The Burleigh Heads Winter Solstice Festival is back this June.
The Burleigh Heads Winter Solstice Festival is back this June.
Winter has officially arrived on the Gold Coast and while that might not mean snow-covered streets and sub-zero temperatures, it does bring something equally exciting – crisp mornings, golden sunrises and one of Burleigh’s most-loved community events.
The Burleigh Heads Winter Solstice Festival is back this June, bringing an afternoon and evening of live music, glowing lanterns, delicious eats, family fun and plenty of community spirit.
The Winter Solstice is the annual astronomical event that marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It’s celebrated around the world as a turning point in the seasons.
Of course, an occasion of this magnitude deserves a proper celebration and here on the Gold Coast, we know exactly how to do that. The answer? A free street festival in one of the city’s most-loved burbs.
Presented by Division 13 Councillor Josh Martin, the Burleigh Heads Winter Solstice Festival returns to James Street on Saturday June 20th from 3pm to 8pm, transforming the heart of Burleigh into a vibrant community celebration that welcomes locals and visitors alike.
The festival promises something for everyone, whether you’re heading along with the family, planning a date night, catching up with friends or simply looking for an excuse to spend a winter afternoon soaking up the atmosphere.
Visitors can enjoy live performances across two themed stages featuring local musicians and entertainers. Bring along a chair, find a cosy spot and settle in for an afternoon of live tunes as the sun begins to set over Burleigh.
One of the highlights of the event is the enchanting lantern experience, with lantern-making workshops giving festivalgoers the chance to get creative before joining in the glowing festivities. Combined with dedicated glow zones, drumming circles and roaming performers, the entire street will feel like something out of a winter wonderland.
And speaking of roaming performers, expect plenty of surprises throughout the afternoon and evening. From mesmerising fire twirlers and illuminated entertainers to frosty-themed characters delighting younger festivalgoers, there’ll be plenty to discover around every corner.
Naturally, no Gold Coast festival would be complete without exceptional food and drink.
Local street food vendors will be serving up plenty of delicious bites, while seasonal beverages can be enjoyed from the pop-up street bar. Whether you’re craving something sweet, savoury or a warming drink to accompany the cooler evening air, there’ll be plenty of options to keep you fuelled while you explore.
One of the best parts about the festival is the opportunity to experience everything that makes Burleigh so special. James Street is already home to some of the Gold Coast’s favourite restaurants, cafes, bars, boutiques and specialty stores, and many local businesses will be open throughout the event.
And because genuine winter days are few and far between on the Gold Coast, the Winter Solstice Festival is also the perfect excuse to pull out your favourite knit, jacket or boots. Consider it your annual opportunity to embrace a little winter fashion before temperatures inevitably climb back up.
As the sun goes down and the lanterns begin to glow, James Street will transform into a bustling hub of activity, bringing together locals, families and visitors to celebrate community, connection and the changing season.
Best of all? It’s completely free to attend.
Gather your friends, round up the family, rug up and head to Burleigh for an evening of lights, music and winter magic.
Find out more here.
Where: James Street, Burleigh Heads
When: Saturday June 20th, 3pm – 8pm
Words by Kirra Smith
STORY SPONSORED BY THE EVENTS AGENCY
Choubidou Cafe bring French brunch classics to Burleigh.
Bon appétit, Burleigh! The brunch scene just became très chic with the arrival of Choubidou Cafe, a new French-inspired spot within the Hibiscus Haven block. Pronounced shoo-bee-doo, the playful name translates to cutie pie in French and honestly, there’s no better way to describe this charming newcomer.
Behind the new spot are Ammish Adu and Javier Moreno, the duo also at the helm of Le Jardin in Main Beach. Ammish and Javier first worked together at Le Jardin before becoming close friends, eventually deciding to open a second venue together when the opportunity arose.
“We are two very fun loving, energetic people and love working together. We both enjoy the challenge of creating something beautiful, not just for us, but for our staff and our community.”
For Javier, who also leads the kitchen as head chef, Choubidou offered the chance to expand on the French-inspired flavours locals already fell in love with at Le Jardin. For Ammish, it was about finding the right fit for the next chapter. And Burleigh, with its thriving cafe culture and loyal locals, ticked every box.
Opening its doors in the former Common Ground space, Choubidou Cafe feels like a little pocket of Paris tucked into the Gold Coast. Lush greenery softens every corner, while sunlight spills across both the indoor and outdoor dining spaces. Seating around 70 people, outside is where the charm really shines, with locals basking in the morning sun over coffee and crepes. Equal parts garden cafe, Parisian bistro and Burleigh brunch spot.
On the menu, French-inspired comfort food takes centre stage.
Just like Le Jardin, the go-to favourites are the crepes. Sweet options include the Raspberry Cheesecake crepe layered with raspberry compote, cheesecake filling and crushed Biscoff. Savoury fans can order Le Parisian, packed with sautéed mushroom and tomato, Parisian ham, French herbs, shredded cheddar and a fried egg.
