Current Mood: Jolly AF!
Current Mood: Jolly AF!
When it comes to Christmas on the Gold Coast, we usually think of beachside barbies and a pav with more humidity than dignity.
But come July? It’s game on for festive feasting, fuzzy knits, and enough mulled wine to make even the Grinch smile. So sleigh the mid-year slump and yule be sorry if you miss these jolly good celebrations happening across the Coast.
A true Gold Coast festive MVP, D’Arcy Arms is back with their classic 2-course Christmas feast. Think roast turkey, pork, ham, Yorkshire puds, and veg so good even your nan would approve. Finish strong with homemade sticky date pudding and enough butterscotch sauce to drown your seasonal sorrows. Irish pub vibes, fireplace, and all the trimmings? We’ll toast to that. $50pp
Where: 2923 Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise
When: Throughout July
If luxury was on your Christmas list, the Imperial Hotel just gift-wrapped it at Il Barocco. Their Christmas in July dining experience is elegance on a (very festive) plate. Start with a silky parsnip soup, then choose between award-winning Wagyu or Lilydale Chicken with all the wintery trimmings- hello, creamed kale and honey-glazed carrots. Cap it off with a yuzu-spiked pavlova that’s basically Queensland summer in dessert form. It’s giving sleigh, but make it fine dining. $59pp
Where: 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
When: Sunday 20th and 27th July
If a buffet is your love language, Green Fields heard you loud and clear. Cosy up under heaters with blankets and load up on traditional fare that brings all the nostalgic Chrissy vibes. Lunch and dinner sittings run across three glorious days, and honestly, we’re considering all three. Is that… too festive? No such thing. From $49pp
Where: 94 Laver Dr, Robina
When: Thursday 3rd – Friday 4th July, 11.30am – 2pm and 5pm – 9pm. Saturday 5th July, 5pm – 9pm
Running Friday and Saturday nights from 27th June to 19th July at Shoreline Restaurant, this festive buffet is bringing all the holiday cheer (and none of the sweaty Santas). Adults dine for $99, teens for $49, and kids for just $39, with epic eats like Bundy rum and maple-glazed ham, Aussie oysters, rib-eye steak and a dessert table that’ll make you believe in Christmas magic again (hello, chocolate lava pudding and rum balls). There’s also live music and drinks included, soft drinks, beer, and wine.
Where: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
When: Friday & Saturday nights, 27th June – 19th July (closed 29th June – 2nd July).
Eggnog on arrival? Say no more. Mr PP’s rooftop soirée comes stacked with entertainment, a Christmas in July menu (hi, pork belly and reef cod), a raffle, and a festive dress code that basically demands a novelty knit. Finish with Tuscan trifle and a dash of rooftop magic. Warning: may cause uncontrollable cheer. $75pp
Where: 43 Nerang St, Southport
When: 10th July, 6–10pm
It’s Christmas meets cocktails at this tropical-meets-twinkly fairy light haven. Kick off with mulled wine, feast on a festive menu, and dance the night away to live music. For an extra jolly boost, add the three-hour drink package or dive headfirst into a trio of specially crafted Xmas cocktails. $106.14pp
Where: 8/6 Ashmore Rd, Bundall
When: 5th July, 6pm–9pm
If Christmas was more thongs than thermals, this tropical twist is your mid-year miracle. Labrador’s Christmas in July is turning up the cheer (and the sunshine), with Aussie Santa rocking boardies and a whole day of barefoot-style festivities. Think classic old-school games, a jumping castle, free craft and sensory fun for the kids, a disco dance party with DJ Hartley Love, and market stalls galore. There’s even a Reindeer Games Arena hosted by Brett Johnathan, with prizes up for grabs. Round it out with food trucks, face painting, and all the summery vibes you never knew Christmas needed. Best of all? It’s totally free.
