Because at The Island, all that glitters is Gold (…Coast).
Because at The Island, all that glitters is Gold (…Coast).
If New Year’s Eve were a Netflix special, The Island would be the season finale everyone binges in one night complete with cliffhangers, champagne showers, and a soundtrack hotter than a Surfers summer. Forget fumbling with sparklers in the backyard or watching fireworks through your neighbour’s hedge. This year, the Gold Coast’s favourite party playground, The Island, is serving up not one but four show-stopping celebrations so dress to impress, sip something sparkly, and prepare to party like it’s 1999… again.
First stop: The Island Rooftop. This is where the stars align – literally – as partygoers gather under the night sky at the Coast’s most iconic open-air bar. The Hanlon Brothers are bringing their 42 Band magic to the stage, backed by resident DJs spinning beats smoother than a margarita at sunset. Guests can indulge in a 4.5-hour food and drinks package that’s basically the Beyoncé of beverage menus: premium spirits, beers, ginger beer, cider, and wines including Mumm Prestige, rosé and prosecco. Add gourmet canapés and you’ve got yourself the perfect NYE rooftop rendezvous for $189 per person (plus booking fee).
If sky-high glamour is more your vibe, The Island Penthouse is where the party quite literally hits new heights. Perched on level 12 with panoramic views over Surfers Paradise, this is the Coast’s hottest ticket to a VIP night in the clouds. Lose yourself with Mitchell in the Middle, aka Mitchell Dormer from The Voice, who’s bringing his electrifying 360° duelling piano show alongside his drummer. Think Billy Joel meets Elton John, but with a Gold Coast twist and a cocktail (or two) in hand.
Speaking of cocktails, the Penthouse bar is serving super-premium drinks that will make every clink of the glass echo with elegance. We’re talking margaritas, top-shelf spirits, Mumm Prestige, rosé, prosecco, premium beers, ginger beer and cider, all paired with decadent canapés. For $229 (plus booking fee), guests can party across the entire Penthouse from 8pm to 12:30am, snapping exclusive photo ops while the city lights twinkle below.
Downstairs, the Laneway Lights Party is where things get a little more… robot rock. Headlining the main level is Daft Punk tribute band ‘Discovery’, delivering an epic production complete with giant LED screens, immersive lighting and pyrotechnics that’ll make you feel like you’ve been teleported to Coachella. With three bars; The Glasshouse, The Pool Deck & Lounge, and Goldie’s, plus resident DJs and photo moments, this is the ultimate dance-until-your-feet-hurt option. Drinks are available for purchase, so you can curate your own cocktail adventure while losing yourself to dance. First release tickets start at just $30 (plus booking fee), which is basically the bargain of the year for a night that promises to be harder, better, faster, stronger.
And for those who simply can’t choose because let’s face it, FOMO is real, The Island has the ultimate golden ticket: Access All Areas. This exclusive pass lets you swan between every party like the star of your own reality show, enjoying a 4.5-hour food and drinks package with premium spirits while soaking up the unique vibes of each celebration. Rooftop beats, Penthouse glamour, Laneway lights – why settle for one when you can have it all? At $299 (plus booking fee), it’s the all-inclusive NYE adventure designed for those who want to toast the New Year in true Island style, without compromise.
So, whether you’re chasing rooftop romance, penthouse prestige, laneway lights or the full Island takeover, one thing’s certain: The Island is the place to be when the clock strikes midnight. Dress to impress, glow like you mean it, and prepare to toast 2026 in true Island fashion – loudly, lavishly, and with absolutely no regrets (well… at least not until January 1).
When: 31 December (times dependent on celebration)
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise,
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONOSRED BY THE ISLAND
Close out 2025 with a BANG this NYE!
New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, and let us tell you, the Gold Coast is not here to play. In other words, we’re in for a NYE to remember (hopefully…). We’ve survived yet another 365 days- we deserve to celebrate! From sips with sky-high views to lux dinners and burning dance floors, GC is serving celebration on every level this year.
