Summer is here, and if you’re looking for us, you’ll likely find us basking in the good vibes – either at a beach or by a bar. Tucked into the heart of our city by the sea, The Beach Hotel Broadbeach encapsulates the best of both worlds into the ultimate hotspot. The chilled atmosphere, delish eats, and refreshing sips are sure to keep your spirits as high as the tides!

Breathing new life into a Broadbeach favourite, The Beach Hotel has taken over the iconic site once home to Fat Freddy’s. This revamped venue has traded American sports bar vibes for a breezy, beachside aesthetic, creating a welcoming space that feels perfectly suited to its seaside surroundings. Opening its doors on November 29, it’s already made waves as the go-to spot for locals and visitors alike.

Walking into The Beach Hotel Broadbeach feels like stepping into a holiday (even if you’re a local). The airy spaces, natural accents, and indoor-outdoor flow let the sea breeze carry good vibes from the beer garden into the public bar. Every corner is designed for gathering with your summer-loving pals.

Whether you’re here for a laid-back lunch or late-night cocktails, the menu brings together the best of land and sea. Get ready to be wowed as award-winning executive chef Tapos Singha is dishing up chef-hatted meals at pub prices.

Start with freshly shucked oysters or the melt-in-your-mouth Hiramasa kingfish sashimi, elevated with yuzu kosho, blood orange, white soy, and shiso. Seafood lovers will be just as hooked on main dishes like Singapore chilli mussels or king prawn bucatini with cherry tomato, prawn bisque, chilli, capers, and garlic.

Craving pub grub? All the classics are here, including crispy fish and chips and hearty chicken parmigiana. Those looking to spice up their summer will want to dip into the birria jaffa toastie, filled with chipotle-braised short ribs, Mexican cheese, pico de gallo, corn chips, and birria beef broth.

Let’s not forget the hand-stretched pizzas that will also hit the spot, like the Nduja with prawns, buffalo mozzarella, tomato, onion, basil and hot honey, or the Wild Funghi with rocket, fior di latte, parmesan, candied walnut and truffle oil.

No summer session is complete without a cocktail or two (or more! We won’t judge!), and The Beach Hotel’s mixologists know how to bring you sunshine in a glass. The Cheeky Marg Your Way lets you customise your margarita, from tropical coconut to passionfruit punch, and can even be served frozen for those scorching heatwave days. Meanwhile, the Golden Hour Sour will go down as smooth as the setting sun.

For those who are keen for froth and fizz, the tap beers and curated wines will do the trick – chilled tipples to wet your whistle whether you’re lounging in the Beer Garden watching the world go by or catching the cricket with your mates.

The Beach Hotel Broadbeach isn’t just a pub, it’s a hub for summer. Live music keeps the good vibes flowing from Friday to Sunday, while weekly trivia and bingo nights bring the fun to your festive catch-ups. And when it’s too hot to cook these school holidays, rally the troops and head to The Beach Hotel, where on Thursdays, you can score half-priced meals for kids under the age of 12.

Sports lovers rejoice, with big screens inside and out, you can enjoy all your favourite sports action live from the deck. Head into the Public Bar for TAB and live sports on wall to wall TVs.

On top of all this, The Beach Hotel is home to a VIP luxury gaming lounge complete with private parking and venue entry.

Whether it’s a casual bite, a full-fledged feast, or simply soaking up the season with a marg in hand, The Beach Hotel Broadbeach serves straight-up summer.

Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
When: 10:00am to late
Website: https://moretonhospitality.com.au/venue/beach-hotel-broadbeach
Instagram: @thebeachhotelbroadbeach

Words by Lisette Drew

Is it just us, or does Gold Coast life go perfectly with a barbie? And no, we’re not referring to the plastic blonde haired variety (also, we kind of are…), but rather the beer in one hand, snag in the other kind. With over 380 public BBQs in our region, that’s one for precisely every day of the year + 15 days and challenge accepted!

Here are 12 idyllic spots to meet your mates for a BBQ, outside of your very own back yard of course! Let’s take it from the north….

