Where there’s a grill, there’s a way!
Where there’s a grill, there’s a way!
Is it just us, or does Gold Coast life go perfectly with a barbie? And no, we’re not referring to the plastic blonde haired variety (also, we kind of are…), but rather the beer in one hand, snag in the other kind. With over 380 public BBQs in our region, that’s one for precisely every day of the year + 15 days and challenge accepted!
Here are 12 idyllic spots to meet your mates for a BBQ, outside of your very own back yard of course! Let’s take it from the north….
Tipplers
If you grew up on the GC, you’ve heard many-a-story about this place! The iconic Tipplers now offers a super relaxed atmosphere, epic camping, a fab café (#cocktailoclock), a playground, and of course, BBQ’s! Frolic on the sand, set up some beach cricket and eat BBQ tucker till your heart’s content. Find a friend with a boat or book a ferry and check.it.out!
Where: South Stradbroke Island
Bim’bimba Park
This five-hectare $7.5 million super park is a national award-winner. A destination in itself, they’ve thrown everything but the kitchen sink at this one. We’re talking shaded BBQ and picnic areas, an outdoor amphitheatre, an amazing playground, basketball half-court, skate ramps, outdoor table tennis, and three kilometres of walking and cycle paths. If you want a BBQ with no risk of boredom, Bim’bimba Park is a sure thang.
Where: Gainsborough Drive, Pimpama
Paradise Point Parklands
Anyone on the north side knows it well. It has something for everyone and selling points galore, with amazing views of the Broadwater topping the list. In addition to the sweet BBQ and picnic facilities, the epic playground areas are first class making it a family fave. Extending all the way along the esplanade, enjoy a scoot or a stroll along the picturesque walkway hugging the shoreline. Bliss.
Where: The Esplanade, Paradise Point
Hollindale Park
Home to the Main Beach Pavilion, Hollindale Park boasts beautiful grassy areas and lots of shade for long lunches – BBQ style! Right by the ocean, the sea breezes scream summer, and the views never fail to woo a crowd. With barbecues, picnic tables, picnic shelters and gazebo’s, there’s plenty of real estate, and the playground areas will keep the ankle biters entertained #happywifekidshappylife.
Where: MacArthur Parade, Main Beach
Broadwater Parklands
This spectacular precinct occupying three kilometres of vast natural beauty and exquisite Broadwater views has it all. There are busier areas if you’re after a Barbie with a vibe, or more private spots for intimate barbie feels. Pack your togs and take a dip in the netted swimming area, and let the kids rip on the jumping pillow, in the playgrounds, rockpools, and the interactive GC Aqua Park. It’s a ten out of ten.
Where: Marine Parade, Southport
Cascade Gardens
If chilled leafy BBQs by the river are your jam, Cascade Gardens nails the brief. With multiple BBQ and picnic areas, it’s a beautiful spot for a low-key, uber-relaxed barbie. Take a nature walk to burn off some snags and coleslaw, and let the mini-me’s run free in the playground. It’s also home to the Rotary Kokoda Memorial Wall and the Queensland Korean War Memorial to add a little history #lestweforget.
Where: Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
Kurrawa Pratten Park
Want a beachside BBQ spot with a side of large grassy areas to kick the footy? Same, and Kurrawa Pratten Park was born for this. It boasts a fully fenced playground promoting interactive play, pedal-powered monorail and G.I.A.N.T slides. Take a dip in the ocean before moving your posse over the road for a post barbie beverage at one of Broady’s many watering holes.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
Evandale Park, HOTA
HOTA, how we love thee. In addition to culture in spades, you bring us Evandale Park. With plenty of BBQ and picnic tables with stunning Nerang River views, you’re sure to find a spot surrounded by beautiful towering greenery and a gated playground. There’s even an enclosed swimming, perfect for those balmy summer barbies. Hot tip: Go on a Sunday AM for some pre-BBQ fun at the HOTA Markets.
Where: Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Mick Schamburg Park
Offering spectacular views from the north to the south, this ever-popular BBQ spot set atop Miami Headland is a showstopper. There are barbecues and picnic tables for your spread, and a playground next door for the kiddos to burn off some energy (yassss!). It’s ideal for catching up with your mates over a snag or ten, and reminding us how lucky we are to live in such a stellar part of the world.
