What if Q Super Centre is actually the GC’s MVP?
What if Q Super Centre is actually the GC’s MVP?
Is it just us or do you pop into a shopping mall for “just one thing”, then somehow three hours later you’re still there? Q Super Centre in Mermaid Waters is that kind of place, except it’s one you actually want to stay.
Tucked away just off Bermuda and Markeri Streets, this open-air shopping hub has quietly become one of the Gold Coast’s best-kept secrets. With 78 retailers, it’s the chill alternative to the mega malls. No running up and down escalators to find a certain store. The layout just flows, with a side of sea breeze.
Start your morning the right way with caffeine first (of course). Grab a coffee from Black Swan Coffee House or settle in at Two Birds Q and ease into the day. The alfresco dining precinct is made for slow mornings, whether you’re people-watching, post-gym refuelling or plotting your grocery game plan.
Then it’s time to shop.
With Woolworths, Coles and Aldi all in one place, you can price-check your way to victory without breaking a sweat. Add in Earth Markets, Bermuda Butchery, 88 BBQ Butcher & Blue Lobster Seafood as well as Bakers Delight, and suddenly you’re not just grocery shopping, you’re curating a spontaneous dinner party.
Pop into Bunnings for that quick hardware run (we all know how that goes), swing past Pet Barn to spoil the fur child, duck into Choice Discount Store for a bargain and drop parcels at Australia Post while you’re at it. Banking, beauty, medical services — tick, tick, done!
By lunchtime, the options are deliciously diverse. Craving Thai? Siam Street has you sorted. Turkish? Q Kebabs Pasta? EAT Italiano. Sushi and noodles? Tokyo Kitchen or Fast Wok. Something quick? Guzman Y Gomez or 24-hour McDonald’s has your back. There are 14 dining options in total which means you’re spoilt for choice.
But Q Super Centre’s biggest point of difference is not just convenience. It’s community.
This Mermaid Waters gem is proudly dog friendly with your four-legged sidekick welcome in all outdoor areas, complete with watering stations and waste bags. With more than 68,000 registered dogs on the Gold Coast, it feels fitting that one of the coast’s most relaxed centres caters to the whole family, paws included.
EV charging stations overlooking the canal make it easy to power up while you shop. The fully equipped Parent’s Room caters to little ones and the sweet Q Community Library invites you to borrow or swap a book between errands for a small pause in the middle of a busy day.
And if you’re new to the neighbourhood, the monthly Q Meet, Greet & Treat offers free coffee and cake on the first Wednesday of each month! It’s an easy way to connect with locals.
So next time you’re weighing up where to do your weekly shop, skip the sensory overload. Spend a day at Q instead where shopping feels like a mini day out.
Where: Cnr Bermuda and Markeri Streets, Mermaid Waters
When: Mon–Sat 9am–5:30pm, Sun 10am–4pm
Website: qsupercentre.com.au
Instagram: @qsupercentre
Words by Lisette Drew
STORY SPONSORED BY Q SUPER CENTRE
Yum Bakery opens in Mermaid Beach.
If baking is a love language, then Sunghye “Heya” Yum is practically writing sonnets in sweet treats.
The owner of Yum Bakery has layered her life like a well-constructed Mille-feuille with equal parts adventure, artistry and heart. Before she was piping buttercream and crafting mini masterpieces, Heya worked as a navigator, travelling the globe and collecting inspiration in the form of colours, flavours and delicate design details.
Yum Bakery began as a humble home-based online cake business. For four years, Heya whisked her way into the hearts of hundreds of customers, creating custom cakes that became centrepieces for birthdays, baby showers and “just because” celebrations. But as the orders rose, so did a desire to connect more personally.
So she did what any brave baker would do, she took the cake and ate it too. She opened a physical cafe.
Heya said, “I opened the cafe as a space where customers can walk in and share those moments with us.”
