On June 13th each year we raise a glass to World Gin Day and the spirit that has certainly had its come up over the last little while. The Gold Coast boasts our very own gin distillery plus a host of bars making magic with local gins. All of which you won’t be surprised to learn we’re big fans of.

In honour of that, here are the best spots to get your gin fix on the Gold Coast this World Gin Day (or anyday for that matter). Happy sipping.

Tamborine Mountain Distillery
Tucked away on Mount Tamborine is one of Australia’s smallest and most unique distilleries with over 280 International Awards. Their gold medal award winning gin is the Lilly Pilly Gin, a pot still gin using botanicals such as Australian Lilly Pilly (Riberry), Juniper, Angelica root, Orris root, Citrus peel, Caraway, Coriander, Aniseed Myrtle, Elderflower, Mistletoe, Passionflower, Shepherd’s Purse and more. The best part about it, it’s got a delightful pink hue.
Where: 87-91 Beacon Road, North Tamborine

The Island Rooftop
It’s always a good time on the rooftop in Surfers Paradise, overlooking the city and with guaranteed good vibes. While all the sips are sweet, our recommendation is the Clover Leaf made with Beefeater gin, raspberry, lemon and egg white, so good.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Aloha Bar & Dining
How does a Saturn Juniper Uranus sound? Cool right. That’s exactly what you should order at Broady’s most colourful alleyway bar, Aloha Bar & Dining. It’s got Four Pillars gin, sloe gin, orgeat, passionfruit, lime and rosemary and it’s out of this world. The bar itself is decked out in full colour, with hidden rooms and moody, good time vibes aplenty. Follow the music down the alley and you’ll find yourself in a magical world of tiki goodness.
Where: 18 Main Place, Broadbeach

Fig & Frankies
Another delightful Broadbeach bar dedicated to exceptional sips and very good times is Fig & Frankies, also newish on the scene and also very well-loved amongst Gold Coast locals. Their cocktail list is tight and filled with delights made up of local spirits and you’ll want to try them all. Drinks are numbered rather than named and each is absolute perfection to be honest. We particularly loved Number One (aptly named) because it is made up of MAC by Brookies, clarified green apple and house lemonade and we cannot overstate tasty enough. Gather the crew and sip up a storm. 
Where: 4/2707 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

Roosevelt Lounge
A must-visit cocktail bar in Broadbeach, Roosevelt Lounge is one of the city’s sexiest spots for a cocktail, capturing the seductive style and glamour of decadent New York. For World Gin Day try the Down the Rabbit Hole Signature Cocktail made up of Ink gin, in-house chimmer liqueur (pink moscato, pisco, peach & orange blossom), blueberry vinegar, citric acid and life of cha crystal tea. Delightfully served in a tea pot, this cocktail is an Instagram dream.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Granddad Jacks
The Gold Coast’s first gin distillery Granddad Jacks are, quite obviously king when it comes to gin cocktails (and gin in general). Our number one on their list is the Seymour Street with their very own Greenhouse Gin plus Eucalyptus and fresh lime juice because it’s the ultimate in Aussie-inspired freshness and it tastes top notch too. Love your work mates.
Where: 45 Lemana Lane, Miami

Rosella’s Bar
Oh Rosella’s, little love of our lives. A refined Australiana bar in the heart of Burleigh Heads, Rosella’s is bringing all Aussie eats and tipples to the very appreciative people. On a list of cocktails that will 100% improve your life (especially the Pet Nat Slushie – love you) but for the purposes of this article let’s chat about the Kylie Minogue Martini with Vickers Gin from Beenleigh Distillery no less, vodka, elderflower, verjus and pink peppercorn. It’ll have you spinning around in no time.
Where: 6/1743 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Lockwood Bar
Tucked away down Justin Lane behind a red velvet curtain is Lockwood Bar. They a serving up a sexy sip titled Brookie’s Aviation which fuses Brookie’s Dry Gin, lemon juice, Tempus Fugit liqueur de violette and Luxado Maraschino liqueur. Topped off with a maraschino cherry, you know it’s a goodie.
Where: Justin Lane, Burleigh Heads

Suga
An intimate little space down Palmy way is Suga, a cocktail and rum bar open until late and serving up cocktails that are quite unlike anything you’ve sipped before. On World Gin Day we recommend a Gin Lippy with Larrikin Gin, citrus syrup, housemade lemonade and a whole lots of tastiness. A very tasty tipple indeed. Pop on in for a few of those this weekend.
Where: 1142 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