Where: Kelly Avenue, Miami
Queen Elizabeth Park
Sandwiched between the foreshore of Greenmount Beach and Coolangatta’s retail and dining precinct, Queen Elizabeth Park is a local fave. There are lots of BBQs scattered throughout, with large green spaces, beautiful beach, and playground areas for the littlies. The infamous Greenmount Headland serves as a stunning backdrop, and don’t forget to pack the cricket set, skateboard and footy to up the fun factor.
Where: Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Laguna Park
A GC BBQ spot list would not be complete without this one. Kids legit go cray for the iconic pirate ship, slides, rockers, and pedal-powered monorail, all enclosed in a fully fenced area easily visible from the BBQ areas. Always choccas, Laguna Park overlooks a lake, and you can even bring your pooch to romp in the off-leash exercise area. Time your barbie with live music in the park…and happy days!
Where: Laguna Avenue, Palm Beach
Winders Park
If you fancy a pre or post BBQ kayak or stand-up paddle, Winders is a water sports fan’s utopia. Set alongside Currumbin Creek, take your pick from the many shaded picnic tables and barbie spots and let the kids run amok in the little playgrounds. There’s even a boat ramp in the park, so feel free to BYO vessel to lunch #boatsboatsboats.
Where: Duringan Street, Currumbin
Words by Bianca Trathen.
On the Gold Coast we are blessed with pretty spectacular weather year-round, which means picnics are high on the agenda. Thankfully we have no shortage of pretty spots to throw down a blanket for a spot of cheese and biccies with friends.
Here’s a list of 10 of our favourites.
Hinze Dam, Advancetown
This underrated hinterland destination will be your new favourite picnic spot. There are several parks that surround Hinze Dam, so take in the stunning scenery, sip on a cold glass of bubbly and generally enjoy the company of family and friends. There’s a BBQ area, kids playground and even a small cafe in case you need fresh supplies. Make sure if you’re taking the pooch to one of the designated areas, they’re kept on a leash to preserve the wildlife.
Cedar Creek Falls, Mt Tamborine
Mt Tamborine is a picnicker’s paradise and has more picnic areas than a year has days, Cedar Creek Falls being by far one of the best. Driving up the winding roads and taking in the scenic beauty is almost enough entertainment, but that’s not all. Cedar Creek Falls are located just metres from three waterfalls and countless walking tracks, making it the perfect place to spend your next Sunday.
Macintosh Island, Surfers Paradise
This little oasis nestled in Surfers Paradise (most commonly used for getting around the GC500 every year) is great for picnic dates of all sorts. The tranquil setting with cascading water running through the park is home to many birds (including peacocks), so don’t forget your stale bread. There’s also that super fun bridge previously built for the Indy in 2007.
Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, Benowa
Hard to believe that this beautiful little piece of paradise is just a mere 10 minute drive from Surfers Paradise. Take the whole family or soak up some solo serenity, it’s the perfect setting for both and anything in between. There’s even a butterfly garden for your gazing pleasure.
Cascade Gardens, Broadbeach
Cascade Gardens can be found between Surfers and Broadbeach and there are plenty of barbecue and undercover picnic shelters. This peaceful riverside sanctuary is the perfect date spot and with a huge area to run around, it’s also popular for families wanting to keep the kids entertained for hours (hopefully not on a date).
Burleigh Hill, Burleigh
In unsurprising news, Burleigh Hill is probably the most popular picnic spot on the Coast. You can’t beat the Insta-worthy views overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline. If you want to get a good spot on a Sunday get there early `cause the whole Gold Coast likes to unite here to see and be seen.
Ed Hardy Park, Miami
Next to North Burleigh Surf Club the park offers great people watching and a few BBQ areas perfect for that Sunday arvo picnic with the gang. Walk up Miami Hill and take in the views or have a sneaky swim in the ocean. There’s a takeaway bottle shop across the road if you need to stock up on sips.
Tallebudgera Creek, Tallebudgera
The battle between which side to choose continues. But no matter which is your go-to, Talle Creek won’t disappoint as favourite picnic spot. The calm creek waters are perfect for a little splash before devouring your mobile buffet. Beware the hungry bush turkeys!
