Boots, beats and boot-scootin’ energy.
Boots, beats and boot-scootin’ energy.
If you thought line dancing peaked in the early 2000s alongside low-rise jeans and flip phones, think again. The Gold Coast is officially in its yeehaw era, and honestly? We’ve been waiting for this moment, boots ready, for some time.
From breweries and beachside lawns to hinterland pubs and community halls, get your boots ready for some stomping, hips for some swinging, and to befriend some strangers when you nail the footwork (or not…). No partner, experience or rhythm required (it helps, but we move on). It’s equal parts cardio, community and country bangers, with a healthy dose of wholesome chaos thrown in.
Whether you’re chasing a family-friendly Friday night, a midweek sweat session disguised as fun or a new social ritual that doesn’t revolve around scrolling your phone, the Coast has delivered. Here’s where to dust off those boots and join the revival, listed north to south.
Line Dancing at DRM is bringing serious country charm to Eagleby, and honestly, we’re here for it. Hosted in the Outdoor Entertainment Area, this free, all-ages line dancing night is the kind of wholesome chaos we didn’t know we needed more of. Gilly’s Line Dancing leads the charge, guiding total beginners and seasoned boot-scooters alike through every spin, stomp and slide. It runs roughly once a month, so rally the crew, bring the fam and prepare to two-step under the stars.
Where: 124 Distillery Road, Eagleby
If commitment to the cause is your thing, Hound and Stag is clocking serious hours on the dance floor. Line dancing runs every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 6:30pm, each night serving up its own flavour. Wednesdays are Request Night (plus $15 schnitzels with fries), Thursdays are tailored for beginners (with dangerously tempting $1 wings), and Fridays go full Party Night mode, complete with $5 tacos.
Where: 13 Wrights Place, Arundel
Hinterland views and heel taps? Say less. The Beechmont Hotel is serving up three nights of line dancing bliss, hosted by Runaway Boots’ Kirsty Jane. Mondays are for improvers ready to sharpen their steps, Tuesdays blend beginners and social dancers, and Wednesdays welcome kids and absolute first-timers to the floor. It’s equal parts fitness session, social club and country-inspired escape from the coastal chaos. Add mountain air and that classic pub warmth, and you’ve got yourself a weekly ritual worth the winding drive.
Where: 402 Nerang Murwillumbah Rd, Advancetown
Boots hit the floor every Tuesday from 7–9pm at Rowdy Ranch, where steakhouse swagger meets full-blown country energy. This free weekly session brings together first-timers, friend groups and seasoned dancers for two solid hours of guided fun. It’s lively without being intimidating and social without being awkward- aka the sweet spot. Come for the dancing, stay for the steaks, and leave wondering how you accidentally clocked up 8,000 steps before dessert.
Where: 3/15 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise
Line dancing has officially claimed Thursday nights at Cowboys, running from 7–9pm and led by teacher Natasha, who makes even the most rhythm-challenged feel capable. Whether you’ve secretly always wanted to try it or you’re already confident on a dance floor, this session meets you where you’re at. Expect upbeat country tracks, plenty of laughs and that unbeatable feeling of nailing a routine in sync with a room full of strangers.
Where: 2/58 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Because apparently one night wasn’t enough, line dancing on The Lawn at Garden Kitchen & Bar is now running every Tuesday and every second Saturday. Set against The Star’s polished Broadbeach backdrop, this family-friendly, free event blends toe-tappin’ fun with an early finish (6:30pm–8:30pm), so you can still call it a sensible outing. It’s big on atmosphere, easy to join and the perfect excuse to swap your usual dinner plans for something a little more boot-scootin’.
Where: 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach
Burleigh Brewing Co. proves that hops and heel taps are a surprisingly elite pairing. Western Stomp pop-ups at the brewery on the last Friday of each month from 6.30pm-8:30pm. It’s relaxed, kid-friendly and the kind of setting where you can reward yourself with a cold one after mastering that tricky turn. Expect a mixed crowd, plenty of encouragement and a laid-back brewery vibe that makes learning feel anything but serious.
Where: 2 Ern Harley Dr, Burleigh Heads
Every Monday, The Junction transforms into a community dance hub as part of the Active & Healthy program. Beginners start at 5:30pm, intermediates follow at 6:30pm, and at $6 per class or $10 for both (with kids free), it’s one of the most budget-friendly ways to get moving. It’s proudly family-friendly and welcoming- no partner required. There’s even a café onsite for a post-class wind-down, because debriefing your footwork over a beverage is practically mandatory.
Where: The Junction, 14 Junction Road, Burleigh Heads
If you prefer your cardio before noon, Dallas Line Dancers has built a loyal following across Tugun and Pottsville with structured, multi-level classes that cater to dancers of all levels, from beginners to intermediates. Sessions run across mornings with split floors for different abilities, plus longer workshops and social dance days that can stretch for hours. It’s exercise, memory training and social connection rolled into one very enthusiastic community. No partner needed- just comfy shoes and a willingness to give it a go.
