Burnt Croissants is our favourite roadside pastry phenomenon.
Burnt Croissants is our favourite roadside pastry phenomenon.
What a treat it is when you come across a roadside stand loaded with home-grown goodies. If you’re always down for a pit-stop to stock up on all the juiciest and plumpest farm gate provisions, we’re going to blow your mind with a red-hot roadside viennoiserie venture known as Burnt Croissants. Did somebody say drive-by danish? Yes, yes we did… scroll-y moly, you guys!
The brainchild of local baking fanatic, Lucy Davis, Burnt Croissants is something of a paddock-to-plate situation where punters can swing by and pick up painstakingly hand-crafted Croissants, Pain Au Chocolat and just-baked Cinnamon Scrolls fresh from the gate and directly into their face-holes.
Based a 20 minute drive inland from Burleigh in Austinville, this little pastry venture is certainly taking the road less travelled. Undoubtedly the most delectable (and downright genius) roadside operation in all of 4213. Every Sunday, Lucy sets up shop to hawk her hand-crafted wares direct from the front gate of her childhood abode… and locals are eating. it. up.
From 8am on any given Sunday, you can find Lucy’s wholesome, market-vibing pop up, fronting the back streets of the picturesque Numinbah Valley. Camped out beneath the trademark red marquee and trestle tables, savvy locals can secure their pre-orders via DM or text. Or, try their luck at nabbing the likes of fresh-baked Custard Danishes and Almond Croissants, from the rotation of signature extra-golden goodies available on the day. Complete with op shop bunting and hand-painted signage hung on the fence… it’s all very #cottagecore and we love it.
Like all the best pie-in-the-sky ideas, it was a reel (and a sprinkling of scroll-induced serendipity) that initially led Lucy to set her sights on this butter-based project.… cheers #foodstagram, we owe ya one! The nominated family ‘birthday cake maker’, Lucy says she has been baking at home ever since she can remember. Self-taught pastry sensation Lucy credits her talent to many an hour spent poring over ‘countless cookbooks and Pinterest recipes’.
Setting aside an entire weekend to conquer the perfect croissant, Lucy quickly discovered her deep love for the challenging craft of viennoiserie. From there Lucy launched straight into her first event at the community Spring Fair. Selling out within one hour, her stall was a smash hit – and, the ‘rest’, as they say, is history!
Lucy’s extra-caramelized creations quickly became somewhat of a signature. And thus, Burnt Croissants was soon born, and not unlike the making of a good croissant, the story of the name comes with quite the twist. A customer slid into Lucy’s DM’s after one of her first stalls to request that the treats be made less toasty as “these border on being burnt”. The message inspired Lucy to lean into her delectably cronchy point-of-difference.
We love a good success story – especially one that looks, smells and tastes this good? Now if you’ll excuse us, we’ve got to get in our preorders for next weekend.
Where: 368 Austinville Rd, Austinville
When: Sunday, 8 am until sold out on Wednesdays at Evergreen Markets, Robina from 6:30am
Words by Kellie Leader
Because you only dessert the best!
Are you the kind of person who skips right to the desserts page of a menu? Yep, well, you’re not alone. Taking tactical consideration of what sweet things can and will follow is a clever move by anyone’s standard. Luckily we are spoilt for choice with sweet treats and desserts on the Gold Coast.
Why not seek to fix that sweet craving you have? Here’s our list of the best places on the Gold Coast to grab a dessert, worthy of that extra time on the treadmill!
As if all self-control didn’t already tank at the mere sound of the word Tarte, our reigning pastry queen Chloe Watts is taking over the Gold Coast sweet scene with Tarte in Burleigh and Tarte Beach House in Currumbin #havemercy #we’reweak. Tarte’s trademark goodies taste even better when devoured on the banks of Currumbin’s picture-perfect creek, blowing the bar previously set by our OG dessert darling out of the water.
And just when we thought we had reached peak sweetness, Tarte takes us to new heights with the launch of Tarte Tea Garden in Currumbin, serving up bite-sized pastries, blooms and boujee brews in a high tea paradise. Pinkies at the ready!
Where: 2 West Street, Burleigh Heads and 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin
Inventive, indulgent, and darn tasty in every department: Bam Bam Bakehouse is the goods — period. The line of sweets and desserts are nothing short of mesmerising (even attracting the likes of Margot Robbie and Matt Preston).
With so many mouthwatering morsels on offer, attempting to choose only a couple of them is a challenging feat (as is not allowing ourselves to immediately to scarf down the lot).
Where: 2519 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
For all you night owls looking for sweet treats, swing into a towering swirl of creamy acai, the ultimate soft-serve dream. Each bowl is loaded with fresh strawberries, bananas, and crunchy granola. You can then drizzle on your favourite sauce or get adventurous with something new. Fan favourites? Biscoff, Bueno and Pistachio. Drool!