Designed entirely by Heya herself, the space is small but sweet, with indoor seating for six to eight people, outdoor seating for around ten. There’s takeaway available, a restroom on site and an atmosphere that feels like you’ve stumbled into someone’s very stylish kitchen.
But perhaps the most heart-melting detail is Heya’s three-year-old daughter helped redesign the bakery’s logo. Creativity runs in the family!
Because Heya is a busy working mum, she knows the importance of convenience. Yum Bakery’s signature selling point is its ready-to-go celebration cakes. Walk in and choose from a rotating selection of beautifully designed mini cakes and cupcakes. They’re perfect for spontaneous celebrations or casual gatherings that still deserve a big slice of joy.
Yum Bakery is the kind of place where you can decide at 6am that life calls for cake and by 6:05am, you’re walking out with one!
Cakes come in a range of flavours, each as irresistible as the next, from vanilla and chocolate to cookies & cream, biscoff, nutella, salted caramel, lemon curd and raspberry. Whether you’re celebrating with three or 35 people, Heya’s cakes are designed to have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
Beyond the display cabinet, Yum also serves small-batch baked goods, fresh sandwiches made daily, cupcakes and pastries. Whenever possible, Heya uses free-range eggs and grass-fed butter, a thoughtful choice rooted in her belief that food should feel kind.
If you’re keen to roll up your sleeves, Yum Bakery offers cake decorating classes on the Gold Coast that are as therapeutic as they are tasty. Heya leads small, beginner-friendly workshops where creativity takes centre stage. Licking the bowl is entirely acceptable here.
“I want people to leave not just with a cake, but with a smile,” she said. “Feeling proud of what they made.”
And the proof is in the pudding (or sponge). This year’s Valentine’s Day cakes sold out faster than you can say “be mine.”
Where: 1a/2475 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
When: Tue–Fri 5.30am-1pm, Sat–Sun 6.00am-1pm
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Liam McDonald
And why you will too!
Some might call it the heart of the Gold Coast. Mermaid locals will call it the only suburb worth visiting. While we aren’t ones to pick favourite children – I mean, suburbs – Mermaid Beach is definitely up there with the best of the best.
And when you’ve got these spots right on your doorstep, we can kind of understand why. So come with us and explore what locals love so much about our beachside beauty, Mermaid Beach.
She’s one of the Gold Coast’s finest, boasting 4.8 stars on Google and a 2025 AGFG Award to add to an already impressive list of accolades. The food is every bit as refined as the name suggests, crafted by genius minds. A reservation here means settling in for modern Australian dining at its best, served in an intimate, quietly sophisticated room. Fine food lovers, rejoice!
Where: 2444 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice, shame on us. But take that up to Six-Tricks? Now you’re talking. The Six-Tricks Distilling Co. is an appreciated presence in the GC and Mermaid distillery scene- a carnival of cocktails. It’s our favourite local haunt to settle in and sip on some spirits with their menu of seriously spirited flavour combos. Sip back, relax and soak up the great booze and good vibes all day long.
Where: 3 Brightlands Court, Mermaid Waters
The North Room is one of our favourite spots, not just in Mermaid, but the whole Coast, for that signature, relaxed, fine-dining feel. An intimate restaurant serving up some absolutely stunning contemporary dishes that you’ll want to wrap your mouth around ASAP. Bookings are essential; open for dinner on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and for lunch on Fridays and Saturdays. Huge fans of this place.
Where: 1/2527 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Filling the gelato-shaped hole in our hearts (and stomachs), La Macelleria has been a very welcome addition to Mermaid Beach. Don’t just listen to us waffle on about it, we’ve given you the scoop now taste it for yourself. Made onsite at La Macelleria, you can watch your gelato churn, baby, churn before they dish up your flavour of choice – which is obviously pistachio, right? It’s legen-dairy.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters
Welcome to the Gold Coast’s official brunch destination. There’s a lot to be said about infusing a space with tropical, feel-good vibes, and Little Mermaid has done precisely that. Decked out with plenty of greenery, a laidback beachy feel, and tons of space for all your friends, this is the place to be. Open for breakfast and lunch the vibe is always pumping, so it’s our go-to when you’re looking for a guaranteed good time. We can’t go past the classic beachy fit-out. You know it’s good when the venue lasts the test of time like these guys have.
