Unleash your inner creative at The Oasis.
Unleash your inner creative at The Oasis.
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of a pre-schooler proudly bestowing one of their glittery, glue-laden masterpieces, you’ve also probably noticed they don’t seem to care that their stick-figures resemble mildly unnerving and potato people with poltergeist vibes and eyes that follow you around #oddlyspecific.
Somewhere between the wholesome memories of the thrill of taking out a hotly-contested childhood colouring in comp and, y’know, back pain and adulthood, many of us forgot the long lost art of getting creative. But judging by the rising popularity of paint and sip (and the slightly less catchy, but equally as fun ‘clay and sip’) events – adults everywhere are craving the chance to unleash their creative side yet again and we are here. for. it.
With the second half of the year officially upon us (somehow it’s true, we checked), a couple of the GC’s favourite cultural events, Bleach* and SWELL scultpure festival are back for another year. These beloved events never fail to bring out the art appreciator in everyone young and old, no matter their creative skills.
The magic of these iconic events is watching the city transform, with the Coast coming together to immerse ourselves in the impressive experiences and celebrate the creations that talented local and international artists have been toiling away to bring to us.
Joining in on the action, Broady’s fave retail destination The Oasis is embarking on its own transformation into an arts inspired wonderland. Normally our go-to for top notch eats and sips (and a sneaky spot of credit card damage), we’ve never needed any convincing for a stop by (the aforementioned eats and sips do that alllll for us, sundowners and a pizza at Luna’s will always have our hearts #drool).
With Bleach* kicking off next month, The Oasis is bringing us the chance to soak up the artistic process in real time, with interactive appearances from some of our very own local and emerging artists. Week one (17 – 21 July) brings us the chance to be enchanted by queer Indigenous visual artist Norton Federick and mixed media visual artist Courtenay McCue of CRT Designs. And for Week two (17 – 28 July) we’ll be treated to award winning sculptor and painter Dion Parker, and large scale visual artist Camille Manley.
And if all these incredible art festivals popping up have you feeling all #inspired, don’t be chai – get in on the action and treat yourself to ‘The Art of Tea’ workshop also coming to The Oasis this September.
The Broady institution that is Madison’s Café & Patisserie has long been hooking the GC up with our cake and coffee needs (and we’re standing by the word ‘needs’ here #essential), and we’re spilling the tea on a hot little workshop that they’ll be hosting in conjunction with the legendary SWELL sculpture festival. Everyone from beginners to true blue painting experts can unleash their inner Salvador Dal-tea at the workshop being run by Monte Lupo Arts. For $105pp + booking fee you can treat yourself to a delish high tea and decorate your own ceramic tea cup and saucer. The chance to get our cute keepsake craft on while grazing on some of the most delectable treats Madison’s has to offer? Now that’s our cup of tea! Book here.
Gather the bes-teas to book in for either the Sat 09 & Wed 13 Sept workshop dates ASAP, because these workshops always sell out (and we’ve barely recovered from missing out on T-Swift tix tbh).
There’s also pop-up sculpture exhibits happening throughout The Oasis in September, so once you’ve checked out all that SWELL beachside sculpture action be sure to also drop on by for a bonus side quest. Though we think you’ll agree the convenient ability to meander around soaking up the art installations with an expertly brewed to-go coffee in hand (thank you Elk Espresso) officially elevates it from ‘side quest’ to must-do status #everythingisbetterwithcoffee.
Better yet, when you inevitably work up an appetite from the demands of channelling your inner artiste, fall on into literally any of those top notch dining options on offer, watch the sun sink low and pat yourself on the back (with a cocktail, for best results) for supporting our local arts scene. It’s a hard gig, but someone has to do it #cheers.
Where: The Oasis, 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
When: Various activations throughout July and September
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE OASIS.
Here on the GC we’re a spoiled bunch – and no we’re not talking about the age old stereotype that forever haunts the only children among us #justiceforonlychildren – we’re referring to the the untold options for fun that basically smack us in the face anytime time we leave the house.
We know we’re preaching to the choir here, so we’ll cut to the chase with an admission that’s a little difficult to cough up – that the one thing our southern rivals, ahem – friends, have over our superior Queensland lifestyle is the late night eats scene leaves us.. a little wanting.
Enter Happy Endings, who have taken the recipe for success from Broadbeach’s darling laneway bar Fig + Frankie’s, and hit us with the old copy + paste, with a cool Asian inspired twist.