Next, the Mediterranean omelette loads up on sous vide chicken, double smoked bacon, Spanish onion, wilted spinach, olives and aioli, while Le Poulailler levels up an Eggs Benedict with buttermilk fried chicken, local avocado, wilted spinach and house hollandaise.
The pièce de résistance is the signature Steak Frites, bringing classic French bistro vibes with a scotch fillet, truffle fries and a secret five-herb sauce. Diners can even swap the plate for a warm baguette version because there’s nothing more iconic than a crusty loaf of French bread.
Drinks lean equally indulgent with specialty coffee, teas and juices as well as Canned Cold Foams with flavours like Ferrero Rocher, salted caramel and vanilla.
Then there’s the Choubidou Parisienne hot chocolate, a thick drinking chocolate topped with whipped cream and strawberries that taste less like a beverage and more like dessert.
Whether you’re a foodie, a Francophile or just someone craving the perfect crepe, grab your boo and head to Choubidou Cafe.
Where: 2 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
When: Daily, 6am to 3pm
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Liam McDonald
Our favourite winter layers.
The temp is starting to drop, and lasagne specials are popping up across the Gold Coast faster than Mariah Carey songs in December. You won’t find us complaining (about the lasagne…that is) Afterall it is one of our very favourite comfort foods, and an Italian classic that will truly never get old.
Whether you like yours traditional, cheesy, pumpkin-filled or paired with a cheeky Pinot, we’ve rounded up the best lasagne specials happening across the Coast right now. Because honestly, there are few things in life more comforting than a hot slab of lasagne and a glass of red.
One of Italy’s greatest comfort foods done exactly right. At La Calabrese, it’s all about house-made pasta, rich bolognese lasagne, and ocean views to top it all off. Every Wednesday, you can settle in for lasagne and a glass of red wine for $30, the kind of midweek special worth planning your week around.
Price: $30 including lasagne + a glass of red wine
When: Every Wednesday
Where: Level 1/86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Lasagne and BYO? Say less. Baritalia is serving up Wednesday Lasagne Nights for a limited time, with BYO to match, so now’s the moment to dust off that bottle (or two) you’ve been saving. Bookings are essential- understandably.
Price: $25 + $12 corkage per bottle
When: Every Wednesday (13 May – 17 June only)
Where: 3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Midweek plans are sorted with Bar Monte dishing up two oven-baked beauties every Wednesday: a classic bolognese lasagne layered with slow-cooked ragù and béchamel, plus a pumpkin and mushroom version finished with pecorino fondue. Choosing between the two is going to be difficult, but it’s a challenge we’re willing to face. Both bookings and walk-ins are welcome.
Price: $25
When: Every Wednesday
Where: Shop 2/3 Mountain View Ave, Miami
Nothing goes together quite like pasta and pinot, and Lito knows it. Serving up Pasta + Pinot every Tuesday night, with one option being the Lasagna al Forno layered with beef bolognese, tomato, béchamel and parmesan. Sounds like the perfect date night (hint, hint).
Price: $36 including lasagna + a glass of Pinot (Noir or Grigio)
When: Every Tuesday from 5pm
Where: Ground, 3 First Ave, Burleigh Heads
25 layers of lasagne for $25? Now that’s the kind of math we’re willing to do. Local Burleigh is stacking slow-cooked beef ragù, béchamel and pasta sky-high every Thursday night, and you’ll find us nowhere else while this offer’s on the table.
Price: $25
When: Every Thursday
Where: 1744 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Ten-dollar lasagne in this economy? Can we give Justin Lane a round of applause? Available every Wednesday from 5pm until sold out, this one’s all about ragù, béchamel, pasta, repeat. Layer by layer, built specially for your midweek cravings. How thoughtful.
Price: $10
When: Every Wednesday from 5pm
Where: 1708–1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Level-up your drinking game.
If Queensland weather doesn’t shout rooftop bars at you in a high-pitched squeal, we don’t know what will. Our climate, coupled with the amazing hospitality scene here in our city, means these open-air meccas of good times and delicious libations are the prime place to find yourself — any time of the year! It’s all about drinks in the sunshine and snapping selfies with picturesque backgrounds for Insta-bragging purposes.
So, in honour of bars in high places, here are 14 next-level rooftop bars (listed north to south) you should prioritise visiting this weekend, next weekend and the weekend after…
Aviary Rooftop Bar
Perched atop Mantra on Sharks, Aviary Rooftop Bar’s views are as stunning as their extensive drinks list. With 180 degree views over the Surfers Paradise skyline and the ocean, it’s the perfect place for an after work beverage or Sunday arvo session with the crew. Ohh and don’t even get us started on their authentic Italian pizzas, and tapas… if you know, you know.
Where: Mantra at Sharks, Melia Ct, Southport (next to Southport Sharks)
Mr PP’s Deli & Rooftop Bar
A game-changer in Southport’s food and beverage scene, Mr PP’s is a multi level pizzeria and rooftop bar boasting city views and plenty of good vibes in the century-old postal building. There is a generous menu full of pizzas, tapas and charcuterie boards, the ideal scenario. Plus cocktails and local tipples, of which there are many. Live music on Sundays too.