Long Tan Park, Currumbin Valley
Not many people know about this pretty but somewhat hidden picnic spot in Currumbin Valley. It’s the perfect spot to get away, relax by the creek and pop in for a dip. There are no toilets or BBQ stations and uninhibited nature is purely the theme here, so go prepared. Drive along Currumbin Creek Road and take a right turn at Bains Road, the park is situated just over the bridge.
Kirra Lookout, Coolangatta
Kirra Lookout is the Burleigh Hill of Coolangatta, just not as busy and with more parking opportunities (we like the sound of that). You can either drive or walk up, but be warned, it’s quite steep, you’ll burn off your picnic before you make it to the top. Enjoy the view whilst nibbling on some crackers and sipping on an icy cold one, it’s pretty special!
There’s only one thing better than a BBQ and that’s a Korean BBQ. Those perfectly grilled morsels of meat perfection just melt in our mouth, and are so flavoursome we could drool (and this may or may not have happened…like every time). Add the novelty factor of a license to grill with a DIY BBQ smack bang in the middle of your table, and whoomp there it is – the perfect fun and tasty meal.
Here are 7 ‘smokin hot’ places to get your next Korean BBQ fix. You’ll note that the bulk are in Southport as our CBD houses a large Korean community….which means authentic nosh and more sizzle than you can poke a skewer at.
Suzy BBQ
If it’s a Korean BBQ restaurant with an epic 2022 K-vibe you’re after, Suzy BBQ delivers on every level. She’s as cool as she is delish, with her corrugated iron exterior, rainbow neon lighting and statement Korean pop-art wall posters. The food is as on-point as the fit-out, and don’t even get us started on the cocktail list…
Our pick: BBQ Set with pork jowl, pork belly, wagyu beef plate and bulgogi
Where: 1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Dae Bark
With many reviews calling it the best Korean BBQ joint on the Coast, you know it’s worth a look…and taste! Situated in the heart of our city, Dae Bark offers diners a huge selection of authentic Korean dishes. Popular also for its fast and attentive service and off-the-menu-order portion sizes (v generous), you will not leave hungry. Ever.
Our pick: The BBQ buffet
Where: 2/57 Nerang Street, Southport
Goha Korean Restaurant
If we’re talking IYKYK Korean Barbie restaurants, this cosy little pearler comes up trumps. Family-owned and operated (yay!) sourcing meat from the trusty butcher next door, it’s the ultimate locals supporting locals success story. Offering DIY table cooking at its finest, Goha is never short of peeps meaning it’s ‘flipping’ good!
Our pick: E.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g.
Where: K Town Supermarket, 160 Nerang Street, Southport
Korean BBQ Buffet
Just a 10-minute walk from the Southport tram station, Korean BBQ Buffet is a sure-thing when it comes to delivering the “mmm’s”. This iconic all-you-can-cook-and-eat (yep, that’s a lot of hyphens) palette pleaser is run by a Head Chef with 30+ years of Asian dining experience #solid. Expect top-notch nosh (say that after a few sojus) and unbeatable customer service.
Our pick: The buffet (obvs) but be sure to grab an extra helping of Beef Bulgogi.
Where: 36 Davenport Street, Southport
Gal.B Korean BBQ Restaurant
Yet another crowd fave from our CBD, Gal.B is #KoreanChowGoals. Even if you’re a tad gun-shy about trying this culinary phenomenon, Gal.B is guaranteed to open your mind and convert you to a staunch Korean BBQ head. Local ingredients are the sole focus here, with simple and effective preparation bringing out the natural, distinct and fresh flavours. Get all ‘fired up’ people!
Our pick: Pork Belly
Where: 21 Nind Street, Southport
Cook n Beer
If you’re keen for an authentic Korean BBQ hit laced with just the right amount of modern goodness (same), get yourself to Cook n Beer. Yesterday. Perfect for a fun (and delish) night out with friends, all Cook n Beer dishes are jam-packed with flavour and made with love. Who needs a trip to Seoul when you can simply drive into Surfers!
Our pick: Army Hot Pot
Where: 3131 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Yi Dynasty (Yijo)
Established in 2012 and still going strong, Yijo is a fave amongst the Korean community and LBH, if it’s good enough for the experts…! With highly trained chefs presenting nothing but the finest seasonal cuisine, it’s a consistent high achiever on the GC Korean food scene. Their mantra is ‘passion through focus’ and this is evident in the quality of every meal. Job “well done”!
