Well well well, what do we have here?

If it isn’t our mate Currumbin collecting trendy new haunts like they don’t already have dibs on the coolest creek in the whole of the GC.

It’s okay though, we’re not mad about it, because in case you haven’t caught the hottest news in town, a cult-flavourite on the GC scene has branched out to bring us a BRAND NEW VENUE (and yes we feel the shouty caps are warranted, as will anyone who has tasted one of their mouth-watering pastries) because we are talking about our beloved, one and only Tarte Bakery here.

We are so bready for the great Tarte takeover, with Currumbin officially welcoming its sister venue Tarte Beach House this week and, while we want to say it’s every bit as good as you’d expect – it’s not.

It’s even better (how is that even possible?!)

Taking up residence under the palms lazily swaying by the picturesque Currumbin Creek foreshore, this Hamptons meets Parisian style stunner ticks all the boxes – and with owner and culinary mastermind Chloe Watts at the helm, we certainly don’t think this new venue will be living in the shadow of its big sister for long.

Somewhere between her duties as #supermum and running one of the GC’s most popular artisan bakeries, Chloe apparently manages to squeeze in the odd The Block binge, because the new Tarte Beach House beach shack glow up was a reno of epic proportions.

She well and truly uncovered the true potential of this creekside gem, which has been treated to a full facade makeover with some stunning new joinery to frame those knockout views.

Also of note are the painstakingly sourced vintage fixtures, with tables, counters and beach umbrellas turned lamp shades direct from France clocking in at a mere century old #oohlala.

Complete with chic monochrome checkerboard floors and elegant brass fixtures to round out the whole elevated space, it’s no longer just the glistening outlook that’s insta-worthy.

No how matter how ‘in’, the mullet may claim to be, we are loathe to use such a term to describe the ‘party in the bottom, business in the top’ functionality of this gorg new multi-level space (but we did it anyway).

Downstairs has been designed to be the more casual of the two spaces, welcoming us to saunter in post-dip and pull up stumps, or perhaps grab a New York style bagel (or any of your usual Tarte flaky faves) to-go #we’rejusthereforthecruellers.

Upstairs boasts the more formal style restaurant, which of course is fully licensed (which means Tarte cocktails, huzzah!).

Coupled with all-day faves such as Chilli eggs – Crispy ‘fried’ eggs, sauteed asparagus and broccolini with Aunty TT’s crispy chilli and fresh shallots on white sourdough and slightly more boujee brunch options such as the Lobster Roll made with Southern rock lobster in hot butter, celery, chives and lettuce served in a toasted housemade brioche. Shut up and take all our money!

With plans to eventually extend the Tarte Beach House offering to arvos and evenings, Europe called and said we should definitely stay home for creek hangs this summer.

When: Downstairs officially opens Thursday 10th August, upstairs opens this weekend from 6.30am-3pm daily.
Where: 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Carly King.

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.