The acai is a dessert in itself, but there’s also deep-fried ice cream if you want to send that sweet tooth on a home run. We drool again**
Where: 2/32 Davenport St, Southport
Dessert lovers, assemble, Janus Deli is bringing you the sugar-laced playground you didn’t know you needed. These retro-inspired spots are slinging Golden Gaytime donuts, the iconic cookie-donut Dough-kie, and iced Biscoff lattes that are basically dessert in a cup.
Whether you’re vibing beachside at the Surfers Paradise deli or hitting up the OG Molendinar bakehouse, one thing’s guaranteed: your sweet tooth is in for a wild (and wildly delicious) ride.
Where: 12 Hanlan Street, Surfers Paradise & Shop 14, Crestwood Plaza, 458 Olsen Ave, Molendinar
5B2F Ciabatta is Southport’s newest slice of heaven, straight from the legends at Chirn Park’s 5B2F Bakehouse. After a decade of delighting Gold Coasters, owner Moonsun Yoo has dropped this second location to serve up mouth-watering ciabatta sandwiches, dreamy pastries, and cakes that steal the spotlight.
For those looking to celebrate, whole cakes are available daily, with flavours ranging from vanilla chiffon to baked cheesecakes piled high with fresh cream and glistening fruit. Time to plan a party!
Where: 29 Davenport St, Southport
Eastern Europe’s cult-favourite dessert has officially landed at Harbour Town, and yes — we’re completely obsessed! Swieetie is serving up freshly made soft-serve in a swirl of flavours, piled high with fruits, candies, and drizzles to match every sweet craving.
The showstopper? The Dubai Chimney Cake: crisp on the outside, fluffy within and stacked with toppings your sugar-loving heart will thank you for. Freshly baked, seriously indulgent and absolutely worth every bite of the sugar rush.
Where: Harbour Town, 147-189 Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters
Husband and wife duo, Jen & Antonio Marchesi are the French maestros behind some mighty salivating goodies at this Robina bakery, and what these folks don’t know about sweet and crunchy European desserts frankly isn’t worth knowing!
Don’t delay. Head along for the shiniest looking caramel eclairs and the flakiest known pain au chocolats this side of the equator — Bon appétit!
Where: Shop 5/361 Robina Parkway, Robina
Is a breakfast dessert a thing? If it’s not, we’re officially calling it. And if you find yourself down by the ever-majestic Tallebudgera Creek dipping in its crystal clear waters, we suggest you hot foot it right away to Custard Canteen.
Get into some great coffee — and a bacon & egg burger to end all burgers — before rounding things off with one of their ooze-tastic cookies or the flakiest of Portugese tarts. YUM!
Where: 1525 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
If you live in or around Tamborine, and haven’t yet wrapped your mitts (and tastebuds) around some Franquette… frankly, it’s time to re-evaluate your priorities (unless you’re gluten-free, obvi, in which case, commiserations).
Under the expert eye of master baker Jérôme Favier, Franquette (pronounced Fraen-ket) assuages hinterland hankerings with authentic French-style sweets, rolls and scrolls, and of course, the ever-crescent croissant.
Where: 1/159 Long Rd, Tamborine Mountain
One of the Gold Coast’s game-changing cafes, the level of baked and sweet goods that these guys consistently punch out is utterly jaw-dropping.
If you haven’t treated yourself to several (hundred) coffee dates at one of the cutest mini-Queenslander’s gracing the GC… welcome, you must be new here?! To remedy this immediately, we suggest you get together some of your nearest and dearest and get in on some brunch action before you launch a full-scale attack on the cracker assortment of sweets.
Be sure to try the crowd-fave Biscoff Cheesecake Doughnut or their whopping 1kg Giant Cookie! (Remember, Mum says sharing is caring.)
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
We’ve been giddy over Basque since the gorg new specialty bakehouse-cum-sippery sauntered into Chirn Park in 2023, bearing mind-blowingly good cheesecake and French champagne. Umm, did we just become best friends?! Two of our very favourite modes of celebration under one chic roof – consider us, and our ‘coffee and cake catch up’ standards, spoiled forevermore.
Owners Laura and Zach Guertin devised the dreamy concept in answer to the age-old conundrum, ‘what should I bring?’ – and yeah, we can attest, one taste of Laura’s incredible creations and you’ll forget alll about the box of Favourites.
Luckily for the lot of us, we need not wait for a special occasion to partake in their signature Spanish Cheesecake and Champagne selection, with both available by the slice, and glass – any old time you please to cheese.
Where: 33b Musgrave Ave, Chirn Park
All hail the buttery king-of-pastries, the mighty croissant (controversial? We think not). Chevron’s sweet-snackery, Dipcro Pastry, delivers our sweet fix in the form of artisan baked goods like cinnamon buns, croissants, mille feuille and palmiers. This year, Dipcro went all out to bestow upon us a knockout second site in Main Beach. Talk about double dipping!
