The Star Gold Coast is rolling out the red chopsticks this Lunar New Year.
The Star Gold Coast is rolling out the red chopsticks this Lunar New Year.
Are you craving a Lunar New Year feast fit for an emperor? Same, and this February, The Star Gold Coast is rolling out the red chopsticks with a host of extra special Asian dishes that’ll have your taste buds dancing. Ushering in the Year of the Dragon with a roar, Mei Wei Dumplings, Uncle Su, and Harvest Buffet are all getting involved.
There’s plenty to feed your eyeballs too, with live entertainment including lion dancers, drummers and much more. Yes, we said lion dancers and trust us, they are fierce. So don’t drag your feet, get yourself down to The Star for all your Lunar New Year action.
Mei Wei Dumplings
We’ve got big fillings for Mei Wei Dumplings all year round, especially when they’re turning on the Lunar New Year charm. Grab your fave +1 and nosh out with an extra special dish for two that’ll have you both breathing fire with delight. The Hot Chilli Crab, accompanied by seasonal vegetables and steamed rice, is a verified masterpiece sure to please the most discerning diner. Available for lunch and dinner, February is a-bao to get a whole lot tastier.
Uncle Su
Uncle Su is always a winner. Everyone’s fave uncle is pulling out all the stops with a specialty Chinese New Year Menu that’s totally wok-ing our world. Don’t be tofu-lish, indulge your taste buds in a dim sum extravaganza that’s so(y) good you’ll totally ditch your NY resolution to cut back.
The Uncle Su enthusiasts amongst us know that their Yum Cha is always wonderful, and the Year of the Dragon edit is next level ‘let’s go’ worthy. Featuring delicacies like Braised Abalone, Fish Maw with dried oyster mushroom in oyster sauce, Deep Fried Coral Trout Filet with scallion sauce and Crispy Pork Belly, you’d be crazy to miss it.
Harvest Buffet
For a buffet experience with extra sizzle, Harvest Buffet is a no-brainer. This Lunar New Year, they’re turning up the heat with an array of palate-pleasing Asian-inspired dishes. From succulent Roasted Duck to sumptuous Singapore Noodles, zesty Sweet and Sour Pork to eggstraordinary Egg Fried Rice, get ready to stuff yourself silly with a selection more extensive than a dragon’s wingspan.
Whether you choose the lunch or dinner timeslot (or both, because two buffet meals are always better than one), you’ll be roaring for seconds, thirds, fourths, and you get the gist.
So, gather your fellow food enthusiasts and savour the Lunar New Year flavour with a celebration that’s off the scales.
To find out more, go here.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: Various activations throughout February
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST
The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol. Guests must be 18 years or over to enter the casino. BET WITH YOUR HEAD, NOT OVER IT.
Romance isn’t just a one-day affair at The Star Gold Coast.
Is it just us or can you feel love is in the air? February is here and The Star Gold Coast is giving Cupid a serious workout by hosting not just Valentine’s Day celebrations but an entire Month of Love! From indulgent dining and dreamy escapes to a singles party and self-care spa dates, get ready to fall head over heels for a love-filled February.
They say the way to the heart is through the stomach, and we couldn’t agree more! The Star shares this sentiment and all month long its signature restaurants are serving up love on a plate.
For those celebrating on the big day, February 14 brings exclusive menu specials to make your Valentine’s feast extra delicious. Nineteen at The Star invites lovebirds to a rooftop rendezvous featuring a decadent set menu priced at $160 per person, with two seatings available. Star dishes include Scallop Ceviche with Virgin Olive Oil, Toasted Macadamia and Chicory, as well as the Fillet Steak with Roast Shallot, Sautéed Mushroom, Black Garlic, and Bordelaise Sauce.
For those craving Italian indulgence, Cucina Vivo is presenting a share-style feast all February with highlights like an Angus Scotch Fillet, grain-fed for 200 days, served with rocket and parmesan salad and aged balsamic. The grand finale? A dreamy Crema Bruciata, complete with vanilla bean Crème Brûlée, biscotti, and raspberries.
Or woo your boo at Garden Kitchen & Bar with a flirty ‘Amor Amor’ Rhubarb Margarita and a decadent Shared Chilled Seafood Entrée for two.
