Lock yourself in a room for fun.
Lock yourself in a room for fun.
Escape rooms are a good time phenomenon that appeared out of nowhere and took the world by storm. If you’ve not yet experienced it, the premise is that you’re locked in a themed room with people you like a lot (for best results) and given clues to get yourselves out and solve a mystery. Before time runs out of course.
It’s an interactive game-style situation that forces you to use your brain while also laughing at yourselves and proving to one another who in fact is the smartest of them all.
On the Gold Coast, the escape room craze began in 2015 and now there are five venues in total where you can get handcuffed to a wall for fun.
The first one to open in Surfers Paradise was Padlock’d, who currently have four different rooms in which you can be locked but they’re soon expanding into an additional venue and will have 12 rooms to choose from.
At the moment your choices are Pipeline – where you’re deployed into a top secret facility to work out what happened to the Commander, Nightfall – where you have to get yourself out of a nightmare, Daybreak – finding a missing Doctor and captured by the immortal undead and Outpost – where you’re trapped in a spy safe house.
It’s a very good time and one we’re big fans of.
Our very own Padlock’d have created some world firsts the technology and equipment in their rooms. One of the newbies even has a fully functional dodgem car inside, so that’s amazing.
The current venue is 210sqm while the new one is five stories high and over 800sqm. Exciting times.
Owner Sean Wilson says, “these days guests are wanting more from their experiences, they’re craving interaction and participation. Escape rooms bring guests into a game, allowing them to interact and participate as their own character.”
With sounds effects and mood lighting, Padlock’d is an even more immersive experience than the usual escape rooms and we’re here for it.
If you’re after a good time that you can get involved in with a big crew of people, use your brain and have a laugh at the same time, we highly recommend getting locked in a room.
Try it for yourself, you’ll see. Also, get 10% off here.
LOCATION: 36 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
STORY SPONSORED BY PADLOCK’D
Words by Kirra Smith
Check out the local favourites stunning transformation.
Hold onto your hats lovers of beer gardens and all things outdoor drinking in the sunshine (so everyone), have we got news for you.
The Surfers Paradise Beer Garden, Surfers Paradise icon and keeper of many secrets has undergone an absolutely next-level renovation transforming it from the venue we all knew, loved and spent way to much of our youth in, to a must-visit, outdoor sipping destination.
The multi-million dollar transformation has seen the roof removed from the space to make way for a rooftop beer garden that is the first of it’s kind on the Gold Coast and it’s opening this Friday August 16th for your ogling pleasure.
Here’s the gist of the absolutely mind-blowing overhaul. The interior has changed from an entirely indoor area to a sunlit courtyard type area complete with bench-style seating (each with a built in ice bucket) and many a Corona umbrella dotted throughout. The bar is all yellow and white stripes with fishing rope strung from the ceiling and plenty of lovely mood lighting and our favourite part, a section absolutely packed with large-scale games of Connect 4, Jenga, a pool slash soccer situation, air hockey with the air (that could have an actual name) and COITS. So much fun.
There are balconies overlooking the ever-entertaining streets of Surfers, 18 sports screens and sunset live acoustic music to bring the legendary venue back to its former glory. Plus a whole lot of new glory too.
The menu is large and filled with goodness which is, of course, our favourite kind of menu. Think eats like share-style seafood and antipasto platters, small plates to share along the lines of Blue Corn Nachos, Pulled Pork Sliders, BBQ Pork Ribs and Southern Fried Chicken. All of which are very generous servings and all of which are very beautifully presented.
There are also pizzas; we were particularly partial to the Blue Shroom with blue cheese, prosciutto and mushrooms and burgers that are stacked high and very delicious. Of course there are steaks and faves like Chicken Parmigiana and Corona battered fish and chips. All the good things.
The cocktail menu features some tasty takes on all your favourites and we were (and always will be) very much loved the prettiest of Peach Bellinis.
The new and improved Surfers Paradise Beer Garden opens to the public this Friday night from 9pm so you can head in there and check out the sparkly newness for yourself.
Live music will take place on a Sunday afternoon so you can be absolutely sure that’s where the party is going to be from now on friends.
Exciting times.
LOCATION: Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
WHEN: August 16th, 2019
Words by Kirra Smith
Taking kids out for a feed on the glitter strip has never been so easy!