However you want to send off 2025, we’ve rounded up the very best ways to shimmy your way into 2026. Let’s get into it…
Prepare for an evening of curiosity, and where cocktails whisper “drink me”. Why? QT’s Stingray Lounge is serving Wonderland with a Mad Hatter’s NYE Party! Think roaming costumed performers, tea party–themed canapés, a huge 5.5-hour drinks package, a resident DJ, and immersive, chaotic-fabulous photo moments at every turn. Doors open at 7pm, the drinks flow until 12:30am, and the party continues through to 2am. Book here.
Curiosity encouraged. Madness required (yes, madness is the dress code).
Where: Stingray Lounge, QT Gold Coast, Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
Price: Final Release $189pp + bf or $90pp + bf for entry and canapes only
Take your NYE celebrations sky-high at SkyPoint, 230 metres above the Gold Coast. From the moment you step into Level 77, the ‘Fiesta Pass’ sets the tone with four hours of Mexican-inspired eats from a live taco station, a five-hour premium beverage package, a cocktail on arrival and access to the Altos Cocktail Bar for tequila-fuelled fun.
Want to go next-level? The ‘Guacamole Grande Booth’ gives your group a private booth, table service, a Mexican feast delivered to your table, a bottle of Moët & Chandon on arrival, cocktails for each guest, and optional spirit upgrades- all with unrivalled views of the city and fireworks. Sip, snack, sway, and celebrate 2026 in style with unbeatable vibes from the sky. Book here.
Where: SkyPoint Observation Deck, Level 77, Q1, Surfers Paradise
Prices: Fiesta Pass $229pp, Guacamole Grande Booth from $375pp
Set sail into 2026 in all-white everything aboard the YOT Club for their iconic NYE White Party. From 8pm to 12:30am, you’ll cruise the Gold Coast waterways with premium roaming canapés, free-flowing drinks and live entertainment, setting the pace for the night. Depending on your vibe (and your budget), you can go for General Admission on either the Upper Deck or Ocean Deck, both offering a four-hour cruise, firework views and a generous drink and canape package. If you’re ready to level up, the VIP Booth options take things up a notch with reserved seating, Moët on ice, Grey Goose, grazing platters and bottle service for your whole crew. Whichever way you board, you’re landing the best floating fireworks vantage point on the Coast. Book here.
Where: YOT Club, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Price: From $310.45pp
If you’re chasing electric energy, iconic Turner belters and the kind of dance floor action that’ll have your feet filing for workers’ comp, Tina: The Ultimate Tribute is your NYE spiritual home. Hitting The Star on 30th and 31st December, this glitter-soaked tribute serves up her biggest hits from the ’60s to the ’90s, complete with powerhouse vocals, big-band vibes and costumes shinier than your NYE resolutions. Roll into Broadbeach (preferably in something Tina-worthy) and prepare to be dancing from the first key all the way to midnight. Book here.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Price: From $59.90pp
If you’re after an elegant, resort-style NYE, Sanctuary Cove is serving a triple treat of celebrations. Start your night with a sumptuous Seafood Buffet Dinner at Cove Café, or take your evening a step further with a six-course Degustation Dinner at The Fireplace- a wood-fired, grown-ups-only affair that screams sophistication.
Then from 6pm, Lagoon Beach transforms into a balmy coastal celebration complete with a DJ, a spectacular 9pm jetpack show, and of course, midnight fireworks over the water. A dreamy way to welcome the new year. Book here.
Where: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circle, Hope Island
Prices: Seafood Buffet Dinner $229pp, Fireplace Degustation Dinner $309pp
For those who love their celebrations with a little artistic flair, The Exhibitionist Bar is bringing its signature rooftop glamour to NYE. Enjoy a night of delicious canapés (think lobster skewers, chilli corn ribs, halloumi bites and caviar bumps on arrival), a 4-hour premium beverage package, and a DJ to help you dance the year away on the viewing deck.
