Getting out and about for a few drinks with friends can at times be a bit same-ol’ same-ol’. And we don’t mean this in a negative way. But sometimes nights out can seem like reruns of our favourite shows — sure, they’re fun, but you know the plotline. Somebody will drink too much, somebody will kiss a stranger, and naturally, there will be one too many espresso martinis.

So how does one shake up the status quo a little? Drag Queens, of course!

And if you weren’t aware, a number of Gold Coast venues regularly host the most magnificent and fun-loving drag queens to mix up and add some jazz to any outing. Not just one for the ladies either; it’s been noted guys have just as much fun when it comes to the ensuing high kicks and frivolities. Have a read and find out where on the Gold Coast you can enjoy a night out with Drag Queens.

Miami Marketta
For the last nine years, this multi-faceted venue has been entertaining, feeding and bringing together locals in a way no other business has, and for this, it deserves a round of applause. When they’re not showcasing renowned national, and international music acts, you’ll find their doors open three nights a week with a massive variety of the Coast’s best street food as well as art and fashion. You’ll also come across their habitual sold-out ticketed Drag Bingo and one-off Drag Comedy evenings, which are not to be missed!
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami

The Island
This iconic hotel has one of the Gold Coast’s largest open-air rooftops and is the place to be when the sun is shining, and you feel the need to quench that hard-earned thirst with some beautifully put together cocktails. Keep up to date with what’s on as they regularly host drag events with a difference, like their laugh-a-minute Brunch with Bite and fun-loving Hey Felicia Drag and Dine Musical. Did we mention there are drinks packages? — Yassss!
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

The Avenue
What is there not to like about this Surfers Paradise behemoth: they simply have it all. Regardless of what day of the week it is or what time even, The Avenue makes itself one of the best places to either come and relax or live it up — all underpinned by slurp-worthy drinks and the yummiest of food. More often than not, themed party nights are going down, with Thursday being the night for risqué jokes aplenty with Dragalicious.
Where: 3-15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

The Pink Flamingo
The Gold Coast’s premier cabaret performance and event venue, the list of hot-under-the-collar shows and eye-catching ladies/lads here is as long as your arm — and then some! You have some serious options when it comes to being entertained; however, if you feel the need for some flamboyant and over the top drag queen amusement, look no further than the Sunday stage show: Flamboyance. A sophisticated fusion of drag quuen cabaret and burlesque with an after-party that will keep you long into the night.
Where: Corner of 88 Surf Parade &, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach  

The Park Coomera
When it comes to finding family-friendly entertainment, great valued food and an overall great atmosphere, you’re hard pushed to look past The Park at Coomera. Yet when it comes to what’s on for big kids, there are plenty of options throughout the week to get you out the house — and away from the actual kids if need be. Take your pick between routine karaoke and unlimited bowling nights, but the star attraction has to be their monthly Drag Queen Bingo — the best way to laugh off a traumatic Monday at the office!
Where: Westfield Coomera, 103 Foxwell Road, Coomera 

Aviary Rooftop Bar
If there is a competitive streak in you, then we require your full attention. Drag Queen Bingo with Natasha St. James is your opportunity not only to win big (how does a $100 bar tab sound?) but also an opportunity to have an absolutely side-splitting evening as well. Ms St. James will take you through five rounds of number calling with two outrageous performances thrown in there along the way. If this doesn’t get you out of the house on a weekday night, nothing will!
Where: Mantra Southport Sharks, 5 Melia Court, Southport

Fat Freddy’s
Break the norm and spoil yourself with the most lavish and calorific Americana feast on the Gold Coast at Fat Freddy’s in Broadbeach. Once suitably fuelled up, make sure you stick around for their Drag Queen Trivia with their over the top and hilarious host, Mya-Carphone: expect naughty behaviour and outlandish jokes in abundance!
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach 

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

Heading out for some breakfast on the weekend is a Gold Coast rite of passage. You’ve clocked in a massive week at work and now it’s your right to kick back, slurp coffee, pat dogs and soak up the weekend vibes to help you shirk those workplace blues.

But do your regular Saturday morning catch ups over lattes need a little glow up, perhaps? A little glam to get the weekend started? If so, we encourage you to read on.

The Island at Surfers Paradise is set to spice up your brunches, drag queen style and you’ll be hard pushed to find anything quite like it!

The Brunch with Bite series (from the same team behind the Brisbane Drag Brunches at Cloudland in Fortitude Valley) promises high jinks, mischief, and riotous laughter. Your glamourous Drag Queen hostesses BeBe Gunn and Lulu LeMans pull out all the stops to guide you through shows, games with fabulous prizes plus some very special VIP guests!

Put simply, if you’re up for a giggle whilst savouring some fine tasty food and sipping jugs of spritz, Mimosa or Bloody Mary then this is the event for you — it’s deliciously naughty and at the same time, delightfully nice.

