The Chilly Bin brings Kiwi-style real fruit ice cream to Tugun.
The Chilly Bin brings Kiwi-style real fruit ice cream to Tugun.
We love our Kiwi mates, but there’s some lingo that gets lost in translation across the ditch. Jandals and togs we can work out easily enough, but the one southern Gold Coasters will be hearing a lot more of is the chilly bin.
For those who don’t know, a humble chilly bin is the Kiwi cousin of the Aussie Esky, and now one has parked up (literally!) in Tugun. It isn’t keeping beers cold, though, it’s dishing out New Zealand–style real fruit ice cream, and locals are already lining up for a lick.
Behind the fruity fun are South Island sweethearts Jackson Cox and Alexandra Pedersen. From corporate jobs in Sydney to selling ice cream in the sunshine state, these home cooks have truly churned magic from their childhood memories.
“Going to fruit orchards and getting ice creams is hands down our favourite way to enjoy ice cream. It just made sense to share it with Australia!”
After moving to the Gold Coast in early 2024, the pair gravitated to the southern beaches they adored. For months they hustled from their home on the GC to Brisbane markets every weekend, trying to convince early birds that 6am is, in fact, a perfectly acceptable time for ice cream.
They always knew, however, that the Gold Coast was the natural place for their dream, so when the opportunity arose, they snapped up a sunny corner straight away.
The Chilly Bin sits in an open space in Tugun’s shopping strip, a relaxed, family-friendly hangout with umbrellas for shade and games to play.
Yes, this chilly bin is a bit bigger than most because it’s actually a real horse float, one that was used to cart horses. In pure Kiwi DIY fashion, the couple gutted it, polished it up and turned it into the cutest ice-cream chariot this side of the Tasman.
Now to the scoop (pun very much intended).
Frozen fruit is blended on the spot with silky ice cream, creating a soft-serve-meets-smoothie-hybrid.
First, pick your base. Ice cream is made from scratch with whole ingredients and absolutely no preservatives. Milk, cream, egg yolks, vanilla beans or coconut milk and olive oil for a dairy-free dream, all whipped with raw local honey into a creamy, clean canvas ready to meet whatever fruit of the week makes the cut.
The next step is choosing your fruity flavour. Mixed berry and mango are cult favourites, while weekly specials like passionfruit will keep locals returning every week. You can pick up to three fruits to mix in, and the end result is edible art.
Add in house-made cacao maple choc chips and you’ve got yourself summer in a cup, or waffle cone.
So next time you’re craving a chill sesh, slap on your togs and jandals, then head to The Chilly Bin in Tugun to get your scoop on.
Where:478 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
When: Friday 2pm–5:30pm, Sat and Sun 12pm–5:30pm
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Belinda Symons
Beach, brews, blooms and so much more.
All right be honest, when was the last time you made it south of the legendary Talle Creek? We Gold Coasters are creatures of habit and we’re kindaaaa guilty of not venturing too far from the familiarity of our own suburbs so you know that means two things… 1. There’s a whole city of gems waiting for you to explore and 2. The locals know what’s up which is why we’ve done some snooping around Tugun to find out their favourite hang outs so you can just go and lap up the good times.
Nestled at the southern end of the Gold Coast, Tugun (or Tuges, as the locals say) as a beachside village is sleepy no more, meshing laid-back vibes with a vibrant community spirit and we are here for it. It’s a slice of paradise that locals love for its stunning shoreline, thriving foodie scene, and unique mix of boutique shopping and wellness hotspots. Here’s why Tugun holds a special place in the hearts of Gold Coasters.
Something to sip and snack
The foodie culture down here is something else, to get the day going Niche & Co has long reigned the Southern GC as THE place to your caffeine and brekky fix to nourish the bod before you start your day – if a quick bite is more your speed then The Fox’s Pantry has pastries aplenty as well as other bits and bobs like gifts and groceries to keep you going. Okay so this one might not be your usual kind of coffee haunt but Made Barber & Barista have brought us the combo we didn’t even know we needed – pop down to grab your morning brew and leave with a sharp new cut, two birds one coffee!
When seaside it’s mandatory to treat yourself to a spot of lunch and beach walk – well in our book, anyway. Sticky Rice is the home of some of the GC’s best Thai dishes – if you haven’t tried their Street BBQ Chicken, do it immediately. If little bites are what you’re looking for Lucia Tapas’ coastal cool and Spanish style tapas are a must-try, bonus points if you can get there for tapas and drinks happy hour Wednesday through Sunday because cozzie lives guys, we’re here for value for money honey.
Who said daytime has to have all the fun? When the suns away the margs will play or something like that and as luck would have it, Backbone Bar have them well covered. Crack open a tinnie or watch your fresh draught pour from the tap and kick back with their signature Asian-fusion eats. Perfect for catching up with mates or kickstarting your night out.
Shop (local) ‘til you drop
Tugun might be small but their retail offering is absolutely mighty, Tugun Fruit & Flowers is a family owned gem that is known not just for the freshest produce in town, but for their killer acai bowls – a summer staple if you ask us – grab your groceries, a smoothie (go on, you’ve earned it) and treat yourself to their selection of seasonal blooms for the ultimate act of *self care*.