When it comes to a top notch bevvy, the Gold Coast sure know’s what’s up, and with over 15 years experience in the industry, owners Bella & Euan Lovell obviously also know when they are on to a good thing too.
So much so, that running joke and a convenient opening in the very same building led to the inspiration to open a second bar.
When a massage parlour above Fig + Frankie’s shut down due to allegations of, er, suspicious activities, it quickly became lore among staff and well, one thing led to another and now there’s Happy Endings for all! By way of a totally legit, luxe new bar, that is.
While we know the cheeky name will make this bar hard to go past, step inside and you’ll be greeted with an atmosphere that will make it equally as hard to leave.
With mood lighting that’s a solid 10/10, the abundance of warm finishes and lush Japanese architectural selections have created an intimate and inviting experience that feels more like you’ve just walked in off the streets of Tokyo. And who doesn’t love a bar with an aesthetic that’s as instagrammable as it’s fare?
Of course the impeccable vibes and Asian influences don’t stop there, as you’d expect they’ve dic-tated the menu too.
Luckily for us, the institution that is the late night kitchen, borrowed from the hospo culture of our Southern states has also formed a big part of the Happy Endings ethos, which can only be considered a win for us all because #hungry #bringbackthemidnightsnack.
The kitchen dream team bring experience from GC dining icons such as Moo Moo’s, Paddock and Elk, so as you’d expect after peeping the menu – #canconfirm it’s a solid 16-way tie between the eats options (and can we just say it’s lucky for the late night kitchen coz it might just take that long to decide).
Nibble your way through the Lotus Root with nori sesame mayo, Chicken or Spicy Mushroom Yakitori or Whisky Cured Salmon with mandarin + soy dressing. Something tells us the Katsu Sando (tofu or pork) and Crispy Rice + Cured Yolk with a kombu marinade will also be on high rotation.
But try to restrain yourself, because we haven’t even got to the cocktails yet and you’re going to need to save some space – if you catch our drift.
When it comes to sips, you’ll be wanting as many Tokyo Drift’s as there is Fast & Furious movies – with wasabi infused mezcal, housemade melon liqueur + pineapple oleo, 100% of surveyed critics (it us, we’re the critics) agree this cocktail is an absolute must-try.
Also, if you’re still thirsty the Wohmango! – vanilla infused gin, mango oleo, lime and Thai basil will convert even the staunchest mango objectors with it’s delightfully citrus-y notes.
There’s also beer on tap, soju, and sake for those who prefer their liquor on the.. harder side.
It’s clear that the Happy Endings crew aims to ensure everyone finishes their night satisfied, and they’ve sure got the unbeatable location, vibe and fare to pull it off.
Where: Level 1, 2707 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
When: 5pm – 12am Wed – Sun (officially opening Friday 19th May)
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Belinda Symons.
There are many things we never grow tired of and eating Italian is one of them. Our carb-pacity to carbo-hydrate (eat carbs and hydrate. With wine) is forever fierce and try as we might to give the whole Keto thing a nudge, just kidding, we’ve never tried. We know we’re not alone here, and lucky us living in a city brimming with quality Italian nosheries, like Broadbeach’s Luna’s Pizza & Wine.
Taking over Sofia’s previous digs at The Oasis in December last year, Luna’s shares more than just an address with her fellow Euro palette-pleaser. Both restaurants are owned by the one and only Henry Hunt, who couldn’t part with Sofia’s prime foot traffic position, glorious open kitchen, and signature wood-fire oven. Henry, quite frankly, can do no wrong, previously managing Sydney icon Establishment, Bert’s Bar & Brasserie, as well as fine dining steakhouse 6Head in Sydney Harbour.
Luna’s and Sofia’s also share Executive Chef Daniil Paulman who boasts a resume any name-dropper would be proud of. With stints at local institutions The Fish House and Etsu, he’s anything but an ‘im-pasta’. Daniil is joined by Head Chef and Pizzaiolo Mattia Bianchi, who’s been making pizzas for over 20 years, so yeah, he knows his way around a Capricciosa. Starting his career at Ristorante Il Capriolo in Italy, he relocated to Melbourne opening Esplanade in St Kilda, before moving to Cicchetti in Isle of Capri and of course, Sofia’s.
