Ring in 2026 at QT Gold Coast’s curious celebrations.
Ring in 2026 at QT Gold Coast’s curious celebrations.
If your New Year’s Eve plans are feeling a little flat, it’s time to pop the cork, literally, and step into a night where decadence is the dress code and overindulgence is an art form. QT Gold Coast is rolling out the red carpet for 2026 with a feast, a party and plenty of mischief to toast the year ahead.
For those who like to ease into the celebrations, QT’s Japanese restaurant, Yamagen, has you covered. The Early Indulger option, from 5pm, is your ticket to a leisurely 2-hour dining window filled with à la carte delights like kushiyaki, sushi and delicate market-fresh sashimi.
Prefer to launch straight into opulence? The Late Night Crowd kicks off at 8pm with a 6-course omakase curated by Executive Chef Adam Lane. You’ll be greeted with a glass of Pommery Champagne to toast the future, then let your tastebuds travel through culinary wonderland. Think whisper-thin red emperor, robata scallops so delicate they flirt back, and the iconic duck breast with beetroot puree and carbonated brussels. At $220pp plus booking fee, it’s a night of decadence that’s worth every tick of the clock.
When the dinner bell tolls and the midnight countdown calls, don’t stop the fun! Slide down the rabbit hole into Stingray’s Mad Hatter New Year’s Eve Party, where curiosity reigns supreme. Entry is included if you’ve dined within the Late Night Crowd.
For the main event doors swing open at 7pm, and the night unfolds like a tea party gone gloriously rogue. Sip on a huge 5.5-hour drinks package with cocktails that whisper “drink me,” snack on Wonderland-inspired canapés, and groove to the beats of the resident DJ. Roaming performers will delight and surprise at every turn, and photo moments aplenty ensure your social feed is ready for 2026. The drinks flow until 12:30am and the party continues through to 2am. Early birds snag tickets at $169pp + booking fee, but hurry, limited spots mean the clock is ticking!
For those who prefer to fully immerse in the celebration, why not make it a night to remember by staying at QT Gold Coast? Fall into a plush bed just steps from the revelry and wake up in style with the city at your feet and a luxury pool to dive into. No nightclub queues, no midnight Uber dramas, just you, your room with ocean or city views, and a new year full of possibilities.
So, whether you’re a slow-and-steady early indulger or a midnight mischief-maker, QT Gold Coast’s New Year’s Eve celebrations will have you grinning like the Cheshire Cat.
Book here to secure your spot.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: Wednesday 31st December
Price: Yamagen NYE Dinner $220pp + bf, Stingray Lounge Mad Hatter New Year’s Eve Party EARLY BIRD ACCESS $169pp + bf
Words by Lisette Drew
STORY SPONSORED BY QT GOLD COAST.
Japanese, but make it haute soy-ciety.
If there’s one thing better than a perfectly plated piece of sashimi, it’s knowing exactly where to find it. We’ve done the hard yards (you’re welcome – it’s a tough job…) and we always land on Yamagen at QT Gold Coast. Sleek, ahead of the game, and effortlessly cool, it’s one of those rare spots that nails the balance between tradition, trend, and award-winning food without overplaying it. And did we mention it boasts the Japanese whisky menu of your dreams? #BowDown.
Long loved by a devoted GC flock of foodie folk, Yamagen is sleek, moody, and always humming with the quiet confidence of a venue that knows it’s at the top of its game. And with a few shiny new menu additions, it’s giving locals and visitors alike even more reasons to revisit this fan fave, with a few delicious new surprises.
Steering this finely tuned ship is Executive Chef Adam Lane, whose culinary credentials include a roll call of heavy-hitters like Sake, Sushi E and Tetsuya’s, as well as time spent alongside the legendary Nobu Matsuhisa at Michelin-starred Nobu. He’s a master of technique, a stickler for detail, and has a knack for creating food that will spoil your palette for life when you visit any other Japanese restaurant. His dishes are restrained, beautifully balanced, and full of intent – nothing lands on the plate by accident.
So just what does this extra inventive new menu deliver? Seafood lovers are in for an absolute treat, with the new Thinly Sliced Red Emperor. It’s light, bright, and laced with a house-preserved yuzu that’s been resting patiently for a year. Paired with white soy, chive and arare, it’s fresh, citrusy, and entirely addictive. And if that’s not enough to hook you, there’s the Hokkaido Scallop Sashimi with wakame, karkalua, pink pepper, and a ginger and lime dressing that’ll hit harder than your first teenage heartbreak.