Where: Pottsville Beach Community Hall, 1 Tweed Coast Rd, Pottsville NSW and Tom Atkin Hall, 433 Golden Four Drive, Tugun.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Rowdy Ranch Steakhouse raises the steaks.
Surfers Paradise has officially gone country, and no, this isn’t a drill – it’s a full‑blown honky‑tonk takeover. Rowdy Ranch Steakhouse swung open its saloon doors on 7 January and ever since, locals have been boot‑scootin’, bull‑riding and brisket‑devouring like they’ve been teleported straight to Lower Broadway, Nashville.
Owners Jarrad Webb and David O’Connell – seasoned pros from the pub and steakhouse world – have teamed up with Head Chef Tom Kirby to deliver a steakhouse / country bar like no other and honestly, we’re devouring it faster than a cowboy at an all‑you‑can‑eat rib fest.
The pair chose their Surfers Paradise location for one simple reason – foot traffic and nightlife that could keep up with the chaos they were planning. They wanted a place where a high‑energy country bar, live music, dancing and mechanical bull riding would be wanted – dead or alive – by locals and tourists alike. And can we just say, you’ll be roped in at first bite…or first grapevine.
Inside, the transformation is something to behold. Built by JL Coastal and designed by David O’Connell, the space is a full‑throttle ode to Nashville honky‑tonks – timber finishes, western décor, neon signs that glow like a country star’s teeth, and a dedicated bull arena. There’s a stage for live country music, plenty of room for line dancing, and enough atmosphere to make even the most city‑slickin’ Gold Coaster feel like they’ve just rolled in from the ranch.
Families haven’t been forgotten either. With indoor and outdoor seating, undercover areas, a private dining room and even a kids’ playroom, Rowdy Ranch somehow manages to be both rowdy and responsible. And if you’ve ever wanted to learn to line dance without judgment, Tuesday nights from 7pm to 9pm are your moment – free lessons, zero shame, maximum yee‑haw.
But let’s talk about the real reason anyone rolls into a steakhouse – the food. Head Chef Tom Kirby, whose resume includes Miami Marketta, the Mona Lisa restaurant launch and Evenfall Vineyard in Tasmania, has crafted a menu that hits harder than a country breakup song.
Starters kick off with Rowdy’s Twice Cooked Wings – a 500g serve of slow‑cooked, flash‑fried perfection with house pickles, cool ranch and your choice of sauce. From the grill, the signature 1kg Tomahawk Steak is the undisputed show pony. Served with steakhouse fries or buttered mash and your pick of house‑made sauces (the sticky black pepper gets our vote), it’s big enough to share…or not if you’re feeling particularly cowboy‑coded.
Classics like the Parmi deliver comfort with a country twist, as does the Rowdy’s ½ Pound Beef Smash Burger stacking brisket patties, Swiss cheese, tomato relish, mustard pickle and wild rocket into a milkhouse bun that’s working overtime to wrangle the lot. There are salads, kids’ options, and sides like Market Greens with charred lemon, fried capers and herb oil for anyone pretending to be balanced.
Dessert is no afterthought either. The Pecan Pie with vanilla bean ice cream and Jack’n’Dry sauce is sweet enough to mend even the most broken country‑song heart, and don’t even get us started on the Lemon Meringue Tart.
Rowdy Ranch’s unique selling point is simple – it’s bringing Nashville to the Gold Coast, no passport required. Great steaks, cold beers, cocktails, live country music, dancing, bull riding and a whole lotta personality. It’s rowdy, it’s rustic, and it’s ready to two‑step straight into your regular rotation.
In a city that loves a good theme, Rowdy Ranch stands out by going all in – boots, bull, bourbon and all. Whether you’re chasing a killer steak, a raucous night out or just a place to let your inner cowboy run free, this Surfers Paradise newcomer is ready to welcome you with open arms and a whole lot of yee‑haw. So saddle up, Gold Coast – one visit and you’ll be hooves‑over‑heels.
Where: 3/15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: Lunch Wednesday to Saturday 12-3pm, Dinner 5pm 9pm everyday
Website: rowdyranch.com.au
Instagram: @rowdy_ranch_steak_house
Words by Bianca Trathen
Images by Liam McDonald
See more from Rowdy Ranch Steakhouse in our reel here.
Eat, sip, and ‘ride’ til the cows come home at Cowboys.
With an Insta bio reading, “Welcome to Cowboys – saddle up and get ready to buck me gently!” umm, yeah – attention officially captured.
Cowboys has finally moseyed its way across the ditch from New Zealand to set up shop in Surfers Paradise, bringing a whole lot of wild west spirit with it.
