Farm life is the good life – wide open skies, fresh air and of course, tasty foods straight from the ground and into your hungry face.

Because the Gold Coast is the greatest place on Earth, we are blessed with both beautiful beaches and farmland where said foods can be grown happily and healthily.

Here are six farms where you can go and grab yourself some straight-outta-the-ground-goods.

Freeman’s Organic Farm
An entirely family owned affair, Freeman’s Organic Farm is already much-loved amongst Gold Coasters. Established in 1915, the farm became became the largest banana farm in Australia in the 20s with over 100 acres of bananas. These days you can purchase their organic goodies from the Farm Stall but make sure to check their Instagram page first because they sell out quickly.
Where: 618 Tomewin Mountain Road, Currumbin Valley

Farm & Co. Kingscliff
No doubt your Insta feed has been flooded with pretty pics from Farm & Co.’s sunflower fields at some point in the past but did you know they also have a little shop from which you can purchase fresh produce? Yep, they do. The Farm Store is stocked with organically grown produce from the working farm and they sourced other produce fresh from other suppliers. Have a wander through the farm and then stock up on goodies before you head home.
Where: 529 Cudgen Rd, Cudgen

Ground Grocer
Ground Grocer is a family-run organic grocery store with daily deliveries of lettuce, cucumber and seasonal vegetables from their farm in the Ecovillage and a team of local growers. Their bees are also working hard to keep them stocked with beautiful honey.
Where: 4 Village Way, Currumbin Valley 

Tropical Fruit World
Tropical Fruit World is175 acres of land in the Tweed Valley which it would seem is the perfect place to grow tropical fruit. You can (and should) purchase boxes of said tropical fruit plus boxes of avocados and treats like farm honey, macadamia nuts and dried fruit. Order online and opt to get it delivered if you like.
Where: 29 Duranbah Rd, Duranbah

Blueberry Fields
Blueberry Fields is a family-owned blueberry orchard nestled in the scenic Byron hinterland of northern New South Wales. About an hour’s drive from the GC, it’s the perfect spot for a fun day out. During October, swing by on Sunday mornings to pick your very own blueberry buckets and experience the joy of farm-fresh goodness firsthand. They have a small farm gate stall set up in front of the orchard. Drop by to pick up the freshest berries. They stock the stall whenever fruit is available.
Where: 769 Fernleigh Rd, Brooklet, NSW

Chambers Flat Strawberry Farm
Chambers Flat Strawberry Farm is a family-run operation spanning generations of strawberry growers. They’ve turned their passion into a full-fledged family affair. Swing by their Farm Shop any day of the week for a taste of their farm-fresh strawberries and mouthwatering strawberry ice cream, crafted from their own strawberries and vanilla ice cream, blended right before your eyes for a truly delicious real fruit treat!

During growing season (July – December) you can PYO (pick your own) strawberries amongst the fields. Located approximately an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast.
Where: 912 Chambers Flat Rd, Chambers Flat

Words by Belinda Symons.

When it’s time for a picnic or a lazy Sunday afternoon in the sun, wine in hand, delicatessen-style foods are the perfect accompaniment. But not just any old deli meats- we’re talking specialty goods like mouth-watering dry-cured meats, artisanally produced cheeses, and all those delightful dips and spreads — ultimate charcuterie board goals.

But getting your hands on such fare is no easy task. You must know where to look, folks. Head to the supermarket deli counter if you must, but if you yearn for divine savours — and believe you deserve the very finest — read on as we run you through the Gold Coast’s best gourmet delis.

Manolas Bros Delicatessen
Manolas Bros Deli & Cafe has cemented itself as one of the Coast’s ultimate spots to treat your tastebuds. Not content with being a continental-style deli, you are also spoiled with wood-fired pizzas, an extensive bar offering, and heaps of takeaway options in the form of robust filled-to-the-brim food hampers. All we can say is specialty dishes, baked goods, and festive sweets are some of the many reasons people keep coming back to this Surfers Paradise foodie hub.
Where: Shop 3G, 14 Capri on Isle of Capri, 15/21 Via Roma, Surfers Paradise

Barbosa Fine Food Deli
Cheese is life. That is a fair statement in anyone’s book (sorry, vegans). But with cheese, one must have suitable chutneys, relishes, pickles, and crackers. Luckily for us, Barbosa Fine Food Deli, located in The Kitchens in Robina Town Centre, has all the above, plus more. Grab yourself an organic Fairtrade coffee and discuss your next blissful charcuterie board with any of their friendly staff: they’ll help direct you through their incredible ashttps://stage.insidegoldcoast.com.au/cheese-gold-coastsortment of imported and Australian goods. And for those with a craving for fresh truffles, look no further; truffle season is upon us, and these guys have got you covered.
Where: The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre

The Oxley Village Market
Taking up residence in the all-new The Oxley 1823 in Nobby Beach is, you guessed it, The Oxley Village Market. Each aisle is a new adventure for gastronomy geeks and an inspiration for new culinary escapades. There are artisanal cheeses, fresh pasta, ethically sourced free-range eggs, fresh-made salads, baked goods, gorgeous bouquets and, of course, an array of delicious cured and butcher meats. Okay, we have a secret for you entertainers: pre-made artisanal charcuterie boxes are available for order and customisation (using only the freshest ingredients, of course). We won’t tell if you don’t.
Where: 17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach

Ambarella Fine Foods
This enclave of gourmand food and drinks ensures an authentic paddock to plate experience with every visit. Whether you’re looking to stock up on farm-fresh vegetables, lusting for one of our city’s largest selections of cheese, or adamant you must have yourself only the best superbly baked European style bread, then, you’ll find all of these under the one roof here in Burleigh Waters. However, searching out the best goods is tiring — and hungry — work. We suggest you take a rest and fuel up at their café and juice bar, where fresh over-filled sandwiches/wraps and squeezed-on-the-spot juices await you.
Where: Shop 12/1 Santa Maria Court, Burleigh Waters

The Standard Market Company – Southport Brickworks
This is your one-stop place to fill your larder with the finest goods the Gold Coast’s CBD has to offer. Specialising in freshly baked breads, cheese, olives and imported gourmet goods, your next picnic will be elevated to lofty new heights. But this isn’t all; their very own butcher counter will tease you with expert cuts of free-range and organic meats alongside a vast selection of handmade sausages crafted with flavourings from all around the world. Around the world in 80 snags, anyone?
Where: 107 Ferry Road, Southport

Jones & Co Grocer
Ready to pack an impressive picnic basket? Of course you are! IGA Jones & Co Grocer is a name you might be familiar with – even if you’re not lucky enough to count their Southport Queen Street Village location as your local. From their very own walk-in Cheese Room, stocking over 300 varieties of cheese, to specialty meat cuts from their in-house butchery and all the freshly baked goods in between, your picnic will be fit for royalty.
Where: Queen Street Village, 129 Queen Street, Southport

Euro Food Deli
This store is a feast for international delights, representing and sourcing from the leading European manufacturers. Euro Food Deli stocks a huge selection of Russian and Polish food and sweet and savoury treats from across Europe. From Smalec Rusiecki (a traditional Polish spread) to Leberkäse (traditional German meatloaf), you will lose yourself for hours discovering new and home favourites at this Nerang neighbourhood market. Their sweet selection deserves special mention. We repeat, do not skip this aisle!
Where: Shop 18b, 57 Station Street, Nerang

Harris Farm Markets, Isle of Capri
Trusty as always, Harris Farm Markets has, of course, made the list with their wholesome goodies and fresh produce. They shelf almost anything your deli-heart desires, as well as fresh seafood, baked goods, niche and popular pantry items,  and of course, plenty of fresh fruit and veg. However, because we are here in the name of gourmet deli, let us tell you that Isle of Capri has become quite the hub for the cheese appreciation society (AKA everyone). Not only that, their selection of cured meats is substantial and will have you kinging and queening the wine and cheese night.
Where: Capri on Via Roma, 15-21 Via Roma, Isle of Capri

FLOR
FLOR are specialists in natural, organic and sustainable wine but also are a petite pantry of curated groceries. You certainly feel wise shopping their unique and hard-to-find shelf items, deli meats and cheeses- which are all ethically sourced from local Gold Coast & Northern NSW suppliers with only the odd handmade goods from elsewhere in Australia. Our charcuterie board has never been so conscious! Our tip: remember, good things take time! Get chatty with the FLOR staff to help select your perfect pairing or next wine adventure- it’s worth it!
Where: Shop 5/3 Park Avenue, Burleigh Heads