With indoor and outdoor seating, voyeur-friendly open kitchen, and capacity for 50 people (or 80+ standing), it’s impossible to walk ‘pasta’ and not be drawn in by the amazing aromas and ambiance. Shopfit Co have nailed the modern Italian aesthetic, using a traditional but tasteful colour palette of red, green and white, along with modern black accents and a juxtaposition of textures. You immediately feel the warmth with stunning exposed bricks (a-la-Sofia 1.0), and the red and white fringed umbrellas out front. Green is introduced in the form of oh-so-now olive trees which always give us those exotic Mediterranean feels #mood. Inside you’ll find the famous brick woodfire oven in all its glory and the open kitchen, complete with a contemporary black subway tile backdrop.
Authentic Italian dishes await with a mouth-watering range of antipasti, pizza, pasta and sides. To get the ball rolling, we recommend a serve of Mushroom Arancini coz dough and pasta aren’t enough so let’s add rice…#WorthTheBloat. With mushroom, parmesan and truffle rice balls lightly fried, served with porcini mascarpone, they’re the only way to eat your shrooms.
The signature pasta is hands down the Gnocchi al Tartufo with hand-made gnocchi, cream, mascarpone, truffle paste, and truffle oil and LBH, this is our dream dish. Pizza enthusiasts will go bonkers for the signature Prosciutto Pizza, which is pure perfection with tomato, Fior di latte, San Daniele prosciutto, stracciatella, cherry tomatoes, parmesan, and rocket.
Now pizza and pasta are great and all, but let’s talk about cocktails and vino #AboutTime. The signature sip is a cracker, called Appassionato which sounds way more impressive with an Italian accent. With Absolut vodka, fresh lime juice, fresh passionfruit, sugar, and birds eye chili, one’s simply not enough. As for boozy ‘grape juice’, here’s the hot tip; there’s a secret beverage list featuring uber-premium wines from Sofia’s, BUT it’s only available upon request so #GetRequesting #You’reWelcome.
We may not be able to speak Italian but we sure as heck can eat it, and a meal at Luna’s Pizza & Wine is as good as it gets. ‘Crust’ us.
Where: Shop G0.71b The Oasis, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
When: 5pm – 10pm Monday to Wednesday, 12pm – 10.30pm Thursday to Sunday
Instagram: @lunasbroadbeach
Website: lunasbroadbeach.com.au
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Belinda Symons.
If you love to wine, dine and shop you’ll love Broadbeach. If you prefer to surf, laze in the sun or strut along beachfront esplanades, you’ll also love Broadbeach. From cult-followed cafes to shiny new eats, boujee bars and shopping boutiques, this burb’s an A-grade entertainer that shines bright in the eyes of locals and visitors alike.
There are many reasons locals – and Gold Coasters far and wide – love a bit of Broady, but here are 15 to get you started.
The Star Gold Coast
If ever there was a reason to call up the babysitter, it’s for a session at The Star. Here, you’re greeted with live music and a melange of premium food options- you won’t need to go anywhere else. Start with a few bevvies at the Atrium Bar before choosing your cuisine for the night. Will it be the fresh Garden Kitchen & Bar or the award-winning Cantonese at Uncle Su’s? Why not taste Tokyo right on the Gold Coast at Kiyomi, authentic Italian eats at Cucina Vivo or the ultimate buffet experience at Harvest Buffet? Or maybe you’re looking for the chic rooftop bar at Nineteen at The Star or a sneaky drink at the new look Veladora?
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
If you’re after a tried and tested, long-standing comedy cabaret, good ‘ole Dracs has been serving up frights, food and frivolity since we were all ankle-biters. Most people are sold when they hear there’s a ghost train alone, let alone the actual show, which changes every so often, so there’s always a reason to go back! Enjoy a quality 3-course dinner and a menu of magical and mystical cocktails and shots!
Where: Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach
Social Eating House + Bar
If you consider yourself a gastronome, then this Oracle Blvd darling is for you. Social serves modern Australian flavours in a casual meets fine dining setting. For this, they’ve secured more hats than a Milliner’s workshop and have just won 3 glasses at the 2024 Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards. This comes as no surprise with Executive Chef Matthew Jefferson in charge. With a recently refreshed menu (promised to please even the most refined palates), you’ll experience a carefully curated range of bar snacks, charcuterie, and small and large share plates featuring the finest Australian ingredients and paired to perfection.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Blues on Broadbeach
Unlike our other listings, this one’s not here 24/7. However, it’s that much of a Broady icon that it would be criminal not to throw it a mention. As the name suggests, it brings us world-class blues music and jazz from locals and famous acts alike, performing across multiple venues over four unforgettable days. And it’s free. When does that ever happen?!
