Just a short drive from the Gold Coast.
Just a short drive from the Gold Coast.
With the warmer months comes inevitable weekend roadtrips, sunny weekends seaside and of course, camping in all it’s natural, laidback glory.
We’re big fans.
Perhaps you’re not a fan of the camping side of things, perhaps you don’t like packing your whole life into the back of the car including a makeshift house, cooking equipment, chairs, poles to hold up said makeshift house, all of the food, all of the things generally. We get it, it’s a lot.
No worries though because the answer has arrived and it comes in the form of glamping by the sea at a brand new boutique resort in Cabarita Beach.
It’s an Australian first called The Hideaway and it’s set to open in October amongst the natural bush surrounds of Cabarita and complete with balmy ocean breezes and views of the mountains in the distance.
As you’d no doubt know, the pretty little village of Cabarita is just a short 15-minute drive from the Gold Coast Airport, making it the actual perfect weekend getaway.
So The Hideaway is a boutique outdoor resort offering three styles of bell tents complete with Koala beds (the comfiest), lush lighting, soft furnishings and plush bath towels. There’s an array of open-air green spaces along with contemporary suite bathrooms and communal entertaining areas, built into shipping containers.
There are native plants placed all around, open fire pits perfect for gatherings with the gang and you may stay as a group with family or take your lover for a romantic little getaway close to home.
Now if you haven’t yet had the pleasure, Cabarita is a delightful little beachside town with award-winning restaurants and plenty of exceptional eateries and boutique stores to spend time wandering around in.
Perfection.
Of course there are plenty of outdoor activities to be enjoyed in the area too – whale watching (in season), surfing of course, picnics on the beach and the like.
All of lifes’ best things.
It’s pretty much the best luxe camping experience you can have and it’s right here on our doorstep.
Opening October 1st. How good.
LOCATION: Adjacent to Cudgen Reserve, Cabarita Beach
Words by Kirra Smith
From snow-capped mountains to bright city lights, we’ve got you covered.
The concept of an endless summer is somewhat of a reality to us Gold Coasters and while we’re all quite stoked to be living it, sometimes the beautiful chaos of the big city calls, or we get the urge to snuggle up by the fire with a glass of red and a blanket of snow outside.
Luckily, our little slice of paradise now has the world at our fingertips and it’s easier than ever to tick off a few of those life-changing bucket-list trips.
Perhaps you’re not aware of just how many epic international destinations you can get to from our sparkly shores. Well friends, we’re here today to enlighten you – you can explore all of Gold Coast Airport’s bucket list destination on their destinations page here.
Booking fingers at the ready.
New Zealand
Oh NZ how we love you.If you’ve not yet had the pleasure of spending time with our stunning neighbours, we suggest you move it to the top of the list.New Zealand is one of the most mind-blowing natural destinations in the world with its snowcapped mountains (and Instagram hot spot Roy’s Peak),exceptional eats and a vista desperate to be explored via campervan. It’s also home to the longest place name in the world! And only a four-hour flight away, get it on your bucket list, stat!
Japan
Where the city buzz meets harmonious countryside, Japan is a must-do experience and should sit amongst the top on your bucket list. If you’re on a mission to have a truly unique holiday, Japan is unmissable with its penchant for vending-machine-everything, wasabi-flavoured Kit Kats and the super colourful Kawaii Monster Cafe. Outside the frenzy of the cities you’ll find temples, abundant wildlife and of course, the towering majesty of Mount Fuji. The trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Hakone Open-Air Museum worth every piece of real estate on your social media feed. It’s the stuff dreams are made of.
Singapore
Before setting foot in Singapore, one must make time to explore Changi Airport; it’s a world in itself! Eat, explore, sleep, repeat is the mantra of anyone and everyone who has ever set foot on the sparkly island state that is a world unto itself. It’s hailed as a rich tapestry of arts and culture, a foodie paradise, a mecca for both fashionistas and those who love locally made wares and THE place to go for nonstop thrills. Sign us up. Singapore is also known as a city in a garden so don’t go thinking you can’t stretch out in a lush green park when in need of a recharge. There’s also an incredible lineup of festivals and sporting events throughout the year making Singapore more than a stopover destination. What more could you want? Bucket list, tick!
