Newbie Dark Fluid Espresso now open.
Newbie Dark Fluid Espresso now open.
European people are exceptional at many things; equality, being ridiculously good looking, fashion, architecture they don’t knock down for the sake of a few dollars, literature, okay, okay they’re exceptional at everything.
At the very top of that list though, Europeans are connoisseurs of fine coffee and good food, made with love and conveniently, those are two of our favourite things.
Which is why it makes us extremely happy that a brand new European-inspired eatery opened in Robina recently bringing all the fine coffee and good food we could possibly wish for.
The newbie is called Dark Fluid Espresso and it’s the work of two absolutely delightful Europeans (obviously) whose goods you’ve probably sampled, and loved, before.
Sonia and Jovan Ivanovski owned the much-loved deli (plus a few others across the Coast) that once lived where The Kitchens now stands at Robina Town Centre stocking all of the European meats and cheeses and coffee and what an absolute treat that place was.
Anyway, all that goodness has now been moved just a short stroll away to the Easy T Centre and that’s good news for everyone.
The space boasts indoor and outdoor seating with ALL of the car parks out front and a cosy, welcoming vibe that’ll make you feel right at home.
Menu-wise you can expect the very best brunch goodies sprinkled with a little of that European flair and washed down with Wilde coffee fresh out of Melbourne.
A couple of favourites included the Black Truffle Eggs with semi-dried tomatoes, grilled asparagus, prosciutto, Parmesan cheese, sourdough and truffle oil. Perfectly balanced tastiness.
We also enjoyed the Smashed Avocado (of course) because there was a whole lot of avocado plus feta, Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, radishes, roasted seeds and fresh mint on rye bread – perhaps the best we’ve ever had.
There’s also a delightful Haloumi Burger and Vanilla Pancakes and we would like to eat every single one a few more times thank you very much.
For an after-brunch treat there are homemade (by Sonia) cakes and slices, European specialties and also of the good old caramel variety and if you’re more into takeaway type situations there’s delicious sandwiches, wraps and salads for your lunching pleasure.
In summary, if you’re after a homestyle, flavour-packed feast with a side of fine coffee and that European welcoming vibe you no doubt love, look no further than Dark Fluid Espresso.
They would love to have you.
LOCATION: Easy T Centre, 510 Christine Ave, Robina
HOURS: Monday to Saturday 6.30am to 4pm and Sunday 7am until 3pm
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
This ‘burb has all the bells and whistles.
Pop quiz! Where’s one place on the Gold Coast, where you can shop till you drop, eat your body weight in quality nosh, wander amongst stunning natural parklands and more? It’s Robina! There’s also a hospital and train station, but unfortunately, they’re not exciting enough to make our list.
Here are 18 things that are exciting enough to make our list.
Say ciao to Robina’s (perhaps, Gold Coast’s) most authentic and downright delicious pasta joint! The artisan pasta boutique store is brought to us by a European mother and daughter duo – how could it not be? Made with high-quality durum wheat semolina (rich in fibre, protein, vitamin B, and also digestion-friendly), their fresh-as pasta can be paired with a selection of their no-nasties, slow-cooked sauces. The best!
Where: Easy T Centre, 514 Christine Avenue, Robina
The Euro food tour continues at My French Pastries- a slice of Paris right in Robina. They deliver made-from-scratch croissants, tarts, and decadent desserts, with each pastry crafted with high-quality ingredients that keep locals coming back for more (and more and more). Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.
Where: Shop 5, 4226/361 Robina Pkwy, Robina
Home of our beloved Titans, CBUS Super Stadium is one of the best regional stadiums in Australia and it’s ours, all ours (insert wicked snigger). Not only do Gold Coasters spend their weekends cheering on the boys here, but we’ve also been lucky enough to watch A-league and international football games, the Nitro Circus, and the Rugby 7s as part of the Commonwealth Games. High five to CBUS for being our homegrown hub of sporting joy.
Where: Centreline Place, Robina
An intimate 24-seat Asian bar and restaurant offering a modern take on Southeast Asian cuisine. The menu showcases creative dishes from Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, inspired by vibrant street food flavours and regional classics. With its cosy setting, flavour-packed plates and a Chef Hat from the Australian Good Food Guide for 2025, it’s a top pick for both date nights and group dining.