The Collective Palm Beach
The Rooftop Bar at The Collective Palm Beach is a gin-lovers paradise with beloved gin-based cocktails including the Rose Hip Martini with Poor Toms Gin, hibiscus syrup, lime and grapefruit and the Unnamed Sympathy served Tiki-style with macadamia-infused Nobel Cut Gin, Bushfire Botanic Australis Gin and pine-lime allspice. Both of which are tried and tested by us and both of which are really very delicious.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Saint Helen’s Kitchen + Bar
If sipping cocktails seaside is your thing (and we know it is), you’ll love Saint Helens Kitchen + Bar signature slurp The Gin Thruster. It’s got gin, blueberry and tonic. It’s bright, refreshing and super Insta-worthy – if it lasts that long.
Where: Shop 2/78 Musgrave Street, Kirra

Words by Kirra Smith

A refreshing non-alcoholic beverage to counteract all those heavy reds you’ve been indulging in!

INGREDIENTS

½ pomegranate, pulp and seeds
½ lime, juice
Handful mint leaves
1 tablespoon honey
1 cup crushed ice
1 ½ cup sparkling water

Garnish
Pomegranate seeds
2 lime wedges
Mint leaves

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large jug, muddle the pomegranate pulp and seeds, lime juice, lime, mint leaves and honey together.
Add the ice and top up with sparkling water.
Pour the spritzer into two glasses and garnish the glass with the pomegranate, lime and mint.
Serve immediately.

Obviously, to make an alcoholic version, just add a shot of your favourite gin or vodka.

For more great recipes by Gold Coast local Caralee Caldwell, check out her page here.

If it’s romance you want, it’s romance you’ll get here on the GC this Valentine’s Day. Hubba Hubba!

We’ve compiled a list of what’s on and where so that you can dial up the love-o-meter and treat yourself and your partner to a Valentine’s Day (or night) experience to remember.

*Please note that unless indicated otherwise, all Valentine’s Day specials mentioned take place on Friday 14th of February.

InterContinental Sanctuary Cove
Enjoy an evening of culinary enhancement with your loved one with an exquisite and flavour-filled showcase at The Fireplace. Celebrate the day of romance with a glass of Mumm Champagne on arrival, followed by an elegant five-course degustation menu designed by expert Chef Randy Tablan to captivate all senses and leave a lasting impression.

$179 per person, with prepayment and reservations required. For an extra touch of luxury, opt for wine pairings for an additional $85 and make your evening even more extraordinary.
Where: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circle, Hope Island

Gold Coast Gondolas
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in unforgettable style with Gold Coast Gondolas, offering private, luxury cruises through the stunning Gold Coast canals. Whether you’re starting the day with a romantic breakfast, indulging in a gourmet dinner, or toasting to love with wine and cheese, each experience is designed for pure romance. Glide through the water in a beautifully appointed gondola, complete with red carpet arrival, a Red Rose Bear, and your choice of premium dining options. With packages ranging from a charming breakfast cruise to the ultimate fine dining experience, Gold Coast Gondolas provides the perfect setting to impress your special someone and create lasting memories.
Where: Mariners Cove, 60 – 70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
If you want to go beyond the usual and create truly magical moments, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa is here to help. Think of them as your personal Cupid hotline, ready to make Valentine’s Day unforgettable. This year, they have all bases covered, with all-inclusive romantic getaways, restorative spa packages, decadent dining for two, and special-edition high teas. You can find all the delicious details here.
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Baba Joon
Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day with a romantic dinner at Baba Joon, where every bite is a journey of flavour and tradition. Picture this: you and your special someone, cosied up over a beautifully plated grill platter, sharing tender lamb cutlets, succulent prawns and marinated chicken, all served with fragrant saffron rice.  And to end the night on a sweet note? A delightful scoop of saffron ice cream or a bite of flaky, honey-drenched Baklava, paired with a cup of aromatic Persian tea. Whether it’s your first Valentine’s together or one of many, Baba Joon sets the perfect scene for an unforgettable evening.
Where: 3106 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

QT Gold Coast
QT Gold Coast has something for everyone, from a cosy candlelit dinner to a starlit feast. Enjoy the Lovers Feast at Bazaar Marketplace with fresh seafood, slow-roasted meats, and a decadent chocolate fondue fountain or book a private Twilight Feast Under the Stars in a poolside cabana with Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial Champagne. For a unique twist, grab your BFF and join the Sip and Stain Workshop. Want more love-filled details? Check them out here.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

voco
Craving some relaxed romance with your honey, this Valentine’s? Make a (dinner) date with Clifford’s Grill and Lounge, because love is in the air, baby! Opt to leave the choice in expert hands of Clifford’s cupid crew – cooking up an unforgettable, three-course feast, plus a complimentary glass of wine on arrival for just $89pp. Or, see where your cravings take you (straight to the dessert menu, LBH) with la carte menu also available on the night. For extra cute-points, finish it off with a moonlit saunter by the Surfer’s beachfront.. but hey, take our love advice at your peril.
Where: 31 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise

The Langham, Gold Coast
Spoil your Valentine with five-star luxury at The Langham, Gold Coast. Stay the night with the Celebrate The Everyday package, complete with champagne, chocolates, and a dreamy buffet breakfast at Akoya. Unwind at Chuan Spa with indulgent couples’ treatments, from gold stone massages to foot soaks, all topped off with bubbles and chocolate-dipped strawberries. For an extra touch of romance, book a decadent Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea at Palm Court. And when it’s time to dine, Akoya’s exclusive six-course degustation is the perfect way to share the love.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise

Dracula’s
Fancy a date night where biting is encouraged, vanilla isn’t served, and mood lighting is a fixture? We’ve got the perfect place. Dracula’s Valentine’s Day affair is a not-to-miss for couples and frouples, looking for some spicy fun this 14th of Feb. With a three-course menu designed to tease and please, cocktails concocted to tempt, jaw-dropping aerial performances and a killer band to tie it all together (gently), your promised an evening not easily forgotten.
Where: 1 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach

The Star Gold Coast
The Star Gold Coast is making February the month of love, with indulgent dining, dreamy escapes, and even a glamorous singles party. From romantic rooftop dinners at Nineteen at The Star to Italian feasts at Cucina Vivo and flirty cocktails at Garden Kitchen & Bar, love is definitely on the menu. Want to impress? The Penthouse Private Dining Package is pure luxury, featuring a candlelit dinner, a champagne breakfast and a VIP stay. Or, say “I do” to The Darling Valentine’s Package for a dreamy overnight escape.

Flying solo? The Gold & White Singles Party on February 22 is bringing the romance with canapés, a three-course menu, live entertainment, and a 4.5-hour beverage package. And if self-love is your vibe, Azure Spa’s indulgent treatments will leave you glowing. Whether you’re all loved up or single and ready to mingle, The Star Gold Coast is making February extra special. Get all the delicious here.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Soak Bath House
This Valentine’s Day, whether it’s for new love, besties, or self-care, Soak Bath House has you covered with these fabulous offers:

Beats & Bubbles
Vibe with a DJ set by ‘The David’ while soaking in pools, spas, and saunas, 4-8 pm on Feb 14. Complimentary with Soak, Soak & Sip, and Soak Essentials Sessions.

Galentine’s Glow-Up
Treat your bestie to 2-for-1 LED facials and Infrared Sauna sessions all month long.

Soak Gift Cards
The gift of relaxation! Start from just $35, delivered straight to their inbox.
Where: Shop 20, 2532/2540 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Homestead at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Enjoy a love and nature-filled evening at Currumbin’s hidden sanctuary, The Homestead. Your night starts with a scenic Twilight Train Ride through the Sanctuary and a tranquil stroll through the Roo Paddock. Back at The Homestead, you’ll be met with sparkling wine and craft beer, a romantic 4-course Valentine’s dinner inspired by local flavours (and made for romance), live music and a backdrop of kangaroos roaming at sunset. Book your all-inclusive Valentine’s Day evening here for $165 pp.
Where: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin

Kefi Cafe
If food is your love language, Kefi Café has you covered with two charming Valentine’s Day experiences.

For a romantic alfresco date, grab their Valentine’s Picnic for 2 ($150), a pre-packed spread featuring charcuterie, fresh seafood pasta, panna cotta and a bottle of Witches Falls wine. Plus, you get to keep the picnic basket—cute! Picnic is available for pick up at Kefi on Friday 14th February (pre-order only).

Or, if you’re feeling artsy, book the Valentine’s Paint A Pot workshop ($160 for two) at 5pm. Sip wine, graze on a mezze platter and paint a ceramic piece with guidance from a local artist. Your masterpiece will be fired, glazed, and ready to take home as a keepsake.
Where: 110 Marine Pde, Coolangatta

Words by Chelsea Ipsen