Tipplers
If you grew up on the GC, you’ve heard many-a-story about this place! The iconic Tipplers now offers a super relaxed atmosphere, epic camping, a fab café (#cocktailoclock), a playground, and of course, BBQ’s! Frolic on the sand, set up some beach cricket and eat BBQ tucker till your heart’s content. Find a friend with a boat or book a ferry and check.it.out!
Where: South Stradbroke Island

Bim’bimba Park
This five-hectare $7.5 million super park is a national award-winner. A destination in itself, they’ve thrown everything but the kitchen sink at this one. We’re talking shaded BBQ and picnic areas, an outdoor amphitheatre, an amazing playground, basketball half-court, skate ramps, outdoor table tennis, and three kilometres of walking and cycle paths. If you want a BBQ with no risk of boredom, Bim’bimba Park is a sure thang.
Where: Gainsborough Drive, Pimpama

Paradise Point Parklands
Anyone on the north side knows it well. It has something for everyone and selling points galore, with amazing views of the Broadwater topping the list. In addition to the sweet BBQ and picnic facilities, the epic playground areas are first class making it a family fave. Extending all the way along the esplanade, enjoy a scoot or a stroll along the picturesque walkway hugging the shoreline. Bliss.
Where: The Esplanade, Paradise Point

Hollindale Park
Home to the Main Beach Pavilion, Hollindale Park boasts beautiful grassy areas and lots of shade for long lunches – BBQ style! Right by the ocean, the sea breezes scream summer, and the views never fail to woo a crowd. With barbecues, picnic tables, picnic shelters and gazebo’s, there’s plenty of real estate, and the playground areas will keep the ankle biters entertained #happywifekidshappylife.
Where: MacArthur Parade, Main Beach

Broadwater Parklands
This spectacular precinct occupying three kilometres of vast natural beauty and exquisite Broadwater views has it all. There are busier areas if you’re after a Barbie with a vibe, or more private spots for intimate barbie feels. Pack your togs and take a dip in the netted swimming area, and let the kids rip on the jumping pillow, in the playgrounds, rockpools, and the interactive GC Aqua Park. It’s a ten out of ten.
Where: Marine Parade, Southport

Cascade Gardens
If chilled leafy BBQs by the river are your jam, Cascade Gardens nails the brief. With multiple BBQ and picnic areas, it’s a beautiful spot for a low-key, uber-relaxed barbie. Take a nature walk to burn off some snags and coleslaw, and let the mini-me’s run free in the playground. It’s also home to the Rotary Kokoda Memorial Wall and the Queensland Korean War Memorial to add a little history #lestweforget.
Where: Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

Kurrawa Pratten Park
Want a beachside BBQ spot with a side of large grassy areas to kick the footy? Same, and Kurrawa Pratten Park was born for this. It boasts a fully fenced playground promoting interactive play, pedal-powered monorail and G.I.A.N.T slides. Take a dip in the ocean before moving your posse over the road for a post barbie beverage at one of Broady’s many watering holes.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach

Evandale Park, HOTA
HOTA, how we love thee. In addition to culture in spades, you bring us Evandale Park. With plenty of BBQ and picnic tables with stunning Nerang River views, you’re sure to find a spot surrounded by beautiful towering greenery and a gated playground. There’s even an enclosed swimming, perfect for those balmy summer barbies. Hot tip: Go on a Sunday AM for some pre-BBQ fun at the HOTA Markets.
Where: Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Mick Schamburg Park
Offering spectacular views from the north to the south, this ever-popular BBQ spot set atop Miami Headland is a showstopper. There are barbecues and picnic tables for your spread, and a playground next door for the kiddos to burn off some energy (yassss!). It’s ideal for catching up with your mates over a snag or ten, and reminding us how lucky we are to live in such a stellar part of the world.
Where: Kelly Avenue, Miami

Queen Elizabeth Park
Sandwiched between the foreshore of Greenmount Beach and Coolangatta’s retail and dining precinct, Queen Elizabeth Park is a local fave. There are lots of BBQs scattered throughout, with large green spaces, beautiful beach, and playground areas for the littlies. The infamous Greenmount Headland serves as a stunning backdrop, and don’t forget to pack the cricket set, skateboard and footy to up the fun factor.
Where: Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Laguna Park
A GC BBQ spot list would not be complete without this one. Kids legit go cray for the iconic pirate ship, slides, rockers, and pedal-powered monorail, all enclosed in a fully fenced area easily visible from the BBQ areas. Always choccas, Laguna Park overlooks a lake, and you can even bring your pooch to romp in the off-leash exercise area. Time your barbie with live music in the park…and happy days!
Where: Laguna Avenue, Palm Beach

Winders Park
If you fancy a pre or post BBQ kayak or stand-up paddle, Winders is a water sports fan’s utopia. Set alongside Currumbin Creek, take your pick from the many shaded picnic tables and barbie spots and let the kids run amok in the little playgrounds. There’s even a boat ramp in the park, so feel free to BYO vessel to lunch #boatsboatsboats.
Where:  Duringan Street, Currumbin

Words by Bianca Trathen.