If dessert is your love language, Cucina Vivo and Garden Kitchen & Bar have created special Valentine’s Day treats for you. Choose between Cucina Vivo’s Italian berry Tiramisu with fresh raspberries, savoiardi, white chocolate and candied pistachio, or Garden Kitchen & Bar’s Dark Chocolate and Red Fruit Fondant with Berry Sorbet and Textures of Berries. Can’t get there on the day? Kiyomi’s Matcha Fondant with Coffee Soil and Vanilla Ice Cream can be devoured anytime this February. A matcha made in heaven!
If ever there was a way to impress your significant other, the Penthouse Private Dining Package is sure to win them over. Escape to the luxurious Level 21 Penthouse of The Star Grand, where lovebirds will be greeted with premium amenities and a chilled bottle of bubbles upon arrival.
The magic continues with a candlelit private dinner for two set under twinkling fairy lights. A three-course share-style feast awaits, with a decadent menu featuring Kaviari Caviar, Coffin Bay Pacific Oysters, Queensland king prawns, Australian Bay Bugs, Stockyard Wagyu Chateaubriand and much more, perfectly paired with fine wines and a special visit from the chef.
Wake up to a champagne breakfast, enjoy a late checkout, and revel in the VIP treatment with valet parking. Priced at $2,500, this experience is pure indulgence.
The romance doesn’t stop there – say “I do” to The Darling Valentines Package. Check into your King Stella Suite at The Darling, pop some bubbly and unwind in your lavish surroundings. Start your morning with a delightful champagne breakfast served in your room, and with a relaxed 12pm checkout, you can savour every moment. Your dream stay starts at $699 (Sunday – Thursday) and $949 (Friday and Saturday).
Looking for Love? Look no further than the Gold & White Singles Party on Saturday 22nd February. Put on your most dazzling gold and white ensemble and head to The Star’s stunning Isoletto Privé for a night of flirtation, fun and fabulous company. This glamorous soirée includes roaming canapes and grazing station, a 4.5-hour beverage package, live entertainment and plenty of opportunities to make sparks fly!
Whether you’re head over heels or flying solo, everyone deserves a little love. Treat yourself or share the experience with someone special at Azure Spa, where indulgent treatments will leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed, and radiating love.
Still searching for the perfect gift? The Star Gift Card lets your loved ones experience the best of The Star Gold Coast, The Star Sydney and The Star Brisbane – from world-class dining to premium retail therapy.
So, whether you’re sipping champagne in a penthouse, clinking glasses with a new flame or treating yourself to a well-deserved spa day, The Star Gold Coast is rolling out the red carpet for romance this February. For more information or to book, click here.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: Throughout February 2025
Words by Lisette Drew
STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST
The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol. Guests must be 18 years or over to enter the casino. BET WITH YOUR HEAD, NOT OVER IT. Gambling Helpline 1800 858 858
Hold your horses… Lunar New Year celebrations are here!
As S Club 7 once told us, there ain’t no New Year’s party like a Lunar New Year’s Party (#EmbellishedForEffect) and here on the Gold Coast, we concur! To celebrate the Year of the Horse – a zodiac year synonymous with passion, vitality and bold action – it’s time to gallop headfirst into the festivities. Round up your crew and dive into the abundance of vibrant colour, hypnotic dance, good vibes, and of course, mouth-watering Asian food.
To save you furiously Googling, here’s your 2026 rundown of Lunar New Year celebrations happening across the Gold Coast. Giddy up.
Get ready for the ultimate Lunar New Year celebration at Southport’s Chinatown on Saturday, 21st February! From 3pm, the streets will come alive with $5 plates, lion and dragon dancers, buzzing market stalls, and fun activities like lotus origami and face painting. Groove to the lion and dragon dancing, enjoy the interactive wishing tree, and taste your way through the $5 Food Safari. Don’t miss the epic fireworks finale at 7:30 pm! It’s family-friendly fun from start to finish.
Where: Chinatown, Davenport Street and Young Street, Southport
Indulge in festive eats at Australia Fair Metro’s delicious spots like Yuyin Chinese Cuisine, Lanzhou Beef Noodles, Delicious Dumplings, and Sushi Hub. From spicy noodle soups to handmade dumplings, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the lion dancing performances from Wednesday, 18th to Friday, 20th February, adding energy and tradition to the celebrations. Plus, snap a pic at the Lunar New Year photo moment installation on the ground floor from Wednesday, 18th to Friday, 20th February for the ultimate photo moment! Those chasing extra luck can try their hand at Harness the Fortune from Monday, 16th to Friday, 20th of February, for a chance to win a share of $5,000 in prizes.
