Raise your glass to the best new arrivals in town.
Raise your glass to the best new arrivals in town.
There’s always something bubbling away on the Gold Coast, and the surge of incredible bars and distilleries is popping off like the top of a freshly shaken bottle of pet nat.
Whether you’re saying prost with a pint of ale, salud with a margarita, or cin cin with a glass (or bottle… or magnum) of vino, the wave of new openings in 2024 calls for more than just a single toast!
Luckily, we’ve done the heavy lifting (and drinking) for you, scoping out the freshest, frothiest spots to hit the scene last year. While this isn’t an extensive list, consider it your ultimate cheat sheet to the hottest watering holes right now.
Burly Gin
Burly Gin is shaking up the Gold Coast’s bar scene with its bold and refreshing flavours in Currumbin. Located in The Warehouses, this sleek venue offers a sophisticated blend of New York-inspired design and tropical charm. Burly Gin’s trio of gins – cucumber, citrus and berry – are the stars of the cocktail menu, with standout drinks like the Garden Smash and Sunset Negroni. Pair your sips with modern Australian dishes such as Anchovies with Egg Butter and Kingfish Ceviche. Burly Gin is the perfect spot for gin lovers and newcomers alike.
Where: 60 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin
The Shack
The Shack is making waves at The Beach Hotel Byron Bay, bringing a fresh, coastal vibe to the heart of Bay Street. Inspired by the rustic charm of beach shelters, the venue blends stylish indoor and outdoor spaces perfect for unwinding after a day at the beach. Savour share plates like Lobster Tacos, Octopus Skewers, and Salmon Crudo, paired with refreshing cocktails like the Byron Paloma and Pina Colada. DJs spin tunes Thursday through Sunday, while the resort offers coastal comfort for a laid-back stay. It’s the ultimate spot for good food, drinks and vibes.
Where: 1 Bay Street, Byron Bay
Cowboys
Round up your gal group for a night out as Cowboys is now open in Surfers Paradise, bringing the Wild West spirit straight from Queenstown to the Gold Coast! With a rustic yet modern vibe, the venue boasts American eats, pool tables, shuffleboards and a mechanical bull for charity fun. The star of the menu is the Well Hung Cowboy, a hanging kebab with your choice of protein, served with fries or mash. Don’t forget the Beergarita, a daring mix of beer and margarita. Get ready to saddle up for a rootin’ tootin’ good time!
Where: 2/58 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
JuJu
Lift your nights to new heights at JuJu! New to Nobby Beach, it blends upscale dining with European-inspired after-party vibes. The split-level venue, a creation of Trent Redman and Cody Beck, offers a cosy, chic atmosphere downstairs with earthy decor and lush greenery, while the rooftop bar delivers a vibrant party scene. Indulge in dishes like Duck Rilette and Deep Fried Eggplant, and don’t miss the Tommy’s TomaHawk, named after Tom Tate himself. With cocktails, a retractable roof and live DJs, JuJu promises an unforgettable night under the stars.
Where: 2235 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Roji Cat
If you’re looking for the purr-fect blend of Japanese flair and Gold Coast fun, then you’ve come to the right place. Roji Cat, a Gold Coast first, is a vibrant Japanese beer bar that’s quickly become a local favourite. Located next to Granddad Jacks on Lemana Lane in Miami, the bar’s decor is a nod to Japan’s neon-lit districts, featuring lanterns, signage, and a Bearbricks display from Japan. With 12 taps showcasing brews crafted by expert Toshi, a sake bar offering 24 varieties, and a menu of elevated Japanese street food, Roji Cat is an exciting addition to the area. Plus, enjoy karaoke and darts for an unforgettable experience!
Where: 47 Lemana Lane, Miami
Sunny Days Distillery
It’s always sunny at Sunny Days Distillery in Burleigh, a new sensation in Australia’s vodka scene. Born from a lockdown passion project, founder Sean Tuite refined his grandfather’s recipe and, along with friends Dan Carruthers and Chris Walker, created a national vodka brand. Their flagship line, Sunny Days and premium offerings like Ariane have captured hearts nationwide. With a $10 million retail success, their new 1100-sqm HQ features a taproom, tasting room, and delicious food trucks, offering exclusive vodka flavours and beachy vibes, making it the ultimate sunny destination.
Where: 25 Hutchinson Street, Burleigh Heads
Ventura Brewing
Nestled in the scenic beauty of Murwillumbah, Ventura Brewing is Australia’s first hard kombucha brewery, redefining sipping with its creative, health-conscious offerings. Overlooking the breathtaking Wollumbin sunsets, this laid-back venue boasts 12 taps featuring bold kombucha flavours like Ginger & Yuzu, natural wines, craft beers and refreshing non-alcoholic options. Co-founders Dom Hurley and Shanu Walsh have crafted a sustainable business that combines innovation with community spirit. With snacks, stellar views and unbeatable vibes, Ventura Brewing is a road trip must.
Where: 10/141 Lundberg Drive, South Murwillumbah
Loborn
Raise your spirits at Tamborine Mountain’s Loborn, a paradise for aperitif lovers, blending Italian tradition with Aussie flair. Known for its botanical-rich modern amaros, Loborn offers two standout blends: the citrusy, spritz-perfect Amaro No.1 and the bold, Negroni-ready Amaro No.2. Nestled in the scenic North Stores precinct, this tasting room invites visitors to sip crafted cocktails, explore private tastings or dive into masterclasses. With a sleek, nature-inspired design and locally born spirits, Loborn elevates the hinterland’s cocktail scene to irresistible new heights.