With an occasion of this nature, it’s imperative guests arrive ready to be entertained by some uncontained and risqué behaviour, as you indulge in a grazing style brunch menu and drinks package, that is as decadent as it is heavenly.

So, why not block off the calendar slip into something flamboyant, gather up your guy and gal friends, and get on down to The Island. Sinking your teeth into something off-the-wall different — with a whole lotta bite!

Where: The Island Gold Coast, 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
When: Saturday 15th May – Kath & Kim Edition | Saturday 5th June – 80’s Party | Saturday 3rd July – Studio 54

Tickets $85pp – includes a welcome drink, all entertainment, a two hour grazing brunch and drinks package 11:15am – 1:15pm).

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

STORY SPONSORED BY THE ISLAND

Ahh, the blessed ritual of brunch. Leisurely feasts of eggs every which way you can imagine, sticky, syrup drenched French toast stacks, and smoked salmon for days – what’s not to love? Plus, it gives us the excuse to sleep in, and our tastebuds are rewarded pretty handsomely for the trouble.

Couple it with a little concept known as bottomless cocktails and life doesn’t get much better. So universally beloved is the sip-happy cousin of this mid-morning rendezvous, we’ve rustled up an entire list of the best places on the GC to get your boozy brunch-fest fix (say that five times fast after two hours of free-flowing mimosa’s).

From north to south, gather your mates, don your stretchy pants and jump on the brunch bandwagon!

Mozza Mozza
For a surefire way to stave off the Sunday scaries, the groovy and oh-so boozy, discotheque-themed Italian feast (don’t ask questions, just go with it) going down weekly at Mozza Mozza would have to be one of the best. For $75 per person, the Sunday Bottomless Disco dishes up share-style plates such as Pizzas, Arancini Balls and House-Made Focaccia to load up on – studded by a fruity Spritz and Mimosa menu to strategically work your way through. As far as bottomless spreads go, we particularly love the options on offer here – feeling like flanking your Italian feast with a boozy slushie upgrade? Say no more, fam! Craving Mozza Puff Bread or Tiramisu? Sure thing, just add ‘em on for a fiver. You’ll be shakin’ your groove thang in no time.
Where: Southport Sharks, Corner Olsen Avenue & Musgrave Avenue, Southport

Winey Cow
If you consider yourself a bit of a brunch connoisseur, Main Beach’s resident egg-slinging specialist, Winey Cow is a must try for several reasons. Reason numero uno, is that they live and breathe this brekkie business – after all, the much-lauded namesake Melbourne location has the boasting rights to accolades like Café of the Year and Best Breakfast Restaurant. And when you’re in the mood to take the Chilli Scramble Croissant up a notch, they also throw a particularly spectacular bottomless brunch any ‘ole day of the week. For $55 per person, you can grab a main with endless mimosas for an hour, with Cranberry & Lime and Pineapple, Passionfruit & Lime options if you wanna switch it up from the Classic OJ. And ‘wine’ not, we say?
Where: 5/11 Woodroffe Ave, Main Beach

QT Gold Coast
There’s Sunday brunch… then there’s Soul Sundays at Bazaar. A bubbly twist on the beloved Bazaar buffet experience we know and love, Soul Sundays takes this fanciful spread to the next level! From 11am–3pm every Sunday, you can nosh your way through brekkie faves like waffles and crepes while being serenaded by the sounds of live music and the chorus of clinking glasses as the champas flows freely. To chaperone your delectable experience, there’s even a Director of Champagne at the ready to customise your sip with a selection of juices and nectars. Yep, this one does indeed speak to our soul.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

Surfers Pavilion
The Surfers Pav always delivers the goods and this is especially so when we’re talking about their Brunch Club experience. The perfect waterfront setting, DJs will be on the decks from 1pm every Sunday to set the mood. Choose from the $59 per head package including a selection of Oysters, or the $99 per head package with a choice of Cauliflower popcorn, Calamari or Chicken riblets, followed by either Nachos, Lamb ragu, Fish and chips, or Mushroom lasagne. Both packages entitle you to Prosecco, Bellinis, Mimosas, Pineapple mimosas, Mango mimosas, Pav lager, along with requisite softies. Walk-ins or bookings welcome anytime from 12.30pm.
Where: 30 – 34 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Hyde Paradiso
It’s the ultimate beachside brunch overlooking the ocean and yeah, we had you at beachside. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, tuck into the Standard Brunch or Vegan Brunch for an all out, four-course feast of Mediterranean-inspired mixed tapas, including delightful bites like Eggs Benny Hash made with truffle honey hollandaise. But ‘bottomless’ we promised, and bottomless ye shall receive – here you can pick your poison with two-hour sip packages such as Aperol Spritz, Bellini Spritz & Limoncello Spritz, Chandon Brut & Chandon Rosé, or perhaps the Veuve Clicquot upgrade will be more your speed. Available between 12pm and 2pm, minimum of 2 people required.
Where: Peppers Soul, Level 2/8 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

