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13 spots to watch Groundwater Country Music Festival

Yee-haw!

Groundwater Country Music Festival (image supplied)
Groundwater Country Music Festival (image supplied)

It’s that time again, Gold Coasters, The Groundwater Country Music Festival is back — and it’s still free! Bringing over 40 world-renowned country acts to beautiful Broadbeach with three full days of musical good times — this is one not to be missed.

Here’s a list of places you can enjoy the action throughout the entire weekend whilst savouring some fine food and delicious drinks.

The General Store Stage

Harajuku Gyoza
A Japanese beer stadium and gyoza bar with plenty of good vibes. Choose from lots of gyoza varieties or a more extensive meal if you’re extra hungry. Or both?!
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre Mall, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach

Spice Thai
Running around and catching all of the live acts will be an exercise in perseverance, and those who aptly fuel themselves will win the day. Step into Spice Thai and treat yourself to delectable authentic Thai treats whilst still well within earshot of the action.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre Mall, Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach

Spice Kitchen & Bar Exterior (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)
Spice Kitchen & Bar Exterior (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)

Kurrawa Park Stage

Elk Espresso
One of the longest established and most revered cafes going on the Gold Coast, Elk Espresso, is your prime place to head for a much-needed break after hitting up the nearby markets over the festival weekend. It’s also in a great position to relax over lunch and still keep an eye on what’s happening at the Kurrawa Park Main Stage.
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Kurrawa SLSC
Ah, the love of a good surf club never dies, and Kurrawa SLSC deserves all of the adoration it gets. Regardless of the festival, this beachside venue is one of our finest along the coast, with unsurpassed views and a hearty selection of great food and frosty beers. Throw in the fact they are right next to the action of the Kurrawa Park stage (the largest of the festival), and you have a legitimate contender for the best spot in the whole of Broadbeach.
Where: Kurrawa Park, Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach

Tower 28 Cafe
Touted as the only beachfront cafe in Broadbeach, Tower 28 Cafe is perfectly positioned to grab yourself a late breakfast/lunch and still find yourself deep in where all the music and markets are taking place. They knock up all sorts of amazing food such as acai bowls, salads, and some perfectly poured coffee — just what you need to keep you going all day!
Where: Beneath Kurrawa SLSC, Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach

Elk Espresso exterior (image supplied)
Elk Espresso exterior (image supplied)

The Back Road Theatre Stage

Chameleon Bar
The Gold Coast’s only LGBTQIA+ bar always has a trick or two up its sleeve when it comes to hosting themed nights and live entertainment. When Groundwater is on, you should definitely find yourself with a couple of their tasty menu items and (of course) one or two cocktails in their alfresco area. Who knows, you may just not want to move!
Where: 97 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

The Vault
Opening earlier this year, The Vault is Broadbeach’s den of decadence with an unsurpassed selection of premium spirits and an utterly impressive a la carte style menu. Make sure to drop by for a drink, but be warned, you may very well get distracted and miss your favourite country acts!
Where: 21/90 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Chameleon Lounge Bar exterior (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)
Chameleon Lounge Bar exterior (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)

The Oracle Boulevard Stage

The Bavarian Broadbeach
Everyone’s favourite German beer-fused venue just so happens to have itself front row tickets to the action on Oracle Boulevard. Besides hearty style euro eats, If sipping oversized glasses of beer and stomping your foot along to uplifting country rifts sounds like a good time, then you needn’t look any further, folks.
Where: 2 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

The Cuban
You’ll find the zesty flavours of the Caribbean and creole influences aplenty at this Broadbeach hotbed of Latin delight. On any given day, you’ll be spoilt with some of the best Mojitos and share plates around, and with a prime position to all the action this time around, it really cannot be beaten.
Where: n103/1 Oracle Bvd, Broadbeach

Bonus Venue

Fat Freddy’s
There’s nothing quite like a smaller intimate setting for a big sound live act. Sure, big stages are fun, but so too are some of the smaller venues getting amongst the lineup this year. Across all three days there will be three separate performances at Fat Freddy’s, meaning get in early stock up on some finger-lickin’ eats and get ready for the action to unfold!
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Groundwater Country Music Festival (image supplied)
Groundwater Country Music Festival (image supplied)

