Seafood, spritzes, and savings courtesy of Sheraton Grand’s new long lunch.
Seafood, spritzes, and savings courtesy of Sheraton Grand’s new long lunch.
Terraces Restaurant at Sheraton Grand Mirage Gold Coast has long been the Gold Coast’s reigning monarch of buffets. When a local says, “I feel like seafood”, everyone automatically chants “Terraces!” in unison. But now, the iconic beachfront spot has levelled up with the buffet to end all buffets: its brand-new Signature Long Lunch Buffet, a three‑hour graze‑fest of the freshest, fanciest seafood and weekend‑worshipping indulgence. And because Terraces clearly loves locals as much as locals love Terraces, Gold Coasters score an exclusive 20% off the buffet price until 31 March. Shell yeah!
Set beside the resort’s sparkling blue lagoons, this luxe long lunch offering is leaning even harder into its premium plate pedigree, designed for leisurely afternoons, celebrations, catch-ups and “I’m not cooking this weekend” energy. The vibe is relaxed but refined, the kind of place where you can devour the finest seafood, admire the water, and pretend you’re on vacay – even if you live five minutes down the road.
And that’s not all – for those who believe long lunches should be long lunches, Terraces offers optional free-flowing beverage upgrades. Choose from mimosas, selected wines and local beers for $30 per person, or go full coastal glam with a $49 spritz package featuring a rotation of summery, sunshine-in-a-glass concoctions. It’s a delicious extra addition that pushes the long lunch firmly into “best decision we’ve made all month” territory.
The buffet itself is a glorious, ocean-kissed wonderland curated by Executive Chef Christopher Dodds, who has helmed luxury hotel kitchens across Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Translation: the man knows his way around a seafood station. Expect Oysters, Balmain bugs, Ocean King prawns, Tiger Prawns and Snow Crabs so fresh they practically RSVP’d themselves.
Chef Dodds has woven regional produce into a lineup of elevated all-you-can-eat lunch favourites – think Seared Barramundi in Salsa Verde, Baked Chicken with olives, lemon and thyme, Chicken and Waffles, Pork Belly Bao, and a silky-smooth Pumpkin and Pine Nut Quiche to name a few. There’s a live carving station for anyone who believes a buffet isn’t a buffet without something sliced in front of them, and the Cheese and Charcuterie Station is stacked with local heroes like Nimbin Valley Dairy. Finally, for those partial to a sugar hit, the dessert spread is a sweet-tooth victory lap featuring Crème Brûlée, Pavlova and Tiramisu.
The Signature Long Lunch Buffet runs every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 3pm. For non-locals, it’s $109 per adult and $59.50 per child. But for Gold Coast locals – and this is the main event – it’s 20% off the buffet food price until 31 March. As mentioned, all you need is proof of a residential postcode beginning with 42. That’s it. No secret handshake, no loyalty card, no “tell them Inside Gold Coast sent you” (though you absolutely can). Just flash your address and enjoy the satisfaction of saving money while eating like royalty.
Terraces has always been a Gold Coast favourite, but the new Signature Long Buffet Lunch is the perfect celebration of local produce, coastal living and the simple joy of spending an afternoon eating your body weight in seafood. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or just celebrating the fact that it’s the weekend, the only question left is simple: do you have your stretchy pants ready?
Where: Terraces Restaurant, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast, 71 Sea World Drive, Main Beach
When: 12pm – 3pm Saturdays and Sundays. Locals 20% offer valid until 31 March
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY SHERATON GRAND MIRAGE RESORT GOLD COAST
Dive headfirst into this list.
If you ask anyone what their numero uno ‘must have’ is when looking at staycays here in our beautiful city, chances an insta-worthy (or family-friendly) pool experience would take pole position. A pool maketh the staycay, and we’re here to give the low-down on the best pools in town coz girls (and guys) just wanna have sun…and swims…and preferably with a cocktail in hand.
Just a few sandy footsteps from Burleigh Beach, the GC’s newest hotel pool is bringing a touch of international cool to our shores. Mondrian’s Haven Pool Club is where golden hour never ends and the vibes are as crisp as the rosé flowing by the cabanas. Inspired by the world’s best beach clubs, think live DJ sets, luxe loungers, and poolside grazing that’s made for sharing (and snapping). Whether you’re here for a lazy lounge or a sunset sesh that turns into a dance floor moment, this pool scene is pure Burleigh brilliance.
