane, it’s the most spectacular setting to toast to the year that’s been and manifest some serious good vibes for the one ahead.
But here’s the thing – tickets are limited, and once they’re gone, that’s it. So if you want to secure your spot in this sky-high celebration, don’t leave it to the last minute (Santa’s not the only one making a list this year).
So rally your colleagues, round up your mates, or just treat yourself to the ultimate festive soirée. Because SkyPoint’s Christmas in the Clouds is where the vibes are merry, the drinks are many, and the altitude is absolutely right.
Book your tickets here.
Where: Q1 Building, Level 77, 9 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: 7pm Friday 12 December
Words by Belinda Symons
STORY SPONSORED BY SKYPOINT
Culinary Stars invites you to experience cuisine from the world’s finest JW Marriott chefs.
If food is your love language, get ready to swipe right on every course! The JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa is turning the humble dinner into a four-night intergalactic flavour odyssey with the return of Culinary Stars – the resort’s annual showcase where international culinary heavyweights collide, collaborate, and conquer.
Running from November 10 to 13 at the award-winning Citrique Restaurant, this year’s theme is inspired by the earth’s natural rhythm. The menu is built around four key elements; Root, Leaf, Flower, and Fruit will deliver a sensory spectacle worthy of the stars.
In its fourth year, Culinary Stars is uniting JW Marriott’s finest chefs from across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Europe. Each night focuses on a different element, with six courses designed to honour nature’s own recipe for creation, from earthy beginnings to full-blown fruity finales. And of course, it’s all tied together by JW Marriott’s signature mix of sustainability, creativity, and pure indulgence.
Kicking off the culinary constellation on Monday, November 10, is Root – a night devoted to the foundations of flavour. Expect dishes that dig deep into earthy richness, like Red Prawn Lokma with black garlic and sweet potato, Poached Glacier Toothfish bathing in lemon myrtle beurre blanc and caviar, and a melt-in-your-mouth Pork Belly Nem that’ll make your tastebuds forget their manners. As for dessert, it’s a cheeky nod to JW Marriott’s origins with the JW Root Beer Dessert, a nostalgic, fizzy finale that’s a bubbly blast from the past with a five-star twist.
Tuesday’s Leaf dinner takes things up a (herbal) notch. Fresh, fragrant, and greener than your average wellness influencer’s smoothie, this night is all about renewal and vibrancy. Diners will be treated to the likes of Baby Lettuce with goat cheese and lavender, Pan-Roasted Snapper with celeriac and apple purée and char siu, and a shimmering Golden Leaf Dark Chocolate Delice so pretty you’ll be tempted to frame it before you fork it.
By Wednesday, things are in full bloom with Flower, a show-stopping ode to beauty and brilliance. Think Sea Bream Leche de Tigre Ceviche with passionfruit and nasturtium, Charred Wagyu with lobster and zucchini flower, and a Red Rose Hazelnut Mousse that practically flirts with you from the plate.
The grand finale lands on Thursday, November 13, with Fruit – the juiciest chapter of the series. Expect culinary fireworks from Newton’s Apple with scampi and citrus, Miso Black Cod with yuzu sake foam and the Mandarin Illusion, a Chocolate Mousse Cake that will convince you dessert is, in fact, an art form.
Guiding this gastronomic galaxy is JW Marriott Gold Coast’s own Executive Chef Paul Smart, a man who knows how to make a plate sing (and possibly perform interpretive dance). He’s joined by an all-star lineup including Wallace Mua from JW Marriott Auckland, Mehmet Faruk Yardimci from JW Marriott Istanbul Marmara Sea, and James Paul Lorenzo from JW Marriott Hanoi. In other words, a masterclass in global gastronomy, right here in our own backyard.
Citrique, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa’s crown jewel of dining, is the perfect stage for this culinary showcase famous for its Modern Australian flair and luxurious seafood spreads. The restaurant’s culinary team is internationally renowned for combining premium local produce with inventive global influences, and when paired with JW Marriott’s signature JW Garden-grown ingredients, you just know this series is going to be next-level delicious.
And if the food alone doesn’t make you swoon, there’s always the wine. Each evening comes with the option to add a carefully curated wine pairing for $69 per person, because the only thing better than six courses is six courses with perfectly poured company.
Each night is priced from $129 to $159 per person (plus $69 for wine pairing) and also supports the Gold Coast Community Fund. Yes, this event provides indulgence with purpose – and it feels just as good as it tastes.
Plus, it’s a great excuse to book a little stay-cay and enjoy all the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa has to offer! So, if you’re ready to trade your weeknight stir-fry for a six-course standing ovation, your table at Culinary Stars awaits!
Bookings are now open here.
Where: 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: Monday 10 – Thursday 13 October
Words by Bianca Trathen
STORY SPONSORED BY JW MARRIOTT GOLD COAST RESORT & SPA