Where: Various Broadbeach venues
Elk Espresso
This place has never met an empty table; it’s constantly bulging at the seams with raving fans. Of course, we are one of such fans. Just a hop, skip and a jump from the beach, the coffee is all-time, the menus are seasonal and heavenly, and they do a Boozy Bottomless Brunch. And sold!
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
The Oasis
It’s an everyday escape for locals, and one of our top shopping centres on the coast (for good reason). The Oasis is home to stunning fashion boutiques, and the number of fabulous eateries at hand is impressive in of itself. In addition to the ones we highlight in this article, we’re talking Mario’s, Madison’s Café and Patisserie, Spice Kitchen and Bar, and The Broadbeach Tavern, to name just a few. It’s a #OneStopShop.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Broadbeach Bowls Club
Ahhh, good old lawn bowls. The game that never fails to deliver a good time. If you’re looking for the best way to spend a chill arvo on the GC, it’s with a game of barefoot bowls, brew in hand at Broadbeach Bowls Club. When you’re finished, they have a full bistro menu waiting with big portions of all your go-to pub-grub meals. They also have a canape package perfect for a laid-back birthday or celebration.
Where: 169 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
kōst Bar & Grill
Just over a year old, yet kōst has already wriggled its way onto our hot list… sneaky bugger. Just kidding, they’re here for a reason, and credit is due! The contemporary style bar and grill is perfect for sophisticated sips, flame-grilled eats and boujee’ bar snacks’, all within a relaxed-luxury setting. Champagne with a side of caviar, anyone?
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
No Name Lane
Well, if it isn’t No Name Lane making a name for themselves as Blake Lively’s favourite coffee. In her exact words “”the best coffee of her life”. We can attest to this, alongside the cafe’s cult local following. Not only are they adored for their cuppa, but their all-day breakfasts and gourmet lunches also go down a treat so if you haven’t been, remedy this immediately.
Where: 16 Charles Ave, Broadbeach
Kurrawa Surf Club
Ocean views don’t come any better than this. With legit THE most prime location, Kurrawa Surf Club has everything you’d want from a Surf Club…and more. With awesome regular members specials and fresh ingredients, there’s no such thing as a bad meal here. They host a trivia night and live music, and of course there’s the obligatory gaming lounge for those who like a flutter.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
CHA CHA Japanese Restaurant
Gold Coasters have been CHA CHA bound for an authentic Japanese nosh-up which won’t break the bank for years, and that’s not about to change any time soon. The banquet menu is divine and every visit you’ll experience the same level of scrumptiousness. But the soy on the dim sum…it’s BYO and it’s hard to find an already affordable yet high-quality restaurant offering our 3 favourite letters. Score.
Where: 2705 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
Pacific Fair
This list wouldn’t be complete without mention of THE queen. Pacific Fair (aka Pac Fair) is any Gold Coasters first point of call when a new ensemble or therapy (retail or other) is required. It has every retailer you could possibly wish for, fabulous food options and indisputably the most gorgeous fit-out you’ve ever seen. Nothing rivals it.
Where: Gold Coast Hwy and Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
Costa Taco
You bet we did a happy dance when news broke that our fav taqueria from Palm Beach had opened a third location in Broady (the second was Byron). For us, and many (most) Gold Coasters, it was a love at first bite. Costa Taco stole our taste buds with their authentic, flavour-filled eats and there was no turning back. And why would we? You would have to be coco to say no no to coconut margaritas?
Where: Cnr Armrick Ave and Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
The Lamb Shop
In a pita shell, you’re getting bangin bar snacks and succulent souvlaki- what’s not to love? After a long day on Broadbeach beach (presumably), when you’re feeling sun-kissed and salt wrapped, is there anything better than biting into a tangy lamb-filled pita wrap to replenish exerted energy? No! The Lamb Shop’s entire menu is prepared in-house daily, using only fresh local produce, premium cuts and authentic grilling techniques. That’s why we love em!
Where: 1 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach
The Beach Hotel Broadbeach
There’s no better place to snag a seat and sink a beer (or a Golden Hour Sour) on a Saturday arvy than at the brand new The Beach Hotel in Broadbeach. The airy spaces and indoor-outdoor flow let the sea breeze carry through the beer garden into the public bar. The vibe is set to ‘summer chill’, eats are delish, sips are refreshing and every corner is designed for the perfect gathering with your pals. After some spirited fun, head inside Cora, a restaurant within The Beach Hotel, where fine dining and a laid-back atmosphere come together to deliver palate-pleasing Mediterranean-inspired bites and crisp, cool drinks. Don’t mind if we do.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