Where: 43 Nerang St, Southport
Last Night on Earth
Pretty sure that if it were, in fact, your last night on Earth, you would want to spend it at a sweet rooftop bar with bulk cocktails at the ready. Last Night on Earth is the work of local legend Arran Wollams and his crew. It’s a somewhat underworld themed rooftop bar in the heart of Southport offering good times aplenty. It’s a dive bar, but not as you know it. Check it out.
Where: 50b Nerang St, Southport
Cali Beach Club
Cali Beach Club is not just a rooftop bar, it’s Australia’s largest Beach Club! This Gold Coast classic is the ultimate beachside party destination that’s never known a dull moment. The 2L spritzer and cocktail jugs may have something to do with this… One minute, you’re lounging on your dedicated daybed by the pool. Next, you’re sipping a Cali Colada in the pool. What’s that? The DJ set has begun?! Off to the dancefloor with you!
Where: 21a Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
Lulu Rooftop & Bar
Say hello to the lovely Lulu. Think Miami’s art deco scene meets laid-back tropical Gold Coast, with lush greenery, plush booth seating and marble-topped bars, it’s a vibe! Throw in the fact it’s on a rooftop and we’re sold. Okay, that’s a lie, our booths were booked when we got word of Throwback Thursdays, RnB Fridays and the regular Grils Brunches…
Where: Level 2/4 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise
The Exhibitionist Bar
News flash: HOTA isn’t just for the arts and culture, people, it’s also for cocktails. Speciality cocktails- each inspired by and changed to reflect the art centre’s current major exhibitions. We feel more cultured already. Enjoy it all while absorbing the breathtaking views of the city skyline. The highly talented Tom Angel heads up the bar and cocktail list, which is a seriously good spot for a sundowner — and the ideal place to take out of towners!
Where: Level 5/135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
The Island Rooftop
It’s the largest open-air (and much adored) rooftop on the Gold Coast, perched on top of The Island in Surfers Paradise. This spot is kind of a unicorn, being part nightclub, part bar and part live music venue. It’s where killer beats meet delicious eats and craft cocktails. Every weekend you’ll find a line-up of DJs playing, a specially curated cocktail menu, and indulgent share-style eats. Think of it as your new weekend ritual.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Nineteen at The Star
The fanciest of the bunch is undoubtedly Nineteen at The Star, complete with velvet booth-style seating, an infinity pool and ocean views for days. Found atop The Star Gold Coast’s The Darling, Nineteen is the perfect place for people-watching, dressing up and sipping on fancy tipples while dancing the night away. Be sure to take a snap on the runway stretching out into the pool!
Where: The Darling, Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
JuJu
This rooftop bar has serious “it’s a vibe” energy. JuJu in Nobby Beach delivers upscale dining with a side of cheeky fun. Split across two levels, this venue is perfect for sunset cocktails and late-night revelry. Expect Euro-summer vibes, lush greenery, and after-hours parties that feel straight out of Mykonos. With a sleek rooftop bar featuring a retractable roof, tequila carts, and live DJ-saxophonist duos, JuJu is where you go when you’re ready to keep the night alive.
Where: 2235 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Sueno Rooftop
Sueno is one of (if not, the) hottest bars on the Gold Coast, and for excellent reason. Go from dinner at Norte to a chilled rooftop, and chat the night away under the moonlight with a marg in hand. The Nobby Beach venue is ideal for a weekend catch-up, a mid-week cheeky cocktail, or an epic bottomless brunch every Saturday and Sunday. Do yourself a favour, find yourself here sipping a cocktail whilst drinking in the gorgeous view.
Where: 2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Justin Lane
A much-loved favourite among locals and visitors alike, Justin Lane is still one of the most popular rooftops on the Gold Coast and was actually the coast’s first official rooftop bar opening in 2011! Hard to imagine. The space is intimate, with booth-style seating overlooking Burleigh and plenty of cocktails to tickle your fancy. Once you’re done slinging back bevvys with the gang, head downstairs for some fair dinkum pizza (it’s so damn good).
Where: 1708-1710 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Pavilion
This one is straight-up iconic and the vibe is a match. It’s as close to the ocean as you can get with a cocktail before it becomes a safety hazard. You may be closer to Earth for this one, but the view here is arguably the best on the Gold Coast. Soak in the stunning sunshine while mulling over which epic cocktail to try first.
Where: 3a/43 Goodwin Tce, Burleigh Heads
The Collective
Everyone’s favourite multi-restaurant establishment, The Collective in Palm Beach, boasts a sweet rooftop bar with epic cocktails for your sipping pleasure. You can also order eats from one of the five menus on offer and watch the sunset while you’re at it. We recommend it.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
Kirra Beach House
Making waves for all the right reasons – Kirra Beach House redefined the southern eats and sips game. The handiwork of local hospo gun, Dave Galvin, which speaks to the caliber in and of itself – with three seperate bars, insta-worthy interiors, cabana-studded wraparound terrace and panoramic ocean views from all angles! We’d be remiss not to also mention the Mediterranean-style grazing and crafted cocktails. Perfect 10’s all round.
Where: Level 1, 2 Marine Pde, Coolangatta
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
