For swirl queens and topping maximalists.
For swirl queens and topping maximalists.
Fro-Yo dessert bars are THE ultimate choose-your-own-adventure moment, and frankly, we will not be told otherwise. If there were a Fro-Yo pro’s and con’s list it’d look a little something like this:
Pros: You get to build the dessert of your literal dreams. We’re talking swirl-on-sprinkle-on-drizzle-everything energy. It’s just as elite for the kiddos as it is for the grown-ups who take their topping strategy very seriously. And the combos? Endless. Unhinged. Borderline chaotic (in the best way).
Cons: …cute of you to assume there are any.
Lucky for us the Gold Coast’s frozen yoghurt scene is having a full-blown main character moment. Whether you’re refuelling after a beach sesh, cooling down post-market wander, or simply answering the very important call of “I deserve a sweet treat,” these local legends have your fro-yo cravings handled.
Remember, the concept is ‘self-serve’, not ‘self-control’, so don’t be shocked when you have none of the latter after stepping inside this purple palace of frozen yogurt. YOMG – so good you have to say it ‘yo-my-goodness’– serves handcrafted frozen yogurt using fresh milk and farmers’ yogurt alongside shakes, burgers, wings and other bites.
But today, we’re here for the creamy swirling goodness. Go wild with crumbly, bubbly, chewy, crunchy and drizzly toppings like brownie bite, boba bubbles, fresh fruit, jelly beans, crumbled biscuits and pistachio sauce (to name a few). Oh, and they do acai, too!
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Broadbeach Waters and 15 Connor St, Burleigh Heads
Their words, not ours: “For the swirl-obsessed, the spoon-lickers, the sweet-seekers.” Goo.E serves a mix of real ice cream and yoghurt, and boldly claims it’s 1000% better – confidence we respect.
With over 50 toppings, this is not the place for decision paralysis. Think milk rocky road bites, choc malt balls, sour neon worms, vegan granola, cremthick pistachio pastry, mango popping boba, cookie dough, fresh fruit… okay, deep breath- you get the idea. We’re going straight for the white choc yoghurt. Add a slick, moody fit-out, and you’ve got dessert done well.
Where: 6 Charles Ave, Broadbeach and Circle on Cavill South Tower, T43B/55 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
YOLO lives by its name- because you only live once, so you may as well add the toppings. Alongside classic flavours, they mix things up with options like matcha, peach and red apple.
Everything here is 98% fat free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and made with 100% pure, natural ingredients. Top it off with choc gold coins, marshmallows, fresh fruit and drizzles, then swing by during happy hour for 20% off (yes please).
Where: 8th Street B30 Harbour Town Premium Outlets Shopping Centre, 147-189 Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters
With a line that stretches around the corner on the ‘reg (like, every single weekend) – locals have been going wild for Yo-Chi’s signature tangy and tantalising fro-yo goodness since the cult fave first swanned onto our scene in 2022.
Punters can get their probiotic fix in the most delicious of ways with a signature, soft serve style frozen yoghurt selection available on tap. The core range of year-round flavours are complemented by seasonal cameos, the majority of which are 98-percent fat-free… and 100-percent mouth-watering.
Where: 89 Surf Parade, Broadbeach, 27 Connor St, Burleigh Heads, Shop 1009/19 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina, Shop T1.05A/4 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise and 11/3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Golden Yogurt is giving Gilmore Girls meets Starbucks – cosy, cute, and dangerously irresistible. Grab a cup, pile on as many fro-yo flavours as your heart desires, then absolutely go wild at the toppings bar.
Crunchy, chewy, popping, tangy – if a topping exists, it’s probably here. This is the spot for maximum customisation and zero judgement.
Where: G03/89 Scarborough St, Southport
Family-run, Australian-owned and gorgeously humble, My FYI keeps things friendly and fun. Start by choosing your base – choc, mango, plain, strawberry, biscuit, or even strawberry and biscuit if you’re feeling bold.
They offer low-sugar and vegan options, rotating weekly flavours, and toppings such as brownies, Nutella, fresh fruit, and lollies. It’s the kind of place that feels like a warm hug… but make it frozen.
Where: Unit 1/4 Griffith St, Coolangatta
With up to 97% fat free yoghurt, Yo Way proves you really can have it all. Everyday flavours include original tart, chocolate, strawberry and mango, while specialty flavours go big – think meringue, panna cotta, pear, pink bubblegum and more.