Where: 44 Commerce Dr, Robina
She’s smart, she’s stunning- she’s Bond University. Yes, Robina is home to the prestigious and world-class institution that helps current and future generations reach their biggest goals! Bond combines innovative teaching, a supportive campus community, and beautiful surroundings to create an inspiring study environment.
Where: 14 University Drive, Robina
The spacious, sports-themed bar and restaurant made a big splash on Robina Town Centre when it first moved in and continues to do so in 2023. Within The Sporting Globe there are no less than 50 high definition screens including two 5m2 screens and a nine-screen video wall, so yeah nah, you’re not missing a single second of the action. They’re also serving up perfect sport-watching food, frosty bronsons galore, and an all-round cracking good atmosphere. It’s a sure thing.
Where: The Promenade, Robina Town Centre, Robina
Calling all dog lovers! This expansive dog park is the perfect place for your furry friend to run, play, and socialise safely. With plenty of open space and shaded areas, it’s ideal for a weekend outing with your four-legged family members.
Where: Lot 21 Robina Pkwy, Clear Island Waters
A vibrant café serving wholesome, flavour-packed meals crafted from fresh, local ingredients. Harvest Foodhouse is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a relaxed lunch, with mouthwatering options like lamb shoulder tacos, cauliflower steak with a white bean hummus, loaded savoury croissants and triple-choc waffles. You’re gonna need to make a few trips.
Where: 361 Robina Parkway, Robina
The playground to end all playgrounds! Greenheart Robina Parklands is a 22.5-hectare wonderland with towering slides, net bridges, trampolines, swings, water play, and a toddler zone, all fully fenced with an onsite café (hallelujah). Kids can pedal off to the bike track with humps, bumps, and traffic signs, while parents chill under shady umbrellas. Add in walking paths, a boardwalk, half basketball court and a dog park, and you’ve got the ultimate family day out.
Where: Stadium Dr, Robina
A tried and tested (regularly. Very regularly….) favourite, Robina Pav features a sleek look’n’feel, dreamy deck overlooking the water, a specialised kids area, and plenty of good vibes. Boasting a menu packed with epic eats from woodfired pizzas to stacked burgers, it would be rude not to get involved with the impressive cocktail menu #IfWeMust. It’s the perfect spot for sun-soaked afternoon sessions with you posse.
Where: 229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina
A modern Australian rooftop bar and restaurant, Green Fields serves up flavour-packed dishes with a focus on quality produce and sustainability. The stylish rooftop setting makes it ideal for enjoying a meal while taking in the Robina skyline.
Where: 94 Laver Dr, Robina
A yakitori-focused Japanese-Korean grill in Robina, known for its smoky binchotan charcoal skewers. The menu features wagyu beef, free-range chicken, veggie options, and fresh seafood, paired with Japanese whisky, beer, and wine. Perfect for casual dinners or a night out.
Where: 126/128 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina
If open spaces and oodles of greenery, in the middle of a city no less, is your thing (yes please), Cheltenham Park is the business. There are plenty of areas for the kids – human and fury – to run themselves ragged (#yeahmums!) bushwalking tracks, and big leafy trees to stretch out beneath with a picnic and your favourite people. Perfect for escaping the rat race without chewing through the petrol in search of a tree change.
Where: Cheltenham Drive, Robina
Cocoflufferia by Goji is the all-new dessert wonderland, where dairy-free decadence meets a candy-land of toppings! Grab a bowl of their light and fluffy vegan soft serve, then go crazy with a line-up of delicious toppings like pistachio kanufa, Bueno, pistachio and Nutella sauce, Biscoff crumbs, mini mochi, M&Ms and fresh fruits!
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina
Step into a world of optical illusions and interactive 3D art. Artvo is not only visually stunning but also a playground for your imagination, offering endless photo opportunities and fun for all ages.
Where: Ground Floor, Near the Kitchens, next to Lush, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
Riva is the home of sleek and stylish premium workspaces that make the 9-to-5 grind feel…well, less grindy. They’re designed to foster productivity and creativity by combining comfort, style, and convenience, with both private and co-working options.
Where: 2/14 Edgewater Court, Robina
Small Fry offers a modern twist on classic Australian seafood. One of their signature dishes is the Bug Bao– lightly battered bug meat in a steamed bun with coleslaw, chilli, shallots, lime, and sriracha mayo. Don’t walk, run! Pair that with a serve of their Family Parmesan and Truffle Fries, and damnnnnn!
