Top shelf spots to indulge your inner bookworm.
Top shelf spots to indulge your inner bookworm.
We know it’s very 2022 to view our fave mags online, catch the latest headlines (spoiler alert – they’re all about Covid…), and read a book on a kindle. But, what if we dream of ditching the kindle (another spoiler alert – we’re chucking our kindles!) because we crave the good ‘ole days when we held an actual book. Remember the texture of the pages? The satisfaction of bulking out your bookcase with a sweet new read and of course, the unmistakable book smell – which sounds mildly creepy but if you know you know.
And we are super proud to say print is still living it large on the GC and these much loved, thriving bookstores are living proof!
BOOK FACE
Ahhh BOOK FACE why are you so awesome?! Carrying books spanning all the genres, they also have a curated selection of rare books for sale. The Pac Fair Book Club is held at the Cafe, where on the first Thursday of each month a small group gathers to discuss contemporary novels. It also hosts a book exchange program, where members of the community exchange pre-loved books for free. BOOK FACE showcases local authors and artists in-store on a commission basis and exhibits independent work that may not be accessible at larger book stores. Kudos!
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Shop 1622 Cnr Sunshine and, Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
Under the Greenwood Tree Bookshop and Artspace
Those who enjoy a little day trip to our beautiful Tambo would be all over this precious gem-like salt on the rim of a margi glass. Under the Greenwood Tree is a small independent bookshop and art gallery overflowing from floor to ceiling with book goodness. Run by the lovely Janene Gardner, she welcomes new reads on a weekly basis, including new releases, best sellers and everything in between. With Australian art and craft also on her shelves, this place will have you smiling ear to ear.
Where: 92 Main Western Rd, Tamborine Mountain
Books Etc
Looking for darn dirt-cheap bargain book buys? Your search is over folks – Books Etc is the one for you! With several stores on the GC and up the road in BrisVegas, they’ve got your next cheap and cheerful gift covered. Stocking multiple genres, you’ll get bang for your buck with beautiful quality reads and some seriously great titles. Insider tip: if you see something you like, nab it because chances are it will be goneski next time you’re passing by.
Where: Broadbeach, Helensvale, Coolangatta, Elanora
Antique & Collectors Books
Looking for a title you just cannot find for love nor money? Given up hope because all the book stores (and Professor Google) are telling you it’s not in production anymore? Before you concede defeat, check with the gurus at Antique & Collector’s Books. They stock over 500,000 books ranging from antiquarian to modern-day literature. Specialising in “out of print” and antiquarian books, they’ve racked up 40 years’ experience in bookselling. Eat your heart out, Prof Google!
Where: 162 Scarborough St, Southport
QBD Books
When you think of bookstores, 3 letters will inevitably come to mind: QBD. With literally millions of titles available across all genres, this Aussie-owned and operated powerhouse always gets a thumbs up from us. Boasting an epic online store, one helluva loyalty program and super helpful staff at every location, you never need to travel far to find your closest branch. It’s a bonafide staple stop on a bookworm’s day out.
Where: Coomera, Runaway Bay, Southport, Broadbeach, Robina
Big B Books
If you love books old and new, you know about this place. Tucked away in one of Burleigh’s little alleyways, whatever genre it is you’re searching for, Big B delivers! The team are self-confessed (and damn proud) bookworms who personally select each and every title on their shelves. Mind-body-spirit specialists who are passionate about their ‘trade,’ they’ll relish the opportunity to help you choose your next read. Hot tip: be sure to keep your eye on the store’s events page for readings, launches and signings!
Where: Shop 16, Big B Arcade, James Street, Burleigh Heads
Bundle O’Books
Nothing quite beats losing yourself in a good book, and you’ll do exactly that at Cooly’s second-hand books haven, Bundle O’Books. Choccas with every genre you can think of, here you can buy or exchange your preloved reads, and there’s every chance you’ll find that elusive title you’ve been scouring book shops and the internet for. Winning!