The Island Gold Coast
The Island says Saturday afternoons are for gathering, grazing and good times, and who are we to disagree? And yes, technically speaking, this one is classified as a ‘lavishly long lunch’ – but when it comes with two hours of tantalising eats, arrival mimosa and cocktail and spritz carafes – does anyone really mind? Spend your Saturday nibbling your way through Charcuterie and share-style bites of Karaage Chicken, Lamb kofta and Wood-fired pizzas, alternated with jugs of Passionfruit and Vanilla Mojito, Watermelon Margarita Spritz and Mimosa. $79 per person, two sittings (from 11:30am or 1:30pm) available.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Elk Espresso
Broady gem Elk is another superb spot popping the cork on bottomless brunch daily. And bonus, it’s walk-ins only – so just grab the gang and rock up between 10am–1.30pm to partake in their delectable assortment of colourful, petal-topped dishes along with one hour to go ham on the bottomless Mimosa menu. Yep, that’s sixty whole minutes of mimosa action and nope, we sure as heck ain’t driving. Pick your fave between the the Classic, Strawberry lime and Tropical varieties, then ‘sip’ back and marvel as your flute magically refills itself. You certainly don’t have to tell us twice! $49 per head.
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre (opposite the beach), Broadbeach

Miss Moneypenny’s
Weekends are for sleep-ins, so if you didn’t quite make it out of bed in time for brunch, turn those lemons into two hours of citrus-studded spritzers, cocktails or French champagne (which absolutely beats lemonade, any day of the week) at the famous Miss Moneypenny’s bottomless lunch. Opt between the degustation-style Chef’s Signature or Three-course a la carte menu, and nosh your way through delectable dishes like saffron-infused Coral Coast Barramundi and Waygu Carpaccio. Talk about lush …we’re not saying it was this stellar spread in particular that was responsible for bagging them an AGFG chef hat for the past three years running… but we’re not not saying it, either. Available Saturday and Sunday, 12–2pm from $110 per person.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Tropic Vice
Yes, this one’s technically a ‘lunch’, but we’re happy to look the other way for any excuse to a) incorporate more margs into our weekend and b) hit snooze few dozen times. From 12–4pm every Sunday, the Tropic Vice rooftop transforms into a free-flowing fiesta with live music, DJ’s bites and bottomless margs for $99 per person. We’re talking a set menu of Truffle fries, Halloumi Bites and Tacos, with the option to upgrade to a Dozen Oysters & Bottle of Luc Belair for an extra $85 if you’re really in the mood to celebrate. Monday can wait indeed!
Where: 2215 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Ally Chow
Ally Chow dishes up Asian fusion done right, and their two brunch options do not disappoint. For $99 per person, the Chow Out features the Chef’s choice banquet with two-hours of bottomless thai basil caprisokas, Asahi beer and prosecco. Or, have a go of the Margarita Lunch Banquet and yes, this has us written all over it. For $130, enjoy the same offerings mentioned above, only substitute bottomless caprioskas for bottomless margis! Once again recognised with the Australian Good Food Guides Chef Hat Award, this one is a no-brainer.
Where: Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach

The Tropic
One of the GC’s very favourite ocean-view venues, The Tropic offers a solid ten bottomless brunch and absolutely nobody is surprised to hear this. Taking place exclusively on the terrace on the last Saturday of every month, not only will you be privy to multi-million-dollar views and DJ beats, but deliciously fresh seafood and innovative fare. Think Oysters, Spiced bread, Stracciatella & Persimmon, Pavlova, and more, but no need cuz we’re already #sold. Veuve, Rose and Bellini Cocktail packages available from $75 per person. Don’t mind if we do!
Where: 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Palm Beach Ave
Palmy’s resident art deco stunner isn’t just a pretty face—it’s also home to some pretty spectacular dining deals (shout out, $60 3-course set menu) – including one of the most irresistible bottomless brunch options going! Every weekend, from 10am to 2pm, get beachside for your boozy brunch fix for only $45 per person. The mid-morning soiree kicks off with a salmon blini canapé to start, while you settle in to 1.5 hours of free-flowing mimosas and ponder between options like the Chilli Scrambled Eggs and Prawn and Bug Roll from the mouthwatering menu… #decisionsdecisions.
Where: 6 Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach

Refinery Coffee
Why wait for the weekend? Refinery Coffee reckons any day is a good day to bust out the boozy OJ for this beloved mid-morning ritual, and we wholeheartedly agree. Available from 10am daily, gather your celebratory crew and report to Currumbin’s light-filled converted warehouse for the Bottomless Brunch option. Here, you can tuck in to your pick from the all-day eats menu, such as Chilli Scram and Eggs Benny, while throwing back Classic & Watermelon mimosas for 1.5 blissful hours. The only caveat is that your whole crew must be partaking (is that even a question) with a non-alc option also available. Bottoms up!
Where: 37 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters