Aviary Rooftop Bar is the place to be.
Aviary Rooftop Bar is the place to be.
It’s almost that time Gold Coasters, the night we get to say goodbye to 2020 for good and welcome in a shiny new year. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, bring on 2021 and the slew of sweet parties that will see us shimmy our way into it.
Now we know the where-to-party-on-NYE is a big decision, particularly this year and we also know there are plenty of factors that go into an epic soiree.
First; you want to be able to dress in your finest, second; there needs to be never ending beverages and third; food to soak up said never ending beverages.
Well, look no further Gold Coasters, we’ve found the absolute epitome of a good time and it will take place at the stunning Aviary Rooftop Bar.
Kicking off at 7pm the celebration, deemed Walk on the Wild Side, will see party goers treated to a four-hour food and beverage package including authentic Italian jungle-style pizzas (for both herbivores and carnivores) and a Monkey Mojito Bar.
You’ll be treated to a sensory safari with front row seats to the Gold Coast skylines’ stunning lights and live music from DJ GNGE featuring bongo drums and entertainment from roaming Jungle acrobats.
You’ll also have the chance at a Lucky Door Prize on the night, so one lucky attendee will be welcoming in 2021 with a streak of luck.
We can’t think of a better way to farewell the year that was 2020.
Tickets are $149 per person, so get in quick, Aviary Rooftop Bar is the place you want to celebrate this NYE.
To book call (07) 5532 1155 or enquire here.
LOCATION: Aviary Rooftop Bar, Mantra at Sharks Rooftop – 5 Melia Court, Southport
WHEN: From 7pm Thursday 31st December 2020
STORY SPONSORED BY AVIARY ROOFTOP BAR
With a make your own spritz station.
Much to the delight of everyone (especially us), brunches have increased in popularity on the Coast over the last little while with venues from across the Gold Coast offering the delightful time.
Not familiar with the concept of a brunch? It is indeed what you’d imagine it to be. The best meal of the day held during a time where you can also consume beverages.
One of our absolute favourite northern bars Aviary Rooftop Bar at Mantra at Sharks within the Southport Sharks precinct, has recently jumped on the brunch bandwagon bringing skyline views and all the goodies you can fit into your Saturday mornings.
The very best part about Aviary Rooftop Bars’ Brunch is the chance to get creative and customise your own spritz with a selection of 21 different Mount Tambourine Distillery liqueurs and fruity garnishes.
What a time.
Aviary’s brunch menu is based around their much-loved pizzas including the Loaded Brekky pizza with chorizo, mushrooms, egg and maple bacon and the Wild Mushroom & Fennel Sausage with roast mushrooms, onion, Heirloom tomatoes, fresh Ricotta and truffle tapenade.
There’s also a brunch grazing station with brekky sliders, yoghurt jars, Bircher muesli pots, Belgian waffles and fresh fruit in case you need a little something extra after all of the pizzas.
The next event kicks off at 11am on Saturday July 13th and it’s the perfect Saturday soiree if you’re in the market for a decadent day out with the girls.
You’ll also enjoy the soothing acoustic sounds of Emily Brieger on the day.
Tickets are $49 each and so far the event has been a sellout so we suggest grabbing yours as quickly as you are able to click.
What a treat Gold Coasters.
LOCATION: Mantra at Sharks, 4 Melia Court, Southport
WHEN: Saturday July 13th from 11am until 1pm
Words by Kirra Smith.
Level-up your drinking game.
If Queensland weather doesn’t shout rooftop bars at you in a high-pitched squeal, we don’t know what will. Our climate, coupled with the amazing hospitality scene here in our city, means these open-air meccas of good times and delicious libations are the prime place to find yourself — any time of the year! It’s all about drinks in the sunshine and snapping selfies with picturesque backgrounds for Insta-bragging purposes.
So, in honour of bars in high places, here are 14 next-level rooftop bars (listed north to south) you should prioritise visiting this weekend, next weekend and the weekend after…
Aviary Rooftop Bar
Perched atop Mantra on Sharks, Aviary Rooftop Bar’s views are as stunning as their extensive drinks list. With 180 degree views over the Surfers Paradise skyline and the ocean, it’s the perfect place for an after work beverage or Sunday arvo session with the crew. Ohh and don’t even get us started on their authentic Italian pizzas, and tapas… if you know, you know.
Where: Mantra at Sharks, Melia Ct, Southport (next to Southport Sharks)
Mr PP’s Deli & Rooftop Bar
A game-changer in Southport’s food and beverage scene, Mr PP’s is a multi level pizzeria and rooftop bar boasting city views and plenty of good vibes in the century-old postal building. There is a generous menu full of pizzas, tapas and charcuterie boards, the ideal scenario. Plus cocktails and local tipples, of which there are many. Live music on Sundays too.
Where: 43 Nerang St, Southport
Last Night on Earth
Pretty sure that if it were, in fact, your last night on Earth, you would want to spend it at a sweet rooftop bar with bulk cocktails at the ready. Last Night on Earth is the work of local legend Arran Wollams and his crew. It’s a somewhat underworld themed rooftop bar in the heart of Southport offering good times aplenty. It’s a dive bar, but not as you know it. Check it out.
Where: 50b Nerang St, Southport
Cali Beach Club
Cali Beach Club is not just a rooftop bar, it’s Australia’s largest Beach Club! This Gold Coast classic is the ultimate beachside party destination that’s never known a dull moment. The 2L spritzer and cocktail jugs may have something to do with this… One minute, you’re lounging on your dedicated daybed by the pool. Next, you’re sipping a Cali Colada in the pool. What’s that? The DJ set has begun?! Off to the dancefloor with you!
Where: 21a Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
Lulu Rooftop & Bar
Say hello to the lovely Lulu. Think Miami’s art deco scene meets laid-back tropical Gold Coast, with lush greenery, plush booth seating and marble-topped bars, it’s a vibe! Throw in the fact it’s on a rooftop and we’re sold. Okay, that’s a lie, our booths were booked when we got word of Throwback Thursdays, RnB Fridays and the regular Grils Brunches…
Where: Level 2/4 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise
The Exhibitionist Bar
News flash: HOTA isn’t just for the arts and culture, people, it’s also for cocktails. Speciality cocktails- each inspired by and changed to reflect the art centre’s current major exhibitions. We feel more cultured already. Enjoy it all while absorbing the breathtaking views of the city skyline. The highly talented Tom Angel heads up the bar and cocktail list, which is a seriously good spot for a sundowner — and the ideal place to take out of towners!
Where: Level 5/135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
The Island Rooftop
It’s the largest open-air (and much adored) rooftop on the Gold Coast, perched on top of The Island in Surfers Paradise. This spot is kind of a unicorn, being part nightclub, part bar and part live music venue. It’s where killer beats meet delicious eats and craft cocktails. Every weekend you’ll find a line-up of DJs playing, a specially curated cocktail menu, and indulgent share-style eats. Think of it as your new weekend ritual.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Nineteen at The Star
The fanciest of the bunch is undoubtedly Nineteen at The Star, complete with velvet booth-style seating, an infinity pool and ocean views for days. Found atop The Star Gold Coast’s The Darling, Nineteen is the perfect place for people-watching, dressing up and sipping on fancy tipples while dancing the night away. Be sure to take a snap on the runway stretching out into the pool!
Where: The Darling, Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
JuJu
This rooftop bar has serious “it’s a vibe” energy. JuJu in Nobby Beach delivers upscale dining with a side of cheeky fun. Split across two levels, this venue is perfect for sunset cocktails and late-night revelry. Expect Euro-summer vibes, lush greenery, and after-hours parties that feel straight out of Mykonos. With a sleek rooftop bar featuring a retractable roof, tequila carts, and live DJ-saxophonist duos, JuJu is where you go when you’re ready to keep the night alive.
Where: 2235 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Sueno Rooftop
Sueno is one of (if not, the) hottest bars on the Gold Coast, and for excellent reason. Go from dinner at Norte to a chilled rooftop, and chat the night away under the moonlight with a marg in hand. The Nobby Beach venue is ideal for a weekend catch-up, a mid-week cheeky cocktail, or an epic bottomless brunch every Saturday and Sunday. Do yourself a favour, find yourself here sipping a cocktail whilst drinking in the gorgeous view.
Where: 2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Justin Lane
A much-loved favourite among locals and visitors alike, Justin Lane is still one of the most popular rooftops on the Gold Coast and was actually the coast’s first official rooftop bar opening in 2011! Hard to imagine. The space is intimate, with booth-style seating overlooking Burleigh and plenty of cocktails to tickle your fancy. Once you’re done slinging back bevvys with the gang, head downstairs for some fair dinkum pizza (it’s so damn good).
Where: 1708-1710 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Pavilion
This one is straight-up iconic and the vibe is a match. It’s as close to the ocean as you can get with a cocktail before it becomes a safety hazard. You may be closer to Earth for this one, but the view here is arguably the best on the Gold Coast. Soak in the stunning sunshine while mulling over which epic cocktail to try first.
