Bowl’d claim we know, but trust us.
Bowl’d claim we know, but trust us.
After a long day in the surf, there is nothing we want more than an ice-cold acai bowl to cool down and refuel. I guess you could say it’s an acai for sore eyes – see what we did there?
Okay, but does anyone really remember life before acai? That delicious little berry from the Amazon has been a breakfast, lunch and snack staple for Gold Coasters for years and because we take our jobs very seriously, we’ve done the heavy lifting (see: eating) so that you can kick back and chow down. Don’t mind us while we add acai aficionado to our resumé.
Okay, so you know it’s going to be good when they literally only make acai. Popping up all over the Coast, Oakberry has locations in all your favourite spots, so a bowl is never far away. What do we love most about the Oakberry acai bowl, you ask? No two are the same. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure vibe with bulk flavours, textures and toppings to create your custom flavour. We’re also low-key big fans of the fact that they come in cup-size containers too. No more praying your acai bowl won’t spill in the car on the drive home.
Where: Pretty much everywhere – Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads, BSKT at Nobby Beach, Broadbeach, Pacific Fair, Coolangatta, The Pines, Robina and Paradise Point
They’ve served 4,117,946 bowls and counting (literally, you can watch it on their website). So it’s clear, they know how to make a good acai. Their acai bowls feel like a nauti treat, but they’re more like a serving of superfoods, made plant-based, with organic, soy-free and gluten-free ingredients! We recommend the Blue Bay Bowl made with Blue Majik, açaí, coconut, spirulina and chia, and topped with granola, banana, strawberries, and coconut butter crumbles– yummmmmmmm.
Where: Paradise Centre, Surfers Paradise, Q Super Centre, Mermaid Waters and Harbour Town, Biggera Waters
Maybe some of the most instagrammable bowls on the GC, Cardamom Pod’s bowls are truly a work of art. Loaded with colourful toppings and flavours like mango mousse, blue spirulina crème and a protein ball, the colourful mermaid tail finisher makes it feel almost too pretty to eat… Almost.
Where: 3/3 Brolga Ave, Southport
Get ready for a towering swirl of creamy acai- the ultimate soft-serve dream. Each bowl is loaded with fresh strawberries, bananas, and crunchy granola. You can then drizzle on your favourite sauce or get adventurous with something new. Fan favourites? Biscoff, Bueno and Pistachio. Drool! Their acai feels like a dessert, but there’s deep-fried ice cream if you want to send that sweet tooth on a home run. We drool again**
Where: Shop 2/ 32 Davenport Street, Southport
If you’re searching for acai perfection, look no further than Blendlove in Southport. The team behind this plant-based haven has been mastering the art of the perfect bowl for years, and it’s no surprise that it’s one of our faves on the Coast. Top yours with seasonal fruit and flaked coconut buckinis, and it’s like summer in a bowl.
Where: 1/253 Ferry Road, Southport
You probably already know them for their frozen yoghurt and if you don’t, then where have you been, honestly? Now they’re swirling up acai at both their Gold Coast locations and want to know what the best part is? You can swirl as little or as much as your tum desires AND build your perfect bowl with all of the iconic Yo-Chi toppings you know and love.
Where: 11/3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise and 89 Surf Parade, Broadbeach, Shop 1009/19 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina and 27 Connor St, Burleigh Heads
Taking the classic acai bowl to a whole new level, Goji Granola Bar is where locals flock, and celebrities are spotted when visiting our beachside haven. Anything but your average acai bowl, Goji’s signature Coco Fluff vegan ice cream is the hero topper, of course, with flavours changing weekly. Add fruit for something fresh or a churro if you want to indulge.
Where: 7/60 Santa Cruz Boulevard, Clear Island Waters
We’re feeling #blessed (sorry, we had to) that we have our very own Blessed Bowls on the Gold Coast. Hello, they do Dessert Night Hours?! You know the Brownie Acai is our go-to, with an acai base topped with organic granola, coco soft-serve, strawberries, brownie bites, cacao sauce and cacao nibs. They also have an OG, Peanut Bliss, Caramel Crunch, Choccy Blessed, Berry Blessed, Biscoff Acai and the Naked Acai. #heaven (again, we had to).
Where: Pacific Fair, 32 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach Waters
This corner-side hangout spot has long been the locals’ favourite place to grab a coffee and a bite post-swim/surf – and it’s easy to see why. Dreamy décor and fantastic breakfast and lunchtime menus mean this is the kind of place you want to visit on the regular with salty hair and sand between your toes.
Our pick: Get the Beach Lover Acai Bowl and don’t look back! All of the bright and zesty additions you’d expect but with a healthy dollop of peanut butter as its crown of glory.
Where: 2557 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
As classic as they come, Nobbys Shack has the traditional acai combo you know and love or another with a cheeky twist. Try the Buzzing Espresso for an unexpected flavour sensation with acai, coffee, banana, protein powder and coconut milk topped with muesli, coffee beans, cacao nibs, banana and fresh fruit– energy for days!
Where: 2241 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach
If you like big bowls and you cannot lie or you’re a southern Gold Coaster looking for your acai fix then you really don’t need to look further than The Salt Mill. Located in the perfect spot in Currumbin for you to pop in post swim and cool down with a bowl of icy goodness, all while soaking in epic beach front views – yes please! Trust us when we say the bowls are BIG, they’re loaded with crunchy goodness, fresh berries and passionfruit , plus a scoop of peanut butter if that tickles your fancy.
Where: 784 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Your one-stop-shop for all the significant essentials you need, and of course, some pretty darn good acai bowls! Whilst you wait for the bowl of your dreams, you can grab yourself some super fresh fruit, a candle or two, or even an epic-looking dried flower arrangement to spruce up a space at home.
Our pick: The Choc Acai Bowl for us – this overflowing bowl is blended with raw cacao and almond milk and is topped with ALL of the seasonal fruit imaginable.
Where: 4/467 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
You could say this superfood café have found their niche, think healthy food, good vibes and acai bowls that are anything but average. Our flavour of choice? The Snickers Acai Bowl for the perfect blend of fresh and full of flavour, it’s served with vegan granola, coyo salted caramel mousse, cacao nibs, house peanut butter, activated choc buckinis and salted caramel – it’s almost too good to believe it’s good for you!
Where: 4/449 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Oh baked goods, why do you taunt us so. Taste sensations, tick. Better with butter, tick. Comforting when cold, tick, tick, tick. They’re almost too good to be true but, as demonstrated below, they are true and there are Gold Coast bakeries galore which is just fine by us.
Here’s a list of the top 16 bakeries within which you’ll find said exceptional baked treats and happy carb loading Coasties.
Custard Canteen
From 5:30am-2:30pm daily, Custard Canteen is known for cranking out absolute next-level Portuguese custard tarts, almond croissants, loaded muffins, the gooiest of cookies and various breakfast and lunch goods. Wash it all down nicely with a cup of their exceptional coffee.
Where: Tallebudgera Recreation Centre, Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
The Pastry Emporium
Taking it up a notch from the good old-fashioned bakery, here you’ll find pastries baked to perfection with not a flake out of place by Adrian Graziloi. Think escargot pastries (aka, snail pastries) finished with apricot glaze, crushed pistachio and rock sugar and an array of pinky-raising single-serve cakesandtarts. The Pastry Emporium conjures up otherworldly cakes and desserts while also delivering necessities like delicious breads and coffee. If you moved in there, we wouldn’t judge you. Please invite us over.
Where: 4/28 Campbell St, Bundall
Bam Bam Bakehouse
Needing no introduction is Mermaid’s Bam Bam Bakehouse – creators of the most original baked treats the Gold Coast has ever seen and the absolute love of our lives if we’re honest. Known for creations such as Salted Caramel Eclairs and Ink Gin Choux Bomb, it’s another level of baked treat magic and everything tastes more delicious than you could possibly imagine.
