It’s a time of year locals love; eating and drinking the very best of what the Gold Coast has to offer over a weekend free of judgement and filled with over-indulgence.

The Gold Coast Food and Wine Festival is on again with another jam-packed program showcasing a variety of restaurants, wineries, artists and food trucks from across the city.

Here are eight not-to-be-missed experiences to fill your days and stretch your stomachs.

Friday 2nd June

Local Flavour at Burleigh Brewing
Local flavour will combine three of the Gold Coast’s most loved elements – craft beer, street food trucks and live music from local artists – into one epic feast for the senses. There’ll also be brewery tours at set times throughout the day.
LOCATION: Burleigh Brewing, 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads
TIME: 3pm to 8pm
COST: Free

Live Art x Live Food
A night of interactive, experimental and exciting art including murals, live body art and street art all created to a soundtrack of the Gold Coast’s emerging musicians and all exploring the relationship between food and art. Enjoy a kaleidoscope of global flavours from night market stalls while exploring and engaging with artists.
LOCATION: NightQuarter, 1 Town Centre Drive, Helensvale
TIME: 4pm – 10pm
TICKETS: $3 entry to NightQuarter

7 Course Degustation
An impressive 7 course fine dining experience created by Sirromet’s Executive Chef Andrew Mirosch and Chief Winemaker Adam Chapman. Together they have put together a menu using the freshest local and seasonal produce matched perfectly with Sirromet’s award-winning wines.
LOCATION: Sirromet Winery, 850-938 Mount Cotton Rd, Mount Cotton
TIME: 6.30pm to 9.30pm
COST: $115 per person

Saturday 3rd June

Distillery Tastings
Tamborine Mountain Distillery is Australia’s most awarded distillery with more than 300 international awards. A boutique distillery hidden away in the Gold Coast hinterland they manufacture fine liqueurs, schnapps, vodka, eau de vie and liqueur chocolates, all of which you can wrap your tastebuds around as part of the festival.
LOCATION: 89 Beacon Rd, Tamborine Mountain
TIME: From 10am to 3pm
COST: $5 per tasting

The Long Table at Tamborine Mountain
Mt Tamborine is THE Gold Coast destination for foodies and wine lovers. At this event Witches Chase Cheese, Long Road Bistro, Fortitude Brewery and Heritage Wines are collaborating to celebrate the Hinterland’s unique produce. Dine at a long table with views of the cheese factory in full production while sampling award winning cheese, paté, terrines and cured meats, all paired with wine and craft beer tastings.
LOCATION: Witches Chase and Long Rd Bistro, 165-183 Long Road, Eagle Heights
TIME: From 12.30pm
COST: $55 per person

Taste of the Gold Coast – Food and Wine Tour
Experience a progressive dinner with a difference. Explore the sophistication and style reinventing the dining scene on the Gold Coast. The event will be a four-stop experience of canapés, food-making, local ingredients and wine tastings as well as a delicious five star desserts and cocktails.
LOCATION: Secret, confirmed with ticket purchase
TIME: 2pm to 7pm (approx.)
COST: $189 per person

Wine and Dining Degustation
Indulge in a stunning six course degustation at the beautifully appointed Balthazar Wine and Dining. Six courses will be perfectly matched with local and global wines, specifically selected by their expert sommelier.
LOCATION: Crowne Plaza, 2807 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
TIME: 6pm to 10pm
COST: $120 per person

Sunday 4th June

Picnic in the Park
Dine on local treats from your favourite Surfers Paradise restaurants delivered by UberEats. Pack your picnic blanket, listen to live music, share a bottle of wine and catch up with friends as the sun sets over the Gold Coast.
LOCATION: Lionel Perry Park, Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
TIME: 12pm to 8pm
COST: $2 entry

By Amy Merridan

Spring racing season is almost upon us once again, and you know what that means, Gold Coasters? Champagne, fancy frocks, and swish-looking suits for everyone.

Because we know you love a party as much as we do, we’ve collated a list of top spots to watch the race that stops the nation while also enjoying bulk food and beverages and probably placing the odd bet or two. Here’s where to spend your day on Tuesday 2nd November — get in quick they’re already selling fast!