Places to take it easy at

The Loose Moose
This good-times-guaranteed bar and restaurant is the perfect spot for a couple of cold ones, a burger or two and some great live music. If your feet get sore from boot-scootin’, you know where to recharge!
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Moo Moo Wine Bar + Grill
One of the Gold Coast’s best steak houses and a popular celebrity hang out is the illustrious Moo Moo Wine Bar + Grill. If you prefer your hangouts a little bit fancy, this is the perfect spot for you.
Where: 2685 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

Cardamom Pod
Veggie lovers unite; Cardamom Pod is calling you. Located right next to Moo Moo’s in Victoria Park is this yummy plant-based restaurant. Their menu features both warm and cold dishes plus amazing raw desserts you have to try! So head here if you want a little extra spring to your cowboy boot step!
Where: 2685 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

17 reasons locals love Broadbeach

Social Eating House + Bar kitchen (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Social Eating House + Bar kitchen (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Broadbeach has long been regarded as one of our wining, dining and shopping. With a number of ‘stayers’ boasting staunch followers for many moons, sprinkled with a hearty helping of shiny new eats and drinks players, nothing can dull the sparkle of this burb’s A-grade entertainer status.

Here are precisely 17 reasons why locals – and Gold Coasters far and wide – love themselves a piece of our much-loved Broady.

Social Eating House + Bar
If you’re a foodie, this is your go-to. A modern Australian sensation, Social has more hats than a Milliner’s workshop. With Executive Chef Matthew Jefferson in charge, you’ll experience a carefully curated range of bar snacks, charcuterie, and small and large share plates, all featuring the finest Australian ingredients and paired to perfection. A meal here is worth.every.cent.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Exterior of The Star Gold Coast at sunset with Broadbeach in the background (image supplied)
Exterior of The Star Gold Coast at sunset with Broadbeach in the background (image supplied)

The Star Gold Coast
If ever there was a reason to get a babysitter, it’s for a session at The Star. Between the live music and amazing food at the Garden Kitchen & Bar, award-winning Cantonese, Japanese and modern Australian cuisine at Uncle Su, Kiyomi, and Nineteen at The Star, authentic Italian eats at Cucina Vivo, the ultimate buffet experience at Harvest Buffet, a few bevvies at the new-look Atrium Bar and/or the Insta-fave rooftop lounge bar at Nineteen, who needs to go anywhere else?
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Broadbeach Bowls Club
Nothing says a chilled GC arvo like a game of barefoot bowls with a brew in hand. Another enduring favourite amongst the local set here on the GC, Broadbeach Bowls Club never fails to deliver a feel-good time for young and old. They serve up big portions of all your go-to pub-grub meals and do a great canape package for a laid-back birthday or celebration.
Where: 169 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Dracula's Cabaret (image courtesy of Destination Gold Coast)
Dracula's Cabaret (image courtesy of Destination Gold Coast)

Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
If you’re after a tried and tested, long-standing comedic 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), banquet dinner…and shots in syringes!
Where: Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach

Aloha Bar and Dining
This tropical hidden treasure is all fun vibes, good food and cracking good times. Popular for its hospo nights, taco Thursdays, karaoke nights, live music and pumping DJs, there’s always something going on here. The tapas always deliver the feels (bao buns…I die!!), the Cucumber and Jalapeno Margi is (too) easy to drink, and we never tire of the super cute fit-out.
Where: 18 Main Place, Broadbeach

Sofia's Restaurant and Bar (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)
Sofia's Restaurant and Bar (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)

Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar
With an impressive contemporary Coastal European menu, we are completely besotted with Sofia’s…and we’re not alone. A meal here is all about enjoying and sharing simple, delicious food with your favourite people – as it should be, and truly encapsulates the famous words ‘That’s Amore’. Also, you heard it here first but Sofia’s is on the move. Watch this space!
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Elk Espresso
Have you ever seen this place anything but bulging at the seams? Aaaand of course you haven’t. Since its pre-migration days just up the road, it’s had an army of raving fans and yes, this obvs includes us. A hop, skip and a jump from the beach, the coffee is all-time, the seasonal menus are heavenly, and they even do a Boozy Bottomless Brunch. And sold.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Blues on Broadbeach 2022 (image supplied)
Blues on Broadbeach 2022 (image supplied)

