Surfers up and down the coast know the raging hunger after a surf. Be it 30 minutes or three hours in the water, those post-surf cravings get us every time.

Here are some of our go-to spots to refuel after a salty sesh. And even if you haven’t been in the water, this list works just as well for anyone chasing a laid-back, post-beach hang feed!

Little Mali Tuck Shop

After a morning of chaos surfing the Superbank, you want something to shake off all the drop-ins. Drop in for a feed at long-time local favourite corner tuck shop Little Mali in Rainbow Bay. With all-day brekkie, smoothie bowls, next-level shakes and now an evening taqueria with tacos and nachos, Little Mali is sure to turn any surf into a better one.
Where: 237 Boundary St, Coolangatta

Switchfoot

A nook for a quick coffee and pastry to go, Switchfoot in Rainbow Bay is for those on the run after their morning surf. Stocking surf essentials like sunscreen, surf wax, leashes and traction pads, Switchfoot will have you covered in and out of the water.
Where: 237 Boundary St, Coolangatta

Love Street Store

A cafe, surf shop and art gallery all rolled into one, Love Street Store in Kirra will have you falling head over bare feet for a post-surf feed. With smoothie bowls and epic toasties for sustenance, you’ll be thinking about breakfast here before you get in the water. If the Superbank sweep is in play, you’ll be able to ride a long wave all the way there.
Where: 1 Churchill St, Coolangatta

The Salt Mill

As busy as the line-up at the Alley on a weekend, and for good reason, The Salt Mill in Currumbin has continued to delight both locals and out-of-towners for over a decade with their takeaway treats and acai bowls overflowing with wholesomeness. The lines may be long but the coffee is quick which is why surfers keep coming back.
Where: 784 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Barefoot Barista

For a sit-down feast, Barefoot Barista has found its place in Currumbin with plenty of seating so you can enjoy the food and the view. Serving sweet and savoury eats, there’s something for every surfer including a great post-sunset option, with the cafe transforming into bar Bruce Thursday to Sunday evenings.
Where: Shop 1/794 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

The Kiosk

Right on the Burleigh Headland, as close to the take-off point as you can get, The Kiosk crew work hard to keep the locals happy and the out-of-towners dropping in at this hole-in-the-wall espresso bar.
Where: 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Tarte

When an epic surf calls for an epic feed, it’s worth the walk to Tarte for freshly baked treats. Bustling with customers, their cabinet of daily delights is always stacked. With bagels and sangas as big as your head, a trip to Tarte is all you need to curb post-surf cravings.
Where: 1748 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Castaway Coffee Bar

Up the northern end of the coast, Castaway Coffee Bar sits cool under Ocean by Meriton. Open super early for sunrise surfers, a bacon and egg roll followed by a raspberry and pistachio croissant and a specialty coffee is a hunger-busting combo after getting barrelled at Narrowneck. With water views, you can surf-check as you refuel before heading back out.
Where: Ocean Meriton G1/84 The, 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Words by Lisette Drew

Thinking about levelling up your surfing this summer? Good call. The days are long, the weather’s warm, and the ocean is practically begging you to paddle out.

Surfing might look cool and cruisy, but it’s one of the few sports where no matter how long you’ve been doing it, you’re still a student of the sea.

Not sure where to start? Don’t stress. Below are five ways to build your surf skills, and all the Gold Coast legends who can help get you there.

Join a surf school

If you’re keen to fast-track your progress, jump into a surf school. Coaches can spot things you’ll never notice on your own and give you the exact tweaks you need to catch more waves. Group lessons are great for staying motivated, but if you prefer surfing solo, book a couple of private sessions so you’ve got personalised tips to work on.

Some of our fave surf schools are Currumbin Alley Surf School and Surf Easy at Currumbin Alley, Hang Ten Surf Co and Kirra Point Surf School in Kirra, Go Ride A Wave at Coolangatta, Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise.