Phuket
Phuket is full of some of the best-kept secrets in Thailand. At least they were a secret, until now! Sweeping white sand beaches leading to the clearest of turquoise waters are set amongst a backdrop of lush green rainforests. Not only physical beauty though, perfect Phuket is adored for its authentic, flavour-filled food including incredible curries and seafood dishes that pair perfectly with all of the beachside relaxing you’ll be doing. Hikers, climbers and waterfall lovers will be right at home as will adrenaline junkies who love white water rafting, kayaking and quad biking. If being horizontal is more your thing (yes, hi) beachside cocktails in the sunshine are always a good idea. Let’s go.
Kuala Lumpur
If the sweet, chaotic sounds of the city are calling your name, look no further than KL. It’s an eclectic melting pot of culture and class and if it’s not already on that bucket list of yours, stop right now and write it down. The city boasts a charm like no other having incorporated the flavours of the world into everything from the food to the architecture. Of course Kuala Lumpur also pays homage to its own rich history with countless galleries and museums dotted throughout for your exploring pleasure. The shopping is exceptional, the nightlife is electric and you might just find yourself on a worldwide adventure, all in the space of one holiday. A definite must-visit.
Seoul
Seoul is a city bursting with unique charm and ready to be explored when direct flights launch in December from the Gold Coast. With all the colour and charisma of Buenos Aires, but culture and culinary delights of nearby neighbor, Japan, Seoul is very much a hidden gem. When in South Korea, one must try sweetened Soju, devour a Korean Cheeseburger (essentially barbecued meat wrapped in lettuce but oh, so yummy!) and get muddy at Daecheon beach – your skin will thank us later. And if you hold a foreign passport, take a detour to the DMZ, the demilitarized zone, and dip a toe into North Korea – an unforgettable day trip.
Impressive right? This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to must-do experiences around the world; you can of course get to pretty much anywhere on your bucket list from Gold Coast Airport these days including Europe, other parts of Asia and the USA.
Of course, once you’ve stamped all the pages on your passport, you can fly on home to the Gold Coast, a bucket list destination in itself.
What a place.
No doubt you’ve booked at least three holidays now and same, we’re all in this together.
To explore every bucketlist destination you can fly to from Gold Coast Airport, check out their destinations page here.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE GOLD COAST AIRPORT
Scenic drives, exceptional dishes.
Every January, the Australian Good Food Guide (AGFG) bestows its much-anticipated Chef Hat Awards, aka the foodie holy grail. For hardcore dining devotees, it’s a bit like Christmas morning, only with better smells and no awkward socks. Think of this as our cheat sheet for working your way, hungry-caterpillar style, around the most esteemed and decorated local destinations.
Our Northern Rivers neighbours are doing their thing, but this year we’re also adding South East QLD country into the mix – because why limit your appetite?
Whether it’s hinterland hideaways or mountain-top marvels, these spots all earned a Chef Hat score of 13 or above, making them prime candidates for your next road trip. Here are 16 of this year’s most road trip-worthy restaurants:
Founded by former Paper Daisy chef, Pipit owner Ben Devlin (alongside his wife Yen Trinh) is no stranger to the art of crafting exquisite eats – nor has he pulled any punches when it comes to his first solo venture. And AGFG clearly agrees, with Pottsville’s Coronation Avenue darling taking out the coveted top spot among this year’s most noteworthy Northern Rivers Hat recipients. They stand as the highest-ranked NSW regional restaurant outside of Sydney.
Pipit’s superb score of 16/20 propels them to pole position on our day trip priority list and also, according to the AGFG, ‘ worth a detour’ designation.
Set aside a few hours and treat yourself to the revelatory set menu dining experience, a curated sequence of flavours, textures and ideas spanning over several hours, one which Ben likens to ‘a day trip around the Northern Rivers’ in and of itself.
Where: 8 Coronation Avenue, Pottsville
Byron Bay institution, Raes on Wategos scored an impressive 15/20. Headed by Executive Chef Jason Saxby, the restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine with a Mediterranean influence deemed ‘Quite Out of the Ordinary’ by AGFG – we wholeheartedly agree.