Where: 2557 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Have we every mentioned how Gold Coast surf clubs have the best views in town? Mermaid’s is no exception, with uninterrupted ocean views, delicious meals that will fill you right up, and of course, a sweet selection of drinks to sip on. It’s an amazing spot to watch the sun go down with the crew and always provides a quality atmosphere with a buzz of people – bonus if you manage to go home with a cheeky meat tray in tow.
Where: 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
Never before has a plant nursery gained such a cult-like following as this gorgeous warehouse. It’s the Gold Coast’s go-to for a hint of (green) retail therapy, drawing plant lovers and photographers in droves due to its ‘gramworthy aesthetics and bespoke greenery. Fusing in a mix of uber chic homewares, pots for said plants and more to make the ultimate gift for you or a loved one, there’s something for all – no green thumb required. The stunning space also hosts workshops and yoga classes amongst the leafy greens, but if that’s not your jam, just become a plant parent!
Where: 42-44 Cronulla Ave, Mermaid Beach
Did someone say R&R? The team at Soak Bathhouse has it down to an art, bringing the ultimate oasis of recovery and tranquillity right in the heart of bustling Mermaid Beach. With magnesium pools, massage rooms, traditional and infrared saunas, a steam room spa and a cold plunge pool if you’re brave. Pop in for an hour or stay for the day and really treat yourself – you’ve earned it.
Where: 2532 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Serving up premium steak and boutique wine (among other delicious things), The Glenelg Public House is an absolute must-visit in Mermaid Beach and just generally on the Gold Coast. If for some reason you’re not into steak (it’s okay, we won’t tell anyone), everything on the menu is top-notch and they have a selection of some of the best seafood and sides we’ve ever sampled. If you’re partial to a solid serving of cheese then you must try to raclette with pear, fig relish and hazelnuts. Keen to try something a little different? The roast bone marrow with onion jam, mustard and toast is next level. Just. Trust. Us.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Mexican eats at their absolute finest can be found at Bonita Bonita. One of the longest-standing taco joints on the Coast, it’s a favourite amongst the locals, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, should that be your thing. To answer your question, yes, they do have Taco Tuesdays, complete with $6 tacos and $20 jugs of sangria! Right next door is Bon Bon Bar, so head in there for a cheeky margi before sampling all of the epic eats on offer. Our marg of choice? Well, the Mezcal Margarita, of course.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Marked by yellow striped umbrellas, splashes of colour and plenty of smiling faces, Sunnyboy is the sibling of Broady’s Elk Espresso- a Gold Coast institution since 2011. From 7am daily, you can tuck into breaky, brunch and lunch classics that are seriously elevated. Like, too good to eat (but wayyy too good not to), Insta-worthy dishes that will blow your mind and taste buds. Then, for those weekends (or weekdays- no judgement here) that cause breaky with a side of bubbles, there’s Bottomless Boozy Brunches. Just take one look at their Insta, and you will be messaging the group chat to lock in a date.
Where: 168 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
First, we were blessed with Rafiki By The Sea- a long-standing neighbourhood favourite serving flavoursome food, stellar coffee and unmatchable vibes. Then came Rafiki By The Park, thanks to the screaming success of the seaside original. That’s right, Gold Coasters… we’ve been blessed with two Rafikis, and honestly, we deserve it.
Both venues serve slurp-worthy smoothies, icy matcha, cheeky (and famous) toasties, house-made yoghurt cups piled with seasonal fruit and crunchy granola, and their cult-status African Avo Toast. Add in strong coffee, super-friendly staff, and a rotating roaster of smiling doggos, and you’ve got two of Mermaid’s most beloved local hangouts.
