We just adore seeing new cafes, bars, eateries and everything else popping up around the Coast. It’s a sign of the times when talented hospo operators are looking to create special places in areas that perhaps didn’t have them before.

Hudson & Rosie’s Table is the type of café that the locals to Highland Park have very much been looking for, and we can assure, the locals will be very much pleased.

As soon as you lock eyes with this space, we promise you will begin to get good vibes.

The venue boasts a cute inside space with bench seating, counter space and an open kitchen. The perfect vantage point to see the talented chefs going about making all of that delicious food you’re about to devour.

The décor is dominated by a dreamy peach/saffron colour which you will see splashes of throughout. Plants hang from every shelf and ceiling space and the staff here are some of the best looking and smilest bunch we think we’ve ever seen. And that isn’t an exaggeration either!

The light-filled outdoor decking area is where Hudson & Rosies set itself apart though. Think more plants (yass) and beautifully set tables with placemats! Meaning all you need to do is insert yourself here.

The menu, you can tell, has had a great deal of thought put into it too. There is something for everyone here. From your trusty ol’ classics to vegan twists on dishes, and meals with Asian influence, the menu makes it oh so hard to choose what you’d like.

If you’re heading here with a few people we suggest you be prepared for sharing, because when you see each other’s dishes it’s going to be the only option!

If you like to spice things up any time of the day then you mustn’t look any further than the vegan Dan-Dan Noodles which comes with Sichuan noodles, tofu and walnut mince.

Feeling a little more traditional? Try yourself the house-made Cornbread Benny; with slow-cooked beef brisket. Ohh yes.

The drinks list is equally as impressive as what’s on offer to eat. Frappes, smoothies, and thick shakes will provide ample options for those who aren’t into coffee — or perhaps not even old enough to have tried it. Speaking of which — the coffee here is fantastic and is from the talented folks at Gabriel Coffee. Whether you like your coffee hot or ice-cold, this roast will have you glowing from the very first sip.

Hudson & Rosies Table is primely positioned as the perfect pit stop for great food and drinks on that leisurely drive you might be taking up to the hinterland. And yes, we are looking at you dusty hiking boots! It’s about time you crack them back out and visit this little cafe on your way.

LOCATION: Shop 16/106 Alexander Drive, Highland Park
HOURS: 7am-2pm, 7 days

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

If there’s one thing that’s sure to score brownie points at your next soiree, it’s a grazing board. Or a grazing box. Or a grazing table even…and look anything with grazing involved gets us all kinds of excited. So, you can imagine the commotion when we visited Nerang’s best-kept secret… Grazeway! Which incorporates all of the above….and then some.

In addition to the vast array of grazing goodness options, this little gem is also a buzzing gorgeous café with a show-stopping upscale, casual dining menu. Now we can’t decide if we want to eat in or order a platter and bugger it, let’s do both.

Creating edible art 24/7 since 2018, platter perfectionists, high school sweethearts and co-owners Christian Boluch and Akita Bysouth-Young know their craft. After a seriously expanding grazing platter business, last year they decided to take a giant leap into the cafe space and the whole Gold Coast is so glad they did.

Let’s start with the café side of things, where you can tuck into an all-day brekkie, modern Australian brunch or lunch. The cafe is bang on-trend (completely designed, built and fitout by Christian and Akita themselves, the clever cookies!), welcoming the natural indoor/outdoor space with a beautiful sage green, white and black colour palette, offset with pops of gold. The interior features subway tiles plus wood and marble surfaces adding the right amount of texture, while the outdoor seating is varied for big groups, families and intimate catch-ups….but enough about that because we NEED to discuss the obvious – food.

The Maple Bacon Pumpkin Toast spoke to us and what our tastebuds want, they receive. We’re talking rich pumpkin puree on pixel sourdough, topped with bocconcini cherries, house-made dukkha, fried sage and maple glazed bacon, plus we can add smoked salmon, haloumi or hash browns and we say YES to all three! Also speaking to us is their signature Grazeway Breakfast Tower for 2, loaded with fried eggs, bacon, hash browns, chorizo, chipolatas, grilled halloumi, butter mushrooms, baked beans, sourdough avocado toast, grilled tomato, yoghurt and granola jars. It’s defs worth last night’s hangover just to order the tower of food towers!