Where: First Ave, Burleigh Heads
Quite possibly Australia’s best hotel pool, take a dip alongside tropical fish in the famous saltwater lagoon and sorry, it doesn’t get much cooler (literally) than this. Enjoy white sandy beaches, waterfalls, and a swim-up grotto. And, for small peeps, the freshwater pool with an epic waterslide will keep them entertained for hours while you chillax in a jacuzzi or poolside cabana #VIP.
Where: 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Swim in the crystal blue water of the one-acre saltwater lagoon, float around on colourful beanbags, or relax on a sun lounger sipping on an InterContinental coconut! There’s also a 15-metre-long terrace swimming pool and spa, surrounded by lush tropical gardens, reclining sun loungers and plenty of space for family activities. Just like Adele, you’ll be rolling in the deep (end).
Where: Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circuit, Hope Island
The Star houses an all ages-friendly, glisteningly gorg pool side area decked out with cabanas, a relaxing water feature, spas, and plenty of sun lounges and seating. Or, if you’re really hamming it up at The Darling, it’s a case of “to infinity (pool) and beyond”! Situated on the nineteenth floor with breathtaking GC views, this elegant infinity pool is a showstopper.
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Dorsett (located within The Star) doesn’t just have a pool, but its own super on-fleek Isoletto Pool Club #TooPoolForSchool! Experience the 12-metre-long viewing wall overlooking Broadbeach, delish light eats and drinks, comfy cabanas around the pool deck, as well as our fave ‘wet lounges’ built into the pool itself! They’ll even deliver your spritzers and cocktails straight to your cabana. Suns out, buns out we say!
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
With its own water park, find us a kid who won’t go bonkers for this place! Whilst the pool and spa area may be closed until the 16th of August for remedial works, the ever-popular SpongeBob Splash Pads and Aqua Play will remain open. Once the maintenance and ‘shoosh-up’ are finished, create everlasting family memories with a 50-metre lagoon, complete with waterfall and soothing 12-seater spa. Bliss!
Where: Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Whether you love a luxurious indoor pool, or prefer a five-star outdoor pool experience, The Langham has you covered. The 20-metre-long indoor pool is perfect for those channelling a (multi) million-dollar Pacific Ocean view with their workout. Meanwhile outside, another 20-metre-long outdoor pool awaits, with a highbrow swim-up pool bar, a sandy lagoon-style entrance, and plenty of swanky pool lounge chairs. Fancy feels for days!
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
Voted Australia’s Best Family Resort for years in a row, you just know this place gives a good pool! Heaven for kids and paradise for parents, it even has its own water park with a giant water playground, lagoon pool, large, heated spa and two enormous aqua play attractions. And, for mum and dad, enjoy a dedicated Parents Retreat, featuring an adults-only (eee!) swimming pool and lounge bar #KidsWhatKids?
Where: 122 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Experience beachfront bliss and soak up ‘dem luxurious feels as you take in the vast pool surrounds – 6,727 square feet of them to be exact! Plus, there’s just something about a pool that’s a hop, skip and a jump away from the ocean! Oh and remember, it’s a rite of passage to treat yo’self to a cocktail or five (daily) at the swim-up bar… no judgement.
Where: 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Relax poolside and get your zen on as you laze by the lush tropical lagoon pool at Mantra Crown Towers. There’s no “I’m bored mum” here, as the kids are too busy living their best life in the splashtastic children’s pool. With its own sandy beach, waterslide and pirate ship, they won’t want to leave – and neither will you!
Where: 19 Palm Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Aquaholics listen up coz good times and tan lines await at Mantra Sun City. With three swimming pools and a sauna, you can cool off and warm up on repeat or in the words of Dory, “just keep swimming just keep swimming”. The whipper snappers are well catered for here too, with several waterslides making their staycay an adventure they’ll always remember!
Where: 3400 Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise
We reckon we’ve seen at least 1 million poolside selfies here last year alone. An exotic poolside oasis, the Imperial Hotel showcases an award-winning 63-metre pool with its very own white sandy beach and Australia’s first-ever Water Salon. The exclusive cabanas add a whole new dimension of luxe, with breezy sheers for more private poolside luxury.
Where: 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Take the plunge at The Spring, QT’s stylish poolside precinct that’s equal parts elegance and fun. With its chic striped tiles (swaying palms and resort-style cabanas, this is one of the prettiest places to cool off on the Coast. Dip between the shimmering blue and sun-drenched lounges, then refuel with flavours inspired by Japan, Mexico and the Med. Whether you’re here for a leisurely float or a little poolside glamour, The Spring has that effortless QT sparkle.