Take up skating

Can’t make it to the beach during the work week? Skating is the next-best thing. The muscle memory and movement patterns translate directly to surfing, so when you finally hit the water again, you haven’t gone backwards. Pizzey Park Skate Park and Pump Track in Miami has 4800 square metres of skateable surface to get you pumping like a pro, or for something more surf-focused, get involved with Surf Lab in Currumbin Waters. Their custom surf-skate bowl, one-on-one coaching and weekend retreats are designed specifically to help you become a more confident surfer in and out of the water.

On-land fitness

A bit of land-based training makes a massive difference in-between salty sessions. Strength, flexibility and balance are the holy trinity for surfers. Rhythm Wellness Surfers Yoga in Currumbin Waters is perfect for targeted surf conditioning, while Aqua Sculpt at the JW Marriott Resort is a full-body, on-water workout performed on floating platforms. If you want to build power, stability or pop-up speed, this is your chance.

Surf crew cheer squad

If you haven’t already added all your surf mates into a group chat, get onto it. Half the battle is showing up and having friends in the water makes every surf session better. Plan weekend missions, celebrate each other’s progress and make it a priority to keep the stoke high. Want an instant community? OneWave is a non-profit surf movement using saltwater therapy and fluro to boost mental health. Their Greenmount crew paddles out every Saturday morning, perfect for anyone who needs accountability with a side of good vibes.

Go with the flow

The ocean is always changing, and your surfing will too. The best way to progress is to embrace every session, small waves, big waves, wind, rain, the lot. The more time you spend in the water, the more confident you’ll feel not just in summer, but every season.

Words by Lisette Drew

Delis have long been the heart of Italian neighbourhoods.

From early morning, locals drift in for a quick espresso at the bar, pick up a few essentials, exchanging greetings that feel more like family catch-ups than transactions.

Lucky for us, Nico. deli & shop now recreates the traditional deli in Kirra, offering a slice of Italian culture just a stone’s throw from the sand.

Behind it all is Aaron Nicholls, who brings 30 years of architecture and design experience to the counter along with early-career hospitality work on the floor, giving him a keen eye for detail, from the furnishings to the food.

When it came to creating his own space, Aaron wanted more than aesthetics, he wanted to capture the soul of the Italian deli.

“The thing that strikes me the most about Italian culture is the celebration of food – the growing, preparation, presentation and consumption of it,” Aaron said.

“For me, it’s the ultimate display of gratitude: to make, give, share, and celebrate food. I want our patrons to feel like they’ve stepped into something truly special every time they visit.”

The concept almost landed in Woolgoolga on the NSW North Coast, sparked by local concern over big supermarkets squeezing out small vendors. But as the business plan tightened, a bigger question emerged for Aaron. Surely there were other coastal communities crying out for the same thing?

Formerly a vape and tobacco shop (and before that, a display suite), the Nico. deli & shop sits on a prime corner at Kirra Village, a stone’s throw from the beach.

Designed by Aaron alongside Phillip Nielsen of Regional Design Service, the fitout leans into a mid-century vibes with terrazzo floors and a feature counter that doubles as a stage for coffee and conversation.

Outdoor seating catches the Cooly breeze, while the indoor espresso bench and a handful of stools keep things cosy. 

Pouring Coffee Supreme brews and serving a menu that champions local artisans, Nico. deli & shop is all about keeping it fresh. 

Burleigh Baker supplies the focaccia, That’s Amore delivers silky stracciatella, and Puopolo Artisan Salumi brings nitrite-free mortadella, all coming together in the deli’s signature panini, topped with honey and pistachios.

For something sweet, cannoli are served in three varieties topped with crushed pistachios, chocolate chips, and a delicate dusting of icing sugar. It’s a little bite of Sicily right here on the coast.

Gourmet goodies from Delicato Foods and family-run Euro Foods QLD add another layer of yum with pasta, cheese, and antipasti you can take away and devour at home.

For a refreshing sip, fridges are stocked with Italian-style sodas from FABIO, sparkling non-alcoholic spritzers from ETCH Sparkling, and a full range of CAPI sodas to suit every taste.