Golosi Food Emporium
This nook of delectable goods is Burleigh Heads’ ode to fine foods — and we suggest, if you haven’t already, to make this a regular place to stop by. Even if you’re having trouble conjuring up a list of things you might want, don’t fear. Once you step inside, the vast assortment of fare will quickly have you imagining cheese boards and snack plates from your wildest dreams. And if you plan on having yourself an easy dinner one evening, their selection of fresh pasta and divine ready-prepared meals are by no means a shortcut.
Where:  3/45 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Russian Delights
Those with family ties to Eastern Europe or Russia often know only too well how hard it can be to find foods from the old country here in Australia. One place that disrupts and challenges this status quo are the good guys at Russian Delights. This long-established business has been procuring and distributing various foods from different cultures for over twenty years and shows no sign of slowing. Specialising in smoked sausages and cured meats, they pride themselves on only stocking the very best produce made by the strictest traditional recipes and welcome customers from all varying backgrounds to come and enjoy their selection of international goods. Trust us when we say locals who know their meats get it from here.
Where: 1/35a Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads

Quince Fromagerie Cellar
Hidden in Cornerstone Stores, Quince Fromagerie Cellar has been a haven of boutique goods impressing locals since 2018. Literally, the cutest looking wine and cheese shop you’ve ever seen — but don’t be fooled, this is a serious case of good things coming in small packages. Friendly shop manager Rafa (Rafael) is on hand to lead you through the diverse selection of gourmet goods and cheeses, and if you ask nicely, he may even give you a taste of some. We’re also pleased to say wine plays a role here, and should you want to pair one of their many bottles with anything edible you purchase, go right ahead, you cultured thing, you.
Where: Shop 5/570 Gold Coast Highway, Tugun

Grobnik European Delicatessen
This multigenerational family legacy of artisan butchery mastery is also online! And they bring traditional European handmade recipes into your kitchen – and we’re here for it. There are cured meats in every flavour imaginable (beef jerky and salami for days!), show-stopping condiments and, of course, the creme de la creme of cheeses.
Where: Ashmore City Shopping Centre, 206 Currumburra Road, Ashmore

Tugun Market Co
It felt like only yesterday that this splendid Tugun farmers-style market first opened and inspired the Gold Coast. Here to serve the community from pantry to plate, they specialise in fresh produce, high-quality butcher meats, gourmet foods, health foods, organic products, vegan products, stunning blooms and gorgeous gifty style homewares. But most importantly, there’s a fromagerie. Which is cheese. Which is life. From their fresh produce to their butchery, you’ll get nothing but the highest quality goods here- that’s a guarantee.
Where: 499 Gold Coast Highway, Tugun

Rob Roy Deli & Drinks
This southern Gold Coast beauty is run by a chef and a sommelier. That sounds like the perfect pairing to us! They’ve married the finest continental deli eats with a boutique bottle shop that offers a constantly rotating selection of small-batch produced beer, wine and spirits. Say less! Their sensational range of cheese and charcuterie can all be freshly cut to order, taking your platter from zero to hero.
Where: 1/20 Bay St, Tweed Heads

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

Ah, ice cream, you dreamy, heaven-sent creation, you. A treat that transcends all ages, there’s no denying it is one of – if not *the* – most iconic summer foods going. And here on the GC, our (usually) balmy climate is more suited than most to indulge in (several) scoops of creamy, churned ice cream or gelato goodness any old time we please…

Which is just as well, with all of the fabulous Gelaterias and frozen dessert purveyors gracing our city. It’s a near full-time job trying to keep tabs on them all… and, side note – new dream profession unlocked.

Let’s dig in (y’know, with one of those adorably tiny, and mildly impractical ice cream spoons) to some of the best spots to cool off with a cup, cone, or even a fully-loaded sundae –stacked, sprinkled, and swirled within an inch of its life. Who’s hungry?!

Rosé Gelateria

Artisanal gelato slinger Rosé Gelateria dons its telltale blush accents across two lush GC locations – Tedder Ave and Sanctuary Cove – which, in itself, is a pretty decent clue as to the boujee, boutique style approach at these pretty-in-pink creameries. Besides a delicious assortment of crafted ice creams, they pour some fantastic coffee, including an iced coffee with vanilla bean gelato and vanilla syrup that’ll knock your socks and/or crocks off (hopefully not ‘and’, though). The signature Rose flavour, which comes sprinkled with petals, is a treat for the peepers and the palette. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a prettier gelato fix on the Coast!
Where: Shop 39a, Masthead Way, Sanctuary Cove and Shop 6/19-21 Tedder Ave, Main Beach

Italia Moto Pizza & Gelato

As the name suggests, Italia Moto Pizza & Gelato isn’t just about serving incredible Italian savouries; it’s also about serving scoopfuls of creamy gelato. Take it in a cup, in a cone, or take it home! Take it plain, or take it with ‘tune-ups.’ AKA, indulgent sauces and crunchy toppings like M&M’s, Oreos and sprinkles. And don’t even get us started on their affogatos– did someone say heaven?
Where: 104 Helensvale Rd, Helensvale