This juggernaut has been winning over Aussie tourists in Queenstown for the past 20 years, so naturally they figured it was high time to ride into Australia’s most famous tourist stomping grounds. Cowboys has only just opened, but it’s already got locals and tourists lining up to let loose for a rootin’ tootin’ good time!
If you have a hankering for American eats in a venue decked-out with all things cowboy, saddle up folks coz this is your kinda place. Imagine an interior that looks like the set of an old Western – with a twist. The visionary build by Woodstar Construction and Helix Group with Macintosh Harris heading up interior design delivers an authentic, rustic vibe…with just enough modern flair to keep it Gold Coast cool.
Nearly all the décor comes straight outta the US (minus the replica guns and bullets – those are all for show), and the atmosphere feels like a big ol’ slice of country America, whether you’re belting out tunes on Sunday karaoke or tipping your hat to the very obliging bar staff.
Cowboys brings the entertainment in spades too in the form of pool tables, shuffleboards, and electronic dart boards. Best of all, there’s no extra charge to play, allowing you save your coins for, say, a second Beergarita (more on those later). Even the famous mechanical bull only requires a gold coin donation, with all proceeds going to charity.
Head Chef Paulo Lapitan has crafted an Americano menu with grunt and epic flavours in equal measure. The star? None other than the “Well Hung Cowboy” – a show-stopping, hanging kebab that’ll have you hollerin’ for more.
Pick your protein (beef, chicken or halloumi), it comes with bell peppers and onion served with fries or mash and your choice of either hot honey or BBQ sauce. And no Cowboys dining experience is complete without a “Beergarita” in hand – the only drink daring enough to wrangle beer and margarita into one glass. Yes, dreams do come true.
As for the mastermind behind this boot-kickin’ joint, it’s hospitality veteran Ingrid B. After decades of seeing Aussies flock to Cowboys in Queenstown, she knew it was high time to give the Gold Coast a taste of what they’ve been missing. And, with a knockout location under the iconic Tiki Village International Resort and an open layout for indoor and outdoor dining, she’s created the perfect spot.
Whether you’re here for a lazy Sunday session, some American-inspired chuck (cowboy slang for meal, not the product of one too many Beergaritas) or a night out with friends, Cowboys has got the space and the spirit to match.
So calling all pool sharks, karaoke cowboys, and peeps who are simply hungry (and thirsty!) for a big ol’ slice of Americana, giddy on up to Cowboys.
Where: 2/58 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: Daily from 12pm – 12am
Website: www.bmgcowboyssp.com.au
Instagram: @cowboyssurfersparadise
Cheers to the freaking weekend….and weekdays.
If there’s one thing we never grow tired of, it’s a cracking cocktail and lucky for us, the GC is a melting pot of masterful cocktails guaranteed to leave you shooketh.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these spots are a must-visit for anyone who loves a tipple (or five), tried and tested by the team because, you know, we had to complete our due diligence. From beachy vibes to moody speakeasies, here’s the scoop on where to sip the best cocktails in town listed north to south.
It’s where Mediterranean-inspired decor, an atmosphere as light as the sea breeze itself, and world-class service collide to create an unmissable destination for cocktail hour. Need we say more? This little gem at Sanctuary Cove is the gift that keeps on giving. Earning a reputation as a cocktail connoisseur’s haven within its first week, the initial hype has not only endured – it continues to soar. If you’re up the north end (or even if you’re not) – just go.
Where: Shop 38c, 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island
Flirt with breathtaking views of the Gold Coast to the Hinterland, with a cracking array of cocktails to choose from at The Exhibitionist Bar. Sitting high on the HOTA Gallery rooftop, their specialty cocktails are inspired and expertly curated, with each drink drawing on major art exhibitions. Naturally, the cocktails change with each new major exhibition, meaning you’ll never run out of reasons to pop in for a sip.
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
It’s bold, it’s quirky, and it’s guaranteed to get your cogs turning. Standing as Australia’s only steampunk-themed bar, Steampunk in Surfers Paradise is a one-of-a-kind spot that blends innovation, nostalgia, and a whole lot of fun. Step inside and you’re instantly transported, with gears, gadgets, and glowing lights, to set the scene. The adventurous cocktail menu is packed with playful creations (yes, even fishbowl cocktails), served with a dash of theatre and a splash of mischief.
Where: 3113 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Asking us to “find the red palm tree”– challenge accepted! We all know any restaurant or watering hole at The Star Gold Coast never misses a beat, and Veladora is no exception. This place is actual cocktail nirvana, so take it from us: leave the car at home- you won’t be able to stop at one. Watching the mixologists in action is half the fun, and don’t even get us started on the vibe, thanks to the Mezcal-inspired speakeasy design.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Hold onto your highball glasses, Gold Coast, because Six-Tricks is redefining the local distillery scene one cocktail, rum, or whisky at a time (okay, maybe more than one). This two-million-dollar masterpiece is state-of-the-art with a spacious indoor bar and sunset deck perf for sipping the night away – and even a private cask hall! You’ll be left shaken, not stirred, in the best possible way.