Where: Labrador Community Centre, 57 Billington Street, Labrador
When: Saturday 26th July from 10am – 3pm
Terraces Restaurant’s signature long brunch is back on Saturday 26th July, and this time, it’s wearing a Santa hat. Sip, Savour & Soirée is serving up all your seafood faves with a festive twist, including Stradbroke Island oysters, lobster rolls, sashimi, Balmain bugs, charcuterie, Nimbin Valley cheeses and sushi, plus glazed Christmas ham, king prawns and a decadent dessert station. Tickets are $179 per adult and $89.50 per child, including a luxe seafood buffet, a 3-hour free-flowing drinks package, live music, roving entertainment and complimentary parking. It’s indulgent, it’s vibrant, and it’s set to sleigh.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast, 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
When: Saturday 26 July, 12pm–3pm
Bust out your Christmas sweaters, dress festive and enjoy a fun arvo with the Miami community. Free entertainment for the kidlets, live music, eats and drinks by Little Itoshin and The Jolly Roger (with more to be announced), it’s a street style event you won’t want to miss. Make sure you wear your ugly sweater, bring a chair or picnic rug and most importantly, bring your family and/or crew for Christmas in July with a street-style twist.
Where: Miami Village Shopping Centre, 110 Mountain View Avenue, Miami
When: 2pm – 6pm Sunday 27th July
There’s nothing quite like Christmas in London, but we’ve found the next best thing, and that’s the Fox & Hounds’ Christmas in July lunches. Tamborine’s wintery, hinterland feel makes you feel like you’re tucked in a pub in the English countryside. There’s a reason people travel from near and far for a seat at the South East’s favourite English Pub. Cosy up by the fire and tuck into a classic roast of turkey and beef and don’t forget to save room for dessert because it’d be sacrilege to not have a taste of Christmas pudding and custard to finish the feed. Served daily and from $40, it’s a whole lot cheaper than a flight to the UK. Thank us later.
Where: Cnr Oxenford Tamborine Road & Elevation Drive, Wongawallan
When: Throughout July from 11.30am, bookings essential for groups
Pimpama’s going all in on a one-day-only lunch event dripping in nostalgia and cranberry jus. Two classic courses- including turkey, ham, and apricot & pine nut stuffing– followed by a lucky dip dessert round. Pav or plum pud? You won’t know until it hits the table. Surprise! A$42.61
Where: 102 Pimpama Jacobs Well Rd, Pimpama
When: 24th July, 11:30am–2pm
The Ducks are decking the halls and firing up the ovens for a cosy Christmas in July celebration on Sunday 20th July from 5pm to 8pm. For just $79 per person, guests will enjoy a festive menu filled with seasonal favourites, starting with smoked trout blinis, followed by roast turkey, glazed ham, bacon-wrapped sausages, and all the trimmings (hello, roast veggies, cranberry sauce and rich, velvety gravy). Dessert is a traditional Christmas pudding, of course. Mulled wine and cider will be flowing, alongside their wine special of the day, Mountadam 550 Cabernet Sauvignon, with the full drinks list also available for all your sipping needs.
Where: Three Blue Ducks, The Farm, Byron Bay
When: Sunday 20 July, 5pm–8pm
Looking to sleigh your Christmas in July party this year? Mona Lisa’s Lair at Miami Marketta is serving up glam, glitter and gourmet good times with an exclusive festive feast for private groups. Whether you’re after an elegant seated dinner or a chic cocktail soirée, this one’s all about luxe vibes, delish bites, and serious holiday sparkle. Think Christmas cocktails on arrival, a three-hour drinks package, themed décor, and enough merriment to make Santa blush. Bonus points: you can even add a Drag Queen, DJ, or Christmas photobooth for extra razzle-dazzle.
Where: Miami Marketta, 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
When: Available on Marketta open days throughout July
Price: From $70pp (cocktail) or $120pp (seated)
Capacity: 20–70 guests (private events only)
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
At roughly this point in the frosty season, the balmier days of strappy sandals and summer dips feel but a distant memory. Sure, we here in the Sunshine State can get a bit dramatic whenever the temps dip below 20°C, but when it comes to keeping ourselves busy in the chilly months our outlook needn’t feel bleak.