Where: 2519 – 2521 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Paddock Bakery
Hidden amdist a little garden oasis is Paddock Bakery, a cafe/garden wonderland in Miami cranking out insane baked goods. How about a Matcha NY Baked Cheesecake? Yah. Milo Croissant Rings are also a thing and their oozing choc chip cookies are the real deal. They have an impressive and ever-changing doughnut selection, and there’s always something new to blow your dessert loving mind.
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Miami
Fosters Bakery
Fosters is a Nobby’s institution that has been serving up legendary classics all day, every day, for many a year. Their pies are some of the best around; we may be known to indulge in them for breakfast, lunch and dinner for many days running. Their vanilla slice, custard tarts and doughnuts are always a good idea. It’d be wise to treat their pie and doughnut selection as a checklist to try them all.
Where: 1/2227 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Burleigh Baker
For the love of sourdough, this place is the goods. We’re partial to the olive sourdough because olives are life, but there are many varieties, all of which are the perfect addition to a warming soup and/or lathered with butter. Oh, and all their sourdough is of the organic and artisan varieties AND they make incredible cakes like a Raspberry and Pistachio with honey frosting and honey caramel drizzle. Two, please. Find them in Burleigh (obvs), but also Paradise Point!
Where: 13/50 James Street, Burleigh Heads and Shop 7/46 The Esplanade, Paradise Point
Fuel Bakehouse
Soooo many delicious things come out of this place you guys. We’re talking custard-filled, sprinkle-topped, meringue-crumbled, Nutella oozing (etc. etc.) doughnuts. Not just muffins, but cruffins. Your ol’reliable bacon and egg rolls, and some of the tastiest pies around town. There are three Fuel Bakehouse locations (Currumbin, Burleigh and Cabarita), so you need not worry about missing out. And you absolutely don’t want to miss out.
Where: 44 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters, 39-45 Tweest Coast Rd, Cabarita and Shop 1/23 James St, Burleigh Heads
Coolangatta Pie Shop
Want to know what we pray for? Generously filled pies with flaky pastry that are available from an absolute institution 7 days a week. Turns out we don’t need to pray, as this already exists! The iconic Coolangatta Pie Shop has proudly served at the NSW and QLD border since 1964. There are also tasty sweet treats and we recommend the Macadamia Slice thingo because caramel is life.
Where: 50 Griffith St, Coolangatta
Dipcro Pastry
Dipcro (verb): means to dip a flaking-ly fabulous croissant into a silky smooth coffee. The result is usually a feeling of unadulterated pleasure. Not to state the obvious, but you find that feeling at Chevron Island’s Dipcro Pastry in endless supply. They’re a patisserie that specialises in the scrumptious art of all things pastry and puff. A Matcha Mochi Pastry Tart anyone? How about an Espresso Tiramisu Mille Feuille? Or the Hazelnut Praline Cromboloni?!! Okay, we have to stop there- we’re afraid you may die of a pastry-induced coma if we go on.
Where: 55 Thomas Dr, Chevron Island
Franquette
With a name like Franquette (pronounced Fraen-ket), a mind naturally conjures up images of all kinds of French-inspired splendour. And you’d be right on the baguette. Franquette is one of Mt Tamborine’s latest editions – a French bakery that was quickly beloved by locals and visitors alike. They’ve got more loaf varieties than you can poke a breadstick at and freshly prepared sandwiches and baguettes with THE most scrumptious fillings. Then there’s the sweet French pâtisserie- do we really need to convince you how good they are?
Where: 155 Long Road, Tamborine Mountain
Tarte Bakery + Beach House
If you reside on the Gold Coast and haven’t yet experienced, or worse, heard of Tarte Bakery (or their sister venue, Tarte Beach House), then we’ve found you at a bittersweet juncture. You get to make up for lost time! Let us enlighten you on what awaits. Cue the song: ‘Strawberries on muffins and bacon on bagels. Brown butter cookies and truffle cheese toasties. Golden croissants dipped in pistachio cream – these are a few of our favourite things (at Tarte). Thanks, Julie Andrews, for putting that so melodiously into words.