The Gold Coast Turf Club
Trackside is the perfect place to be to watch the horsies this year. The Event Centre Package includes entry to the racecourse, non-reserved cocktail style seating, a select beverage package including beer and wine, a grazing menu, watching on the big screen and live entertainment. Tickets are $160pp. Or join in on the inaugural Fashions Luncheon at the Glasshouse with an exclusive Fashions on the Field competition. The Glasshouse package includes a prosecco on arrival and an impressive 6-hour drinks package, two-course lunch, TAB and bookmaker facilities, and reserved seating on long tables — perfect for those bigger groups. Cost is $221pp for members and $260pp for non-members. Or head to the Perch for an event with a difference. For $295pp race-goers will enjoy a five-hour premium beverage package including Veuve Clicquot, premium beer and wine with basic spirits and a delicious grazing style menu served from 12.30pm.
Where: Racecourse Drive, Bundall

Hideaway Kitchen & Bar
Everyone’s favourite Asian-inspired eatery in Broadbeach is back once again with a Melbourne Cup offering you have to get around. Besides a whopping 4-hour drinks package — with nothing held back — you can enjoy an Asian street feast with delectable food stations featuring dumplings, noodles, oysters, and hawker-style BBQ. The talented muso Nick Waters will take you through the afternoon before deciding to continue on or to go home early — the choice is yours!
Where: 2657 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

Videre Restaurant
Take in the exquisite views across the Gold Coast whilst indulging in a high tea. For $99pp, a 3-hour beverage package is included accompanied by the sensational high tea Videre is revered for. You cab watch all the live action along with sweepstakes and lucky door prizes. Grab your tickets here.
Where: RACV Royal Pines, Ross Street, Benowa

The Island Gold Coast
Choose between The Birdcage, a G.H. Mumm Gala Luncheon at The Island Glasshouse or their Bubble and Pearls Pavilion at The Penthouse. A Birdcage ticket is $109pp and will include premium beverages and plenty of share-style canapes, live entertainment and fashions on the field from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. The G.H. Mumm Gala Luncheon (from 12pm to 3.30pm) includes G.H. Mumm Champagne (of course), a three-course luncheon, live entertainment and the chance to be crowned the best dressed Duke and Duchess! Tickets are at $209pp, with $10 of every ticket going to their charity partner on the day. Or indulge in the ultimate seated cocktail event on The Island’s Penthouse between 12pm – 3.30pm. You can expect 3.5 hours of beverages (including G.H. Mumm Champagne, select cocktails like espresso martini’s and Aperol spritz and more), a selection of hot and cold canapés with shared plates (with fresh seafood), live entertainment and fashions on the field, numerous prizes for best dressed and hat, sweeps and more! Tickets are $259pp. Whichever ticket you get you’ll be sure to enjoy yourself!
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Bine Bar & Dining
One of the locals favourite bars on the Gold Coast is inviting you down for an afternoon like no other. For a reasonable $35pp, you will get a drink on arrival, and copious amounts of delicious finger food will be doing the rounds. Zak Keenan will be serenading the crowd throughout the day, so all you need to do is show up looking your best and be prepared to let your hair down.
Where: 1/28 Chairlift Avenue, Nobby Beach

Southport Sharks
Southport Sharks have not one but three unique ways for you to enjoy the day. At the main club, you can enjoy a succulent-looking seafood buffet, sweepstakes and best-dressed competitions, a Mr Consistent pop-up bar, a huge screen and handy TAB facilities for your convenience. Tickets are $65pp for members and $80pp for guests. Their Events Centre will take things up a notch with a decadent three-course menu accompanied with a three-hour drinks package, multiple screens, (so you don’t miss any of the action), and live entertainment. Available are tables of up to ten with prices at $99pp for members and $110pp for guests. Why not take things up a level at Aviary Rooftop Bar? Whilst you take in the stunning skyline, you’ll be spoilt with a three-hour premium drinks package, handmade pizzas, a pop-up spritz bar, and a fabulous fascinator competition for all you ladies out there. Early bird tickets have already sold out, so tickets are now $149pp — so don’t hang around.
Where: Corner Olsen & Musgrave Avenues, Southport