Currently cranking up the fire pits and busting out the warming fare, some of GC’s finest are bunging on some un-brrr-lievably good experiences to coax us from the comfort of our domiciles. So skip the hibernation – here are some of the hottest activations to be had on the Gold Coast this winter.
Can’t swing a ski trip to Japan this winter? Roji Cat’s got you covered again this July, with their cosy Miami bar transformed into a Niseko-style snow scene, think glowing lanterns, snow-dusted décor, and all the après-ski feels (minus the airfare).
Expect Japanese comfort food like steaming hot yakisoba noodles, winter cocktail specials including the Hokkaido Blizzard, Mandarin Yume and Coffee Old Fashioned, plus their signature winter house shot: the Hakuba Hill Bomber. There’s also piping hot sake and ice-cold craft beers to keep things toasty. Or frosty, your call.
Where: 47 Lemana Lane, Miami
If the prospect of a spot of riverside revelling on those nippy winter evenings isn’t exactly enticing, Coomera Lodge Hotel has got you covered (literally). The open air beer garden will again transform into an igloo wonderland for the season, so that we may live our best winter lives carousing in total comfort. Nab one of the decked out domes and hunker down by the river. Bookings essential, no booking fee, and seating is first in, best dressed!
Where: 160 Maudsland Road, Oxenford
We don’t care how old we are, opportunities to stuff our faces with freshly-toasted marshmallows over an open fire are outrageously far and few between. Thankfully the return of Robina Pavilion’s ever-popular Fire pits by the Lake sessions are back and doing their darnedest to turn this toasty past time erasure around. For select dates across winter, beat the winter chill by booking your group of up to six for your own fire pit sesh every Friday–Sunday night (until Sunday 24th August). The booking fee of $199 is redeemable on your choice of food and bev, so sip cocktails, nosh on cheese boards and your fave winter warmers and char til heart’s content with complimentary marshmallows and fire pit attendant included. Not to fan the flames, but bookings are limited people!
Where: 229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina
Bigger, better and more brrrr-iliant than ever, ain’t ‘snow way we’re missing out on Dreamworld’s Winterfest. Bringing thrills, spills and chills, we’re predicting a high chance of wholesome family fun with Euro inspired eats, scavenger hunts, interactive winter-inspired activities and some extra snowy surprises in store. Glide across the full-sized, pop up ice skating rink, then defrost with a little help from some warm cinnamon churros (that’s our story, and we’re sticking to it). While all ages will have an absolute (arctic) blast tobogganing down the ice slide. And not to date ourselves here, but, if you can’t use this opportunity to bust out all your favourite Cool Runnings quotes, when can you? Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme!
Where: Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera
Who needs the North Pole when Dreamworld’s turning up the winter magic right here on the GC? Every Friday and Saturday ’til 19 July, the Night Market is serving chilly thrills and toasty treats with a side of pure nostalgia. Think free ice slides (yes, free), a full-size ice skating rink, marshmallow roasting stations, and winter eats that’ll warm your soul. Thirsty? Sip on seasonal cocktails like a Mint Martini or a Chocolate Mudslide, because winter deserves to be shaken, not just stirred.
Where: Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera
Surrounded by lush rolling hills and an unending supply of locally-made vino – who among us isn’t perpetually down for a sneaky Sirromet trip (doubly so when it’s someone else’s turn as deso driver). Add in your very own personal fire pit, crackling under the twinkling night sky, and you’ve got yourself just about the cutest and cosiest date night going (bestie dates count too!). For $189, Sirromet will take care of all the heavy lifting, with a generous hamper for two filled with charcuterie-style provisions to feast upon and signature mulled wine to sip. Once you and your nominated partner-in-wine are done whiling the night away by the fire, you then get the insulated Sirromet cups and picnic blanket (plus fond mems) for keeps! Wine not, we say! (Bookings required).