Blues on Broadbeach
So unlike our other listings, it may not be here 24/7 but 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 and jazz music from locals and famous acts alike, performing across multiple venues over four unforgettable days. And it’s free, and sorry but when does that ever happen?
Where: Various Broadbeach venues

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

Exterior view of The Oasis centre from Surf Parade at night (image courtesy of Destination Gold Coast)
Exterior view of The Oasis centre from Surf Parade at night (image courtesy of Destination Gold Coast)

The Oasis
An everyday escape for locals, The Oasis is one of our numero uno shopping centres and for good reason. Not only some unique fashion boutiques live here, but the sheer number of amazing eateries is tres impressive. In addition to the ones we highlight in this article, we’re talking Mario’s, Madisons 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

Soho House Bar
Just look for the London-esk red phone box and you know good times await. An intimate, hidden gem-adorned in graffiti and jam-packed with peeps sipping and bopping along to the sweet sounds of live DJ’s, this joint is seriously cool. The cocktail list is l.i.t, the crew are super engaging, and they’ve even been known to host things like a Wild Flower Gin Masterclass. What’s not to love?
Where: Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach (between Queensland and Victoria Avenues)

Unicorn Seafood Restaurant interior (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Unicorn Seafood Restaurant interior (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Unicorn Seafood
You just know it’s destined for greatness with ‘Unicorn’ in the name. This Mediterranean seafood-infused newcomer has hit the ground running with its all-day menu goodness, and show-stopping cocktail menu that’s 20 options deep #hellofriend. You can’t help it but exhale as you settle into the relaxing blue and white-hued space, brimming with ocean murals and friendly smiles from the welcoming staff.
Where: Phoenician Resort, 24-26 Queensland Avenue, Broadbeach

No Name Lane
Okay, Blake Lively declared her caffeine hit from No Name Lane as “the best coffee of her life” and holy heck, if it’s good enough for Queen Blake… Better than any boujee on-trend Melbourne café, the coffee here has a cult following. The all-day breakfasts and gourmet lunches also go down a treat so if you haven’t been, remedy this immediately.
Where: The Oracle, Elizabeth Avenue, Broadbeach

Pacific Fair Shopping Centre (image supplied)
Pacific Fair Shopping Centre (image supplied)

Pacific Fair
Pacific Fair, oh how we love thee. Any time we want a new ensemble for, well, any occasion (retail therapy is real you know), we all beeline for Pac Fair. With every retailer you could possibly wish for, amazing food options and seriously THE most gorgeous shopping centre fit-out we’ve seen, there are luxe and lush coastal accents at every turn.
Where: Gold Coast Hwy and Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach

The Loose Moose
Specialising in “dirty food made clean”, there are always bums on seats in this Prohibition Tap and Grill House, one of the Gennari Group’s most popular establishments. The delish menu offers up the best of the best Canadian fare like ribs, wings, hot dogs and burgers, and is always ready for a crowd to #GetLooseAtTheMoose.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Broadbeach

The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub (image supplied)
The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub (image supplied)

The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub
LBR, you had us at Spiegelclub. The Pink Flamingo has become a fave for locals, visitors and critics alike, with its four spectacular resident cabaret-style shows. Custom designed with a twist of swanky art-deco décor and inspired by the original 1920’s Spiegeltent and the NYC Cabaret Club district, it’s five-star luxury and entertainment not to be missed.
Where: Corner of Surf Parade & Victoria Avenue, 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

Words by Bianca Trathen.

15 live music venues on the Gold Coast

Live Music at Miami Marketta (image supplied by Destination Gold Coast)
Live Music at Miami Marketta (image supplied by Destination Gold Coast)

There are a great many things to get amongst on the GC, and these days, a thriving local music scene is undeniably one of them. And we can all agree, if there’s one thing that takes kicking back with a frosty refreshment to a whole new level, it’s getting your ears around some sweet tunes while you do it.