Even the meant-to-be weekly special, the Housemade Potato Hash with Pulled Pork Eggs Benny has won the crowds over, being so popular, it’s officially now made it to the permanent menu.

But now it’s time to talk all-things-GRAZING! Catering for events big and small, Grazeway has you covered from your girls-night-in MAFS binge (come on, we’re all guilty) to weddings, baby showers, engagement parties, birthdays – anything!

A Grazing Box from $79 is the perfect hassle-free picnic and the definition of ‘great things come in small packages.’ Containing the ideal mixture of cheese, cured meats, nuts, fruits and more, they’re carefully assembled in a disposable box so that you can enjoy it literally anywhere.

The drop off Platter Boards from $199 are available in three sizes and bring the most delicious and creative food to you – no fuss involved whatsoever. Winner winner platter dinner we say!

Then, for those wanting to drive home the wow factor, choose from an 0.5-metre all the way to a four-metre grazing table. That’s 400 centimetres (we were always good at maths) of beautifully displayed fresh seasonal fruits and antipasto, including a mouth-watering choice of cured meats, a variety of dips, a large selection of cheeses, nuts, dried fruits, biscuits, crackers, freshly baked breads and of course an irresistible selection of sweets. Plus, they will happily customize any table so really it would just be rude not to enlist their platter prowess, may we strongly suggest including the Krispy Kreme Tower in your next order (and don’t forget to invite us!).

So get yourself down to Grazeway (did we hear along the grapevine there is also a dinner service coming soon too?). Eat-in or order a platter – whatever your fancy, it doesn’t matter! (Yep, in addition to being mathematicians, we’re also poets…but we’re sticking to eating food and writing about it).

Where: Shop 1/1 Tibbing St, Nerang
When: Monday to Sunday 6:30am to 2pm

Words by Bianca Trathen.

When it comes to impressing visiting family and friends, is there any better way than going on an adventure and chasing a waterfall — or two? Because beyond epic beaches, and one of the world’s most renowned surfing reserves, we also have world heritage listed rainforests and breathtaking surrounds literally right on our doorstep. And the best part about these fantastic places and mind-blowing natural spectacles is they are entirely free!

So we highly recommend you clear your schedule, pack your swimmers and embark on a fun-filled sojourn into the green behind the gold in search of large pieces of falling water. Set your phone to silent and let the serenity feed your soul.

Here are a few of our favourites, all within an hour or so from the Gold Coast.

Beechmont
Lip Falls
38.7km from Surfers Paradise
Just a 50-minute drive from Surfers Paradise and nestled amongst the Denham Scenic Reserve are the Beechmont rock pools — or Lip Falls as the locals call them. Once you park your car (on Doncaster Road), it’ll only take half an hour to make your way down to the falls. Be aware; these walking paths are steep and narrow and right next to deep gorges.
Where: 45-57 Doncaster Dr, Beechmont

Mt Tamborine
Cedar Creek Falls
44km from Surfers Paradise
Cedar Creek Falls are one of the better-known waterfalls on Mt Tamborine and a popular destination for locals and tourists alike (be warned – it can get quite busy). Your best bet is to explore the area via the Cedar Creek Circuit (3.2km), which will take you along all the cascades and rock pools.
Where: Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain – To get there, take Tamborine Mountain Road until you get to Cedar Creek Falls Road, just past the information map stopping bay on the left. From there, it’s only a short drive down a narrow road and across a small creek before coming to the Cedar Creek Falls section and the car park at its entrance.