Our pick: Dak Galbi (spicy chicken)
Where: Southport Central, 9 Lawson Street, Southport
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Mums and Dads of the GC, we’ve got you. How often have you wanted to head out for a coffee, meal, or a cheeky afternoon vino with the fam bam, but worry the kids will either a) tear the place apart and have you blacklisted for life, or b) tell you they’re bored 1472 times causing you to abort mission before you even take a sip of your latte. Yep, we’ve all been there…but alas, we are blessed with some fabulous local spots which not only offer epic eats and a great atmosphere, but also have play areas to keep the little folk entertained (hoorah!). ‘Happy wife, happy life’ they say and we concur, however let’s be honest, ‘happy kids, happy parentals’ is where it’s really at.
With that in mind, here’s a list of cracking kid-friendly local haunts for a (hopefully) meltdown and boredom-free outing!
Funnybone Coffee
IYKYK. Tucked away in The Surrounds precinct, the super cool Funnybone serves up seriously tasty eats and treats, epic coffee and the best part? It backs on to Buckler Park and we’re yet to meet a kid who doesn’t love this awesome playground. Also, Friday arvos are a vibe with happy hour from 4.30pm til 5.30pm and live music and burgers from 5pm. We. Are. There.
Where: 6 Emerald Drive, Helensvale
The Club, Parkwood Village
This beautifully renovated venue is a one-stop shop for all things fun – irrespective of age! There’s golf, mini golf or the TopGolf Swing Suite, and dining options galore! Choose from The Terrace, The Lawn, The Pavilion and more, and eat your meal or sip your coffee in The Backyard while your mini-me’s bounce on the jumping castle or play in the games arcade (nostalgia 101).
Where: 76-122 Napper Rd, Parkwood
Southport Sharks
Okay, this place offers child minding (3-12 years) and we need not say more. From $4.50 per child, let them expel some big energy in Wobbygongs Kids Fun Zone with a mini basketball court, rock-climbing wall, kids’ movies, drawing tables and PlayStations, while you enjoy a drink or meal at one of the ever-popular Sharks’ eats and drinks spots.
Where: Corner Olsen Avenue & Musgrave Avenue, Southport
Southport Yacht Club
Everyone’s fave Yacht Club will even delight the small people with a playground to run amok in, while mum and dad kick back and take in the beautiful Broadwater views. And the best part is whilst you’re debating which yacht is your fave, you don’t need to worry about sunburn or your kids pulling a Houdini because the playground is shaded and fenced. Winning!
Where: 1 Macarthur Parade, Main Beach
CSI Club Southport
With an extensive menu, indoor or outdoor dining in the sleek and modern space dubbed ‘The Laneway’, free and live entertainment catering to all ages, does it get any better in the heart of the CBD? You bet it does! CSI even has a kids game room and an epic enclosed outdoor playground guaranteed to keep the big and small kids entertained for hours! You’re speaking our language.
Where: 154A Scarborough Street, Southport
Burleigh Town Hotel
If you live south and have offspring, you’ve been to the Burleigh Town Tav. Currently undergoing a facelift including a new sports bar, bistro and beer garden, it serves up good pub grub – and a playground for the ankle biters to boot. There’s always something spesh on for the kids like discos and colouring competitions, with cheap and cheerful kids meals to fill little tummies.
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads
Dublin Docks Tavern
Another tavern delivering the goods for the entire fam, Dublin Docks, is literally right next door to Harbour Town so head over to feed the kids and let them run wild after a day at the shops! The warm and cosy pub serves up great value Irish-inspired food, with indoor seating, outdoor dining on the deck, and an indoor playground with cubby house and slide.
Where: Harbour Town Drive, Biggera Waters
Lonestar Tavern
Yet another tav, the Lonestar is a GC icon and a family pleaser from way back. The kid’s menu will get the thumbs up from even the fussiest little eaters, before they burn it all off in either the indoor playground, outdoor playground or playroom. There’s always some sort of entertainment and there’s a reason it’s been around for the long haul.
Where: Corner of Markeri Street & Sunshine Boulevard, Mermaid Waters
Words by Bianca Trathen.