Where: 2 West Street, Burleigh Heads (Tarte Bakery) and Shop 1, 2-4 Thrower Drive, Currumbin (Tarte Beach House)
Well Bread & Pastry
If you’re looking for a down-to-earth bakery where you can grab yourself a well-poured coffee, some incredible pastries and breads and a space where you can catch up with a friend, then say hello to Well Bread & Pastry. It’s a euro-infused bakery with two locations in Palm Beach and Miami. All their sourdough is made using sustainable stone ground flour (and lots of love), and their coffee is made with Paradox beans. And just like their pies, their cabinets are always filled to the brim with drool-worthy croissants, pain au chocolats and biscuits galore. Cappuccino cheers to that!
Where: 6 Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach and 1934 Gold Coast Hwy, Miami
Bread Social
If you’re a fan of mouth-wateringly good, cooked-with-love baked treats (if you’re not, you’re lost in the wrong article), then you will have absolutely sampled the goods from The Bread Social – they’re an in-demand Northern NSW and Southern Queensland baked goods supply. If you’re visiting in person, you can find them at Tweed Heads, Byron Bay, Currumbin and the Isle of Capri. And when you are visiting, here’s your hit list: the Reuben sandwich, an extra large Custard Tart and a Cinnamon Scroll made with crème patisserie and dusted with cinnamon sugar & pinch of salt. We’ll see you rollin…out the door.
Where: 12A Bay St, Tweed Heads; 2 Queensbury Ave Currumbin Waters; 11 Ewingsdale Rd, Ewingsdale and 15-21 Via Roma Isle of Capri
Rise Bakery
Picture your next Sunday morning; a fresh spread of French pastries behold you, and mimosas (plural) are in place of your water (H2O is taking a day off). Life is splendorous. That’s Rise Bakery for you; a sanctuary where butter, sugar and flour rise together and are served in the form of lunettes, pain suisse, baguettes and croissants. Your only complication is deciding what to have next coffee or champagne? Sweet or savoury? Life’s hard…
Where: Shop C/ 4 Masthead Way, The Marine Village, Sanctuary Cove
GLUTEN FREE
Sacre Coeur Pâtisserie
If you’re a big flan of baked goods, but your dietaries aren’t typically down with the likes of cakes, croissants, and flaky treats – doughnut worry! Serving a fresh-baked selection of specialty pastries, cakes, pies, coffees and more, Sacre Coeur Patisserie is a plant-based bakehouse that prides itself on a healthier approach to typical Parisian fare with a range of refined sugar-free creations. Think pistachio croissants, peanut butter caramel scrolls and Mint and Matcha New York-style cheesecake! It’s hard to imagine how such scrumptious goodies could be aftermath-free!
Where: 158 Scarborough Street, Southport
Made with Love
It’s not often that vegans and pastries can walk hand in hand, but thanks to this Southport bakery, they can finally be able to make it down the aisle together. Made with Love ( and zero harm) is a god-sent for the plant-based peeps and dietary-restricted alike. On offer are Nutella and custard-laden doughnuts, danishes that will quickly vanish, sausage rolls and ham and cheese croissants (don’t ask questions; just devour and appreciate the outright wizardry).
Where: 19 Alicia Street, Southport
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Let’s face it, keeping one’s Instagram ahead of the pack is often a full-time job. And when you live in one of the best cities, with a coastline that is nothing short of captivating (literally every day), then making sure you have the pictures that will make everyone envious is a priority. Whether your Instagram account has masses of die-hard fans eyeing up everything you do, or you simply like taking photos just for the sake of taking photos, what’s important here, is that you get THE shot!