Where: 116 Griffith St, Coolangatta
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Meet the author, viral video producer and Stage 4 Lymphoma survivor.
I think we can all say that lately, while we try to live our day to day lives as normal as can be, life has been tough – COVID has certainly sent the world into a tizzy. One book that we could all take a page from is ‘Life Is Tough But So Are You’, written by Briony Benjamin. Aside from being the author of this book and a Gold Coast local, she has a long resume of achievements particularly in the viral video space at Mamamia. Add to this, Briony is a Stage 4 Lymphoma survivor. We found out a bit more about Briony ahead of her official book launch (Tuesday 3rd August 2021), and what exactly she loves about the Gold Coast.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
My family moved to the Coast when I was one and has been based on the Coast for the past 34 years. I’ve loved growing up in the hinterland of the Gold Coast, it’s a magical place to be a kid. Our family ran a local vet hospital in Mudgeeraba so I worked there growing up. It was always a lot of fun and we would collect a lot of orphan animals in the process. A child’s dream.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
After going to school on the Gold Coast, I ventured overseas for my ‘gap year.’ I worked and lived in a place called Giggleswick, England and worked at the Giggleswick School, it was the most fantastic year (it was basically Hogwarts). Then I came back and completed a Commerce Degree, decided I didn’t want to be an accountant and so enrolled instead in a Film Degree. After the three year degree, I moved to the big smoke to embark on a career in that industry and haven’t looked back. I loved creating short-form video that has an important message at it’s core and has the power to connect with people all over the world. That became my number one passion.
What do you love the most about being a Viral Video Producer?
There is nothing like the thrill of watching a video go viral. It’s seriously fun creating something that goes out into the world and touches millions of people. Whether it gives them a laugh, makes them feel something, helps them to feel less alone, or gets an important message through in an engaging and entertaining way. I just love it.
Can you tell us why you decided to turn the camera on yourself to document your life changing experience?
When I was first diagnosed with Stage 4 Lymphoma I didn’t know what was going to happen to me, I certainly hoped I’d survive and come out the other side, but I suppose you just don’t know. Encouraged by some friends, I started filming the journey. It was a nice distraction from what I was going through and in a way meant I could still ‘work.’ It was also quite therapeutic to get my thoughts down on video as I went and it helped me navigate the whole wild time.
So ahead of the launch of your first ever book, can you explain how it went from an idea to a published book?
I created a video out of my experience called ‘Life Is Tough But So Are You.’ When it went out into the world, it went viral and touched so many people. I had some amazing comments from people who said it had moved them and touched them in so many ways. One lady said she’d reached out to her mother who she hadn’t spoken to in years because it made her see how futile and petty their fight had been and this is the one life she gets. Other cancer patients reached out and said how it had given them such a lift and reminded them to just keep going. One of the people that saw this video was my publisher at Murdoch Books. They reached out and were interested to turn the heart and soul of the video into a helpful guidebook for anyone navigating a tough time.
If you could give anyone one bit of advice, what would it be?
It’s so hard to boil it down into one piece of advice, but if I had to, I would say that this is your one precious crack at this life. We spend so much time consumed in trivial, unimportant things like what we look like and what people think of us and none of it really matters. You need to live a life of which you are proud. So don’t wait, start now. Be bold with your life, enjoy each day, surround yourself with excellent energy; the people who love you and lift you up and find something to do with your life that really matters.
How can someone grab a copy of ‘Life Is Tough But So Are You’?
You can find my book at all good booksellers if you have a favourite local bookstore try to support them, as they are doing it tough right now in COVID.
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café: If you’re looking for something in the hinterland, I love the Tea Topia Tea salon in a beautiful old Queenslander. And if I’m near the Coast, I adore Tarte in Burleigh – those pastries… wow!
Coffee spot: Millers Espresso in Mudgeeraba do a fantastic coffee!
