Once upon a time we left holidaymakers to their own devices in arguably the GC’s most famous beachside suburb, but off the beaten path – well to be fair, some are still very much on it – locals have been keeping these gems all to themselves for a little too long if you ask us. That’s right, Surfers Paradise is more than a postcard-perfect destination, it’s a lifestyle locals love to embrace, because why should we leave all the fun to the tourists! So now we’re here to spill the beans on all the reasons locals can’t get enough of Surfers Paradise.

For all-in-one spots
Surfers Paradise does convenience like a pro with destinations where you can shop, eat, and play all in one spot. Paradise Centre is a beachside fave with a mix of fashion, food, and fun, right at your fingertips in the heart of Cavill Mall. Just a short stroll away you’ll find Soul Boardwalk where laidback vibes met beachside dining and retail therapy aplenty – because what better way to get the food digesting than with a shopping moment.

If an urban escape is more up your alley then pop on over to Chevron Renaissance for all your boutique shopping needs, whether it’s a bite to eat, to grab groceries for the week, a new fit for that special event or a pedicure pamper moment your wish is their command. The two hour free parking is also a big drawcard!

All-you-can eats
If you’re in the market for a buffet that’ll bowl you over then you’ve come to the right place because at this point buffet should be Surfers Paradise’s middle name.

Locals know that they’ve got the buffet game locked down so if you’re up for eating so much seafood you’ll need to unbutton your pants to fit in another plate then Citrique at the JW Marriott has your name all over it.

Just down the highway you’ll find a bustling international market that dreams (and hungry bellies) are made of with QT Gold Coast’s iconic Bazaar Marketplace experience.

Edging on the cusp of neighbouring Broady, Horizon Sky Dining might have pretty much everything on the menu but what about revolving panoramic views of the Gold Coast? They’ve got those two and we’ll take a plate of both thank you very much.

For your morning sips
If you’re anything like us, the day doesn’t start until coffee has been sipped. Kickstart your day with the perfect brew at ESPL Coffee. This beachside gem is great for delicious bites with a friendly vibe.

If you’re seeking people who are serious about coffee, Paradox Coffee Roasters is the destination you seek. They are committed to producing the highest quality coffee there is — just ask the locals!

Like your morning sip with a side of epic treats? Janus Bakehouse is for you… don’t mind us drooling just thinking about it.

To escape the hustle & bustle head to Bumbles. Budds Beach has long been a local secret but there’s good reason why Gold Coasters have been flocking to this hot spot for 10+ years. Get your coffee fix, some snacks and set up on the edge of Budds Beach for the ultimate start to the day.

For you harder sips
Fancy a cocktail (or five)? Well you’ve come to the right place because Surfers is a cocktail connoisseur’s dream come true. After sunset – okay maybe before too – Surfers turns into a cocktail connoisseur’s playground.

Lulu Rooftop is the newest addition to the scene, serving up a funky art deco aesthetic alongside sophisticated sips.

Sports fan? Hit up The Sporting Globe to get all the sporting action live and loud or get ready to yeehaw and let loose at Cowboys, with a bucking bull taking pride of place the Americana vibes are vibing.

Okay party people, we hear you asking where to go get Gold Coast vibes going and it’s obviously got to be Cali Beach Club – it’s giving European inspired beach party so you’re guaranteed a good time. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it we say, so it’s no wonder locals keep going back for more at The Island Rooftop, an institution for good reason you can’t beat the open air and the huge beverage list never fails us.

For drinks with a view Surfers Pavilion has nailed casual waterfront meets ‘I don’t want to leave yet’ as it overlooks the canal so you can watch the boats drift by. Hinterland your preferred view? Well, The Exhibitionist Bar’s got them aplenty, actually they’ve got panoramic sight of the whole GC so take your pick. Back over on the beachside Coast Beach Bar are home to some of the best marg’s on the GC and even better views of the suburb’s namesake beach.

For casual eats
Sometimes you just want to keep it low-key and you know what, that doesn’t have to mean that the flavours are low-key too. You go-to for authentic Thai flavours has got to be Sura Thai, dine in to make the most of the cosy and authentic feel or grab your favourites to-go. Shiraz Persian Restaurant has become known as the Coast’s best Middle Eastern bites with aromatic Persian dishes like tender kebabs gracing the menu.

Don’t sleep on Velaa’s Asian fusion fare from classic poke bowls and new flavours like their signature Thai Milk Tea Parfait (uh, YUM) just waiting for you to discover.

We like big burgers and we cannot lie so Wahlburgers is a must-try for us, plus you might even sneak a peek at Mark Wahlburg when he’s in town next if you’re lucky!

Alright, this one is definitely loved by more than just locals, HOTA’s Markets are the ultimate hangout to ring in Sunday Funday, pick up all the local farm fresh produce and flowers your heard desires and then grab a bite (we’re looking at you, Mio Wraps) and a sweet treat for the road and thank us later.

For something a little bit fancy
Now’s the time to bust out your best fancy fit because Surfers has some pretty boujee spots up their sleeves.

Nestled beneath the HOTA Gallery, Palette proves that fine dining is back, baby! Treat yourself to the degustation for the full experience, with dishes and cocktails inspired by the each gallery exhibition you need to see it – or taste it – to believe it.

The buffet is always a winner at Citrique, but have you tried their a la carte? Take this as your sign to snag a seat and let the food come to you while you spoil yourself with the Chef’s Signature Bay Bug Dumplings (life-changing) or some chargrilled Australian Wagyu.

Elevated Thai is the word at Nahm Talay Thai, all your regular favourites but even better and cocktails that are just begging to be instagrammed – bonus point for the beach front views.