From dank, hidden indie dive bars to classic pub-style serenades for the whole fam to vibe to – whatever genre you’re in the mood for, there’s bound to be a venue to match.

Hound & Stag
The new kid on Arundel’s block has been hitting all the right notes since they slid open their enormous barn door late last year. Hound and Stag is now the GC’s largest combining craft brews and live music, and honestly, how could you go wrong with a combo like that?! The regular array of gigs, open mic nights and 90’s nights are the big old auditory cherry on top of an excellent atmosphere, brew-pub bites and endless frosty beverages here, folks.
Where: 13 Wrights Place, Arundel

Hound & Stag Brewing Co, Arundel (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Hound & Stag Brewing Co, Arundel (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Southport Sharks
One of Queenland’s largest AFL clubs, Southport Sharks is a family-friendly gem that’s more than merely a haven for footy fans to wet their whistles. With multiple venues and areas built-in, this Babushka doll vibing spot always has something going on, including live acts every weekend if you’re in the mood to groove. Every Friday and Saturday night, there’s an assortment of free gigs going down, from retro RnB shows, classic pub rock to tribute acts to get those toes tapping. Might we suggest first swinging by Mozza Mozza, apparently carb-loading is important before strenuous activity.
Where: Cnr Musgrave and Olsen Avenues, Southport

Vinnies Dive
We can always count on our local dive bar to deliver us the very dankest of gigs, and Vinnie’s Dive does exactly that. Championing our local music scene, they’re no strangers to big alt/indie names such as Dear Seattle, DZ Deathrays, Wil Wagner (The Smith Street Band) The Bennies and Regurgiator gracing their small but mighty stage – in addition to karaoke and themed tribute nights. We think this review sums it up best: “It’s dark, the floors are sticky, the toilets seats are occasionally broken, the beers are icy cold and the staff are the best people you’ll ever meet.” Get down there for great times and even better gigs (just leave the flimsy pluggas at home).
Where: Shops A & B, 44A Nerang Street, Southport

Vinnies Dive (image supplied)
Vinnies Dive (image supplied)

The Avenue
When it comes to finding live acts and having yourself a good time on the central Gold Coast, you’ll be hard pushed to look past The Avenue in Surfers Paradise. From comedy nights, drag shows, DJ’s, karaoke and themed evenings, there’s something going down at The Avenue each and every night of the week.

Work week got you feeling flat? We recommend Tunes on Tuesday or Feel Good Friday’s to recharge with some dance therapy and pulse-pounding beats. Those vibes will be back on track in no time.
Where: 3-15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Surfers Pavilion
Should you arrive by jet ski or by Uber, it doesn’t matter. Surfers Pavilion is your one-stop venue in the heart of Surfers Paradise for drinks, eats and catching a live DJ set or two. And not just any disc jockeys either; The Stafford Brothers and Peking Duk have both played to jubilant crowds here in recent times. Currently, the wheels of steel are spinning Thursday and Friday evenings and all through the weekend: perfect long weekend territory.
Where: 30/34 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

HOTA Outdoor Stage (image supplied by Destination Gold Coast)
HOTA Outdoor Stage (image supplied by Destination Gold Coast)

HOTA
The Home of the Arts is certainly doing the heavy lifting to finally elevate the arts and culture scene here in our section of Queensland. From intimate, indoor performances to the homegrown darlings and headline acts routinely taking one of Australia’s best outdoor stages – the variety of shows are as varied and vibrant as its technicolour exterior. For an impeccable way to kick off the weekend, it’s hard to go past Fridays on the Lawn. Grab a blanket, acquire a drink from their lawn bar, and relax in their sophisticated sun-kissed setting whilst being serenaded by some stellar local talent to celebrate the end of the working week.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Den Devine
Open Tuesday to Sunday for your listening pleasure, Den Devine feature jazz and blues artists from a talent pool right here in our city. This intimate, hidden venue is well-known amongst live music fans, so we definitely recommend booking in advance to nab a seat. Grab a some eats and sips from their serious selection of whisky (the perfect accompaniment to some moody blues) and the equally stacked Mediterranean menu, and vibe to a selection of the best performers on the Gold Coast six nights a week.
Where: 15 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Garden Kitchen & Bar at The Star Gold Coast
When it comes to star-studded acts and internationally recognised music performances, The Star Gold Coast is the place to grab a seat in a full-blown theatre and experience music as it was intended.