If you’re feeling EXTRA, book a VIP Booth in their luxury lounge on level 5. Includes all the above, plus your own cheese and charcuterie grazing table and champagne upgrade. Sip, snack, and soak up the city lights before the midnight fireworks burst across the skyline- for you to enjoy from one of the Coast’s chicest vantage points. Book here.
Where: The Exhibitionist Bar, HOTA, Surfers Paradise
Prices: Cocktail Event: $210pp, VIP Booth: $2,100 (6 people max)
The Island is going big (as always), with three massive ways to party your way into 2026. First up, there’s ‘Laneway Lights’, giving you access to three bars- The Glasshouse, The Pool Deck & Lounge and Goldie’s with resident DJs. Prefer to celebrate under the stars at the Gold Coast’s favourite open-air rooftop bar? Say less, ‘The Island Rooftop’ ticket gives you live entertainment all night long plus 4.5-hour food and drinks package featuring premium drinks and gourmet canapés.
Finally, the ‘Island Penthouse’ ticket is as boujee as it sounds, giving you access across the entire Penthouse on level 12 with stunning views over Surfers Paradise and live entertainment by Mitchell in the Middle. Expect a 4.5 hour VIP experience, including premium gourmet canapés and super-premium drinks including espresso martinis, margaritas and Mumm Prestige (just to name a few). Book here.
Where: The Island Gold Coast, 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Prices: The Island Rooftop $189pp + bf, The Island Penthouse $229 + bf, Laneway Lights Party first release tickets from $30pp + bf, Access all areas $299pp + bf.
If your dream NYE involves mood lighting, next-level flavours and a countdown that feels like a scene from a very chic, very delicious movie, YORU is calling your name. On 31st December, this lantern-lit Nobby Beach favourite is serving an immersive Japanese Korean dining experience with a curated set menu featuring the likes of kingfish carpaccio, charcoal grilled wagyu, mixed sashimi, aburi tacos and matcha ice cream. Guests can choose from three shared menus including Hikari, Yūgen or Kurayami, plus optional wine pairings if you’re feeling a little extra (it is New Year’s Eve after all). With low lights, warm music and that signature YORU vibe, it is the perfect pick for couples, small groups or anyone craving a stylish send off to 2025. Bookings are essential and seats are limited, so secure your spot before it’s gone. Book here.
Where: Shop 1B 2249 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Price: NYE Set Menu $95pp, optional wine pairing $49pp
Ring in 2026 without ringing out your bank account thanks to a trio of free, family-friendly NYE celebrations across Varsity, Miami and Robina. Varsity Lakes kicks things off with New Year’s Eve by the Lake, a chilled waterfront soirée from 5.30pm on 31 December featuring live music, food trucks, kids’ entertainment and an 8.30pm fireworks finale over Lake Orr. Down by the beach, Miami Twilight NYE at Thorn Park brings DJ beats, bubble fun, train rides and coastal fireworks from 4pm to 8pm. And over at Robina Town Centre, The Promenade transforms into a Glitter & Glow party zone with carnival rides, face painting, live tunes and plenty of eats, all wrapping up with an 8pm fireworks display. Three suburbs, three parties, zero excuses to stay home.
If a classic beachside fireworks moment is more your style, the City of Gold Coast has you sorted with family-friendly 8pm shows followed by the big midnight spectacle. Snag your seat at Broadbeach, Coomera, Surfers Paradise or Coolangatta. Pack a picnic, gather your favourite people and watch the sky light up along the coastline. Whether you’re chasing sparkling skies or gathering for a community celebration, it’s a firework-filled farewell across the Gold Coast that you won’t want to miss!
Where: Fireworks: Kurrawa Beachfront, Broadbeach – 8pm & midnight, Kirra, Coolangatta – 9pm & midnight, Surfers Paradise Beach – 8pm & midnight. Community Celebration: Coomera Sports Park, Coomera – 6pm to 8pm.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
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.