On the Gold Coast we are blessed with pretty spectacular weather year-round, which means picnics are high on the agenda. Thankfully we have no shortage of pretty spots to throw down a blanket for a spot of cheese and biccies with friends.

Here’s a list of 10 of our favourites.

Hinze Dam, Advancetown
This underrated hinterland destination will be your new favourite picnic spot. There are several parks that surround Hinze Dam, so take in the stunning scenery, sip on a cold glass of bubbly and generally enjoy the company of family and friends. There’s a BBQ area, kids playground and even a small cafe in case you need fresh supplies. Make sure if you’re taking the pooch to one of the designated areas, they’re kept on a leash to preserve the wildlife.

Cedar Creek Falls, Mt Tamborine
Mt Tamborine is a picnicker’s paradise and has more picnic areas than a year has days, Cedar Creek Falls being by far one of the best. Driving up the winding roads and taking in the scenic beauty is almost enough entertainment, but that’s not all. Cedar Creek Falls are located just metres from three waterfalls and countless walking tracks, making it the perfect place to spend your next Sunday.

Macintosh Island, Surfers Paradise
This little oasis nestled in Surfers Paradise (most commonly used for getting around the GC500 every year) is great for picnic dates of all sorts. The tranquil setting with cascading water running through the park is home to many birds (including peacocks), so don’t forget your stale bread. There’s also that super fun bridge previously built for the Indy in 2007.

Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, Benowa
Hard to believe that this beautiful little piece of paradise is just a mere 10 minute drive from Surfers Paradise. Take the whole family or soak up some solo serenity, it’s the perfect setting for both and anything in between. There’s even a butterfly garden for your gazing pleasure.

Cascade Gardens, Broadbeach
Cascade Gardens can be found between Surfers and Broadbeach and there are plenty of barbecue and undercover picnic shelters. This peaceful riverside sanctuary is the perfect date spot and with a huge area to run around, it’s also popular for families wanting to keep the kids entertained for hours (hopefully not on a date).

Burleigh Hill, Burleigh
In unsurprising news, Burleigh Hill is probably the most popular picnic spot on the Coast. You can’t beat the Insta-worthy views overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline. If you want to get a good spot on a Sunday get there early `cause the whole Gold Coast likes to unite here to see and be seen.

Ed Hardy Park, Miami
Next to North Burleigh Surf Club the park offers great people watching and a few BBQ areas perfect for that Sunday arvo picnic with the gang. Walk up Miami Hill and take in the views or have a sneaky swim in the ocean. There’s a takeaway bottle shop across the road if you need to stock up on sips.

Tallebudgera Creek, Tallebudgera
The battle between which side to choose continues. But no matter which is your go-to, Talle Creek won’t disappoint as favourite picnic spot. The calm creek waters are perfect for a little splash before devouring your mobile buffet. Beware the hungry bush turkeys!

Long Tan Park, Currumbin Valley
Not many people know about this pretty but somewhat hidden picnic spot in Currumbin Valley. It’s the perfect spot to get away, relax by the creek and pop in for a dip. There are no toilets or BBQ stations and uninhibited nature is purely the theme here, so go prepared. Drive along Currumbin Creek Road and take a right turn at Bains Road, the park is situated just over the bridge.

Kirra Lookout, Coolangatta
Kirra Lookout is the Burleigh Hill of Coolangatta, just not as busy and with more parking opportunities (we like the sound of that). You can either drive or walk up, but be warned, it’s quite steep, you’ll burn off your picnic before you make it to the top. Enjoy the view whilst nibbling on some crackers and sipping on an icy cold one, it’s pretty special!

Words by Belinda Symons