Seeing as we are blessed with awesome places to eat and while away our best lives, then taking pictures whilst out and about is a smart move. We’re talking cafes, restaurants and bars where the aesthetics — and you combined — are a match made in heaven. So many to choose from though, right? Our research has taken the load off your shoulders as we have the most Insta-worthy brunch spots on the Gold Coast for you. Happy snapping!
Nineteen at The Star
Who hasn’t seen the pictures doing the rounds of people looking absolutely fabulous at Nineteen at The Star? If you haven’t, we suggest you Google some: stat! Besides the amazing views across Broadbeach at over 200 feet with unrestricted panoramas, the sophisticated setting both in the restaurant and bar provides ample opportunity to capture yourself with a sprinkling of luxury. While you’re at it, treat yo self ever to something decadent from Executive Chef Uday Huja‘s Sunday Brunch menu. May we suggest the Eggs Benedict with Dill Ocean Trout or Ham, Poached Eggs and Brown Butter Hollandaise matched with a Champagne Brunch 2 hour beverage package? Insta-game officially leveled up.
Where: The Darling at The Star, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
The Tropic
With arguably one of the best views of the Gold Coast coastline, The Tropic was a no-brainer for this list. But it’s not all about those unbelievable pastel hue sunsets, oh no. Inside, the restaurant gives off a luxe Miami yacht club vibe with an overall neutral theme vibrantly juxtaposed with colour from plants, chairs, and even the plates. Did we mention the food is next level? We suggest it’s time to round up the girls and clear your calendar for the last Saturday of every month for The Tropic’s Brunch – it’s one you won’t regret! (Not that anyone has ever regretted a Brunch!)
Where: 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Mavis’s Kitchen
The drive out here alone will have you pulling over several times to snap away. However, upon arrival you’ll be treated to one of the Northern River’s most scenic and tucked away dining gems. The cute whitewash colonial-style building is just adorable with grassy paddocks and a gurgling stream that lead your eyes to escarpments around Mount Warning. Do brunch your way when you pre order Mavis’s Kitchen Picnic Hamper filled with cheeses, a charcuterie selection, seasonal dips, cake of the day, freshly baked vegetable frittata and more. If you stay onsite, they’ll even throw in the picnic rug so you can cozy up by the nearby dam and enjoy the simple sound of nature…. Bliss!
Where: 64 Mount Warning Road, Mount Warning, NSW
Saltwater at Currumbin
Our creeks and waterways around the Gold Coast are often overlooked or even worse, completely forgotten as we go about our everyday lives. One stretch of water that deserves your attention any day of the week is Currumbin Creek. Saltwater at Currumbin entirely takes advantage of its waterside location and gives you endless dabbled light and beautiful colours of blue to play around with. It’s impossible to take a bad photo here. Couple that backdrop with a lazy Sunday spent enjoying a Berry Bircher Museli or Eggs Benedict and you’re onto a winner!
Where:2/4 Thrower Drive, Currumbin
Palm Springs
If clean white lines, cacti and Cali-vibes raise your heart rate, then we suggest you schedule a post with a pic from this North Burleigh newbie. Based on a unique southern Californian aesthetic mashed with our very own sub-tropical climate, the interior (and exterior) are full of epic chances for you to strike a pose. Also, doggos are most welcome to join you! So get a snap with your floof, grab your Salsa Scrambled Eggs and a margarita too (because yes they serve morning margis!).
Where: 1878 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
South East Espresso
Way down in Coolangatta, this under-the-radar backstreet café is the perfect location after a beach swim or your ritual easy-Sunday-morning Ham Hock Smashed Avo. The warm saffron rendered walls are the perfect backdrop for your best linen attire with contrast minimalistic shades of grey. If you take a seat on their pavement side leather cushioned bench, prepare to make friends with a legion of four-legged friends. Don’t worry; they shouldn’t mind one bit making a guest appearance on your story.