Where: By The Sea, 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach. By The Park, 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters
Bam Bam has long held elite bakery status in Mermaid Beach (and the rest of Australia), and once you’ve had one of their pastries, you get it. The place smells ridiculous, in a butter-meets-sugar way, and the pastry cabinet makes you lose all inhibition with zero regrets. There are loaded muffins, crispy cruffins, savoury and sweet croissants, melted-in-the-middle cookies, and so much more! They also cover scrambled eggs, sandwiches, acai bowls- even poke bowls and nasi goreng! They do it all, and they do so damn well! Needless to say, it’s a staple for locals, a weekend ritual for many, and a must-visit for anyone serious about baked goods.
Where: 2519 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
The Raspberry Room isn’t just a place to get a fine-line tattoo; it’s a speakeasy-meets-hotel-lobby-inspired haven. The waiting room channels New York lobby vibes, and the studio blends the founders’ favourite bars and hotels, all wrapped up in a colour palette straight outta Wes Anderson’s classic, ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’. It’s the perfect place to pop your tattoo cherry, or collect more!
Where: 2/2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Etsu is one of those hidden-in-plain-sight spots- seriously, you’d walk straight past if you didn’t know what you were looking for, but that’s half the fun! Inside, it’s moody, intimate and buzzing in that way only great Japanese venues seem to pull off. The food is consistently excellent, from the sashimi to the small plates to the more playful specials. The drinks list is stacked with good sake and Japanese whisky, and the staff know their stuff without being over-the-top about it. It’s a favourite for celebrations, date nights or any time you want dinner to feel like an occasion without being overly fancy. Don’t go past the aburi salmon maki roll with avocado, seared salmon, spicy mayo, teriyaki and red tobiko.
Where: 2440 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Ritual is the calm in the chaos – the place locals escape to when they need to breathe, stretch or just reset after a big week. The studio is warm and welcoming, with pilates that burn and yoga that soothes. There’s a real community feel here which is always a standout feature. Whether you’re into slow, grounding sessions or you want something a bit stronger, the timetable covers it. They also have locations in Palm Beach and Robina!
Where: 2431 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Dishing up all the tasty newcomers.
2026 is wasting no time turning up the heat on the Gold Coast food scene. Whether you’re chasing cheesecake with your car wash, cookies by the beach or all-you-can-eat feasts, these fresh openings are already making us hungry for what’s ahead. Here’s where to go first.
Seoul food incoming! Pacific Fair has gone all out with Seoul Garden’s all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and hot pot experience. Think sizzling grills, endless meats, bubbling broths and neon-lit vibes made for group hangs. You and your crew can sizzle and slurp your way through premium cuts, banchan galore and comfort classics. Come hungry, leave very happy.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, 32 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach Waters
Ciao down to Nico. deli & shop, Kirra’s new love letter to Italian culture. Just steps from the sand, this neighbourhood-style deli channels espresso-at-the-bar energy, stacked paninis and sweet little cannoli moments. With mid-century charm and top-notch local produce Nico. feels like a proper Italian pit stop minus the long-haul flight. Pop in for a coffee, stay for the focaccia and leave planning your next visit.
Where: Shop 17/48 Musgrave Street, Kirra
Just deli-cious! Giuseppe’s Deli is back and serving proper Italian comfort eats in Mermaid Beach. Now under new management at The Oxley, this old-school style deli is all about stacked focaccia, classic flavour combos and pasta that tastes like it came straight from nonna’s kitchen. Think sandwiches loaded with fresh fillings, triple-cheese truffle melts and comforting pastas. This is just seriously good Italian food done right.
Where: The Oxley 1823, 17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach
Look at MOI now! Mad Over Italian has opened its second venue, bringing its much-loved Italian comfort food to Emerald Lakes. After winning fans in Hope Island, this family-friendly fave is serving up woodfired pizzas, classic pastas and vino-fuelled good times in a dreamy “Little Europe” setting. Satisfy midweek carb cravings with long lunches by the water and date nights that end in tiramisu. Casual, cosy and completely irresistible, this is one opening Emerald Lakes is already mad about.