Where: 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Bianca Trathen
The only time it’s good to have a lot on your plate.
The history of buffet style eating is a mixed affair. Its origins could be said to hark back to a mixture of cultures — from Asia to Europe. The ‘smorgasbord’ became internationally known as such at the 1939 New York World’s Fair exhibition, because the Swedes had to invent a new way of showcasing the best of Swedish food to large numbers of visitors. And the rest, as they say, is history…
Whoever can claim to have been responsible, we’re not fussed! The point is buffets — and smorgasbords — are amazing ways to reach newfound eating goals, and we’ve got quite a few exceptional ones right here on the Gold Coast. Happy binge eating, folks!
It’s the seafood buffet extravaganza in Main Beach that locals keep returning to time and time again, and as one of those locals, we can tell you it’s got all of the very best things you’ll love. Yes, fresh seafood galore but also a whole charcuterie section, an excellent Asian dish section, and so many delicious desserts to choose from. Buffet is open daily for breakfast, Saturday and Sunday for lunch and Thursday to Saturday for dinner.
Where: Level 1, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 71 Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Not only does Harvest Buffet treat their diners to top-notch eats, but they also allow patrons to feast on glistening poolside views as well. The stunning indoor and outdoor spaces are seriously as enticing as the food, and the private dining room screams “have your birthday/celebration here” and ok, if you insist…Open for breakfast and dinner daily, as well as lunch every Saturday and Sunday so you can get stuck into their famed prawn and oyster buffet, you’ll be sure to leave this place bursting at the seams. We must make special mention of their dinner offering which includes the freshest seafood like oysters, prawns, sushi, roasts from the carvery as well as crowd-pleasers like pizza, pasta, curries, soups and salads. Should we also mention they have a decadent dessert bar? Yep, complete with a chocolate fountain! It’s our buffet dreams answered!
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach
Buffet in the sky? No probs. Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise is where you’re find this gem, nestled above the city skyline so you can (literally) take your dining experience to new heights. Think breathtaking views of the city skyline from ocean to hinterland and of course, the most incredible seafood feast curated by award-winning chefs. They’ve also got vegetarians covered with a huge range of options to make sure every leaves well and truly full. All that buffet-ing is thirsty work of course, so why not treat yourself to an expertly crafted cocktail (or mocktail) to seal the deal. Open for lunch and dinner from Thursday through Sunday.
Where: Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise, 2807 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
It’s a quality over quantity affair at Il Barocco, it’s long been a favourite dining spot for buffet lovers for obvious reasons. After all, this is a 5-star luxury property we’re talking about! The team uses only the very best, locally sourced seafood and the aim of the game is to create a fresh, diverse-looking buffet, which they nail. Besides exceptional seafood, there are hot and cold meats, vegetarian dishes and the prettiest dessert section. Treat yourself to the most luxe buffet setting on the Coast. Open for breakfast daily, with Seafood buffet dinner on Saturday nights.
Where: Imperial Hotel Gold Coast, 94 Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Catering to the entire family, Frenzy’s at Southport Sharks is open for dinner and offers an extensive buffet selection featuring dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world. The all-you-can-eat buffet offers a tasty range of meats, salads, international dishes and desserts, all available between 5.30pm and 8.30pm, 7 nights a week. Yep, we don’t know about you but we have our plates ready!
Plus, Frenzy’s is now serving up a mouth-watering, heart-warming all-you-can-eat breakfast feast every Saturday and Sunday! The scrumptious selection includes all your brekkie favourites (as well as cheese and charcuterie, yes please) AND includes bottomless Bun coffee – they’ve really got everything covered.
Where: Southport Sharks, Olsen Ave & Musgrave Ave, Southport
Not a morning person? Well breakfast up in the clouds might be the closest you’ll get to staying snug in that cosy bed of yours and to be honest, I’d say this brekky is worth the wake up. With all the classics you know and love on offer to build your own big breakfast, seasonal fruits (because, summer) and even cereal if your inner child is begging for coco pops – we won’t judge. You can indulge in the food and then indulge in the view of the GC because it always looks a little prettier from up above. SkyPoint’s breakfast buffet is served every day between 7:30am – 10:30am.