Where: 229 Boundary Street, Coolangatta
Highline
When an uber-cool mid-century fit-out combines with incredible coffee art, the result is Highline in Palm Beach. A firm favourite with the locals and for good reason. All of the dishes here are put together with a strong ethos that you also eat with your eyes. Add in some polished concrete flooring and all the toasty coloured wood features, and your brunch-time snap is destined to be a crowd-pleaser. Because who wouldn’t want a 3 cheese, wild mushroom, chive Jaffle pictured in a more perfect setting?
Where: 5/10 Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach
Milkman’s Daughter
When the Gold Coast first laid eyes on this angelic Mermaid Beach all-vegetarian brunch spot, we’re sure there was a collective swoon moment. The textured white exterior walls alone would typically be enough to have our phones out and ready for a sneaky snap. However, the true treasure is inside when you lay eyes on the sweetest-looking backlit booths with arched ceilings and hanging plants. If you are lucky enough to secure the booth, do yourself a favour and cement it in the form of an insta-post accompanied with your Lemon Ricotta Fluffy Pancakes with house tumeric vanilla custard, passionfruit reduction, berries and herbs.
Where: 2/42 Alfred Street, Mermaid Beach
Paddock Bakery
We think we’re correct to state that Paddock is one of the Gold Coasts’ most tagged eats/drinks hotspots to date. Period. So, what makes it so unique? It could be the quaint English-style garden exterior, or the original vintage Queenslander converted main building, maybe it’s the iconic Dippy Eggs or their ridiculously good-looking baked goods (shout out to their Almond Croissants) which are often only just out the oven? But, you know what, we think it’s all of them!
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
Want to see more insta-worthy spots? Follow Inside Gold Coast on Instagram here!
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
If your Insta game’s not strong, are you even a Gold Coaster? With a herd of Insta-worthy spots across our stunning city, there’s no excuse for not rocking an A-lister Instagram account.
To make life easier and ensure you’re the envy of all your mates, here are our list of local Insta-worthy spots.
Surfers Paradise Sign
It’s on every Gold Coast tourists’ bucket list and makes the perfect background for a ‘look where I am’ pic. The Surfers Paradise sign is located right where bustling Cavill Ave meets the beach. Try to make it for sunrise (whether you get up, or stay up, we won’t judge!).
Where: The top of Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Natural Bridge
Springbrook National Park offers you a couple of great Insta pic locations, the most beautiful and unique being the Natural Bridge rock arch. When you get the right angle and the light hits the water running through the cave, it’s a guaranteed winner! So make sure your battery is fully charged and get ready for a rainforest adventure (watch out for the cave dwelling bats!).
Where: Springbrook National Park, Numinbah Road
Miami Hill
It’s a fitness junkie’s kryptonite but the top of the hill also gives you great views of Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta. You may snap some great pics during the day, but we urge you to make the effort and go during sunrise or sunset – it’s mind blowing and no filter necessary.
Where: The southern end of Miami
Burleigh Hill
It’s safe to say that we’ve all snapped shots on Burleigh Hill at some point. A sweet location with balmy breezes and picture-perfect views of Surfers Paradise’ skyline. If you’re lucky enough, you might even spy a whale breaching!
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Tallebudgera Creek
If taken from the right angle, a picture at Talle Creek can easily be mistaken for a beach in Thailand or the Caribbean (but it’s on the Coast and that’s even better). The calm waters and palm trees are nothing short of #paradise!
Where: Awoonga Avenue, Burleigh Heads (northside) and Murlong Crescent, Palm Beach (southside)
Elephant Rock
There is not just one but two huge rocks at Currumbin Beach and they’re the perfect natural objects for your next Instagram pic! Who doesn’t love a great scenic shot of the deep blue sea? Hot tip: Visit during Swell Sculpture Festival (held in September) and take pictures of the abstract outdoor sculpture gallery against the ocean.
Where: Currumbin Beach, Currumbin
Waterfalls
With so many waterfalls and rock pools to choose from, it’s not easy to decide which ones to visit. You should probably just go see them all, but we’ve created a list of our faves right here.
Where: Various locations
Don’t forget to tag us in your pics using #insidegoldcoast and @insidegoldcoast.
