Because we’re holidaying at home this year.
Because we’re holidaying at home this year.
In the wake of the devastating bushfires Australia has experienced over the last few months, we’ve seen people from across the world come together to support communities who have lost so much.
One of our favourite ways people are supporting each other is by encouraging Aussies to holiday at home this year, which we are obviously all about. Mostly because our home is the most beautiful country in the world and even better than that, the Gold Coast is obviously the most beautiful city. Go us!
So, to get to the point, we thought it might be fun to put together a story about all of the epic things you can do right here at home because supporting local businesses is a very good thing and why should the visitors have all the fun?
Here we go.
Got a family who enjoying eating all of the things? Same. Here are some local family-friendly restaurants. If you’re not so much in the way of family, you can also visit these restaurants to impress your friends and if you’re in the market for a sweet treat, here are all the best bakeries on the Gold Coast.
Of course, there are restaurants with epic views so you can take in the scenery while sampling tasty eats, Gold Coast rooftop bars for the perfect Sunday afternoon session, there are some sweet vegetarian options too, plus of course, a few newbies you might like to consider.
Easy Tiger opened up in Burleigh recently serving (most importantly) $1 doughnuts with a side of excellent coffee and ocean views. There’s also a new fine dining Italian restaurant by the name of Orzo you should absolutely try.
If authentic Spanish food is up your alley, definitely give Bar Espana a try or for a sweet fish and chip feed newbie The Jolly Roger is the go. Hidden laneway bar The Hidden Cherub has been a big hit with the locals so that’s a must-try and Custard Canteen is serving up mouthwatering custard tarts that you absolutely have to sample. You could also tour Black Hops northern brewery while sipping beers and learning about how the biz came about.
In terms of exciting activities, there’s plenty of those going on around the Gold Coast too.
Keen to get salty? Here are some sweet surfing spots for everyone from beginners to the seasoned among us, there’s also plenty of live music happening at venues across the Coast and of course, a few hikes and waterfalls to check out too. Maybe something more relaxing in the way of fishing is up your alley, you can do that here too.
If you’re after some fun kids activities to keep them entertained and once you’re ready to call it a day, head to one of these spots to catch the sunset why don’t you?
So that’s a lot of good time things to do on the Gold Coast. Need more? Cruise around Inside Gold Coast, we’ve got pretty much everything covered.
Holiday at home this year friends, it’ll be the time of your life.
Words by Kirra Smith
Worldclass Portuguese Tarts for everyone.
In what might just be the most perfect start to any week in the history of weeks, the team behind Gold Coast favourites Bam Bam Bakehouse and Cubby Bakehouse (love y’all) have opened a new venue and we are happy dancing all over the place.
Its called Custard Canteen (another winner in the name department) and as of right now, it can be found at Talle Creek within the Recreation Centre complex and oh yes friends, it’s the goods.
You won’t miss the newbie, red and white striped flags are dotted throughout the expansive garden area and of course there will be heavenly scents wafting out from within.
Pull up a seat on one of the two outdoor decks, under said umbrellas or lay out a picnic rug and kick back on the grass with your furry mate (or your regular mate). There are flowers and plants everywhere and it’s a little garden oasis complete with some of the very best eats around.
Let’s discuss those shall we. Now as you’d know, if you’ve ever had the pleasure of sampling any of the teams’ other goodies (if you haven’t, are you even a Gold Coaster) they’re the very best around. A WHOLE LOT of research goes into every single thing Ben, Ursula and their crew create to ensure consistent perfection.
Which is exactly what you’re going to experience at Custard Canteen, particularly in the form of their hero product, Portuguese Tarts. Heaven on Earth you guys.
So they’re layers of crisp, pastry encasing warm, sweet love-of-our-lives custard that kind of explodes in your mouth when you bite into it. In the most amazing possible way obviously.
Besides those, there are Almond Croissant Tarts, which are indeed tart versions of their famous Almond Croissants and gooey, melty cookies that are the love of our lives also.
If you’re in the market for a savoury something, there’s a whole menu for that too. From the Butter Boy (their little mascot) Benny with streaky bacon, poached eggs and hollandaise on a puff pastry parcel to their (also famous) Prawn Po Boy with crispy buttermilk prawns, salad things and remoulade on a milk hoagie, it’s all delightful.