The chic boutique retreat, an icon set amongst Byron’s idyllic beaches, delivers a fine-dining experience in its Dining Room, headed by Executive Chef Jason Saxby. A culinary showcase of the region, curated with Mediterranean influences, the menu offers Caviar service, 3-course à la carte and Tasting Menu options.
A word of warning, though – after tasting dishes like Lamb Blackstrap in black garlic, lamb fat & anchovy salsa, Glazed Northern Rivers Duck, and the MacAffogato dessert, a coconut and roast macadamia sorbet topped with macadamia crumb, Brookie’s Mac liqueur and espresso, you might want to move in.
Where: 6 – 8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay
Murwillumbah’s aptly named Tweed River House, perched just a stone’s throw from its banks, also scored a hat – earning a rating of 14 for its gastronomic bistro and bar experience. Shout out to master chef Dayron Perugorria.
The venue, housed in a spruced-up, century-old colonial-style mansion, offers a panoramic river view, wraparound verandas, and elevated eats to match.
The luxurious and immaculately appointed interiors alone make it worth filling your tank. Still, decadent dishes like Lobster agnolotti with vin jaune and wild vanilla sauce, Beef tartare with brioche and crème fraîche and the Peach dessert made with poached peach, almond dacquoise, peach mousse and almond praline certainly sweeten the deal.
Where: 131 River St, South Murwillumbah
Another noshery deemed one of the best in the Northern Rivers Restaurant category is Murwillumbah’s Bistro Livi, scoring the prestigious hat with a total of 14.
A short 30km trek from Cooly and one of the fresher faces among its culinary cohort – if you’re yet to be acquainted with Livi, it’s an easy one to tick off the list when you’re looking for a low effort adventure snap you out of the Sunday lazies (or scaries).
Tucked within the arts precinct of the tight-knit Murbah community, the European-inspired venue radiates romance with rustic textures and an inviting, intimate ambience, while Spanish influences inform the menu. It’s certainly not just the AGFG critics that this regional gem has succeeded in winning over… #swoon.
Where: 1A 1-3 Brisbane St, Murwillumbah
This Possum Creek gem scored 13, shocking absolutely no one who’s ever eaten there. Set in a literal old-school setting (the former O’Possum Creek Public School), it pairs Southern European flavours with Byron hinterland charm.
Soak up garden views through airy white windows as you dive into fresh oysters or Burrata with Tuscan tomato salsa, breadcrumbs and basil oil. For mains, expect delights such as Black Angus brisket ragú with horseradish gremolata and Parmigiano Reggiano, and Australian bay lobster with chilli, garlic, confit cherry tomatoes, zucchini and crustacean bisque.
Rustic, refined, and ridiculously good, this is one lesson in good taste you won’t want to skip.
Where: 471 Friday Hut Road, Possum Creek
If long, lazy farm lunches are your vibe, Frida’s Field is a must. Set on 120 dreamy acres just outside Bangalow, this paddock-to-plate gem dishes up a seasonal feast that scored 13/20. Award-winning chef Alastair Waddell lets Northern Rivers produce shine with a modern Australian menu that changes every six weeks – think wood-fired meats, farm-fresh veggies and big, bold flavours.
With only three long lunches a week (Friday to Sunday), this is a slow-food experience in every sense – one sitting per service, plenty of time to sip, savour, and soak up the Byron hinterland views. Whether you go omnivore or veg, you’re in for a next-level spread that might just ruin you for regular dining forever.
Where: 76 Booyong Road, Nashua
Capitalizing on Carool’s sweeping valley views, Potager – A Kitchen Garden has long been a favourite destination among locals and discerning visitors. The charming nosher is also somewhat of a teacher’s pet, earning a score of 13 for its Modern Australian style eats in this year’s Chef Hat Awards – along with a near-perfect 4.8 score on Google, might we add… and honestly, we’re not sure which is harder to pull off.
Set on a small 10-acre farm, the seasonal menu is informed by locally sourced produce, much of which is grown on the property. Dishes like the heirloom tomato with Byron Bay mozzarella are a testament to the community-minded culinary experience, while the fish stew with focaccia and zeta’s coffee and dark chocolate mousse gets a mention, because #yum
Where: 502 Carool Rd, Carool
Byron Bay’s Dorsia has quietly earned itself a well-deserved nod with a solid 13, cementing its place as one of the region’s most exciting dining destinations. Sitting along Jonson Street, this intimate, mood-driven restaurant delivers a polished yet approachable take on modern fine dining – the kind that feels special, but never stuffy.