Their gluten-free flavours somehow get even better, with options like apple pie, Snickers cheesecake, cinnamon, biscuit and tiramisu. Toppings range from fresh fruit and slivered almonds to Tim Tam and white choc drops.
Where: Shop 2046/19 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina, 32 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach Waters and 2 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Cocoflufferia isn’t technically a fro-yo bar, but it’s so delicious we had to include it. Their signature Coco Fluff is a creamy, coconut water-based soft serve that’s always vegan, dairy-free and refined sugar-free.
It’s fully self-serve, stacked with all the flavours and all the toppings, plus options for both vegan and non-vegan sauces, so everyone wins. They also serve dairy-free fro-yo and açaí, making it a dream stop for plant-based dessert lovers.
Where: 9 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Cocoflufferia by Goji scoops up dessert dreams in Robina.
Do you dream about ice cream but your tummy says ‘lact-nope’? Cocoflufferia by Goji in Robina Town Centre is the sweet spot you’ve been waiting for. Think of it as the love child of coconut water and creativity, where dairy-free decadence meets a candy-land of toppings that will make you go (coco)nuts.
Behind the fluff are owners Monica Tjong and Gabriele Pirotta, the duo already known for Goji Granola Bar, which has been serving the Gold Coast for a decade. But Cocoflufferia is their cherry (or maybe toasted coconut flake) on top – a playground dedicated entirely to Coco Fluff, their signature dairy-free soft serve made from coconut water.
Yes, you read that right. Coconut water. It’s ice cream reinvented. Light, creamy, refreshing and, dare we say, fluffin’ fabulous.
The Coco Fluff story has been ten years in the making. Italian-born Gabriele grew up watching his grandfather whip up gelato back home, so frozen desserts are in his DNA. But while he inherited the passion, he gave it his own twist by going dairy-free. That chef’s touch (and perhaps a little gelato-genius ancestry) has allowed him to spin up an endless carousel of flavours. From classics to curveballs, you never know what scoop of inspiration will come next.
After years of tucking Coco Fluff onto Goji’s menu, the pair finally decided it deserved its own home. Enter Cocoflufferia at The Kitchens, part ice cream parlour, part dessert laboratory. The space, designed by Elton at Span Design, is as fun and friendly as the concept itself. Bright with peachy tones, it’s the kind of place where kids can run wild with sprinkles while adults craft their picture-perfect bowls. With loads of seating outside, it’s a dessert daydream for families, friends and anyone with a sweet tooth.
Now let’s talk toppings, because this is where Cocoflufferia really goes bananas. The menu is stacked with home-baked goodies – Dubai brownies, gooey cookies, rich chocolate bars, even banana pudding straight from Magnolia Bakery inspiration, plus Italian tiramisu that nods to Gabriele’s roots. Some toppings are dairy-free, some aren’t, but all are swoon-worthy. You can pile them high, mix and match and make your bowl look like dessert art.
Cocoflufferia hands you the mixing spoon and says, “Go for it.” You’re in control of your creation, layering Coco Fluff with cookie dough chunks, drizzling sauces, or crowning it with toasted coconut flakes until you’ve built your ultimate dream bowl. It’s DIY dessert, with plenty of fluff.
And if you love breakfast at any time of day, the Goji team have thought of that too. Cocoflufferia also serves up acai bowls, but not your standard ones. Here, you can build your own morning masterpiece with gluten-free granola, crunchy nuts, coconut flakes and glossy drizzles of sauce. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels both healthy and indulgent, a balance only coconut magic can achieve.
So whether you’re chasing a dairy-free delight or just looking to sprinkle some joy into your day, Cocoflufferia is proof that life really is better with a little fluff on top.
Where: Shop 4241 The Kitchens Robina Town Centre
When: Daily, 10:30am–8pm
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Kirra Smith
We’re going gaga over Goo-E Dessert Bar.
Move over, nightclubs! The longest lines in Broadbeach are not for dancefloors anymore, they’re for dessert bars.
Broadbeach may be famous for beaches and bars, but now holidaymakers are flocking for dessert, and the new Goo-E Dessert Bar is proving that the sweetest memories are best frozen in time.