Where: 850-938 Mount Cotton Rd, Mount Cotton
If anyone knows how to lure us from our cosy cocoons (read: oversized hoodies and novelty socks), it’s The Star Gold Coast. This winter, they’re turning up the heat on the Cucina Vivo balcony with crackling fire pits, small bites, and drinks that’ll warm your soul faster than you can say “another round of red, please”. Swing by from 5.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays for a no-bookings, first-come-first-served fireside experience.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
No skis? No worries. Aviary Rooftop Bar is bringing major après-ski energy to the GC this winter – minus the snow, plus the sunset vibes. Until August, head up to the rooftop every afternoon from 4–6pm for Aviary Après – a twilight wind-down complete with firelight, cosy blankets and seasonal sips, all set in their dreamy open-air space The Nest.
It’s giving Euro winter meets Gold Coast glam, with live acoustic tunes on Fridays and Saturdays (weather permitting), golden hour skies, and a very strong chance of mulled wine. Whether you’re snacking, sipping or just soaking in the vibe, it’s the perfect way to warm up as the sun goes down.
Where: Aviary Rooftop Bar, Mantra at Sharks, Corner Musgrave & Olsen Avenues, Southport
Words by Belinda Symons
Winter is coming, but fear not. Tarte Beach House has dropped a winter menu update to make waking up on those chilly winter mornings more bearable and a whole lot tastier. Tarte Bakery has long been our old faithful, and when Tarte Beach House stormed onto the scene with its idyllic creek views and all-round aesthetic energy, we couldn’t get enough.
Like everything the team touches, the new Tarte Beach House menu is pure gold, with bold and indulgent flavours, alongside comfort eats that mix feelings of nostalgia with home-cooked goodness.
Heavily inspired by the traditions of Europe, specifically France, the menu is stuffed with winter warmers. So baby it might be getting cold outside but let me tell you things have been heating up on the new winter menu. Because we all know Tarte would never be caught dishing up anything other than best-in-show.
Remember when the most boujee part of a big brekky was door-stopper bread? Snooze. Tarte Beach House has reinvented the wheel with their Big Breakfast in Bread. Yep, IN bread. Get your fix with a sourdough boule filled with house ranchero sauce, Spanish chorizo, melted cheese and a fried egg. Consider the big brekky reinvented.
If you’re after something reel-y tasty the Grilled Barramundi will have you hook, line and sinker featuring locally caught fish, confit heirloom tomatoes, crispy capers, fresh parsley, herbed butter and lemon it’s got everything you want from a classic without compromising on big flavours.
Warm up from the inside out with the Green Curry Soup – think all the big curry flavours you crave along with sauteed prawns in chilli oil, pak choy, sugar snap peas, capsicum, crispy rice noodles and shallots – served with grilled roti, because what’s a soup if you don’t have something bread-y to dip.
Maybe it’s the name, maybe it’s just us romanticising a soup moment, but there’s something about French Onion Soup that makes us feel like we’re having a Parisian moment. Mix it with Tarte Beach House’s signature Euro-inspired décor and it’s almost like you’re actually in the city of love.
French is big on the menu with influences in dishes like the French Green Salad if you’re after something light. We cannot go past the French Beef Dip. Stuffed full of house-roasted wagyu with Swiss cheese, caramelised onion, garlic butter, chimichurri and parsley, plus house slow gravy for dipping each and every bite. This one is a winner. BRB running to Tarte Beach House to get our hands on one right now.
Sweet tooth’s look away now. The Choc Chip Cookie Skillet puts Tarte’s signature brown butter chocolate chip cookie front and centre. Just when we thought that cookie couldn’t get any better Tarte starts offering it warm in the skillet, topped with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to sweeten the deal. It’s hot, it’s oozy, it’s everything you want in a dessert. We won’t judge you if you have it for breakfast. Like we did! In the name of research.
Once you’ve chosen your food you’ll want to start getting acquainted with the seasonal cocktails. The Jam Gimlet with gin, house raspberry jam and lemon has our name all over it. Or catch us sipping back on the Dirty Chai Martini for a pick me up, with whisky, Mr Black, house espresso and chai.
If a warm hug in a cup is more your vibe then obviously the Mulled Wine – European style of course and the Hard Apple Cider with housemade apple juice and rum are the ultimate winter warmers.