Where: 3a/43 Goodwin Tce, Burleigh Heads
The Collective
Everyone’s favourite multi-restaurant establishment, The Collective in Palm Beach, boasts a sweet rooftop bar with epic cocktails for your sipping pleasure. You can also order eats from one of the five menus on offer and watch the sunset while you’re at it. We recommend it.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
Kirra Beach House
Making waves for all the right reasons – Kirra Beach House redefined the southern eats and sips game. The handiwork of local hospo gun, Dave Galvin, which speaks to the caliber in and of itself – with three seperate bars, insta-worthy interiors, cabana-studded wraparound terrace and panoramic ocean views from all angles! We’d be remiss not to also mention the Mediterranean-style grazing and crafted cocktails. Perfect 10’s all round.
Where: Level 1, 2 Marine Pde, Coolangatta
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Close out 2025 with a BANG this NYE!
New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, and let us tell you, the Gold Coast is not here to play. In other words, we’re in for a NYE to remember (hopefully…). We’ve survived yet another 365 days- we deserve to celebrate! From sips with sky-high views to lux dinners and burning dance floors, GC is serving celebration on every level this year.
However you want to send off 2025, we’ve rounded up the very best ways to shimmy your way into 2026. Let’s get into it…
Prepare for an evening of curiosity, and where cocktails whisper “drink me”. Why? QT’s Stingray Lounge is serving Wonderland with a Mad Hatter’s NYE Party! Think roaming costumed performers, tea party–themed canapés, a huge 5.5-hour drinks package, a resident DJ, and immersive, chaotic-fabulous photo moments at every turn. Doors open at 7pm, the drinks flow until 12:30am, and the party continues through to 2am. Book here.
Curiosity encouraged. Madness required (yes, madness is the dress code).
Where: Stingray Lounge, QT Gold Coast, Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
Price: Final Release $189pp + bf or $90pp + bf for entry and canapes only
Take your NYE celebrations sky-high at SkyPoint, 230 metres above the Gold Coast. From the moment you step into Level 77, the ‘Fiesta Pass’ sets the tone with four hours of Mexican-inspired eats from a live taco station, a five-hour premium beverage package, a cocktail on arrival and access to the Altos Cocktail Bar for tequila-fuelled fun.
Want to go next-level? The ‘Guacamole Grande Booth’ gives your group a private booth, table service, a Mexican feast delivered to your table, a bottle of Moët & Chandon on arrival, cocktails for each guest, and optional spirit upgrades- all with unrivalled views of the city and fireworks. Sip, snack, sway, and celebrate 2026 in style with unbeatable vibes from the sky. Book here.
Where: SkyPoint Observation Deck, Level 77, Q1, Surfers Paradise
Prices: Fiesta Pass $229pp, Guacamole Grande Booth from $375pp
Set sail into 2026 in all-white everything aboard the YOT Club for their iconic NYE White Party. From 8pm to 12:30am, you’ll cruise the Gold Coast waterways with premium roaming canapés, free-flowing drinks and live entertainment, setting the pace for the night. Depending on your vibe (and your budget), you can go for General Admission on either the Upper Deck or Ocean Deck, both offering a four-hour cruise, firework views and a generous drink and canape package. If you’re ready to level up, the VIP Booth options take things up a notch with reserved seating, Moët on ice, Grey Goose, grazing platters and bottle service for your whole crew. Whichever way you board, you’re landing the best floating fireworks vantage point on the Coast. Book here.
Where: YOT Club, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Price: From $310.45pp
If you’re chasing electric energy, iconic Turner belters and the kind of dance floor action that’ll have your feet filing for workers’ comp, Tina: The Ultimate Tribute is your NYE spiritual home. Hitting The Star on 30th and 31st December, this glitter-soaked tribute serves up her biggest hits from the ’60s to the ’90s, complete with powerhouse vocals, big-band vibes and costumes shinier than your NYE resolutions. Roll into Broadbeach (preferably in something Tina-worthy) and prepare to be dancing from the first key all the way to midnight. Book here.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Price: From $59.90pp
If you’re after an elegant, resort-style NYE, Sanctuary Cove is serving a triple treat of celebrations. Start your night with a sumptuous Seafood Buffet Dinner at Cove Café, or take your evening a step further with a six-course Degustation Dinner at The Fireplace- a wood-fired, grown-ups-only affair that screams sophistication.