Where: 3 Brightlands Ct, Mermaid Waters
Mermaid Beach locals will tell you that if you’re frothing for a quality cocktail (us – always), it’s Cantina for the win. This pint-sized neighbourhood tapas bar proves that good things come in small packages, and by good things, we mean cocktails. Forming the perfect pair with sibling Piatto Italian restaurant right next door, line your tum with Spanish-style bar bites so that your sneaky cocktail can turn into two…or five….
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
If you haven’t stepped aboard The Cambus Wallace, are you even a Gold Coaster? Serving up the finest classic cocktails, international rums and whiskeys, and heartwarming food, the only thing moodier than the dark hues of the boat-themed bar is you if you don’t sample at least one of their tipples. There’s a reason (AKA epic cocktails) that it always gets a nod on our lists!
Where: 4/2237 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Perched above its sister venue, Norté, Sueño Rooftop offers a dreamy, Latin American-inspired rooftop escape in Nobby Beach. You can say hola to crisp, Latin-inspired cocktails, delicioso snacks, and sea breeze flowing in from just a few streets away. Spanish escape? Yes! Long-haul flight? No!
Where: 2217 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Looking for an absolute beachfront cocktail tapas bar? Look no further – this.is.it. Serving up an exciting fusion of coastal charm, inventive cocktails, and sumptuous tapas, it’s a winner, winner, cocktail dinner. Crafted by expert mixologists, the cocktail list boasts an array of innovative libations, from classic martinis to exotic tropical creations, so you’re assured a perfect pairing for every palate and mood.
Where: Level 1/293 The Esplanade, Miami
Distil our beating hearts! With a fresh curation of concoctions that could coax Sleeping Beauty herself from her 100-year slumber, this magical albeit not-so-faraway Miami-based fave has earned quite the rap for its bewitching, fable-inspired concoctions. If you’re after something extra spesh that you can’t find at every other cocktail bar, welcome. Extra points for everything from syrups to spirits made on site.
Where: 45 Lemana Lane, Miami
Welcome to Palm Springs! Well, almost- you’ll be fooled by the chic ambience and vibrant aesthetic. Nestled in the heart of Burleigh Heads, The Malibu Racquet Club is the perfect spot for sunset sips and pre-dinner drinks. Hello, double-parked margaritas. Patrons can enjoy the beautiful southern GC breezes while seated outside, or opt for a cozy booth or the bar inside. Everything from the cocktail list to the paired-back decor is curated to delight summer-lovers. Yes please!
Where: 1740 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Rosella’s has been serving up pure Australiana vibes to bustling Burleigh since January 2019— and clearly doing something right, because they once snagged the crown for Best Cocktail Bar in Queensland. And what’s more quintessentially 2025 Aussie behaviour than sipping on a host of sensational cocktails in a beautiful beachy ‘burb?! Serving up nostalgic and native fare, this little ripper hums until late seven nights a week. ‘Knoath!
Where: 1734 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh
Looking for a chic tropical cocktail bar and cellar door experience? Look no further than Familiar Spirits, the hidden gem tucked away in the industrial zone of Burleigh Heads. The intimate atmosphere, combined with a curated selection of house-made spirits, makes it a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts. The cocktail list is nothing short of impeccable —you must try them all! That’s an order.
Where: 1/9 Calabro Way, Burleigh Heads
With a name that (literally) sums up our guilty pleasure, Suga lives up to its namesake – and then some. When it comes to our local speakeasy, the only thing more satisfying than the cocktails is the…no, it’s definitely the cocktails. The low-lit lamps highlight the insanely good menu, which serves as the perfect belly-liner so that you can partake in another cocktail (yes, even on a school night).
Where: 1142 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
If you like your gin with a side of smooth operator, Burly Bar in Currumbin is your next stop. Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into a New York lounge with a Japanese twist – think dark corners, cool beats, and even cooler drinks. This distinctive and eclectic spot is where craftsmanship meets cocktail hour, treating mixology like an art form.
Where: 60 Currumbin Creek Road, Gold Coast
You’ve never met a cooler Evelyn (and if you’re born after 1980, you’ve probably never met one). This antipasto and pizza bar has not only garnered a staunch following for its A+ seasonal antipasti, sourdough pizza, and freshly made pasta but also for the evelyn-utionary cocktails. With its moody lighting and dark wooden charm, Evelyn is the kind of spot that makes even a balmy summer night feel effortlessly cool.
Where: Shop 20/58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Words by Bianca Trathen and Chelsea Ipsen.
