Gather the gang- it’s officially time to lock in some epic New Year’s plans! Thankfully, this year, deciding on ‘who’, ‘what’, ‘when’ and ‘where’ will be a much easier task. In usual form, The Star Gold Coast has it all laid out for us.

This year’s NYE lineup is shaping up to be The Star’s biggest yet– with no less than nine options on offer, we are well and truly spoiled with a multitude of ways to countdown and celebrate in style. Let’s get this thing started; hey, party animals?

NYE Masquerade Ball
Slip away, if only for a night, for an evening of mystery and masquerade! It’s a ball that calls for your best black and gold attire and a mask, of course. Be treated to a Grey Goose cocktail and canapes on arrival before a decadent 3-course menu and 4.5-hour beverage package (7.00pm – 11.30pm).

Guests will be chauffeured into a stunning night of glittering gold with roaming performers, including golden fire dancers, living statues, a birdcage aerialist, and more. Headlining the entertainment is 42 Band, who will have all your favourite hits pumping on the dancefloor. To keep the party kicking on through midnight, we have DJ Charlie and DJ Libre. Then, as the clock almost strikes midnight, head out to The Lawn for a magical fireworks display.

Garden Kitchen & Bar
Get the party – and 2025 – started right, at the Star’s time-tested party playground and purveyors of good vibes, Garden Kitchen & Bar. Rock and roll into 2025 with Liam Bowditch on The Deck.

For those seeking a place to dine amongst all the dancing, you can tuck into a 4-course menu and 3-hour drink package up at the restaurant, with a side of NYE fireworks on The Lawn. If you have little ones tagging along- no problem! Before toooo much fun begins, a kid-friendly first Seating is available, 5.00pm – 7.30pm. Second Seating: 8.00pm – 12.00am (over 18s only).

Cucina Vivo
If you seek a slice of La Dolce Vita to end your year, then it’s Cucina Vivo for you. End your year with a mouth-watering Italian set menu and bask in stunning firework views from Cucina Vivo’s poolside balcony. Sway to the sweet sound of singer-songwriter Eleea before turning things up a notch with Gold Coast’s very own DJ Libre!!

Get the good times rolling asap with a First Seating feast starting at 5:30pm. Enjoy a glass of Chandon on arrival and a 3-course menu for just $75 per adult (13 and above)! A kids menu is also available.

Second Seating will be best dressed on this occasion, with a 3.5-hour drink package and a 3-course menu starring house-made arancini, local and seared Goldband snapper and, drum roll please, Italian meringue bombe with raspberries, popping candy and dark Valrhona chocolate! Then, to top it all off, live entertainment and NYE fireworks- all for just $199 per adult. Cin cin!

Harvest Buffet
Our family-friendly hero for all manner of special occasions, Harvest Buffet, is ready and willing to host our nearest and dearest as we farewell the year that was. Offload the entertaining stress (*cough* in-laws onslaught) and gather for the famous smorgasbord spread with two seatings available for New Year’s Eve.

Good luck seeing midnight after you’ve feasted on hot and cold seafood, live shucked fresh oyster stations, carvery stations, salads, cheeses and desserts.. #foodcomaimminent. Adults (13 and above) are $120 pp, children 5 – 12 years $40, and 4 and under free – how good!

Nineteen at The Star
Set the tone for your 2025 by starting it in style, sophistication and on (roof) top of the world! We believe it’s called manifesting. Go for a bar package or settle into your choice of two seatings, emboldened by knockout views and stellar vibes. Make a bunch of ambitious ressos you’ll definitely keep this year (wink wink).

For $220pp, the Sunset seating kicks off from 5.30pm–8.00pm, with a four-course set menu. For anyone looking to ring in the new year in timeless, tasty luxury (and we mean luxury with a capital L) – the Moonlight Seating runs from 8.30pm–late for $260pp.

For live entertainment, we have killer beats by DJ Charles Oliver and DJ Dezastar to ensure an unforgettable end to 2024. Side note: this year’s theme is a white party, so dress to impress!

Kiyomi
For those of us who firmly believe at the heart of every epic celebration should be exquisite food –farewell 2024 with the kind of fanciful feast only Kiyomi could pull off. This December 31, our Japanese eats darling is offering two seatings, with full rein of the sumptuous a la carte spread. The prospect of saying cheers to New Year with stacks of Sushi, Chilli Ponzu Oysters, Miso Ceviche Kingfish – and, of course, crafted cocktails – will surely be a popular one, so be quick to book out before you miso out. San, Ni, Ichi…Happy New Year!