Shiro Gelato & Snack

The concept of a friendly neighbourhood noshery specialising in snacks is one we can wholeheartedly get behind, and Shiro Gelato & Snack has your cravings covered with a Japanese take on all things to nibble, slurp, and lick. If it’s the lickable variety you’ve got your heart set on, house-made gelato flavours like Matcha Pistachio, Double Rich Mango and Choco Banana are all a common sight here. Take it to the next level and make it a Mochi-wrapped gelato scoop – served perfectly encased in the gelatinous Japanese dessert.
Where: 50 Nerang St, Southport

Gelato Messina

We’ve been living the ‘cream’ ever since Gelato Messina returned to our shores, and they’ve been slinging their famed flavours out of Surfers’ slick Paradise Centre precinct ever since. The Messina name is one known for taking this gelato business seriously… everything from the dulce de leche to the gelato base – and even the chocolate – is made from scratch, down to their very own dairy farm to keep them plied with the creamiest jersey milk. There’s a reason that their… *checks notes* – literally every flavour – is what ice-cream dreams are made of.
Where: Paradise Centre, 2A Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

The Gelato Shop

Cup, cone, or even sundaes – no matter your preferred method of consumption, Broadbeach’s The Gelato Shop has got you covered when it comes to all things chilled, sweet and creamy. The legendairy lineup of award-winning flavours includes the likes of Chunky Chocolate Cheesecake and Snickers gelato, a slew of fruit-based sorbets and decadent vegan options like Coffee Crunch or Peanut Butter. For an all-out indulgence, there’s locally made Warm Cookies & Gelato, Waffles and an array of fully stacked Sundaes.
Where: 97 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Ciccio’s Pizza & Gelato

Not only do they serve a slice worth doughing over, but scoops of gelato. Melt-in-your-mouth (it won’t last long enough to melt in your cone) authentic Italiana gelati. Savour it plain and simple with a one or two-scoop cone, or take it on a freshly baked Sicilian brioche bun or a pizza?! What could be better? We’ll tell ya! It’s their Rumming dessert pizza, made with zuppa inglese gelato (rum/custard), white chocolate glaze, and chocolate dust. Mamma mia, che buono!
Where: East Tower The Phoenician Building, Shop 10/104 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

My Gelato

Started from Roma, now they’re here! Thanks, Drake. But yes, My Gelato did come all the way from Rome, Italy, to bring us, mere mortals, authentic gelato made with the freshest ingredients – all resulting in flavours that are both classic and innovative. Think Raffaello (just like the Ferrero balls) and Paciugo made with caramelised hazelnut and Nutella. Or, how does Latte Di Rosa (Rose Milk) or Honecomb sound? Pretty darn good if you ask us.
Where: 12w/1 Oracle Bvd, Broadbeach

La Macelleria

A spot that’s a stickler for tradition, La Macelleria is kitted out with all the best Italian gelato-making gear. You can watch on as the crew whips up their artisanal, chilled confections daily… *drooling intensifies*. Wrap your lips around stalwart flavours like Bacio and Pistacio, gelato shakes and out-of-this-world cup sundaes – for those who love their desserts layered with pure indulgence. One taste, and your love for this place will be un-cone-ditional.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters

Gelato Gemelli

Every scoop of Gelato Gemelli’s creamy creations is made from scratch with imported equipment straight from Bologna, the heartland of gelato-making. No shortcuts, no pre-mixes – just proper Italian gelato crafted with love and precision. The signature scoop? The Pisellino – a heavenly blend of pistachio cream and white chocolate that’s worth melting for. Cones or cups aren’t your only choice here; you can also have your fave flavour served in their famous brioche gelato sandwich. Just stop – we may pass out from sheer excitement.
Where: 2/2217 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach ‘The Oxley’

Al Bacio Gelato Naturale

A true family-run gelateria, Al Bacio Gelato Naturale is headed by husband-and-wife duo Craig and Rebecca Heininger, alongside their daughter, Jaime. Since opening in late 2025, they’ve been serving scoops of authentic, 100% natural Italian gelato to Burleigh locals (and visitors), and we cannot be more thankful. The signature Al Bacio, meaning “as good as a kiss” in Italian, is a rich chocolate-hazelnut scoop made with homemade hazelnut paste from Piemonte, Italy. Then, for those who like to gulp down their gelato, you can order your favourite flavour in thick shake form. Can we get a hell yeah?
Where: 7/1840 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Scoop Gelati