Goo-E Dessert Bar is a self-serve frozen yoghurt and ice cream playground officially giving Gold Coast revellers a new kind of sweet obsession.
The mastermind behind the madness is Simon Morris, a man with a mission to make dessert fearless, fun and gloriously over the top. At Goo-E, you’re officially encouraged to do just that.
The first Goo-E location has just launched in Broadbeach, and with multiple locations on the horizon, it looks like Australia’s dessert game is about to get a serious shake-up, literally.
Sure, with frozen yoghurt bases, Goo-E Dessert Bar might seem like just another frozen treat on the market. But with creamy ice cream options and over 50 toppings to choose from, the creative possibilities go way beyond the rest. Goo-E lets you mix, match and build a cup of joy that’s as unique as you are.
And here’s the thing. At Goo-E, messy isn’t just acceptable, it’s celebrated. If you’ve ever stacked sprinkles so high you feared a toppling disaster, consider it an engineering marvel worthy of applause. Chocolate drizzle on your chin? Totally fine. That’s not just a topping, it’s a badge of honour.
“For little legends and the young at heart, this is your permission slip to play,” Simon said. And what Simon says, goes!
From tiny tasters to seasoned scoopers, every visitor is invited to throw the rulebook out the window, mix the colours and craft outrageously indulgent creations. At Goo-E, kids can be kids, adults can rediscover their inner child, and everyone can embrace the joy of a little sticky, drippy, swirl-filled bowl.
And make no mistake, Goo-E is unapologetically indulgent. Think bold flavours, nostalgic toppings and combinations so outrageous they might just make your head spin faster than Goo-E’s signature swirl machine!
Start by choosing your base. There’s creamy frozen yoghurt in flavours like white chocolate or strawberry, or go classic with vanilla, chocolate, or fruity mixed berry ice cream.
Next, get playful with toppings. Sprinkle or spoon on fresh fruit, crunchy granola clusters, or chocolate nibs. Don’t forget your favourite confectionery treats like Maltesers, M&Ms, Nerds, or whatever makes your sweet tooth tingle.
Then comes the fun part. Drizzle over decadent sauces like salted caramel, strawberry, chocolate or even bubblegum to crown your creation. Finally, weigh your masterpiece, pay and dig in! From drizzle devotees to sprinkle fanatics, there’s a little (or a lot) of sweet magic for everyone.
Where: 6 Charles avenue, Broadbeach
When: Daily, 11am-late
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Liam McDonald
Status: living the ‘cream, 365 days a year.
Ah, ice cream, you dreamy, heaven-sent creation, you. A treat that transcends all ages, there’s no denying it is one of – if not *the* – most iconic summer foods going. And here on the GC, our (usually) balmy climate is more suited than most to indulge in (several) scoops of creamy, churned ice cream or gelato goodness any old time we please…
Which is just as well, with all of the fabulous Gelaterias and frozen dessert purveyors gracing our city. It’s a near full-time job trying to keep tabs on them all… and, side note – new dream profession unlocked.
Let’s dig in (y’know, with one of those adorably tiny, and mildly impractical ice cream spoons) to some of the best spots to cool off with a cup, cone, or even a fully-loaded sundae –stacked, sprinkled, and swirled within an inch of its life. Who’s hungry?!
Artisanal gelato slinger Rosé Gelateria dons its telltale blush accents across two lush GC locations – Tedder Ave and Sanctuary Cove – which, in itself, is a pretty decent clue as to the boujee, boutique style approach at these pretty-in-pink creameries. Besides a delicious assortment of crafted ice creams, they pour some fantastic coffee, including an iced coffee with vanilla bean gelato and vanilla syrup that’ll knock your socks and/or crocks off (hopefully not ‘and’, though). The signature Rose flavour, which comes sprinkled with petals, is a treat for the peepers and the palette. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a prettier gelato fix on the Coast!
Where: Shop 39a, Masthead Way, Sanctuary Cove and Shop 6/19-21 Tedder Ave, Main Beach
As the name suggests, Italia Moto Pizza & Gelato isn’t just about serving incredible Italian savouries; it’s also about serving scoopfuls of creamy gelato. Take it in a cup, in a cone, or take it home! Take it plain, or take it with ‘tune-ups.’ AKA, indulgent sauces and crunchy toppings like M&M’s, Oreos and sprinkles. And don’t even get us started on their affogatos– did someone say heaven?