To keep you bopping in-between headline acts, there’s also live and free tunes going down on the reg, in the open air ambience of Garden Kitchen & Bar’s Live on the Lawn series. Every weekend, the beats come courtesy of DJ’s, soloists, and if you time it just right, the likes of world-class powerhouse vocalist, Lisa Hunt on select Fridays. Goosebumps incoming.
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Lisa Hunt, Live on the Lawn, The Star Gold Coast (image supplied)
Lisa Hunt, Live on the Lawn, The Star Gold Coast (image supplied)

Nightcap
Having duly stamped its authority on the Nobby Beach bar scene as the place to go for frolic fuelled nights, these guys will have you rocking out until the wee hours with a live band or DJ every night of the week. The venue also offers new bands the chance to get themselves out there, so keep an eye out for fresh talent!
Where: 2245 Gold Coast Highway, Nobbys Beach

Miami Marketta
Build it, and they will come… though it’s not clear in this analogy if the ‘they’ should be the steady stream of stellar, live music acts, the hungry hordes, or adoring music fans. Either way, this iconic laneway has established itself as a cracking spot for many things, including one of the best places to catch a gig on the GC.

From 5pm every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights, Miami comes alive with foods from all around the world mixed with local blues, jazz and independent artists. A hotspot doing some solid heavy lifting to attract incredible national and international acts as they tour the country – Be sure to keep an eye on their gig calendar; tickets always sell out fast!
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami

Miami Marketta (image supplied)
Miami Marketta (image supplied)

Nightjar
Burleigh’s original back alley after-hours haunt is always an epic time. Nightjar is known for late-night revelry and an often stellar line-up of weekly live music. With drink specials aplenty, come and enjoy local acts as they take to the floor and keep the swinging yet sultry atmosphere going long into the night.
Where: Justin Lane, Burleigh Heads 

Mo’s Desert Clubhouse
Burleigh’s multi-use music, space hire and events hub, Mo’s Desert Clubhouse is a melting pot of goings-on and a principal meeting place for muso’s, movers and shakers and music lovers across the GC. The industrial-style venue is outfitted with a fully stocked bar and equally stacked gig guide, so refer back often and make sure you pencil in a date with Mo’s Desert Clubhouse ASAP.
Where: 6/36 Central Drive, Burleigh Heads

Mo's Desert Clubhouse, Burleigh (image supplied)
Mo's Desert Clubhouse, Burleigh (image supplied)

Burleigh Town Hotel
A fresh af new look is not the only thing Burleigh Town Hotel is boasting these days, also ‘drumming up’ a very solid live entertainment schedule studded with emerging bands and popular Aussie acts to get your ears around. There’s DJ’s and acoustic artists bringing tunes to the beer garden most weekends, along with with Punk, Motown and Pop themed tribute shows – where you can hit the d-floor to the likes of Ed Sheeran, Robbie Williams and queen Kylie (gold hot pants optional).
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Town Hotel (image provided)
Burleigh Town Hotel (image provided)

Soundlounge
This gem is a favourite among live music fans, having hosted a slew of local, national and international icons — but it also remains one of our best-kept secrets. Find your way down to Currumbin RSL, where, hidden just above, Soundlounge hosts acts from folk soloists and DJs to rock and roll bands. Listening to fantastic live music can be a hungry business, but this venue has you covered with food options, including pizza, an a la carte restaurant and bar snacks.
Where: 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin

The Coolangatta Hotel
Whether you’ve been catching world-class waves or lounging in the afternoon sun, Coolangatta — and specifically the Coolangatta Hotel — has long been known as one of the best for rounding out a perfect afternoon with live music. Being one of the Gold Coast’s largest live music venues, this OG frequently features both national and international touring bands and DJs on any given weekend. In between catching your fave big names, rock out to live, local tunes every Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun.
Where: Cnr Warner Street and Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Words by Kellie Leader.

Creekfest at Soundlounge (image supplied)
Creekfest at Soundlounge (image supplied)

Groundwater Country Music Festival

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