Uncle Su
If a crowd-pleasing taste bud party is in your flavour, look no further than one of the GC’s favourite (honorary) uncles – Uncle Su. Gather the friends and fam to tuck into some time-honoured celebratory fare: Cantonese-style classics and a selection of signature Beijing and Szechuan favourites. Take your pick of the two seating choices and tackle an a la carte menu fit for a king, including abalone, lobster and crab, every way you can imagine.

Atrium Bar
The ultimate cheat code for a no wukkas NYE? Book a booth and guarantee you and the crew a prime possy to cosy up and bid adieu to 2024. For groups sized 6–12, $399 gets you a bottle of Domaine Chandon to get into the swing of things, dibs on one of the Atrium’s booths and a $250 bar tab.

DJ Brent, Electro Disco and DJ Soundvibe will be there to keep you entertained while you kick it back, carve up the DF or people watch the night away. Let the good times (and woo’s) roll.

Spend the last hour of 2024 in a state of euphoria- dancing the year away to the hits of Touch Sensitive (currently supporting San Cisco’s tour), live and loud on The Lawn! What better way to close out, than jamming to next-level remixes and collabs by one of Australia’s top DJs?! Catch it all from 11pm on The Lawn and from the Garden Kitchen & Bar for free!

Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: Various times, Tuesday 31 December 2024

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST

The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol. Guests must be 18 years or over to enter the Casino and Atrium Bar. BET WITH YOUR HEAD, NOT OVER IT.

Christmas on the Gold Coast is creeping up on us at alarming speed, and if you’re anything like us, the thought of tackling a big festive feast after a morning of opening presents and popping bubbly sounds downright exhausting.

Luckily, there are plenty of local spots ready to handle the heavy lifting for you. Hang up the apron, ditch the dishes, and let the pros serve up a day of delicious indulgence with no cleanup required. Here’s your guide (north to south) to the best Christmas Day feasts on the Gold Coast. Word to the three wise men – these tickets are flying faster than Santa’s sleigh, so grab yours before they’re gone!

RACV Royal Pines Resort

A tried and tested festive contender for your consideration – round up your kin and revel in the Chrissy Day array at RACV Royal Pines, for an indulgent spread hosted within the impeccable surrounds of the Royal Benowa Ballroom.

Kicking off from 12:00 pm, this year’s proceedings include a 3-hour beverage package along with all the traditional festive fare – delight in fresh Australian seafood, carved meats, and a selection of hot dishes, salads and desserts. Tickets start from $51 for children aged 2-4 (ages 0-2 free) up to $328.45 per adult. Click here for all the details.
Where: Ross St, Benowa

QT Gold Coast

SOLD OUT
Families looking to converge for some magical (and mouthwatering) Christmas mems, look no further than the luxe QT Ballroom.

Bubbles pouring, spirits soaring, this year’s feast is pure festive indulgence. Start with a Christmas cocktail on arrival, then dive into a glittering seafood spread of Crystal Bay prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, oysters, crab and more. Follow with the classics – roast turkey, smoked leg ham and Cape Grim sirloin – before finishing with brandy pudding, 24-month soaked mince pies and a flowing chocolate fountain.

Three hours of free-flowing drinks, live music, entertainment, gingerbread decorating and even a visit from Santa keep the merriment in full swing.

Tickets from $89pp for kids up to $320 for adults + BF. Get all the details here.
Where: QT Gold Coast Ballroom, 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

voco Gold Coast

We need not spend days toiling away in the kitchen, offload the preparations (read: stress) and let the voco pros handle your Chrissy day proceedings. Indulge in a banquet of iconic Christmas Day fare, such as fresh seafood, summer salads, succulent roast carvery, a variety of hot and cold dishes – complete with a mouthwatering dessert bar and a three-hour beverage package for your feasting pleasure. Plus, face painting and a sneaky cameo from the big man in red, for some extra special Christmas magic for the kiddos.

This little Chrissy extravaganza will set you back $299 per person, with children from $89 (ages 0-4 free). and simultaneously deliver max satisfaction and zero stress in the process. Get all the details here.
Where: 31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach

Assemble your nearest and dearest for a delicious ripper of a Christmas celebration at the Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach. This year, the Grand Ballroom is serving up a feast to remember – ocean-fresh seafood, pistachio-stuffed turkey, slow-roasted pork, a Parmesan wheel pasta station, and decadent desserts to finish.

Kick things off with a sparkling welcome drink, then enjoy three hours of premium wines, champagne and Byron Bay Lager, all while live music and festive fun keep the mood merry.

These tickets are limited so jump on now and book and then all you have to do come Christmas is sit back, relax and let lunch be served. Go here for all the delicious details.
Where: 81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Words by Belinda Symons

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