For those bigger shops, Tugun Market Co has a bit of everything so you can stock up the pantry with all of your favourite things – they’ve even got a dedicated fromagerie and since cheese is the way to our hearts you know we’re all about it – if you’re lacking in the cooking inspo department then worry not because these local legends have an epic selection of recipes from Lemon Asparagus Risotto to Veggie Soups to get the creative juices flowing.
So Cornerstone Stores is more than just a shopping destination, they’re basically a hub of all things boutique shopping, artisan cafes and wellness with curated must-haves and even its own Pilates studio! Its ultra-aesthetic vibe is what first caught our attention but the collection of goodies you won’t find at any old store kept us coming back – think of it as a modern-day village within a village.
Keep it clean
The locals down here have a rep for embracing sustainable living so you best believe we trusted them when we heard Consciously Clean is THE place to grab all the eco-friendly staples and low-tox products so we can all live cleaner lives, grab your bottles and fill up with refillable household items and bespoke gifts to treat yourself or someone you love.
Community and culture
Chances are you’ve already been to something mega fun at the faithful Tom Atkin Hall, the cultural heartbeat of Tugun, it’s been around since the 1960’s and locals are a big fan. They host everything from crafty workshops to theatre and line dancing, so hosting everything from art workshops to yoga classes. It’s the go-to spot for locals who love connecting, creating and sharing in the Arts. There’s always a load of fun things on the schedule so check it out and try something different for the first time in a long time!
Tugun Bowls Club is where community spirit meets laid-back fun. Tucked away in the backstreets, this clubhouse offers more than just bowls, but Barefoot Sundays are a local fave. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon on the greens with friends and family, soaking up the coastal vibes.
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski
Roll on up with the crew.
If there is something more quintessentially Australian than getting into some barefoot bowls on a sunny afternoon, then we have never heard of it. Right here on the Gold Coast, this pastime has never been more at home; mixed with our relaxed lifestyle and incredible weather, bowls and the Gold Coast are simply made for one another.
Trends have changed, and bowls is no longer associated with just the elder portion of society (apart from the fact most of these folks are pretty good when it comes to hitting the greens), because why should they have all the fun!? The slow-paced and uber sociable aspects of this game are what time off in the sunshine is all about: no rushing around required at all.
Here are four spots to spend an untroubled afternoon sipping drinks and enjoying some fine food — all with a dash of competition thrown in there for good measure!
Burleigh Heads Bowls Club
This is the place to gather your squad and spend an arvo when you find yourself in the bustling heartland of Burleigh Heads. Steeped in history dating back to 1937, the historic club has barefoot bowls available between 12pm – 5pm on Sunday afternoons for only $10 per person (Tuesday to Saturday, you can play after 5pm). Due to its insane popularity, there are two sessions – from 12pm to 2.30pm and 2.30pm to 5pm. Make sure you book! If you’ve never played barefoot bowls, don’t worry, they even have coaches to help get you started. Once you’ve worked up a hunger from all the action, the Village Green restaurant is right on hand seven days a week with a plethora of great dishes and specials.
Where: Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Tugun Bowls Club
Located on Kaleena Street, Tugun Bowls and Community Club is a club run by bowlers for bowlers, with the prettiest of manicured greens and good times aplenty. Perpetually bathed in glorious sunshine, why not enjoy a drink from the well-stocked bar or eat up a storm five days a week. Every Thursday, you’ll find 50% off the menu — so be sure to book ahead for a table as it gets busy! Picnic by the Green is a lively barefoot bowls session kicking off at 2pm on Sundays with live entertainment and a selection of tasty street food at your disposal. All that is left is to insert you and your gang for $10 per rink.
Where: Kaleena St, Tugun
Club Broadbeach
Just steps from the sand, Club Broadbeach is a go-to for a relaxed afternoon by the coast. You and your crew can enjoy two hours of barefoot bowls for just $10 per person an easy, crowd-pleasing way to catch up, celebrate or get a little competitive with mates. Choose from four championship-level greens, kick off your shoes and let the games begin. When it’s time to refuel, The Matador Bistro has you covered with a generous menu packed with flame-grilled favourites, seafood platters, pizzas and more.
Where: 169 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Club Musgrave Bowls
Tucked away in Southport, you’ll find this stellar venue of bowls and one of the oldest clubs on the entire Coast. Carefree barefoot bowls is available throughout the week across their fully shaded greens and is only $5 per person! So turn up, throw off your shoes, and you’re well on your way to having some serious fun! At heart, a community-driven club, there’s always entertainment going down across the weekend, raffles galore, and kids are made most welcome. Bistro 4215 is your go-to after you’ve hit the greens, for a refreshing bevvie and tasty tucker. It’s also worth noting, locals should plan ahead, as their courtesy bus can really make the afternoon hitting the green a breeze.
Where: 104 Musgrave Avenue, Southport
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
Big flavours, small bills.
Why blow the budget when you can feast like a king for the price of a jester? We’re talking wallet-friendly feeds that still slap harder than your mate’s group chat memes.
Whether you’re ballin’ on a budget or just love a bargain (honestly, who doesn’t?), we’ve sniffed out the Gold Coast’s tastiest cheap eats for your weekend munchies. Ready, set, unbuckle that belt.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