The venue’s namesake and signature item (a play on the words ‘Dip’ and ‘Croissant’– à la, ‘Dipcro’), invites us to take the blessed croissant to a whole new level – served with an array of signature toppings & fillings for your dunking pleasure. Oh if we must.
Where: 55 Thomas Dr, Chevron Island and 1/27 Tedder Ave, Main Beach
The very aptly named My Favourite Baker is one beloved among locals as a lifeline for incredible, last-minute cakes (that look and taste anything but).
The GC’s everyday cake heroes ‘crumb’ through with the (baked) goods – delivering same day turnaround on their delectable range of cakes and cupcakes almost every day of the year. Saving our bacon bakin’ from all kinds of sticky, special occasion situations, ‘logistical oversights’ and baking fails – with rave reviews, might we add. Phew! *backs slowly away from the packet mix*
Forgotten occasion? What forgotten occasion?
Only bulk brownie points to be found here (shhh.. it’ll be our little secret).
Where: 4/1 Inventory Ct, Arundel
This gastronomic Graceland has brought all things doughy and delicious to Hope Island Marketplace. Whether you’re vibing something sweet or savoury … or both … this is your one-stop-shop. From loaded croissants to crave-worthy doughnuts, every bite is, yep, you guessed it: dough-licious.
But let’s take a moment to shout out their NYC Biscoff Cookie. It’s so good that it often sells out (as do many of their noms) so get in early to enjoy this crowd-fave Biscoff banger!
Where: 99-103 Broadwater Ave, Hope Island
Need a little fuel to power through your day? This bakehouse is the pit stop your appetite has been waiting for. The beloved southside bakers set up a third location in the heart of Burleigh last year so north Gold Coasters could get a taste a little closer to home. The handcrafted pastries and fresh loaves are carb heaven, it’s no wonder they supply to cafes all across the coast.
Wash a nutella donut or two down with a perfectly brewed coffee and you’ll feel refuelled, re-energised and maybe start to call Fuel your regular.
Where: 1/23 James Street, Burleigh Heads, 44 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters and 39/45 Tweed Coast Rd, Bogangar
This froyo bar is a swirl of endless possibilities. Flipping the script on burgers and froyo, YOMG is serving up stacked, snackable goodness in both Broadbeach and Burleigh. Whether you’re in the mood for fun with friends or to treat yo’self, YOMG is the ultimate pit stop.
From cookies and cream to key lime pie, you can choose your own yoghurt adventure with toppings like fresh fruit, sticky spreads, chocolate and biscuits.
Where: Pacific Fair (opposite Sephora), Broadbeach and 15 Connor St, Burleigh Heads
Don’t let the name fool you — Burnt Croissants is serving up buttery, flaky perfection like no other. Starting as a roadside stall, from 2025, you’ll now find Lucy Davis and her legendary pastries exclusively at various markets around the Gold Coast. This self-taught pastry queen is renowned for croissants and baked goods so good they’re worth hunting down.
Keep an eye on their socials to find out where they’ll pop up next, and make sure to arrive early to snag a taste of the magic!
Where: Various markets including Wednesdays at Evergreen Markets, Robina
A deli-cious addition to Kingscliff, George’s is serving up New York-inspired flavours, infused with Filipino influences and a side of nostalgia. Run by a talented husband-and-wife duo, Johnny Ang and his wife Jerrika, the compact menu consists of hearty sandwiches, fresh salads and charcuterie boards that are almost too pretty to eat.
But trust us – there’s one thing you’ll want to devour immediately, and that’s the handmade donuts! The Ube Donut weaves the distinct flavour of the purple yam into a soft donut sandwich. We’re not saying we’d marry a donut, but…
Where: Shop 3, 106 Marine Pde, Kingscliff
Words by Kellie Leader and Lisette Drew
Lettuce show you the goods.
Farm life is the good life – wide open skies, fresh air and of course, tasty foods straight from the ground and into your hungry face.
Because the Gold Coast is the greatest place on Earth, we are blessed with both beautiful beaches and farmland where said foods can be grown happily and healthily.
Here are six farms where you can go and grab yourself some straight-outta-the-ground-goods.
Freeman’s Organic Farm
An entirely family owned affair, Freeman’s Organic Farm is already much-loved amongst Gold Coasters. Established in 1915, the farm became became the largest banana farm in Australia in the 20s with over 100 acres of bananas. These days you can purchase their organic goodies from the Farm Stall but make sure to check their Instagram page first because they sell out quickly.
Where: 618 Tomewin Mountain Road, Currumbin Valley
Farm & Co. Kingscliff
No doubt your Insta feed has been flooded with pretty pics from Farm & Co.’s sunflower fields at some point in the past but did you know they also have a little shop from which you can purchase fresh produce? Yep, they do. The Farm Store is stocked with organically grown produce from the working farm and they sourced other produce fresh from other suppliers. Have a wander through the farm and then stock up on goodies before you head home.