Oh and there’s also exceptional Bacon and Egg Rolls and a must-try French Toast Toastie which is a sourdough Monte Cristo with ham, Swiss cheese, maple and cinnamon sugar. Plus burgers and a hot dog and all your favourite roll-off-the-sand treats.
So basically all you need to do is frolic in Talle Creek, pop over for some goodies, rinse and repeat. Best time ever.
Custard Canteen, what are you waiting for Gold Coasters?
LOCATION: Tallebudgera Recreation Centre, Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
HOURS: Daily 6.30am until 2.30pm
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
There’s more to the glitter strip than glitter!
It’s right under our nose, but sometimes we forget how many activities there are for the small, medium, and big kids (aka us) in good ‘ole Surfers Paradise. And we’re not just talking about the beach, but a myriad of other cool stuff to keep them entertained and whinge-free these school holidays.
Here are ten ideas to help fill the blanks in your school holiday schedule, with some old faves and a few newbies thrown in for good measure. The best part is not only will you score ‘cool mum’ kudos from the kids, but you’ll get a kick out of them too!
Timezone
I mean, does this place really need an introduction? We’ve all racked up many-an-hour at Timezone in days gone by, and your mini-me’s will love it as much as you did. Probably more, because it’s levelled up its epic-ness in recent times. With arcade games, bowling, mini bowling, mini golf, laser tag, and bumper cars, it’s actual kid heaven…with a touch of nostalgia for us.
Where: Paradise Centre, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Holoverse
This new hi-tech entertainment centre using holograms which look oh-so-real will make you feel like you’re in a Star Wars flick! Pick hologram grass to feed a dinosaur, swim with life-sized holographic whales, compete against your kiddos in holographic sports, play holographic arcade games, and more! Special shoutout for their birthday party packages #theshizzle.
Where: Paradise Centre, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Infinity
To infinity and beyond! Challenge their sense and ignite their imaginations with a unique and mind-blowing 30-minute journey into spectacular, interactive, futuristic maze-like worlds of wonder! This walk-through experience is choccas with unique special effects, emotive atmospheric sound fields, sensuous aromas, awesome tunes and amazing illusions. Suitable for kiddos aged 8 and above. Get an exclusive 15% off here.
Where: Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, G31/3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Ripley’s Believe it or Not
This iconic home-grown ‘odditorium’ – now with over 300 exhibits and artefacts – is out of this world! A highlight is the new state-of-the-art Ripley’s 7D Moving Theatre where you feel every twist and turn as you compete against your seatmates. Enjoy a Ripley’s LaseRace, find out just what happens to your body in space, make friends with a life-sized R2-D2™ and more. Click here for a special offer.
Where: Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise
The Wax Museum
Fancy some famous people watching? There’s no better place than The Wax Museum, home to the largest collection of wax figures in the Southern Hemisphere. Super realistic replicas of celebs, nursery rhyme characters, scientists, explorers, villains, world leaders, and even the crown jewels await (#RIPQueenElizabethII)! For the big kids (if you’re game) check out The Chamber of Horrors (shriek!!). Fancy a discount voucher? You’re welcome.
Where: 56 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Quack’r Duck
Is there any such thing as a kid who doesn’t go loco when they spot the big duck cruising down Ferny Ave? Imagine if you actually took them on said duck #eeep. Check out the pristine beaches and landmarks by road, then experience the thrills as the duck splashes into the Broadwater! Admit it – you’ve always wanted to do it too…. Grab a special offer here.
Where: 7 Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Fox in a Box
Ever wanted to break out of prison (without actually going to prison)? Or break into a diamond-filled vault in a bank? Or perhaps work out how to open a mysterious chest and unlock its contents and the secret within? You can do all of this and more at Fox in a Box! The rooms are recommended for ages 10 and above, but everyone is welcome to play. Good times!
Where: Level 1/3173 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Padlock’d Escape Rooms
Boasting ten immersive rooms themed to perfection, a visit to Padlock’d Escape Rooms is a great way to ditch reality for a bit (an hour to be exact…) and put your mind to the test. You’ll have a blast and the kids will be tuckered out from all that clue finding, code cracking, and puzzle solving #missionaccomplished. Recommended for ages 10 and above but all ages welcome.