Restaurant: The Wine Barrel in Mudgeeraba – this little restaurant punches well above it’s weight and I love going on the night they have a live harpist. Dreamy.
How do you choose to spend your weekends?
I love doing the Burleigh headland walk on a Saturday morning, I feel so grateful to whoever had the vision to set aside that land and create a National Park. It’s one of the most stunning parts of the Coast to me. I then love to go to Tarte, wandering up James St and browsing some of the beautiful little shops. Then coming back to Mudgeeraba, sitting in the garden and reading the paper, that is a Saturday morning well spent for me! I also love a wander through 19 Karen Gallery in Miami and The Borrowed Nursery for some more plants or pots to add to my collection. The Coast really has so much to offer and it’s been amazing to watch the transition having lived here all my life. We certainly didn’t have the amazing array of coffee shops and restaurants in the 90’s that we have now!
Let’s get quizzical!
So it’s the end of the day, and you’re spent. All you want to do is chill on the couch with a chardy and some reality TV, until you realise it’s Trivia Night at your local. Suddenly, you’re rounding up the crew and heading out the door to prove you’re the smartest one in the group.
Not only is trivia next-level entertaining, but it’s cheap as chips (if not free), and you get to think of a hilariously inappropriate name for your team. Here are 16 local spots to test your knowledge and expand your useless facts repertoire across the Gold Coast (from North to South):
This is no ordinary trivia, folks- it’s one of the most interactive and exciting trivia experiences on the GC! Infusion Gameshow combines all your favourite TV game shows and high-tech alert – you use your smartphone to answer the questions. Happening every Wednesday and great for families, be there at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Don’t forget to ask about your exclusive team membership card with a host of cracking good deals. Online registration is essential.
Where: Shop MM7 Westfield Coomera, Level 2/103 Foxwell Rd, Coomera
Put your knowledge to the test at Parkwood Village’s Tuesday Night Trivia, kicking off from 6:30pm each week. Gather the smartest of your friends and family (teams of 3–8) and settle in for six fun rounds covering everything from Aussie trivia and TV & Movies to Sports, Around the World and more. There are plenty of prizes up for grabs, including club cash, venue vouchers, meat trays and even Titans tickets. Arrive early to grab a bite and make the most of the members-only two-for-one pizza and pasta special before the questions start.
Where: 76-104 Napper Road, Parkwood
Trivia night gets a high-tech upgrade at Sharks, where QuizzaMe brings a game show-style twist to your weekly brain workout. Ditch the paper and pencils and get ready to buzz in with wireless buzzers, making every question feel like you’re on your own TV quiz show. It’s free to play every Wednesday, with registration from 6:30pm for a 7pm start, and plenty of exciting prizes up for grabs. If you’ve ever watched a quiz show and thought, “I could win that,” now’s your chance to prove it.
Where: Corner Olsen & Musgrave Ave, Southport
Put your thinking caps on for Monday Night Trivia at SOPO, kicking off from 7pm each week. Hosted by the professional quizmasters from Peppers Entertainment, this fast-paced trivia night is completely free to play and perfect for anyone keen to test their wits. Gather your team, settle in with a drink and see if you can outsmart the competition, with bragging rights and great prizes up for grabs for first, second and third place.
Where: 36 Scarborough St. Southport
Round up your brainiest mates for Trivia Night at Gold Coast Tavern, kicking off every Tuesday. Registration opens at 6pm with a 6:30pm start, giving you plenty of time to grab a bite before the questions begin. Entry is free, there are great prizes up for grabs, and you can fuel the team with $18 pizzas while you play. Book a table online to lock in your spot and get ready to test your knowledge.