Where: Shop 4, 46-48 Main Street, Mt Tamborine
Moustache
Now here’s a bar that will make you smile. Moustache, the new hotspot at The Oxley 1823, is making waves in Nobby Beach with its intimate, Euro-inspired vibe. The cosy café, restaurant and bar offers an incredible menu of small bites packed with flavour, including the chef’s must-try Charcoal Grilled Prawns. Sipping options are equally impressive, from potent espressos to European-style cocktails and meticulously selected wines. Designed by Brodie Green, Moustache combines style with community, making it the perfect place to sip, savour and feel right at home in the heart of the coast.
Where: 2217 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Lulu Rooftop & Bar
Land on cloud nine at Lulu Rooftop & Bar in Surfers Paradise for cocktails and unforgettable nights. With its chic Art Deco design, lush greenery and marble bars, Lulu offers an atmosphere that’s as stylish as it is laid-back. The highlight? A Frosé Wall featuring boozy flavours like Passionfruit Long Island Iced Tea and Frozen Squashie, along with a DIY candy station and choc tops for extra fun. With beachside-inspired bites, killer views, DJs and bottomless brunches – Lulu’s hits all the high notes!
Where: Level 2/4 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
The Kennel Tap Room
Someone tell Florence + the Machine that dog days are not over, they’re just getting started at The Kennel Tap Room by Boxer Brewing Co. This gem in Mount Tamborine offers a relaxed and dog-friendly space to enjoy quality craft beers. Created by the award-winning team behind Witches Falls Winery, this brewery serves up a core range of beers including an IPA, Pale Ale, Lazy Ale, and Cerveza, alongside guest brews and cider. With its outdoor deck overlooking the Witches Falls Vineyard, the brewery promises a tail-waggin good time.
Where: 79 Main Western Road, Tamborine Mountain
The Sporting Globe x 4 Pines
The Sporting Globe x 4 Pines has taken over Surfers Paradise, transforming the iconic former Hard Rock Cafe site into a $6.5 million sports bar and microbrewery masterpiece. This 1,000-seat venue boasts 60+ HD screens, 80 taps (14 brewing in-house), and a circular island bar. From Buffalo wings to burgers, it’s a feast for fans, while private booths, a beer garden balcony and family-friendly vibes ensure everyone’s entertained. Sports, brews and bites – Surfers’ new MVP has arrived.
Where: Cnr Cavill Avenue and Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Pearls Bar
The world is your oyster at the revamped Pearls Bar, a beachfront gem in the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Main Beach. With its chic forest-green and gold-accented interiors, the bar exudes luxury and elegance. The menu shines with creative dishes like champagne watermelon oysters, lobster rolls with caviar and baked burrata with honey balsamic figs and prosciutto. Pair these indulgences with signature cocktails like Pancho’s Pearls or the gin-based Oysters & Caviar. Don’t miss Patrón & Oyster Fridays – your perfect start to the weekend awaits.
Where: 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
The Sand Bar GCA
Take your pre-flight plans to new heights at The Sand Bar, Gold Coast Airport’s chic all-day dining and sipping destination. From fun cocktails like the Barbie Blush to craft brews and gourmet bites, this is no ordinary airport pit stop. Indulge in truffle-oil Tortuto pizzas, coconut crumbed prawns or a brûlée French crumpet by culinary maestro Matt Jefferson. With golden coastal vibes and a seamless mix of style and practicality, arriving early has never looked so good.
Where: Gold Coast Airport, 1 Terminal Dr, Bilinga
The Queen’s Arms Hotel
Yas Queen! The Queen’s Arms Hotel has made a grand comeback in Southport, reclaiming its royal status in the city’s dining scene. Nestled in the Queen Street Village precinct, this revamped gem offers modern Australian fare alongside classic pub favourites like burgers, schnitzels, and fish and chips. With a sleek industrial-chic design, a buzzing beer garden and brews or bubbles to suit every taste, this SoPo icon is once again the crown jewel of local pubs.
Where: Queen Street Village,133 Queen St, Southport
Mirror Bar
Reflecting on last year’s openings, there’s one such bar that dazzles – Mirror Bar. Every surface – walls, ceiling and even the bar itself – gleams, creating an immersive, selfie-perfect experience like no other. Beyond the captivating visuals, the expert-crafted cocktail menu delivers sips as stunning as the setting. Open to all ages, this sensory escape offers 45-minute sessions for just $45 (kids $22), complete with a signature drink. Prepare to sip and shine in this mesmerising oasis.
Where: Cavill Lane, Level 1, 3113 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Coast Beach Bar & Kitchen
Raising the bar – literally and figuratively – Coast Beach Bar & Kitchen in Surfers Paradise now boasts a sleek all-weather upgrade to its Beach Bar Terrace, complete with a retractable roof and wind protection. Offering stunning ocean views alongside a fresh Terrace menu, it’s the perfect spot to indulge in Arancini, Steak Frites and more. With weekly specials plus weekend bottomless brunches, this revitalised beachfront haven promises a seamless dining experience whatever the weather.
Where: Lvl 1 Meriton Hotel, 86 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
IceBar
Surfers Paradise added a frosty attraction last year with IceBar, a bar made entirely of ice! Constructed from 44 tonnes of ice, this sub-zero haven serves chilled cocktails in actual ice glasses and keeps things cool at -10°C. Guests suit up in cosy winter gear to enjoy icy drinks, surf-themed sculptures, and frosty games like arctic air hockey. Perfect for all ages, this unique spot combines creative cocktails with unforgettable fun, making it the coolest place on the Gold Coast.
Where: Cavill Lane, 3113 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Words by Lisette Drew