Where: 3030 The Boulevard, Carrara
The coolest kid on the Coast has officially landed, with Elly’s Gelato now scooping in Currumbin. Created by a crew of beach-loving mates who refused to end a surf without something sweet, this retro-cute gelato bar is pure summer energy. Think Blood Orange Sorbet, Peppermint Choc Chip, Bubblegum and classic creamy favourites, all served just steps from the sand. Post-swim, post-walk or post-“just nabbed a car spot”, Elly’s is the cherry on top of a perfect beach day.
Where: 778 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Fish and chips, anyone? Red Hot Cod in Burleigh Heads just levelled up with tropical alfresco dining, a breezy bar and all Bali-inspired. Tuck into their famous golden, crispy fish, snapper poke bowls and new satay sticks that pair perfectly with coconut margaritas or Red Hot Cod Lager. Run by local legends Simon, Buffie, and daughter Mila, it’s where post-surf feeds turn into long lunches and holiday mode kicks in even if you’re just on a lunch break.
Where: 1716 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Spice up your life at SABA Kitchen in Surfers Paradise! Tucked inside Hotel Jardin, this pan-Asian hotspot serves bold, flavour-packed dishes designed for sharing (or not, if the game-farm duck breast steals your heart, and it will). Think sashimi kissed with yuzu, smoky robata-grilled skewers, and Mooloolaba prawns in XO coconut sauce, all washed down with cocktails that sparkle as much as the food. Sleek, intimate and unpretentious, SABA is where long lunches turn into late-night feasts.
Where: Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, 3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Butter me up, Byron! ButterBoy has landed on Jonson Street, bringing chunky NYC-style cookies, soft-serve, and the viral cookie milk straight to the Bay. From oozy centres to golden edges, these cookies are next level. Founded by James Sideris, ButterBoy’s fifth store promises the sweetest snack vibes around with a rotating menu of flavours that are irresistible like Lotus Crunch and Ripple Choc Brown Butter. Need we say more?
Where: 17–21 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
Mermaid Beach just got a wellness glow-up with House of Hälsa, where health meets good vibes and even better food. Founded by Coco Loberg and Gareth Fletcher, this Swedish-inspired spot turns nourishing bites into a playful adventure with parmesan jam toast, vibrant watermelon ceviche, and smoothies with cheeky names like Cody Simpson’s Neptune. Terracotta walls, sunken lounges, and cosy textures makes feeling good look (and taste) effortless.
Where: 1/2453 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Holy dough-ly! Coomera just claimed the Gold Coast’s sweetest crown with Australia’s biggest Krispy Kreme Hot Light™ store. Melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts roll fresh off the line while a drive-thru makes snagging your sugar fix ridiculously easy. Peek through the glass window for a front-row view of dough to drizzle magic, sip on coffee, and maybe sneak a second (or third) OG. Big, bold, and unapologetically glazed, this is a doughnut playground where one is never enough.
Where: 1 Prosper Avenue, Coomera
Find your people at Our Tribe cafe, a pastel paradise just steps from Kirra beach. This is a full family affair with husband-and-wife Jamie-Leigh and Chris Wilkinson running the show with their four kids. From rosti Bennys to potato waffles and Seven Mile Coffee that hits just right, it’s a place to feel at home. Grab a seat and settle in, you’ve officially found your tribe.
Where: Shop 1/1 Douglas St, Coolangatta
Washing your car just became a whole lot more fun with Yellow & Butter, a brand new cafe tucked inside Cloud 9 Car Wash in Southport. While your car gets squeaky clean, you can demolish rich Basque cheesecakes (all gluten free), buttery brioche buns and cute cloud-inspired drinks. Owned by chef Hayley Namgung, it turns a boring chore into a full-blown treat.
Where: 92 Ferry Road, Southport
Words by Lisette Drew