Where: 273 Scottsdale Drive, Robina
Your most Instagrammable matcha moments await at Matcha Therapy- where everything is made with ceremonial grade matcha powder from Uji, Japan. Sit, sip and shop your way through matcha heaven.
Where: 129 Laver Drive, Robina
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Alpine Indoor Climbing is the first of its kind on the Coast.
Remember as a child when climbing to the top of things was the absolute greatest achievement possible? Well turns out, even as an adult, reaching (literal) new heights makes you feel like a million dollars.
So much so that Robina has recently acquired a brand new, state-of-the-art space so we Gold Coasters can climb things to our hearts’ content (but in air-con).
It’s called Alpine Indoor Climbing and it’s an extremely interesting (and aesthetically pleasing) venue designed for everyone from beginners to the advanced among us, to experience the challenging satisfaction of bouldering (with pretty coloured, faux boulders because, indoors).
Created by husband and wife team Jamie and Kirsty Booth along with Jamie’s brother Joe Booth, Alpine Indoor Climbing opened as the only climbing space on the Coast of its’ kind and let us tell you, it’s impressive.
The actual space itself was designed by an innovative German company by the name of Blocz and the process of creation is fascinating. Jamie and Kirsty created a model which was built and scanned in and over numerous months in design phase the project came to life.
And said project is a room with geometric shapes built onto the walls and brightly coloured boulder-like blocks (technical) placed on said shapes to resemble climbing an actual cliff face.
You can go straight up, up at an angle, upside down, any which way you please really, following tracks built at different grades. Which means you can practice on climbing walls the pros train on and yes, there are soft mats beneath to cushion you, should you fall (climbing back down is recommended of course).
Basically it’s the good time your younger self would have absolutely loved, but built for your adult self (strictly 10 years old plus) wanting both a challenge and a fun time.
Not to mention you can get coffee and have a chat with other climbers, many of whom can give you tips on becoming your very best climbing self.
If you haven’t climbed a boulder in quite some time (same), you can get a casual visit pass and then once you’re hooked, go for a 10-visit pass or a membership for six or 12 months or a no contract membership. And you will get hooked!
Alpine Indoor Climbing was built by climbers for both those who are already passionate about the sport and those who don’t yet know they are.
We highly recommend getting down to Robina to give it a go for yourself, you’re guaranteed to work up a sweat and probably have a laugh while you’re at it.
Plus, your inner child gets to feel like a million dollars and there’s nothing better than that.
LOCATION: 86 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
HOURS: 6am until 8.30pm Monday to Friday, 8am until 6pm Saturday and 10am until 6pm Sunday
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
STORY SPONSORED BY ALPINE INDOOR CLIMBING
A new trick art gallery opens at Robina Town Centre.
Magic is in the air Gold Coasters and it comes in the form of an interactive art gallery that has opened Robina Town Centre just this week.
Fresh out of Melbourne, where it has captured the imaginations of people from all walks of life (from the Insta-set to the wee ones), ArtVo Illusions is turning the traditional art gallery experience on its head and we are here for it.
15 artists worked on the space, creating over 80 art works and the idea is for visitors to take photos (read: selfies) with the art, which will include the likes of wild animal scenes, really quite terrifying King Kong-esque experiences and many other incredible murals, yet to be revealed.
If you’ve ever wanted to stand beside a lion in the African jungle but aren’t quite that brave, ArtVo Illusions has created the opportunity for you. Platform 9 3/4 is there, as is Marilyn Monroe, a terrifying shark and an escape from the jaws of a hippo.
The rest of the concepts and themes are still tightly under wraps but we locals can expect to be wonderstruck by the clever artistry and incredible craftsmanship that goes into creating each body of work, not to mention the hundreds of litres of paint.
Upon entering the space, you can choose your own gallery adventure, exploring each immersive art-piece and zone at your own pace and stopping to put yourself in the picture (literally) along the way.
You’ll spot a few well known locations and paintings that have been recreated to make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time, or, across the ocean, without ever having left the comfort of the Gold Coast.
How fun.
By creating optical illusions through colour, shape and pattern, the installations trick the eye, which can be captured in your photos (making you look very handy with the camera). Unlike many other museums where photography is prohibited, iPhones and cameras are essential for the very best time.
Look at us, getting all arty on the Gold Coast.
Go get involved, you’ll definitely get a giggle or two out of it.
LOCATION: Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