Let the good times roll
Surfers Paradise isn’t short on adrenaline or intrigue and it doesn’t matter if it’s your first or 50^th time visiting, they still pack the same punch in our humble opinion.

Scale SkyPoint for unbeatable views atop the Q1, chill out (literally) at the IceBar and get a moment to reflect at the Mirror Bar – see what we did there.

If you’d rather enter another dimension for a little while then Infinity is begging for you to explore their mysterious maze or drop into Other World HQ and escape the ordinary with mind-bending interactive games and escape rooms. Test your team work (and maybe patience) at Eclipse Escape Rooms and Fox in a Box, go on – put that big ol’ brain to work.

We’re partial to a trip down nostalgia lane so we’re always down to battle it out at Timezone, and when there’s fun for all ages on the menu how could you not! Feeling flighty? Take a literal leap of faith at iFly and get a taste of indoor skydiving before you brave the great outdoors.

Gosh all that exploring calls with some pampering to finish the day, but not without its quirks! Barefoot Fish have tanks full of fish – yep, real live fish – just waiting for you to dip in for a soak so they can get rid of any dry or dead skin and leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski

After eating their way through the US on a taste-testing mission, the team at newly renamed Brooklyn Depot Kitchen & Brew brought home 15 of the most authentic dishes they found for your finger lickin’ pleasure.

While there are obviously 15, here are the top three reasons to make a date with the Brooklyn boys stat.

1. The Lobster Mac & Cheese
It’s out of this world. As if Mac & Cheese wasn’t already the best thing that ever happened, the addition of lobster tips it over the edge. Basically it’s fresh lobster meat in a three cheese sauce baked ‘au gratin’ with a gremolata breadcrumb topping. Yes. It. Is.

2. The Cheeseburger Empanadas
These may just blow your mind – housemade empanadas with grass fed beef, American cheese, pickles, onion and served with Depot special sauce – they taste better than a cheeseburger but look more like a curry puff. Thank you America.

3. Chicken n’ Waffles
Not just any chicken n’ waffles though, sweet red velvet ‘bubble style’ waffles topped with crispy southern fried chicken pieces, served with maple cream syrup and flavoured butter. Soul food done the Brooklyn way and oh so Instagrammable.

There’s plenty more where they came from too y’all so a couple of visits a week for the next month should do it. The good old US of A comes through for us again, cheers legends.

Inside tip: the Yo’ Mama milkshake will make you very happy.

LOCATION: Brooklyn Depot Kitchen & Brew, The 4217, 10 Beach Road Surfers Paradise
HOURS: Open 7 days, 11am until late

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

Although our beautiful city seems relatively new in comparison to some down south, settlers actually began arriving here in the 1700s and there are plenty of heritage sites dotted around the place to prove it.

We’ve rounded up six of the most unique so you can spend the weekend brushing up on your local history. You’re welcome.

Matey Memorial, Surfers Paradise
You may have unknowingly had a selfie with this little guy but as a Gold Coast local, you should get familiar with Matey, the homeless dog who called the streets of Surfers Paradise home for over 12 years. He was a true Gold Coast icon befriending many tourists and locals as a loyal companion. Matey was mainly known for walking home revellers from Jim Cavill’s hotel during the 1940s and 1950s.
Where: Cavill Park, across from Melba’s, Surfers Paradise

Kirra Shelter Shed, Kirra
Kirra is home to one of the world’s most famous surf breaks, the Kirra Beach Pavilion (also heritage listed) and old school, iconic Gold Coast fibro beach shacks. While driving around the headland towards Cooly, you may have noticed the cute little shelter overlooking the ocean. It’s not only a great place to hide from the scorching sun, it’s also got some time on its back, over a century to be precise. Early photos of Kirra beach show the shelter in place by around 1916. The Kirra Shelter Shed makes for a great viewing platform and is the perfect spot to watch whales play out in the ocean.
Where: Kirra beach, Kirra

Maid of Sker, Nerang
Nerang was one of the Gold Coast’s founding suburbs so it’s no surprise a lot of heritage listed sites can be found there. One such site is the Maid of Sker, an old iron paddle steamer built in 1884, lying next to the Nerang River in Bischoff Park. From 1893 to the early 1930s it transported sugar cane and other produce up and down the Albert, Logan and Nerang rivers. The Maid of Sker is a great little history lesson on how things were back in the day.
Where: Bischoff Park, Nerang

The Pink Poodle neon sign, Surfers Paradise
The iconic Pink Poodle Motel built in 1967 along the Gold Coast Highway and Fern St drew many tourists (especially honeymooners) to the Gold Coast. One of its standout features in a time of motor travel was the brightly lit neon sign featuring a strutting pink poodle. The motel has since been demolished but the famous sign has been preserved and can now be found close to its original location on Fern Street. Tricky to get a selfie with, the sign has been immortalised on local t-shirt brand, The Undercurrent due to its importance to the Surfers Paradise community.
Where: Gold Coast Highway and Fern St, Surfers Paradise 

St Augustine’s Church, Coolangatta
St Augustine’s Church in Cooly is the only church on the Coast resembling the Italian Romanesque style. The building opened in 1926 and was designed by J. P. Donoghue, changing the skyline in Coolangatta with its campanile of 110 feet (33 metres). For the local Catholic community, the church became the focus for both social and spiritual life, and continues to serve that purpose today.
Where: 42 O’Connor Street, Tugun

(Former) Tallebudgera Post Office, Tallebudgera
The old Tallebudgera Post Office is one of the oldest surviving buildings found on the Gold Coast today. It was built in 1878 and operated for almost a century until March 1958. This super cute building consists of a small, single roomed structure with a veranda at the front. It is constructed from timber in the style known as ‘board and batten’. You can find this historic site at
Where: 17 Trees Road, Tallebudgera

Words by Louisa von Ingelheim