Curtis Falls
39.2km from Surfers Paradise
It’s a short, beautiful walk through the rain-drenched Eucalyptus forest to the magical Curtis Falls. You’ll wander past towering trees and through a canopy of ferns, down to this miniature and photogenic waterfall. There are lots of cute creatures to spot along the way too, keep an eye for resident platypuses and wallabies. The walk should only talk half an hour or less to get down to the falls, but you will likely want to stay awhile and soak up the peacefulness. It’s just a 1.1km round trip, so you can knock it over in the early morning then stop for a spot of morning tea at the Curtis Falls Cafe.
Where: 16 Eagle Heights Rd, North Tamborine – Get there via Eagle Heights Road and park right at the entrance to the walk.

Lamington National Park
Elabana Falls
67.4 km from Surfers Paradise
Elabana Falls are certainly a hidden gem located amongst Lamington National Park close to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat (a great spot to grab a bite to eat after your waterfall adventure). Park your car at O’Reilly’s and make your way through the rainforest, past Picnic Rock and further downhill for another 400 metres until you reach the cascading falls. Make sure you refresh yourself with a snack or sit down before embarking on your way back up; it gets pretty steep!
Where: Lamington National Park Rd, Canungra

Springbrook National Park
Natural Bridge
47 km from Surfers Paradise
As you probably know, Natural Bridge is a heavenly cave-like rock formation at Springbrook National Park that is home to glow worms and a colony of tiny bent-wing bats – it’s also one of the most photographed spots on the Gold Coast. Start the short one-kilometre rainforest walk clockwise to the Natural Bridge rock arch to get down to the action.
Where: Nerang-Murwillumbah Rd, Springbrook – It’s super easy to find; just follow Nerang-Murwillumbah Road until you get to the car park signage at Bakers Road.

Twin Falls
40.6km from Surfers Paradise
Start your 4km journey through the sub-tropical rainforest from the Tallabana picnic area or Canyon lookout in an anticlockwise direction. You’ll reach a small bridge, flowing water and immense rock formations after a couple of minutes (perfect for an Insta snap). Keep hiking down the track until you come across two rushing waterfalls. At the base of Twin Falls — after a worthy hike — you’ll find a large rock pool perfect for a rewarding swim!
Where: Canyon Pde, Springbrook

Purling Brook Falls
37km from Surfers Paradise
The Purling Brook Falls are immense, towering at over 100 meters in height and are naturally best visited after rainfall. Start your 2 hour hike clockwise along a scenic and elevated path into a subtropical gorge to view the amazing falls from below. Venture further down the track until you reach waterholes that are great for swimming. When you have had enough, prepare for a steady climb up through the rainforest, which will bring you back to the picnic area.
Where: 63 Gwongorella Parade, Springbrook

Northern NSW
Minyon Falls
113km from Surfers Paradise
Yes, we know the following two locations aren’t on the Gold Coast, they aren’t even in Queensland, but it will take you a short drive along what is probably the most breathtaking scenic drive, until you reach Nightcap National Park in Northern NSW. Make sure you come prepared because getting to Minyon Falls can be quite the journey (well worth it, though). We recommend you start with Minyon Falls Lookout, providing you with outstanding views before adventuring further downstream towards the base of the falls.
Where: Nightcap National Park, Newton Dr, Nightcap 

Killen Falls
108 km from Surfers Paradise
Killen Falls are undoubtedly one of the most epic waterfalls to dive into with its large swimming hole and rock pools. The rock has been eroded significantly behind the waterfall, forming an impressive cave. Ever wanted to take a waterfall shower? Well, at Killen Falls, that’s not a problem as you can swim across the pool and climb up the rocks just to sit right underneath the falling water.
Where: Killen Falls Dr, Tintenbar – Killen Falls are super easy to find, just minutes off the Pacific Highway near Byron Bay.

But it’s important to remember, whilst it’s tempting (and refreshing) to go for a swim in the rock pools and lagoons, it’s prohibited in some, so please adhere to any safety signs and be 100% sure it’s safe to swim before diving in. Also, be sure to pack closed-in shoes, plenty of water, mozzie repellent and sunscreen (the sun will still get you between the canopy).

Last but not least, take nothing but photographs and leave nothing but footprints behind!

Words by Alex Mitcheson.