Where: 529 Cudgen Rd, Cudgen
Ground Grocer
Ground Grocer is a family-run organic grocery store with daily deliveries of lettuce, cucumber and seasonal vegetables from their farm in the Ecovillage and a team of local growers. Their bees are also working hard to keep them stocked with beautiful honey.
Where: 4 Village Way, Currumbin Valley
Tropical Fruit World
Tropical Fruit World is175 acres of land in the Tweed Valley which it would seem is the perfect place to grow tropical fruit. You can (and should) purchase boxes of said tropical fruit plus boxes of avocados and treats like farm honey, macadamia nuts and dried fruit. Order online and opt to get it delivered if you like.
Where: 29 Duranbah Rd, Duranbah
Blueberry Fields
Blueberry Fields is a family-owned blueberry orchard nestled in the scenic Byron hinterland of northern New South Wales. About an hour’s drive from the GC, it’s the perfect spot for a fun day out. During October, swing by on Sunday mornings to pick your very own blueberry buckets and experience the joy of farm-fresh goodness firsthand. They have a small farm gate stall set up in front of the orchard. Drop by to pick up the freshest berries. They stock the stall whenever fruit is available.
Where: 769 Fernleigh Rd, Brooklet, NSW
Chambers Flat Strawberry Farm
Chambers Flat Strawberry Farm is a family-run operation spanning generations of strawberry growers. They’ve turned their passion into a full-fledged family affair. Swing by their Farm Shop any day of the week for a taste of their farm-fresh strawberries and mouthwatering strawberry ice cream, crafted from their own strawberries and vanilla ice cream, blended right before your eyes for a truly delicious real fruit treat!
During growing season (July – December) you can PYO (pick your own) strawberries amongst the fields. Located approximately an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast.
Where: 912 Chambers Flat Rd, Chambers Flat
Words by Belinda Symons.
In Dipcro Pastry we crust.
In case you’re not already a-croissant the news, something epic has been a ‘cookin in Chevron, with the locale keeping under wraps news of a very delicious bun baking away in its CBD.
The central spot has welcomed brand new addition, Dipcro Pastry – a patisserie specialising in the scrumptious pastry art of all things puff, a development that we’re #flakingout over. Because life’s just butter with a freshly baked pastry in hand, no?
One thing is for sure, pastry is officially the only form of ‘flaky’ we’ll accept in 2023, and to be clear we plan on graciously accepting it verrry often.
Our personal baked good dispensary, we mean.. the new patisserie has taken up residence on Chevron’s Thomas Dr thoroughfare, which, depending on how you look at it – is either very good or very bad news as far as #snaccidents are concerned.
Evelyn and Michael, the entrepreneur duo behind Dipcro, have combined their superpowers to bring the new venture to life – Evelyn, a graduate of the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu brings extensive pastry experience, while Michael brings his big brain energy to the biz backend.
The pair go on to spill the tea, or pastry – that it was Evelyn who first dared to dream those big, shop sized dreams, whilst Michael, the hype man behind the operation, became the driving force behind making those sweet dreams a reality.
Some might say they were born and bread for the #breadlyf, with their family back in Indonesia already spending some 50 years perfecting the secret recipe to their burgeoning bakery empire.
The duo went on to crumb up with the name Dipcro for the new venture – a play on combing the words ‘Dip’ and ‘Croissant’, à la the signature mode of serving the croissant with an array of signature toppings & fillings, for your dunking pleasure.
Just follow your nose to find the unmistakable aroma of baked goods and coffee permeating the Thomas Dr promenade, the French-vibing B&W awnings your second hint of what awaits.
The Clui Design influence on the interior space is evident, with their trademark chic, white on white vibe (one that avid pastry aficionados might already be familiar with from Sanc Cove’s Rise Bakery) a solid clue of their part in #nailing yet another local fit out.
Framing the back wall, the illuminated Dipcro insignia makes a valiant effort stand out among a sea of pastries, while the La Marzocco espresso machine (aka the sexiest machine known to mankind) is a a sight for sore eyes – sitting pride of place and punching out irresistible Campos coffees #onrepeat.
But enough drooling over inanimate objects.. let’s cut to the cake. The signature Dipcro, has one of the strongest supporting casts since The Godfather graced our screens, with Cinnamon Buns, Croissants, Mille Feuille and Palmiers all making offers we can’t refuse.
And yeah, Dipcro is really not flaking around here.
In fact, it might just be the best thing to come to Chevron since ‘iced’ bread. So crumb on GC.. get amongst it.
Where: 55 Thomas Drive, Chevron Island,
When: Daily 7am–2:30pm
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