Where: 104 Helensvale Rd, Helensvale
The concept of a friendly neighbourhood noshery specialising in snacks is one we can wholeheartedly get behind, and Shiro Gelato & Snack has your cravings covered with a Japanese take on all things to nibble, slurp, and lick. If it’s the lickable variety you’ve got your heart set on, house-made gelato flavours like Matcha Pistachio, Double Rich Mango and Choco Banana are all a common sight here. Take it to the next level and make it a Mochi-wrapped gelato scoop – served perfectly encased in the gelatinous Japanese dessert.
Where: 50 Nerang St, Southport
We’ve been living the ‘cream’ ever since Gelato Messina returned to our shores, and they’ve been slinging their famed flavours out of Surfers’ slick Paradise Centre precinct ever since. The Messina name is one known for taking this gelato business seriously… everything from the dulce de leche to the gelato base – and even the chocolate – is made from scratch, down to their very own dairy farm to keep them plied with the creamiest jersey milk. There’s a reason that their… *checks notes* – literally every flavour – is what ice-cream dreams are made of.
Where: Paradise Centre, 2A Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Cup, cone, or even sundaes – no matter your preferred method of consumption, Broadbeach’s The Gelato Shop has got you covered when it comes to all things chilled, sweet and creamy. The legendairy lineup of award-winning flavours includes the likes of Chunky Chocolate Cheesecake and Snickers gelato, a slew of fruit-based sorbets and decadent vegan options like Coffee Crunch or Peanut Butter. For an all-out indulgence, there’s locally made Warm Cookies & Gelato, Waffles and an array of fully stacked Sundaes.
Where: 97 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Not only do they serve a slice worth doughing over, but scoops of gelato. Melt-in-your-mouth (it won’t last long enough to melt in your cone) authentic Italiana gelati. Savour it plain and simple with a one or two-scoop cone, or take it on a freshly baked Sicilian brioche bun or a pizza?! What could be better? We’ll tell ya! It’s their Rumming dessert pizza, made with zuppa inglese gelato (rum/custard), white chocolate glaze, and chocolate dust. Mamma mia, che buono!
Where: East Tower The Phoenician Building, Shop 10/104 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Started from Roma, now they’re here! Thanks, Drake. But yes, My Gelato did come all the way from Rome, Italy, to bring us, mere mortals, authentic gelato made with the freshest ingredients – all resulting in flavours that are both classic and innovative. Think Raffaello (just like the Ferrero balls) and Paciugo made with caramelised hazelnut and Nutella. Or, how does Latte Di Rosa (Rose Milk) or Honecomb sound? Pretty darn good if you ask us.
Where: 12w/1 Oracle Bvd, Broadbeach
A spot that’s a stickler for tradition, La Macelleria is kitted out with all the best Italian gelato-making gear. You can watch on as the crew whips up their artisanal, chilled confections daily… *drooling intensifies*. Wrap your lips around stalwart flavours like Bacio and Pistacio, gelato shakes and out-of-this-world cup sundaes – for those who love their desserts layered with pure indulgence. One taste, and your love for this place will be un-cone-ditional.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters
Every scoop of Gelato Gemelli’s creamy creations is made from scratch with imported equipment straight from Bologna, the heartland of gelato-making. No shortcuts, no pre-mixes – just proper Italian gelato crafted with love and precision. The signature scoop? The Pisellino – a heavenly blend of pistachio cream and white chocolate that’s worth melting for. Cones or cups aren’t your only choice here; you can also have your fave flavour served in their famous brioche gelato sandwich. Just stop – we may pass out from sheer excitement.
Where: 2/2217 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach ‘The Oxley’
A true family-run gelateria, Al Bacio Gelato Naturale is headed by husband-and-wife duo Craig and Rebecca Heininger, alongside their daughter, Jaime. Since opening in late 2025, they’ve been serving scoops of authentic, 100% natural Italian gelato to Burleigh locals (and visitors), and we cannot be more thankful. The signature Al Bacio, meaning “as good as a kiss” in Italian, is a rich chocolate-hazelnut scoop made with homemade hazelnut paste from Piemonte, Italy. Then, for those who like to gulp down their gelato, you can order your favourite flavour in thick shake form. Can we get a hell yeah?
