Coffee hop up the Coast.
Coffee hop up the Coast.
The Southern suburbs have seen their fair share of hip new venues lately and now it seems our northern neighbours are keen to get in on the action.
Two brand new coffee haunts have opened their doors, and been welcomed with open arms, with another to join the party this weekend (July 29th).
Whether you’re a top end local or simply keen to explore somewhere new, add these three to your list of must-visits.
The Coffee Deck Paradise Waters
Overlooking the water at Paradise Point, The Coffee Deck opens on July 29th. Promising loaded muffins (check out their Instagram for a sneak peek at these bad boys), homemade cakes and treats and delicious local coffee, this colour-filled space is sure to be a hit. The new space is the longtime dream of Trudie Duncan who promised her late mother, a cook, she would one day open a cafe. Offering all day breakfast and a few lunch options plus a specialty hot chocolate (!) menu, we think you’re gonna love it.
Where: 5 Admiralty Drive, Paradise Waters
Hours: 6am to 5pm daily
Paper Cup Coffee Southport
Their first venue, in Labrador, was such a screaming success that the Paper Cup team recently expanded to open a second on Ferry Rd in Southport. All about keeping things simple, the space boasts polished concrete floors, fresh flowers and plenty of greenery. Open for breakfast and lunch, grab yourself a coffee or takeaway sweet treat or settle in amongst the plants for an acai bowl or breaky bagel. It’s the perfect little spot for a before work cuppa or midday escape from the madness.
Where: 201 Ferry Rd, Southport
Hours: 5am to 5pm daily
Social Brew Paradise Point
Another joint born off the back of a roaring success story further south, Social Brew has joined the café strip along the waterfront at Paradise Point. After travelling 45 minutes from his Sovereign Island home for coffee in Burleigh, co-owner Mike decided the northern suburbs needed something new. Social Brew has taken off in both locations, offering breakfast, lunch and cheeky afternoon cocktails if you’re keen. The new venue also offers a picnic basket option where you can order from the website and have a basket made up to enjoy while gazing lovingly at the sparkling waterway (or your companion, whatever).
Where: 34 The Esplanade, Paradise Point
Hours: 6am to 5pm daily
You heard it here first; a trip to the north is the order of the weekend.
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Whiskey, known as the Gentlemen’s Drink, has flown under the radar somewhat when it comes to beverages of choice, particularly amongst Gold Coasters. All that is about to change though, thanks to InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort’s The Verandah Bar.
Having recently been extended to overlook the hotel’s beautifully manicured gardens and luxurious lagoon, The Verandah Bar is elegant, understated and the perfect place to enjoy a Gentlemen’s Drink or two.
The bar itself is made with dark timber and complimented by grey hued, comfort-first lounge chairs and scattered greenery giving it a sophisticated but laidback feel. For those chilly winter nights, a fireplace crackles invitingly in the corner.
Home to over 50 varieties of whiskey, The Verandah Bar’s collection covers the worlds most coveted regions from Scotland to Ireland, America to Japan, and of course, the land down under.
Housing a cellar of rare Japanese whiskey, The Verandah Bar boasts two of Japan’s most renowned drops, the Yamazaki 18 year old and the Hakushu 18 year old along with Sullivans Cove whiskey, hailing from Tasmania and a 1989 Old Putney Vintage from Scotland.
If you’ve never tasted whiskey, this is the place to do it. Smooth and filled with unique flavours, each one is more intriguing than the last.
Of course, once you’re done with all the whiskey, there’s an extensive and impressive cocktail menu to move onto.
The Verandah Bar also offers plates and a full lunch and dinner menu to indulge in if you find yourself unable to drag yourself away from the view.
HOURS: Open 7 days from 12pm
LOCATION: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove
Words by Kirra Smith
Get excited Gold Coasters, we’ve got a long weekend and you know what that means, bulk relaxation. It’s a time for spending time with pals, lazing in the sunshine and generally doing as many fun activities as you can.
Here’s a few ideas we’ve come up with to get you started.
Have a picnic
Long weekends are the perfect time for picnics. Grab your friends, family, lover or all of the above, grab some tipples if that’s your jam, pack your bags and enjoy your cheese and crackers in a park, lakeside or at the beach. Here’s a list of our top spots for doing just that.