Where: 3177 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Eclipse Escape Rooms
With five diverse, highly immersive, and technologically advanced rooms with insane special effects, bespoke props, and unique storylines leading up to an unforgettable grand finale, what’s not to love? Puzzle solving is designed to be fun and rewarding, with different levels of difficulty available. Kids as young as five can join in the fun, plus babies in prams are welcome in some rooms #StartEmYoung!
Where: Level 1, Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise River Cruises
Kids get as pumped about boat rides as we do, so why not jump on a morning, midday, afternoon, or sunset cruise with Surfers Paradise River Cruises! Friendly guides will point out landmarks and homes of the rich and famous around our glitter strip’s waterways, whilst you kick back with the kiddos enjoying complimentary snacks. And mum/dad – there’s a bar…. Cheers! Get 10% off your cruise here.
Where: 63 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Make the most of golden hour.
Sunset has to be the best time of the day (some people we know say sunrise, but we wouldn’t know, ahem) – so sunset it is.
Now that spring has sprung, cue the Spotify sunset mix, we’re keen to start enjoying the balmy evenings and appreciate this gorgeous time of day. To get you all inspired, here’s a list of some of the best sunset-chasing adventures on the Gold Coast. Psst – there’s more to do at golden hour than snap the perfect pic (although you must also do that) #everythingiscontent.
This one’s a no-brainer, but hear us out. Sure, it took the Gold Coast a minute to catch up to our southern pals in the rooftop bar game. Odd, right? Especially considering we’ve got the best weather in the country, no contest. But hey, better late than never! These days, we’re spoiled for choice with rooftop spots all over the Coast. So why not make up for lost time? Pick your favorite perch, grab a drink, and soak in that golden hour glow as the sun sets on another perfect day. We love The Exhibitionist Bar for its ever-evolving and always killer cocktail list or Sandfire for a sophisticated (kids free) sip overlooking the North Burleigh headland. Aviary Rooftop brings tropical vibes and DJ beats as the sky turns pink, while feeling fancy types will love Nineteen at The Star for elevated drinks and sweeping skyline views. And if ocean outlooks are your thing, Hyde Paradiso serves Euro glamour with a side of sunset over Surfers.
Check out our full list of rooftop bars here.
Sometimes the best sunsets don’t need a booking (or a bar tab). A golden hour wander along the Burleigh Headland that rolls seamlessly into sunset is hard to beat, especially when the light hits just right. For an easy, feel-good option, take a sunset stroll or bike ride along the ocean pathways, where salty air, pastel skies and that end-of-day glow do all the heavy lifting. If you’re keen to mix things up, the Hinze Dam sunset lookout delivers wide-open skies and a totally different perspective on the Coast. And when in doubt, a Broadwater Parklands wander with an ice cream in hand as the sun dips behind the skyline is always a good idea.
Check out our list of picnic spots here.
Surf clubs are lifesavers, aren’t they? Perched right on your local stretch of sand, they somehow tick every box – prime oceanfront views, affordable drinks and hearty eats, all served up in a setting where thongs are not only acceptable but encouraged. They’re unfussy, unpretentious, and always ready to deliver a reliable palmy when hunger strikes. Come for the sunset, stay for the chilled beer and a classic pub-style feed that won’t break the bank.
It’s casual, comforting and effortlessly coastal – the kind of place where sunset plans require zero planning at all. If there’s a more quintessentially Gold Coast way to soak up the end of the day, we’re yet to find it.
This is where things get a little luxe (and a lot memorable). A sunset cruise on the Broadwater is a classic for a reason – romantic if it’s just the two of you, or equally fun with a group. Prefer to be closer to the action? Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding at sunset is pure magic when the water is calm and glowing, while a jet ski session at golden hour delivers adrenaline with unbeatable views. Take things to new heights – literally – at SkyPoint Observation Deck, where 360-degree sunset views from the Coast’s highest vantage point are hard to beat.
Check out our list of water sports and activity providers here.
Prep your schedules, friends, because another sunset is on its way.
Words by Belinda Symons