Here’s the scoop… if you’re in and around Burleigh and find yourself in the mood for gelato, sorbet, or ice-cream shakes – do not pass go – head directly to Scoop Gelati.
The hand-crafted, small-batch recipes include refreshing revelations like ANZAC Biscuit, Caramel Biscotto and Apple Crumble, all made fresh on-site. Got an ice cream connoisseur in your life? Their frozen cakes are a treat for the eyes and the taste buds – perfect for every occasion, or ‘just because’ works too.
Where: 23 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Gelato Co

Picture the scene: you find yourself in the southern end of town (wandering off of one of those world-class beaches, no doubt), when you’re hit with a hankering – not quite hunger – but you could most definitely eat. The answer is Burleigh Gelato! Don’t let the name fool you; they are not exclusive to Burleigh – they’re also in Palm Beach. Let us tell you, the array of flavours is enough to earn the affection of even the frostiest-at-heart. The cookie-inspired creations, such as M&M Cookie Dough or Biscoff gelato, are enough on their own to get dessert fans swooning. They’re also handily available on major home delivery apps and open late – perfect for those late-night sugar cravings.
Where: 9 Connor Street, Burleigh Heads and 3/10 Palm Beach Ave, Palm Beach

Tango Gelato

Palm Beach’s turquoise sensation, Tango Gelato, serves up sweet scoops daily out of its Pavilions Shopping Centre location (also in Kingscliff if you’re ever stranded across the border). The icy creations include inventive combos like Ginger & Dark Chocolate, Strawberry Cookies & Cream and Blackberry Sorbet – so if you think you’ve ‘been there, licked that’ when it comes to ice cream flavours, we’d suggest you pay them a visit to have your mind blown immediately. They also offer delivery, so if you’re lucky enough to live nearby, you can always opt to have the ‘mind blown’ come to you (in your jim-jams, obvi).
Where: 1102 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach and Unit 4/78–80 Marine Parade, Kingscliff

Elly’s Gelato

Elly’s is about one thing: really good gelato. Full stop. The kind you plan your beach day around. The kind that turns “just one scoop” into “okay, maybe two.” The storefront will charm your pants off, while flavours like Salted Caramel and Kinder Surprise deliver creamy comfort with every lick. If you prefer something a little more classic, the Peppermint Chocolate Chip and Bubblegum (yes, bubblegum, and yes, it slaps) are absolute crowd pleasers.
Where: 778 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Chilly Bin

Bringing Kiwi-style real fruit ice cream to Tugun, Chilly Bin (aka, an esky) is famous for its soft-serve-meets-smoothie hybrid made with frozen fruit blended on the spot with silky ice cream. First, you pick an ice-cream flavour for your base. Next, you choose your fruity flair. Finally, you add house-made cacao maple choc chips for that delicious crunch, and you’ve got yourself summer in a cup, or waffle cone. Consider us sold!
Where: 478 Golden Four Drive, Tugun

Ottimo

What do you get if you take a devoted Italian and send them to study for a diploma at the Gelato University of Carpigiani in Italy? You get Davide, the owner of Ottimo, of course! Promising superior gelato and coffee – rest assured, whatever flavour you settle on taking from this premium iced-goods purveyor is going to be the goods – it’s all made fresh and on-site daily, after all. Stroll in after an afternoon on the beach and let him and his friendly staff scoop you happy. And their signature ‘Sicily’ flavour, made with Mandarin Custard with Pistachio and Almond Caramel, sure does just that.
Where: Shop 18/52 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Luna’s Deli

There is a multitude of tasty reasons to stop by Luna’s Deli – but their desserts are number one on that list. Alongside buttery in-house pastries, they serve small-batch gelato, best enjoyed on a fresh-baked choc chip cookie topped with chocolate sauce– that’s our professional recommendation. However, each scoop is just as good on its own, whether in a cup or a cone, and one scoop is never enough.
Where: Shop 7/120 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Tamborine Mountain Gelato Co

Serving only the most authentic Italian gelato, the rainforest-studded surrounds of Tamborine’s mountainside community are the only reminder that you are, in fact, not strolling the streets of Sicily whilst sampling your delicious scoop of choice. At Tamborine Gelato, the iced goods are served old school – hidden behind the lids of a traditional Pozzetti gelato cabinet in the name of freshness. Seasonal, house-made flavours are rejigged every couple of days, with the chance to catch creamy creations like Tiramisu, Choc Mint Cookie and Honey and Rhubarb.
Where: Shop 4/15–17 Main St, Tamborine Mountain

Words by Chelsea Ipsen