Where: 7/1840 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Here’s the scoop… if you’re in and around Burleigh and find yourself in the mood for gelato, sorbet, or ice-cream shakes – do not pass go – head directly to Scoop Gelati.
The hand-crafted, small-batch recipes include refreshing revelations like ANZAC Biscuit, Caramel Biscotto and Apple Crumble, all made fresh on-site. Got an ice cream connoisseur in your life? Their frozen cakes are a treat for the eyes and the taste buds – perfect for every occasion, or ‘just because’ works too.
Where: 23 James Street, Burleigh Heads
Picture the scene: you find yourself in the southern end of town (wandering off of one of those world-class beaches, no doubt), when you’re hit with a hankering – not quite hunger – but you could most definitely eat. The answer is Burleigh Gelato! Don’t let the name fool you; they are not exclusive to Burleigh – they’re also in Palm Beach. Let us tell you, the array of flavours is enough to earn the affection of even the frostiest-at-heart. The cookie-inspired creations, such as M&M Cookie Dough or Biscoff gelato, are enough on their own to get dessert fans swooning. They’re also handily available on major home delivery apps and open late – perfect for those late-night sugar cravings.
Where: 9 Connor Street, Burleigh Heads and 3/10 Palm Beach Ave, Palm Beach
Palm Beach’s turquoise sensation, Tango Gelato, serves up sweet scoops daily out of its Pavilions Shopping Centre location (also in Kingscliff if you’re ever stranded across the border). The icy creations include inventive combos like Ginger & Dark Chocolate, Strawberry Cookies & Cream and Blackberry Sorbet – so if you think you’ve ‘been there, licked that’ when it comes to ice cream flavours, we’d suggest you pay them a visit to have your mind blown immediately. They also offer delivery, so if you’re lucky enough to live nearby, you can always opt to have the ‘mind blown’ come to you (in your jim-jams, obvi).
Where: 1102 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach and Unit 4/78–80 Marine Parade, Kingscliff
Elly’s is about one thing: really good gelato. Full stop. The kind you plan your beach day around. The kind that turns “just one scoop” into “okay, maybe two.” The storefront will charm your pants off, while flavours like Salted Caramel and Kinder Surprise deliver creamy comfort with every lick. If you prefer something a little more classic, the Peppermint Chocolate Chip and Bubblegum (yes, bubblegum, and yes, it slaps) are absolute crowd pleasers.
Where: 778 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Bringing Kiwi-style real fruit ice cream to Tugun, Chilly Bin (aka, an esky) is famous for its soft-serve-meets-smoothie hybrid made with frozen fruit blended on the spot with silky ice cream. First, you pick an ice-cream flavour for your base. Next, you choose your fruity flair. Finally, you add house-made cacao maple choc chips for that delicious crunch, and you’ve got yourself summer in a cup, or waffle cone. Consider us sold!
Where: 478 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
What do you get if you take a devoted Italian and send them to study for a diploma at the Gelato University of Carpigiani in Italy? You get Davide, the owner of Ottimo, of course! Promising superior gelato and coffee – rest assured, whatever flavour you settle on taking from this premium iced-goods purveyor is going to be the goods – it’s all made fresh and on-site daily, after all. Stroll in after an afternoon on the beach and let him and his friendly staff scoop you happy. And their signature ‘Sicily’ flavour, made with Mandarin Custard with Pistachio and Almond Caramel, sure does just that.
Where: Shop 18/52 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
There is a multitude of tasty reasons to stop by Luna’s Deli – but their desserts are number one on that list. Alongside buttery in-house pastries, they serve small-batch gelato, best enjoyed on a fresh-baked choc chip cookie topped with chocolate sauce– that’s our professional recommendation. However, each scoop is just as good on its own, whether in a cup or a cone, and one scoop is never enough.
Where: Shop 7/120 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Serving only the most authentic Italian gelato, the rainforest-studded surrounds of Tamborine’s mountainside community are the only reminder that you are, in fact, not strolling the streets of Sicily whilst sampling your delicious scoop of choice. At Tamborine Gelato, the iced goods are served old school – hidden behind the lids of a traditional Pozzetti gelato cabinet in the name of freshness. Seasonal, house-made flavours are rejigged every couple of days, with the chance to catch creamy creations like Tiramisu, Choc Mint Cookie and Honey and Rhubarb.
Where: Shop 4/15–17 Main St, Tamborine Mountain
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