Where: Q1, Level 77 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise
Many things may have changed over the years, but the yum factor of Shoreline Restaurant’s famous buffet isn’t one of them #phew. Located in the Sea World Resort, treat yourself to a balanced and plentiful breaky smorgasbord from 6.30am to 10am daily, or all-you-eat-dinner from 5.30pm to 8.30pm every Friday and Saturday (no judgement if you do both). Special dinner shout-outs go to the Queensland prawns, wide array of international dishes, juicy Chef carved meats, and delectable desserts. And let’s not forget the coastal ambience and live entertainment, satisfying all the senses.
Where: Sea World Resort, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Wake up with an expansive selection of season-inspired breakfast classics at Cove Café’s buffet. Recently reimagined with a tropic-inspired aesthetic reflecting the natural beauty of Sanctuary Cove, it’s the perfect place to start your day. Hit the live omelette station for eggs cooked your way, seasonal fruit, international dishes and naughty but oh-so-nice delicate pastries. Wash your ten outta ten breakfast down with fresh juices and Vittoria Coffee, then saunter around the glorious Sanctuary Cove shops to burn off your brekky. At least that’s our excuse…. Open seven days a week from 6.30am until 10.30am.
Where: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove
There are buffets and there are buffets and this my friends is the latter. A boujee buffet if you like (yes, we like!), Akoya is located inside The Langham Gold Coast, our go-to for luxury stays and plays. Serving up beautiful coastline views and some of Australia’s finest meat, fish, and poultry, this is a buffet connoisseur’s dream. Offering a buffet feast every Saturday night from 5.30pm to 10pm, or their signature breakfast buffet daily from 6.30am, it’s a must for any local or visitor. The only thing more delicious and high rent than the fare is the strikingly contemporary interiors, and bespoke open kitchen. Swoon!
Where: The Langham Gold Coast, 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
From brekkie platters piled high with tropical fruit to eggs cooked exactly how you like them (#PoachGoals), voco Gold Coast has your morning sorted. Sip on a fresh espresso and mix it up with healthy bites or hearty classics – or both, it’s a buffet, live a little! And if seafood is your love language, come back for the seafood buffet dinner. We’re talking whole prawns, rock oysters on the shell, Asian, Indian and Mediterranean faves, and seasonal dishes to keep things exciting. Oh – and did we mention the epic kid-friendly dessert bar? Breakfast buffet is offered daily from 6:30am – 10am, while the seafood buffet rolls out Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30pm – 9pm.
Where: voco Gold Coast, 3032 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
One of the most beautifully presented buffets around is Citrique at the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. They are renowned for a next-level, seasonal seafood selection, and folks, it is the goods. Every dish you could possibly want is available at Citrique, including yum cha, sushi, curries, antipasto, European dishes, and speciality plates you’ll fall for in a big way. If the delish food offer wasn’t enough, the view of their iconic pool is the ultimate for giving holiday vibes while you fill up on the fare. It’s open for buffet breakfast daily, with Friday and Saturday buffet sittings in the evenings and lunches Sunday.
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Bianca Trathen and Jacqueline Bojanowski
So much more than its million dollar views.
There’s no denying that Main Beach is one of those postcodes that has everything going for it. Surrounded by million dollar surf views and sprawling green space one way and the Broadwater the other – you don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to figure out why locals are so frond of flocking to this breezy, palm-flanked suburb.
Bursting at the seams with boutique shopping, dining, luxury accom and entertainment options (heck, it even boasts its own theme park), there is never any shortage of things to do, see, or eat.
The sky – or, more accurately, your credit card – is the limit.
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
We’re not sure if it’s the salt air, but clearly something magic in the air happening here. One of the many mainstays in Main Beach’s strip – Sheraton Grand Mirage has been going strong as our go-to for all things pampering since well before we were old enough to pay for our own seafood buffet (#tear). Recently refurbed and looking more luxurious than ever, whether it’s treating ourselves to a staycay or simply perching up poolside for a few hours with the famous Pearls Bar high tea, Sheraton never misses.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Winey Cow
Just when we thought brunch couldn’t be any more perfect – its boozier, bottomless iteration entered the chat. Regardless of your enthusiasm for Croissant chilli scramble chased with several Spritz to start your day, Winey Cow does both with pizzazz. Bursting onto our brunch late last year, Mornington Peninsula’s famed crew of brekkie moo-vers and shakers arrived with awards out the wazoo and mimosas in hand. Next time you roll out of bed craving a Bagel Benny, Lobster Bao, or Bloody Mary, Main Beach’s bright and breezy brekkie gem has got you.