Where: 150 Bundall Rd, Bundall
Every Tuesday night, the Sports Bar at The Star Gold Coast is also turning up the trivia action. Hosted by the team from Think Trivia, this free-to-play quiz night kicks off with registration from 6pm and a 6:30pm start on the Casino Level. Rally a team of up to six players, grab a drink and settle in for a night of brainteasers, banter and friendly competition. There are some solid prizes on the line, too, including a $300 The Star gift card for first place, $150 for second and $100 for third- not a bad reward for knowing your stuff.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach
Gather your crew, grab a feed and a cold one, and settle in for a fun evening of brain teasers and friendly competition. Every Tuesday at 7pm- it’s on! With prizes up for grabs and a relaxed midweek vibe, it’s the perfect excuse to get the gang together and see who really knows their stuff. Dining bookings are welcome for groups of six or more, but if you’re coming for trivia, there’s no need to book, just rock up and play!
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Round up the crew for Thursday Trivia at Club Mermaid, kicking off every week from 7pm. It’s free to play, so gather a big or small team and get ready to battle it out for prizes in a fun, competitive night of brain teasers. While you’re there, settle in for a bite from D’Agostino’s Bistro, serving up family-friendly meals to keep you fuelled while you quiz.
Where: 2418 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Bring your brain and your appetite for Taco Trivia Tuesdays with Lisa. Kicking off weekly from 7pm (arrive 15 minutes early to get settled), this lively quiz night pairs brain teasers with $5 tacos all night long. Gather a team of up to six people and test your knowledge for $15 per team. Bookings are essential, so lock in your spot and get ready for a fun night of trivia, tacos and friendly competition.
Where: 1/28 Chairlift Ave, Mermaid Beach
With a name like Tipsy Trivia, sign us up! Hosted by the infamous Marty, this cheeky quiz night kicks off every Tuesday from 7pm at Precinct Brewing. Gather a team of up to eight people and put your knowledge to the test for just $15 per team, while tucking into $20 pizzas available all night long. It’s the perfect midweek combo of brainpower, banter and brews — just be sure to book your spot each week as bookings don’t roll over.
Where: 17 Christine Avenue, Miami
The Sporting Globe keeps the game show vibes going with QuizzaMe Trivia’s wireless buzzer setup, turning the night into a fast-paced, interactive quiz featuring video, picture and audio questions across a range of fun categories. Registration opens at 6pm for a 6:30pm start, so arrive early, grab a bite and settle in for a lively night of trivia, games and great prizes.
They also host special themed trivia nights, and this month it’s all about Disney Classics. Expect questions covering iconic characters, unforgettable songs and legendary movie moments from across the Disney universe. Rally your fellow Disney superfans, brush up on those lyrics and get ready to buzz in for your shot at the prizes and ultimate bragging rights.
Where: Robina Town Centre, 19 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina
Find more interactive trivia fun at North Burleigh Surf Club with Hard Fizz Tuesday Trivia, hosted by the legends at QuizzaMe. It’s free to enter, with registration from 6:30pm and a 7pm start, and teams of 2–6 players ready to battle it out for more than $200 worth of Hard Fizz prizes. Bookings are essential as spaces are limited, so lock in your table and get ready for a lively night of brain teasers and friendly competition.
Where: The Green Room (Level 1 North), North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Supporters Club, Burleigh Heads.
Round up your crew for Wednesday Night Trivia at Après Surf, kicking off weekly from 7pm. Gather your team and put your knowledge to the test for just $15 per team, with great prizes up for grabs each week. It’s the perfect midweek excuse to grab a drink, have a laugh and see who in your group really knows their stuff. Book your team in via the link in their bio to secure your spot.
Where: 1/1837 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Don your thinking caps and head down to Burleigh Town Hotel for Tuesday Trivia featuring the Funky Bunch, kicking off from 6:30pm each week. Entry is free, there are epic prizes up for grabs, and it’s the perfect excuse to round up your smartest mates and see who really knows their stuff. Grab a drink, lock in your team and get ready for a lively night of brain teasers and banter.