Loading the kidlets into the car in search of a decent feed can be a wildly unpredictable sport. And by unpredictable, we mean slightly traumatic. But fear not — these Surfers Paradise restaurants are tried, tested, and given the ultimate seal of approval by many-a-small human (and therefore, relieved parents).
From the glitter strip classics to crowd-pleasing favourites, this is your go-to guide for taking the rug rats out to eat for a tanty/whinge-free meal. Bless their cotton socks…
A feast with a side of thrilling theatrics?! Count us in! If the kiddos (or you) haven’t yet experienced the fire and energy of teppan dining, this is your cue. From family-friendly to elevated eats, Misono serves up fresh Japanese fare that’s as delicious as it is fun. Think Australian Wagyu, chicken, scallops, bug meat and more, expertly cooked over flame, with fresh sashimi and sushi on hand to balance things out. Even better, there are dedicated kids’ teppanyaki banquets, making it an easy win for families. The venue is bright and open, the staff are welcoming, and bringing the whole crew along is refreshingly fuss-free.
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
If you’ve got little ones with big appetites, Wahlburgers is a win. Famous for its juicy, no-nonsense burgers and crispy fries, Wahlburgers almost guarantees a breezy family dinner out- like seriously, what kid is complaining about burgers for dinner?! Everything on the menu is totally kid-approved, with classics like cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, and mac & cheese. Don’t forget the shakes — another sure-fire hit.
Where: 2 Cavill Ave, Shop EP008/9 Paradise Centre, Surfers Paradise
A classic family favourite, TGI Fridays has something for everyone. From baby back ribs and burgers to chicken fingers and loaded fries, the menu satisfies every craving. Kids can enjoy their own smaller portions of mac and cheese, cheeseburgers, chicken nuggets, and more. They’re also open for breakfast, with options like avo smash, eggs on toast, pancakes. Casual and fun!
Where: Paradise Centre, Shop E10/10A/2 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise and Shop 1005B/19 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina
If it’s a family fiesta you’re craving, look no further than El Camino Cantina. Their shareable tacos, quesadillas, and nachos are perfect for little hands, and the colourful, lively atmosphere will be an adventure in itself for the kids. Head on down for Taco Tuesdays – 3 tacos of your choice plus an icy-cold drink, at only $35pp – or Wing Wednesdays – 1kg of saucy chicken wings for just $20, plus a chance to win a prize! How spec-taco-ular!
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Milky Lane is the ultimate kid magnet thanks to its retro milkbar-inspired fitout (perfect for Insta snaps) and epic menu. Think decadent burgers, loaded fries, and over-the-top milkshakes that even adults will envy. The kids’ menu is equally impressive and the desserts…well, you can’t go past them. Decadent, daring and downright delicious.
Where: 1/38 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Vapiano is perfect for families who love freshly made pasta, pizza, and risotto. I bet you can’t name a single person who doesn’t adore one or more of those things. And at Vapiano, they serve it hearty, yet elevated with everything from burrata and prosciutto with focaccia and roast pumpkin and quinoa salad to creamy carbonara and mini Hawaiian pizza. In other words, there’s something for every member of the family. Pop in any day of the week between 4-6pm for sips from $6 and snacks from $5. Hell yeah!
Where: Soul Boardwalk, T208 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise and Shop R006/103 Foxwell Rd, Coomera
As relaxed as the name suggests, and situated in the sunny Surfers Paradise, Longboards is perfect for families and any occasion. You will be hard-pressed to find a menu as loaded as Longboards, covering snacks, loaded fries, normal fries, mains, salads, wings, burgers, and sweets. The kids’ menu includes fun eats like mini sliders and chicken bites. But warning! They’ll be tempted by your popcorn chicken and cheesy garlic bread (assuming you would order such deliciousness), and will resort to stealing given the right opportunity!
Where: Q1 Resort & Spa, Corner of Hamilton avenue &, Northcliffe Terrace, Surfers Paradise
Nothing beats a surf club for that casual, welcoming family vibe, and BMD Northcliffe Surf Club is a real Gold Coast gem! They’ve got stunning ocean views alongside a menu of seafood, burgers, gourmet salads, pasta, and grilled classics for adults, and fish, burgers, pizzas, or nuggets with chips for kids. They’re also open for breakfast, serving favourites the kids will love.