Guests can choose between a thoughtfully curated two-course or three-course menu, dive all in with the chef’s tasting menu, or kick things off with elegant snacks and a luxe caviar experience. Early standouts include the pillowy Parker roll with Noosa black garlic and the indulgent dry-aged duck cigar. Mains deliver more exquisite dishes like Murray cod paired with pickled green mango and coconut, or the show-stopping Cape Grim sirloin with burnt carrot and puffed grains. Dessert is a must, with Valrhona dark chocolate and malted milk that leaves you wanting to order round two.
Where: 109 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
Halcyon House’s beloved Paper Daisy, of course, also earned itself a nod, with an honourable 13. The esteemed and elegant eatery, sitting pretty against Cabarita Beach’s stunning shores, is not just reserved for sandy-footed in-house guests.
We’re all invited to see what the fuss is about, courtesy of the bar, open from 3pm, or for dinner. Led by Andrew Milford, the kitchen shoots for ‘sophisticated simplicity’, where you can expect to delight in inventive and delectable dishes like Spanish anchovies and gremolata on toast with guindillas and coconut-crumbed king prawns, green mango and herb salad alongside an award-winning wine menu.
We’d recommend packing your appetite (and your towel, because, y’know, Caba #phwoar).
Where: 21 Cypress Cres, Cabarita Beach
Brunswick Heads’ River – Wild at Heart has quickly carved out a name for itself after opening less than a year ago. Sitting pretty on Mullumbimby Street, this intimate dining destination is a creation by Scottish-born chef and former welder (yes, really) Michael Lee, serving small plates that change and adapt to what’s growing and what’s caught.
Standout starters include the Lismore wild shot venison tataki made with Blueberry Fields ponzu, radish, charred and crispy shallots and the bay lobster with smoked garlic, lobster coral butter and lemon. For the main, the soltera rum-glazed smoked corn short rib and the local line-caught market fish. Finish with Piña colada made with soltera rum, sumac caramel and coconut aquafaba and you may call it the best meal of your life.
Where: 2/26 Mullumbimbi Street, Brunswick Heads
For a long, leisurely meal in a ridiculously scenic spot, Shelter is the move. With a score of 13, an award-winning wine list, and bi-fold windows framing 7 Mile Beach, it’s got everything going for it – top-tier food, service, and views.
From sunrise to sunset, they’re serving up seasonal, sustainable, and ethically sourced goodness. Kick off your morning with green chilli scrambled eggs with avocado and roti, or swing by later for gems like local sashimi with watermelon verjus, gochugaru salt, grapes and finger lime, followed by their daily beef cut with chilli crunch, katsuobushi cream, black sesame. Don’t leave without trying the beetroot mousse with lavender, pine nuts and almond panna cotta rhubarb consommé. Trust us.
Where: 41 Pacific Parade, Lennox Head
Perched on Byron Bay’s Jonson Lane, Bar Heather transports its diners to the charm of Paris or New York – at least that’s what it feels like. They lead with an exquisite selection of natural wine, followed by an equally impressive menu, so clearly designed to torture and tantalize you into returning time and time again. It’s no surprise that they, too, were awarded a 13/20.
You must try their snapper with tomato cream and cucumber and the lamb skewer with roasted chilli and roti. And, of course, no trip to Bar Heather is complete without sampling a selection from their wine list. Don’t mind if we do.
Where: 139 Jonson Lane, Byron Bay
High on a mountain, with clouds drifting past your table and the Great Dividing Range as your backdrop, The Peak is where Modern Australian cuisine meets luxury without fuss. AGFG scored it 15/20, enough to make this Scenic Rim gem a must-visit.
The tasting menu is a culinary journey across Australia: cured kangaroo, dry-aged duck, Kangaroo Island marron and more, all paired with wines that could start their own conversation. With comfy furnishings, an open stone fireplace and an outdoor terrace that’s practically begging for a lingering lunch, The Peak turns a meal into a full-on experience.
Road trips are better with views like this, and food this ambitious.