Where: 5/11 Woodroffe Ave, Main Beach
Imperial Hotel
Another luxury jewel in Main Beach’s crown, the Seaworld Dr landmark formerly known as the Palazzo Versace has housed many a high roller in its time. Of course, locals are equally welcome to swing by and soak up its spoils and waterfront views for a weekend or a few hours. If you’re in the mood for the latter, Le Jardin’s signature bubble-studded Imperial High Tea is an excellent starting point, or if you’re a sucker for a buffet, the opulent surrounds of Il Barocco Restaurant never disappoint.
Where: 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Sea World
Not merely a fixture of the Main Beach skyline and our childhoods, no matter how many birthdays pass us by, a trip to Sea World will always slap. Particularly so, because locals have the added perk of knowing the strategic times to sashay by (hello off season) for maximum thrillage and spillage (also hello, Storm Coaster front carriage #IYKYK). Swing by, spend a few hours chillin’ with the ocean critters, hit up a few rollercoasters, then bail with an ice-cream in hand. Happy days.
Where: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Holy Ship
What do you get when you take two fishing trawlers in need of some sea-rious TLC and a trio of swashbuckling restauranteurs? Main Beach’s swell new eats and sips concept, Holy Ship Bar & Restaurant… obviousea! Teaming up with co-owner Jake Ruttley, the brains behind former local gem, Tonic on Chirn, Kane and Yvette McCarthy, have certainly moved on to bigger and berther things. Launching twin floating venues earlier this year – the team has set their sights on bringing their signature grazing-style eats and sips to the sea! You even might spy the distinctive duo – decked out in cobalt blue and white – milling about the Broadwater on private function business when they’re not at home in their Marina Mirage mooring. Good times, ahoy.
Where: Birth 7&8 Marina Mirage, Marina Commercial arm, Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Peter’s Fish Market
Can you really call yourself a Gold Coaster ‘till you’ve bookended your spit hangs (or failed fishing expedition) with a pit stop at Peter’s Fish Market? Another absolute Seaworld Drive staple, this place has been churning out the fresh seafood, fish and chippies just a stone’s throw from the Broadwater for some 30 years now. Often heaving but always worth the wait, next time you feel the Sunday scaries coming on, pack a picnic rug and head here for a feed of famously crispy chippies, fresh prawns and some of the tenderest calamari going (or, BYOB for a chip butty by the sea – bliss).
Where: 130 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Marina Mirage
Another of Main Beach’s long-standing draws, Marina Mirage has long been a local haven of all things fancy and foodie. The produce-packed farmers markets every Saturday are always fave, as are the stellar array of eateries and boutiques. Home to international and local labels such as Sonia Stradiotto Couture, when we’re in need of designer threads, Marina Mirage never fails to hook us up. When it’s world-class waterfront wining and dining we’re after, the likes of La Luna Beach Club, La Luna, Glass and Omeros Bros have got you sorted.
Where: 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
That Beach Entrance
In addition to the more obvious allure of spectacular beaches, this saltwater blessed suburb just so happens to also be home to one of the GC’s most insta-famous beach entrances. Tucked just behind Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, you’ll find the particularly picturesque beach access path framed by its synonymous and oft-papped swaying palms. Even the most seasoned locals could never tire of being greeted by that view (or snapping just one more pic on those days when the weather is really turning it on).
Where: Head to Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort and look for the giant palms.
Rosé Gelateria
Dishing up dreamy interiors every bit as delicious as its artisanal ice-based confections, it’s little surprise this upscale ‘hood is now home to one of three boutique Rosé Gelateria locations. Joining its dusty pink-bathed big sis in Sanc Cove, head here to be greeted by swoon-worthy interiors and grab a scoop (or three) of house-made gelato or freshly brewed specialty coffee. With gourmet flavours like Passionfruit Pavlova and Fig and Mascarpone, gracing its rotation, there’s always something lush and lick-worthy with your name on it.
Where: 19/21 Tedder Ave, Main Beach
Tedder Ave
Spanning the length of the suburb’s residential end, Main Beach’s ever-bustling Tedder Ave strip is an icon that needs no introductions. Packed with boutique shopping, dining and sipping spots galore, it is nigh on impossible to ever be bored or hungry here. If you’ve got time to kill post beach walk, perch up and people watch one of the cute cafés, or swing by Main Beach Bakery for your sweet treat fix. In the latter half of the day, must-visit foodie hotspots like Greek gem Xenia, Domanis and fine dining seafood destination, Shuck help this lively hotspot really come into its own.
Where: Tedder Ave, Main Beach
Words by Kellie Leader