Then from 6pm, Lagoon Beach transforms into a balmy coastal celebration complete with a DJ, a spectacular 9pm jetpack show, and of course, midnight fireworks over the water. A dreamy way to welcome the new year. Book here.
Where: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circle, Hope Island
Prices: Seafood Buffet Dinner $229pp, Fireplace Degustation Dinner $309pp
For those who love their celebrations with a little artistic flair, The Exhibitionist Bar is bringing its signature rooftop glamour to NYE. Enjoy a night of delicious canapés (think lobster skewers, chilli corn ribs, halloumi bites and caviar bumps on arrival), a 4-hour premium beverage package, and a DJ to help you dance the year away on the viewing deck.
If you’re feeling EXTRA, book a VIP Booth in their luxury lounge on level 5. Includes all the above, plus your own cheese and charcuterie grazing table and champagne upgrade. Sip, snack, and soak up the city lights before the midnight fireworks burst across the skyline- for you to enjoy from one of the Coast’s chicest vantage points. Book here.
Where: The Exhibitionist Bar, HOTA, Surfers Paradise
Prices: Cocktail Event: $210pp, VIP Booth: $2,100 (6 people max)
The Island is going big (as always), with three massive ways to party your way into 2026. First up, there’s ‘Laneway Lights’, giving you access to three bars- The Glasshouse, The Pool Deck & Lounge and Goldie’s with resident DJs. Prefer to celebrate under the stars at the Gold Coast’s favourite open-air rooftop bar? Say less, ‘The Island Rooftop’ ticket gives you live entertainment all night long plus 4.5-hour food and drinks package featuring premium drinks and gourmet canapés.
Finally, the ‘Island Penthouse’ ticket is as boujee as it sounds, giving you access across the entire Penthouse on level 12 with stunning views over Surfers Paradise and live entertainment by Mitchell in the Middle. Expect a 4.5 hour VIP experience, including premium gourmet canapés and super-premium drinks including espresso martinis, margaritas and Mumm Prestige (just to name a few). Book here.
Where: The Island Gold Coast, 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Prices: The Island Rooftop $189pp + bf, The Island Penthouse $229 + bf, Laneway Lights Party first release tickets from $30pp + bf, Access all areas $299pp + bf.
If your dream NYE involves mood lighting, next-level flavours and a countdown that feels like a scene from a very chic, very delicious movie, YORU is calling your name. On 31st December, this lantern-lit Nobby Beach favourite is serving an immersive Japanese Korean dining experience with a curated set menu featuring the likes of kingfish carpaccio, charcoal grilled wagyu, mixed sashimi, aburi tacos and matcha ice cream. Guests can choose from three shared menus including Hikari, Yūgen or Kurayami, plus optional wine pairings if you’re feeling a little extra (it is New Year’s Eve after all). With low lights, warm music and that signature YORU vibe, it is the perfect pick for couples, small groups or anyone craving a stylish send off to 2025. Bookings are essential and seats are limited, so secure your spot before it’s gone. Book here.
Where: Shop 1B 2249 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Price: NYE Set Menu $95pp, optional wine pairing $49pp
Ring in 2026 without ringing out your bank account thanks to a trio of free, family-friendly NYE celebrations across Varsity, Miami and Robina. Varsity Lakes kicks things off with New Year’s Eve by the Lake, a chilled waterfront soirée from 5.30pm on 31 December featuring live music, food trucks, kids’ entertainment and an 8.30pm fireworks finale over Lake Orr. Down by the beach, Miami Twilight NYE at Thorn Park brings DJ beats, bubble fun, train rides and coastal fireworks from 4pm to 8pm. And over at Robina Town Centre, The Promenade transforms into a Glitter & Glow party zone with carnival rides, face painting, live tunes and plenty of eats, all wrapping up with an 8pm fireworks display. Three suburbs, three parties, zero excuses to stay home.
If a classic beachside fireworks moment is more your style, the City of Gold Coast has you sorted with family-friendly 8pm shows followed by the big midnight spectacle. Snag your seat at Broadbeach, Coomera, Surfers Paradise or Coolangatta. Pack a picnic, gather your favourite people and watch the sky light up along the coastline. Whether you’re chasing sparkling skies or gathering for a community celebration, it’s a firework-filled farewell across the Gold Coast that you won’t want to miss!
Where: Fireworks: Kurrawa Beachfront, Broadbeach – 8pm & midnight, Kirra, Coolangatta – 9pm & midnight, Surfers Paradise Beach – 8pm & midnight. Community Celebration: Coomera Sports Park, Coomera – 6pm to 8pm.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