Where: 51 Garfield Terrace, Surfers Paradise
La Playa is your little slice of Mediterranean paradise on the Gold Coast, serving vibrant eats by the beach. We’re talking chargrilled favs, exotic salads, pastas and skewers. The kids have it equally as good with chicken skewers with butter rice, chicken bites with fries, pizza, and spaghetti bowl. What’s more, kiddos eat free (yes, FREE) every day from 5pm to 6pm with a purchase of any main meal.
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Hog’s Breath is a family favourite for hearty meals that everyone will love. Think prime ribs, steaks, burgers, and chicken schnitzels — proper crowd-pleasers for hungry adults. Kids are well looked after too, with options like crumbled calamari, chicken quesadillas, mac and cheese, sirloin steak and more. Every kids’ meal is served with a choice of curly fries, kids’ salad or vegetables, plus tomato sauce, a free drink and a free ice cream — now that’s a big win. And there’s more! Sweet tooths can add strawberry jelly for $1, or upgrade to a kids’ banana split for $3.50. Okay, now we’re just jealous…
Where: Soul Boardwalk, Building T2/9 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
After a day of balls-to-the-wall adventure inside the infamous Hijinx Hotel challenge rooms, one’s appetite must be nothing short of ferocious. Enter, Hijinx Hotel’s straightforward yet incredibly delicious lineup of burgers, pizzas, and snacks to save the day. There’s plenty of plant-based options too, so no tummy is left growling!
Where: 40 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Why fly to the States when you can get the Yankees right here on the Gold Coast?! Let your kids get a taste (literally) of the USA: from American nachos and loaded fries to ribs and wings. While there’s no kids’ menu specifically, one meal can be made to share, or choose one of their epic American Platters for the whole family to enjoy! Go get your Yankees on!
Where: 4 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise
For something a little different (and seriously delicious), Shiraz Persian brings bold Persian and Middle Eastern flavours to a relaxed, family-friendly setting. The menu is extensive, spanning generous banquets, salads, soups, seafood, slow-cooked dishes, kabobs, plus plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. New to Persian cuisine? Expect fragrant rice, succulent grilled meats, warm breads with dips, and colourful sautéed vegetables. It might sound slightly outside classic kid territory, but trust us — one bite in and even the fussiest eaters are converted.
Where: 2893 Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise
And if all else fails, there’s the trusty buffet, the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure dining destination with something for everyone, and then some. You literally cannot go wrong. Check out our buffet list here.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Skypoint opens popup sundae shop.
There can never be enough ice cream related news in our opinion and so it is with great pleasure we bring you the scoop on a popup ice cream parlour that is all your summer dreams come true.
The newbie can be found 78 stories up at Skypoint in Surfers Paradise and it’s open for a limited time only for your licking pleasure.
The Sundae Shop will be serving up a variety of ice creams this summer, PLUS there’ll be a build your own sundae menu (WHAT), giant ice-cream photo opportunities, daily appearances from the beloved Paddle Pop Lion and plenty more.
There’s goodies on offer like The Unicorn with rainbow ice cream, fruit loops, marshmallows, sprinkles, strawberry syrup, fairy floss, sherbet and a vanilla wafer cone or The OG with chocolate and vanilla ice cream, fresh banana, sweet banana lollies, choc chips, chocolate sauce, peanut M & M’s and Belgian waffle pieces. Plenty more where they came from too.
Which is all obviously amazing and made even better by that fact that it’s 78 stories above the Gold Coast with 360 degree views across the city and the sea so you can enjoy your ice cream in style.
Entry to The Sundae Shop is free with your ticket to Skypoint and there’ll be plenty of retro family games on offer, as well as activities for the kids and of course, the aforementioned design your own sundae section.
While you’re up there and full of sugary energy, why not get involved in Australia’s highest external building climb. It’s an open-air, once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will see you walking on the OUTSIDE OF THE BUILDING up to the Skypoint summit and enjoying the absolute best views there are of the Gold Coast.
Choose from sunrise, day, twilight and night climbs or enjoy one of the dine and climb packages and make the most of your visit.
What a fun time there is to be had in Surfers Paradise this summer.
The Sundae Shop is popping up from December 27th to January 10th so plan your visit accordingly.
Happy slurping.
LOCATION: 3003 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
WHEN: December 27th to January 10th
STORY SPONSORED BY SKYPOINT