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads
Kickstart your week with Monday Night Trivia at Tallebudgera Surf Club, kicking off every Monday at 7pm. Entry is just $5 per person, and teams of any size are welcome, so gather your crew and settle in for a fun night of brain teasers. Expect rounds covering general knowledge, music, puzzles, current events, and a special-themed round, with over $200 in cash and prizes up for grabs each week. Plus, every eight weeks there’s a $250 Jackpot Round where one lucky team takes home the big win. No bookings required, just head down to the deck and join the fun.
Where: 1505 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
If themed trivia is more your style, Currumbin RSL regularly hosts special pop-culture quiz nights that are perfect for superfans. Keep an eye out for events like Shrek Trivia and “The One With All The Questions” Friends Trivia, where you can test your knowledge of iconic quotes, characters and moments while battling other fans for prizes. Grab your crew, brush up on your favourite episodes and movies, and get ready for a night of nostalgic questions and plenty of laughs. Tickets are required and can be booked online.
Where: 165 Duringan St, Currumbin
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Currumbin’s new Tarte’d up Beach House.
Well well well, what do we have here?
If it isn’t our mate Currumbin collecting trendy new haunts like they don’t already have dibs on the coolest creek in the whole of the GC.
It’s okay though, we’re not mad about it, because in case you haven’t caught the hottest news in town, a cult-flavourite on the GC scene has branched out to bring us a BRAND NEW VENUE (and yes we feel the shouty caps are warranted, as will anyone who has tasted one of their mouth-watering pastries) because we are talking about our beloved, one and only Tarte Bakery here.
We are so bready for the great Tarte takeover, with Currumbin officially welcoming its sister venue Tarte Beach House this week and, while we want to say it’s every bit as good as you’d expect – it’s not.
It’s even better (how is that even possible?!)
Taking up residence under the palms lazily swaying by the picturesque Currumbin Creek foreshore, this Hamptons meets Parisian style stunner ticks all the boxes – and with owner and culinary mastermind Chloe Watts at the helm, we certainly don’t think this new venue will be living in the shadow of its big sister for long.
Somewhere between her duties as #supermum and running one of the GC’s most popular artisan bakeries, Chloe apparently manages to squeeze in the odd The Block binge, because the new Tarte Beach House beach shack glow up was a reno of epic proportions.
She well and truly uncovered the true potential of this creekside gem, which has been treated to a full facade makeover with some stunning new joinery to frame those knockout views.
Also of note are the painstakingly sourced vintage fixtures, with tables, counters and beach umbrellas turned lamp shades direct from France clocking in at a mere century old #oohlala.
Complete with chic monochrome checkerboard floors and elegant brass fixtures to round out the whole elevated space, it’s no longer just the glistening outlook that’s insta-worthy.
No how matter how ‘in’, the mullet may claim to be, we are loathe to use such a term to describe the ‘party in the bottom, business in the top’ functionality of this gorg new multi-level space (but we did it anyway).
Downstairs has been designed to be the more casual of the two spaces, welcoming us to saunter in post-dip and pull up stumps, or perhaps grab a New York style bagel (or any of your usual Tarte flaky faves) to-go #we’rejusthereforthecruellers.
Upstairs boasts the more formal style restaurant, which of course is fully licensed (which means Tarte cocktails, huzzah!).
Coupled with all-day faves such as Chilli eggs – Crispy ‘fried’ eggs, sauteed asparagus and broccolini with Aunty TT’s crispy chilli and fresh shallots on white sourdough and slightly more boujee brunch options such as the Lobster Roll made with Southern rock lobster in hot butter, celery, chives and lettuce served in a toasted housemade brioche. Shut up and take all our money!
With plans to eventually extend the Tarte Beach House offering to arvos and evenings, Europe called and said we should definitely stay home for creek hangs this summer.
When: 6.30am-3pm Monday – Thursday, 6.30am-5pm Friday – Sunday
Where: 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin
Words by Kellie Leader
Images by Carly King