Find a new beach
As a passionate local, you probably spend quite a lot of time at the beach. Same. It doesn’t even matter that it’s winter on the Gold Coast. This long weekend we recommend mixing it up a little, ditching your local stretch of sand and checking out one of these swimming spots instead.
– Tallebudgera Creek, Ocean Parade – It’s not the crowded stretch of Tallebudgera Creek you’d usually frequent. This hidden piece of paradise is located along Ocean Pde on the northern side and offers the same beautiful views with a slightly more secluded vibe.
– Surfers Paradise – an absolute must-go spot for tourists, but rarely frequented by locals. This spot is of course a pristine piece of real estate with plenty of room to spread out a towel, beach umbrella and play with the kids, which makes it a popular destination for families. Just sit back, relax and enjoy this primo spot, then go for a stroll in Cavill Ave to support our local dining scene.
– Tugun Beach – if you’re looking for a serene stretch of beach almost all to yourself head on down to Tugun/ Bilinga beach. These often overlooked suburbs boast a variety of cafes and sweet eateries for that post-dip feast.
Go for a bike ride
Explore our beautiful beachside paradise on two wheels. Whether you want to make it a family outing and try out all the coffee spots in Burleigh or just add some booze and make it a pub crawl. The world is your oyster. Here’s a little track we like to take.
Eat at all the new spots
It’d obviously take a little longer than an extended weekend to try out all the trendy restaurants, cafes and bars on the Coast with newbies opening on a weekly basis. But you’ve gotta start somewhere and we’ve got you covered with this list of everything that opened in the last couple of months.
Take a day trip
If you feel like getting out of the city for a sec, we feel you. The Gold Coast’s World Heritage listed Hinterland is the perfect destination for the whole family and it will only take you about 40 minutes to get there. You can go hiking, horseback riding, explore the rainforest or chase some stunning waterfalls. Mt Tamborine is also an epic spot to visit if you want to have some lunch and cruise around the shops. Check out everything we love up there here.
Be a tourist
When was the last time you’ve been to Surfers Paradise during the day? We thought so, but you might be surprised, there are SO MANY fun things to do up there these days including plenty of good restaurants and heaps of activities the kids (and you) will love. Get the fam together and be a tourist for a day.
Play barefoot bowls
One of our favourite long weekend past time activities, sunny afternoons spend with mates playing barefoot bowls. No white uniform required, the club will sort you out with a beer in one hand and ball in the other. See the best barefoot bowls spots here.
Learn to surf
If you’re not already a pro on the board it’s time to get out in the water and learn how to surf and what better time to do that than on a long weekend. The water is even warmish right now? Simply hire a board and give it a whirl yourself at one of these local surf spots.
Check out the local arts scene
You don’t have to leave the Coast to experience amazing art. Our art scene is bursting with creativity and bigger and better than ever before. Here are the Gold Coast galleries you should absolutely add to your list this long weekend and here’s some local murals you might like to check out too.
Visit a winery/brewery
The Gold Coast Hinterland not only boasts stunning natural wonders, it’s also home to several world-class wineries, all of which are only 45 minutes drive away. How good. There are winery tours or you can simply choose a designated driver and head up to taste a few of your favourites. Down on the Coast there are many a sweet brewery you can/should also frequent. Find those here.
That should fill up your weekend Gold Coasters, enjoy!
Words by Kirra Smith
We’re sure you’ve noticed (there are gorg murals everywhere now), but Gold Coast’s local art scene is popping off! From galleries to murals, exhibitions to workshops, our talented local artists are making themselves known here and on the national scene.
So, if you’re looking for a unique way to spend a day on the Gold Coast, why not appreciate all the exceptional art on offer?
Here’s a list of local galleries to help you get your art fix (listed north to south).
Gallery One is a leading contemporary fine art gallery representing collectible and established multi-award-winning artists from around Australia. In other words, expect to be impressed. From Ken Done to Goompi Ugerabah, the featured artists are expansive in their material use and host a wide breadth of colour, making for a captivating and curious visit.
Where: Shop 16.02 The Brickworks 107 Ferry Road, Southport
Anthea Polson established her namesake gallery after working for over thirteen years at one of Australia’s largest commercial art galleries. Anthea Polson Art specialises in contemporary Australian art and sculpture, representing Australia’s top emerging artists and exhibiting major investment works. Alongside her team, Anthea has helped promote emerging Australian contemporary artists, host a regular exhibition programme, and provide clients a superior art consultancy service since 2009.