The Cavill Hotel
Celebrate Melbourne Cup in style whilst you take in the action from Surfers Paradise’s largest screen. Tickets are $119pp; for this, you’ll have access to onsite TAB facilities, a three-hour food and beverage package, sweeps, fashions on the field and lucky door prizes — more than enough to keep you and your friends entertained!
Where: 46 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
If you’re looking for a grand event, look no further than the Grand Ballroom Melbourne Cup Luncheon. A 3 course spring lunch, 3 hours of luxury wine, beer and soft drink accompanied by live entertainment, a fashion show, sweepstakes and giveaways will have you entertained for the afternoon. Tickets are $169 and you can book yours here.
Where: 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

The Club at Parkwood
With two sparkling yet different events, you’re bound to have a day you won’t forget in a hurry. Choose from a cocktail party with a difference with a 2-hour drinks package, canapes and platters galore, and prizes for the best dressed for a very modest $79pp. Or if you prefer something a little grander, their sit-down experience in the Grandview room with a 4-hour drinks package and three-course menu should do the trick for $125pp. Live music is being played through both parties, and there’s a good time guaranteed for everyone!
Book your tickets here.
Where: 76 – 122 Napper Road, Parkwood

The Star
Yet again, the Gold Coast’s biggest and best entertainment space comes up with the goods for Melbourne Cup day. So many options and so many venues, which will you choose? More of an Italian lover, opt for a 5-course and 3-hour drinks package at Cucina Vivo for $185pp, grab your tickets here. Looking for a location to boogy and eat some roaming canapes with a 2.5-hour drinks package – look no further than Atrium Bar for $100pp, grab your tickets here. Keen punter? Head directly to the Sports Bar and enjoy all the action uninterrupted, plus enjoy a buffet-style feast for just $66pp, grab your tickets here. Want to have a bit more of a relaxed Cup day amongst some greenery? Garden Kitchen & Bar spoils you for choice with the option to sit outside on the lawn tables with up to 9 of your friends for $1500 per table (grab your tickets here) or inside with a 3-course meal and 3-hour drinks package for $169pp, grab your tickets here. If these events still aren’t delightful enough, elevate the day with heading to Nineteen at the Star with their tickets from $179pp and choose between their bar or restaurant offerings – both accompanied with Veuve Clicquot Champagne of course! And once the race is all done and dusted head to Kiyomi for a post-race feast with their Melbourne Cup Day specials to round out for your fun-filled day.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach

The Collective
Always one to pull out the stops, it’s a Spring Fling at Palm Beach fave The Collective Palm Beach. With three varying packages available between $79pp and $179pp you’ll be sure to find the event for you and your mates. The Stables is perfect for groups of ten or more, set on high tables and chairs at the venue’s front. You’ll enjoy bubbles or beer on arrival and a 4-course set menu. ($79pp) The Courtyard area is available with high and low seating in their courtyard space, where you’ll be treated to a glass of bubbles or beer upon arrival, followed by a 4-course set menu while enjoying Fashions On The Field and live music. ($99pp) Or go the extra mile with a ticket to their Parade Ring ($179pp) which is a cocktail Rooftop party including an oyster bar, extensive roaming canapés and a 3-hour premium beverage package!
Where: Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

The Pink Flamingo
Giddy up and think pink at The Pink Flamingo this Melbourne Cup Day! Enjoy a day of racing, raunchiness and rivers of flowing champagne. Limited First Release tickets are currently $125pp; if you decide to get involved, you can enjoy a fork and walk at various food stations and substantial canapes plus a glass of Mumm Champagne on arrival, followed by a three-hour beverage package. Amongst all this, you’ll capture the action on a whopping 10-metre screen before being encouraged to stay for a fun-filled after-party with live DJ. The dress code is (naturally) sexy and sassy!
Where: 88 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Words by Alex Mitcheson.