Where: 1 Wilkinson Road, Maryvale
At Homage, the clue really is in the name. This refined paddock-to-plate powerhouse at Spicers Hidden Vale celebrates the farmers, producers and fertile lands of the Darling Downs and Lockyer Valley with flair.
Scoring a solid 14/20 from AGFG, Homage is officially ‘worth a detour’ and then some. The menu champions local ingredients with dishes that feel both elegant and deeply connected to place, whether that’s Murray cod with finger lime and macadamia cream, pork belly with Kalbar carrot and nduja or heritage rooster elevated into something truly special.
It’s fine dining with heart, where every plate tells a story and every ingredient earns its spot.
Where: Spicers Hidden Vale, 617 Grandchester–Mt Mort Road, Grandchester
Boonah’s Blume is a restaurant that feels like it’s been quietly waiting for you. Inspired by the town’s original name, Blumbergville, this 14/20 AGFG-hatted spot focuses on the principle of ‘time and place’. Only the freshest local ingredients make it to the table.
The ever-evolving set menu is packed with clever touches: rainbow trout with finger lime, Brisbane Valley quail with fig leaf and exotic pepper, or sweet cheese ice cream with apricot and almond praline. Every course reflects the region, the season, and the care of the people behind it.
Where: 5 Church Street, Boonah
In the heart of the Gold Coast Hinterland, The Paddock is a spacious, sunlit spot celebrating simple, honest food. AGFG awarded it 13/20 for its unpretentious approach to paddock-to-plate dining.
Floor-to-ceiling glass doors frame sweeping Hinterland views while the menu champions local produce, from roast duck with spiced carrot purée to fire-grilled vegetables and Wagyu rump cap. Cooking over an open flame, the dishes are rustic yet refined, the kind that make a long drive feel completely worth it.
If you’re chasing fresh air, great food and a true Hinterland vibe, The Paddock delivers in spades.
Where: 422 Binna Burra Road, Beechmont
Words by Chelsea Ipsen and Belinda Symons
A rock 'n' roll revamp for an iconic Cooly hotel.
If you’ve ventured down Cooly way of late, you may have noticed something sweet (and very pink) going on and it’s something we are really quite pumped about.
The Pink Hotel, formerly Coolangatta Ocean View Motel, has had an epic revamp and some of the doors have recently swung open for our viewing pleasure.
The overhaul is the work of the Eddie’s Grub House team, along with Coakers Building Service and Loberg Interiors and what an overhaul it is.
The space has been absolutely transformed and we could not be more in love with the edgy, modern retro vibe that is now going on in downtown Coolangatta.
The hotel is made up of 17 rooms including six luxury suites, nine standard rooms, one balcony room and one artist suite complete with a grand piano. It’s the stuff of dreams friends.
The six suites all boast vinyl record players with a selection of records from Lou Reed, Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen, Lana del Ray and Black Rebel Motorcycle club and the like. So you get the feel for what’s going on there right?
Good times is what.
One of the very best parts is a brand new rooftop bar, named Santeria, overlooking the ocean and perfect for intimate sunset cocktails. Which are obviously our favourite kind.
There’ll also be a piano/jazz-style bar, which is somewhat of a secret at this stage but how good.
The little reception section will also have a barista station so all your very important coffee needs will be adequately met and there’ll be a hair and tattoo space on the ground floor in case you need a touch up before hitting the town or some sweet ink to remember the absolute time you had at The Pink Hotel.
It’s all very rock ‘n’ roll inspired good times and Cooly is set to be reborn.
The room styles are a mash up of Danish, Swedish and mid-century inspired design but each is completely unique with custom poetry made into neon signs and artwork painted directly onto the walls by Coco Loberg, Jamie Peters and Mike Shankster.
Each room will include a sweet little bar and a Smeg fridge and you may also order room service breakfast and late night burgers from the boys at Eddie’s. How good.
It’s all a bit too exciting to be honest.
How good is summer on the rooftop overlooking the ocean with the option of rolling into bed in the coolest room you’ve ever laid eyes on going to be? Almost as cool as that non-sentence.
The official open date is November 23rd but there are a few lucky folks in there right now testing the goods. We would like that job please.
Stay tuned Coasties, this one’s an actual gamechanger.
LOCATION: 171 Griffith St, Coolangatta
Words by Kirra Smith