Beyond the ocean, think Dry-Aged Duck Breast with beetroot purée, witlof, sansho and orange – rich, balanced, and pure quacking perfection. There’s also the Charred Shio Koji Chicken Thigh that arrives dressed to impress in asparagus, goma ponzu and sunflower seeds. Chicken, but make it couture.
No visit is complete without paying homage to Yamagen’s iconic signature dish which remains on high rotation: the Thinly Sliced Snapper. Lovingly dressed in truffled tosazu, shio kombu, ume boshi and yuzu sesame, quite frankly it deserves its own national holiday.
And because no elevated Japanese experience is complete without something smooth in a short glass, Yamagen also boasts one of the most impressive Japanese whisky collections in the country. Rare, aged, and often hard to find, these pours are best enjoyed slowly – especially when you’re dealing with the likes of a Yamazaki 25-year-old or a Hibiki 30. It’s the kind of list that makes connoisseurs giddy and your tastebuds go full stage five clinger.
Now let’s talk about the vibe and fit out. Polished, but not precious, with cool factor in spades, think glossy enamel black finishes frame eye-catching details. It’s a space where locals and visitors alike come to graze, sip, linger, and repeat. And with an extra night of trade now on offer (hello, six nights a week, plus Friday lunches), there’s really no excuse not to squeeze Yamagen into your weekly calendar.
So, whether you’re chasing high-end date night energy, trying to impress out-of-towners, or just really, really into Japanese food, Yamagen delivers. Every time.
For bookings and more information, go here, or check out Yamagen’s Instagram.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: 5:30pm – late, Tuesday to Sunday and Fridays, 12pm till 3pm
Words by Bianca Trathen
STORY SPONSORED BY YAMAGEN, QT GOLD COAST
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
Get your sugar and spice fix at Gingerland QTea High Tea.
With Christmas just around the corner, our minds are already on the food. And while we’ll be elbow-deep in festive cooking on Christmas Day, it’s pretty great to have someone treat us for a change. QT Gold Coast has stepped up, serving a Christmas High Tea that lets you sit back and soak in the Christmas spirit.
From Saturday 15th November, the QT hotel lobby transforms into a silly-season spectacular with Gingerland QTea High Tea. It’s festive, it’s fun, and it’s here to sleigh your tastebuds.
Just the names of these handmade Christmas treats will get you feeling festive.
First up is the Christmas Bauble Arancini, with Scenic Rim roast beetroot, feta cheese and risotto all crumbed and fried to golden perfection. It’s almost pretty enough to hang on your tree, but far too delicious to make it home.
Then there’s the Pepperoni Parcel, a hand-rolled pepperoni empanada served with traditional Napoli sauce, and a fun take on Santa’s Hat – a mini beetroot cone filled with Meredith goat’s cheese whipped with black truffle. The Popcorn Tree, featuring crispy hand-cut cauliflower florets with Cajun spice, is the gift that keeps on giving.
The Turkey Brioche is loaded with harissa-rubbed turkey, double brie and cranberry jelly that will delight all those who love a proper Christmas dinner.
But let’s be real, we came for the sweets! And QT does not disappoint.
The petite Gingerbread Men are absolute heart-stealers and the Christmas Tree is a zesty take on a lemon lime cheesecake with vanilla Chantilly and citrus pate friable.
For those who like unwrapping things early, A Present From Santa is what you deserve – mango cremeus, vanilla dacquoise, raspberry jam, creme fraiche mousse and vanilla Chantilly.
No high tea is complete without scones, and QT are serving spiced fruit scones with blueberry jam and mascarpone cream.
For $74 per person, the Gingerland QTea comes with tea or espresso coffee and Santa’s Iced Spice – a refreshing iced Geisha green tea perked up with mulled cranberry spice and an orange garnish.
Got little elves in tow? The Little QT’ies High Tea is $39 for kids under 12, offering a playful mix of Christmas-inspired bites, perfect for tiny hands and sugar-fuelled fun.
If Christmas to you means bubbles (of course it does!), upgrade to the Gingerland QTea with all the trimmings at $104pp, complete with Perrier-Jouët Champagne. You can also go full festive with add-ons like $15 Claus for Celebration cocktail, $25 bottomless mimosas, or $35 bottomless jugs of Pimms, Margarita or Elderflower Spritz. Consider it your holiday cheers-ing practice.
Available daily from 11am to 2pm until Sunday 4th January, this is your chance to eat, sip and be merry, without having to lift a finger… except for raising your pinky while sipping tea!
Bookings are essential, so book now.
If you’re keen to get hands-on, don’t miss the Gingerbread House Decorating classes for kids and adults. Find out more here.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: 15th November 2025 – 4th January 2026
Words by Lisette Drew
STORY SPONSORED BY QT GOLD COAST.