Where: 29 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
It’s all in the name, really. The Gold Coast’s Home of The Arts. HOTA is the city’s premier cultural precinct and has been showcasing visual and performing arts since 1986. This place is phenomenal, with an impressive array of exhibitions, cinema, dining/bar facilities, and a non-stop schedule of live shows, activities, and workshops. Whether you’re keen to see the works of award-winning artists, sculptures and photographers, see a live theatre show or take a live drawing workshop, you can find it here.
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Located next to Broadbeach SLSC, the Royal Queensland Art Society is a place to view, buy and create art. They offer classes from life drawing to acrylic and sketching and host an ‘Art in The Park’ on the second Sunday of each month, where artists can sell their work at the park. It’s free admission, and they’ve even got an Art Cafe to grab refreshments from after a busy day of getting creative.
Where: 25 Broadbeach Boulevard, Broadbeach
This stunning Mermaid Beach gallery showcases bold, eye-catching art- all for purchase- by over ninety local and international artists. Curated by Terri Lew, the space is divided into six interconnected exhibition spaces featuring a diverse range of styles and genres, from realism and abstract to pop art and pop surrealism and more!
Where: 19 Karen Avenue, Mermaid Beach
Standing for ‘Art Lives on Walls’, ALOW is a brand new artist-driven gallery space in Mermaid Beach, created as a sanctuary for creative freedom, experimentation, and storytelling. Founded by the owners of We Sell Prints, Jarrad and Sarah Miller, ALOW is about reestablishing our connection with art off-screen; physically standing in front of a piece and feeling it. They also host bold exhibitions, hands-on workshops and artist-led events.
Where: 2/53-55 Cronulla Ave, Mermaid Beach
Did you know world-renowned landscape photographs are available for us to marvel at on the Gold Coast?! We’re talking about Wayne Sorrenson’s works and his gallery in Miami! From wildlife to national and international landscapes, his gallery features a vast selection of framed artwork to purchase, as well as a range of gift ideas, including acrylic blocks, greeting cards and calendars, to name a few. It’s all absolutely breathtaking.
Where: 40 Lemana Lane, Miami
Meet the freshest artist-run gallery on the Gold Coast (and perhaps beyond). It’s called Mint Art House, and it’s home to 12 talented emerging artists ranging from painters to sculptors, muralists to ceramicists, located in Burleigh Heads. Like all good art studios, Mint is a collaborative space that frequently hosts exhibitions, artist talks and workshops including poetry nights and life drawing.
Where: 5/87 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads
The HIVE is another artist-run studio (we love to see it), a fine art gallery and co-operative art space. They support local and international, emerging and established artists of all skill levels, as an effort to encourage inclusivity and creativity. Within the gallery, you’ll find an array of stunning works available for purchase, or if you’d like to stay awhile, why not grab a ticket to one of their workshops! Life drawing, anyone? There’s also a regular meetup and music night if you want to meet some like-minded folks.
Where: Unit 23/5 Coghill Dr, Currumbin Waters
Just the sight of this gorgeous refurbished warehouse (a piece of art itself) in the heart of Currumbin Waters is enough to ignite one’s inspiration. Dust Temple is a creative space (also an art gallery, cafe and bar) where likeminds can meet and share their love of the arts. They host live music, performances, poetry, exhibitions and workshops.
Where: 54 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters
Maverick is a one-of-a-kind space where art, hair and health come together! The small gallery space allows local artists to showcase their work (some available for purchase) and connect, hosting community art exhibitions and events throughout the year. There are also beautiful gifts for purchase from both near and far.
Where: First Floor, 1/17 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
Home to the Margaret Olley Art Centre (MOAC), the Gallery Shop and Apex Dining, the architecturally award-winning Tweed Regional Gallery makes for a perfect day across the border. Start with breakfast at Apex, enjoyed with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Tweed River before heading to the MOAC; a gallery celebrating the life of Australia’s most celebrated still life and interior painter. Don’t forget to pick up a keepsake at the Gallery Shop on your way out!
Where: 2 Mistral Rd, South Murwillumbah
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