Where: Australia Fair Metro, 58 Scarborough St, Southport
If your Lunar New Year plans involve stretchy pants and a little bit of spectacle, Citrique is calling your name. Ring in the Year of the Horse with their award-winning seafood and grill buffet, where authentic Chinese flavours meet serious wow-factor. Expect fresh local seafood, premium cuts, and Chinese specialties crafted by Chinese Specialty Chef Hsien Hsieh (Shane) alongside handcrafted dim sum from Chef Phitchanan Natsatianpong. Add a live lion dance* at 8pm and suddenly dinner plans = sorted, elevated, and very festive.
Running on Monday, 16th and Tuesday, 17th of February from 6pm and Friday, 20th and Saturday, 21st of February from 5:30pm, the buffet is priced at $135 per adult and $69 per child (5–12 years). Reservations are essential. *Lion dancing on 16 & 17 February.
Where: JW Marriott Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
Soul Boardwalk is welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse with a high-energy celebration on Friday, 27th February from 6:30pm. The free, all-ages event features a spectacular triple lion dance performance complete with live percussion and acrobatics.
Arrive early or linger late and turn it into a full night out with dinner or drinks across the precinct’s waterfront venues. Bring the family, bring your friends and definitely bring your appetite.
Where: Soul Boardwalk, 4 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
If refined Cantonese dining is your festive love language, T’ang Court is the place for you. Under the direction of Chef Zeph Yip, the Lunar New Year experience centres on two curated banquet menus featuring premium seafood, live-tank delicacies and Cantonese classics.
Seatings run from Monday, 16th to Wednesday, 18th of February from 5:30pm, with banquet options for two or four guests. Expect dishes such as South Australian lobster braised in supreme stock, Black Pepper Imperial Blossom Wagyu Beef Tenderloin MS9+, steamed Patagonian toothfish with chilli, basil and black bean paste, and chilled mango sago with fresh coconut to finish. Prices start from $149 per person. Take our money!
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise is getting in on the Lunar New Year action, with lion dancers set to perform at Cavill Lane on Saturday, 28th February at 12pm and 6pm.
Make a day (or night) of it by feasting on Nepalese momos from Kathmandu Mo:Mo: House & Bar, digging into bibimbap at Korean Kitchen BBQ Restaurant or sipping cocktails under the lights at Mirror Bar. Easy, festive and delicious.
Where: 3113 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Pacific Fair is inviting shoppers to celebrate the Year of the Horse amongst colour and culture at the Grand Staircase.
Until Sunday, 22nd of February, expect a striking Lunar New Year display perfect for festive photo ops. Be sure to visit between Saturday, 14th and Tuesday, 17th February at 1pm for daily lion-dancing performances guaranteed to impress.
Where: Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach
Dreamworld is marking Lunar New Year with festive morning celebrations on Monday, 16th and Tuesday, 17th February, featuring Lion Dance performances at 10:30am and 11:00am. It’s a joyful, family-friendly way to welcome the Year of the Horse before diving headfirst into rides, thrills and snack-fuelled chaos.
Where: Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera
Dreamworld Night Market is hosting Lunar New Year festivities on Friday, 20th and Saturday, 21st February from 5pm to 9pm. Expect the largest selection of Asian food trucks yet, lion dance performances throughout the night and plenty of family-friendly entertainment.
Entry is free for passholders, with a small fee for non-passholders, making it an easy win for a festive night out.
Where: Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera
Lunar New Year goes blockbuster at Warner Bros. Movie World, with celebrations running from Tuesday, 17th February to Tuesday, 3rd March. The park will come alive with traditional lion and dragon dances, rhythmic drumming and colourful cultural performances held daily around Main Street.
Adding to the fun, beloved Warner Bros. characters will appear in special Lunar New Year costumes for limited-time meet-and-greets, ideal for family photo ops. With all rides and attractions operating as usual, it’s a festive bonus included in standard admission.
Where: Pacific Mwy, Oxenford
This free community event, taking place at Broadbeach Park on Saturday, 28th February from 11am to 3pm, features dragon and lion dances, martial arts, cultural performances, kids’ activities, red lantern displays and a major theatrical performance at 1pm, showcasing top cultural groups from across the Gold Coast.
It’s a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of culture, community and good fortune. And the best part – it’s FREE!
Where: Broadbeach Seniors Centre, 23 T E Peters Drive, Broadbeach Waters
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