When: 6.30am-3pm Monday – Thursday, 6.30am-5pm Friday – Sunday
Where: 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin
Instagram: @sacrecoeur_patisserie
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski
We’re currently experiencing our very own version of winter here on the Gold Coast; slightly chilly temps, jackets for the first hour of the day and all of the snuggling under the doona for as long as possible.
It only lasts a little while but we’re all about making the most of it. While the beach time is on a hiatus we’ve compiled a list of fun things to do in winter on the Gold Coast.
We’re currently experiencing our very own version of winter here on the Gold Coast; slightly chilly temps, jackets for the first hour of the day and all of the snuggling under the doona for as long as possible.
It only lasts a little while but we’re all about making the most of it. While the beach time is on a hiatus we’ve compiled a list of fun things to do in winter on the Gold Coast.
Smack some golf balls
We love TopGolf all year round but the fact it’s indoors and comes with heaters (should you need them) plus a bar for inner warmth is a winter bonus. There are also actual golf courses if you’re brave enough to get out in the weather. We can’t go past Putt Putt Mermaid Beach’s new neon glow balls for a bright addition to our night time putting! Whacking balls makes you warm. As do bulk beers afterwards.
Create something cute
There are so many little creative nooks popping up all over the Gold Coast of late, meaning many options for making things and keeping your hands warm at the same time. Hands-on workshops are where it’s at friends. From pottery making to paint and sip classes, knit your own winter woollies and macramé, all of the things are on offer. The Craft Parlour has a vast array of workshops to satisfy all your creative desires.
Treat yourself to some pampering
Getting all cosy on a massage table sounds like the perfect way to warm up. We are spoilt for choice when it comes to day spas, the most recent of which is Chuan Spa at The Langham, Gold Coast, which delivers luxury wellness in spades. Personally, we can never resist a good Vichy Shower experience, offered at eforea spa and One Spa. Soak Bathhouse is offering a Soak and Sound night every Wednesday night through winter. Inspired by ‘Après Ski’ outdoor hot springs in the snow, Soak will feature calming live music from local musicians and serve up hot drinks from 5pm – 8pm. Treat yo’self for warmth and also pampering purposes.
Eat and drink things
It goes without saying that the Gold Coast is top-notch foodie destination with stellar new venues popping up every single week. Recently we’ve had a new Italian, coffee shop, rooftop bar, hidden laneway bar, a vegetarian sandwich shop and a tapas house. You name it, it has opened on the Gold Coast this year. when it comes to eating nothing screams winter like a Sunday Roast, and The Island has you covered on that front with their new Sunday Roast Revival launching in early July. Eating and drinking can certainly be indoor activities so you’ll be warm and full of goodness. Win, win.
See a show
Not just a foodie destination, we’re also chokkas full of culture. And yes, that is a reference to The Castle. Pops Masters may be over but the HOTA Gallery is worth a visit any day of the week and Archie 100, an exhibition celebrating 100 years of Archibald Prize is opening in mid-July. Award winning musical Once is hitting HOTA this weekend and Billy Elliot is set to hit The Star in early July. Check out our What’s On page to keep up to date with everything going on.
Release your inner child
Perhaps the very best way to warm up is to forget you’re an adult with responsibilities and a reputation to uphold (boring) and just let loose doing kid-type things. There is a whole lot going on in Surfers Paradise including locking yourself in rooms and attempting to escape, dancing amongst holograms, bowling, air hockey, jungle gyms, you name it. Check out some favourites here. If you’re raging about the colder weather (or just life in general) you can release that pent up frustration at Rage Cage Southport. Work up a sweat while armed with a sledgehammer!
Escape
Look in all honesty, leaving the Coast probably won’t make you warmer but it will give you something to do to take your mind off the chilliness. We’re so very lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world and even luckier that there are more beautiful places right on our doorstep. Mt Tamborine has some beautiful wineries, breweries, a top notch bakery, rainforests, day hikes, anything and everything you could possibly want. It’s all good.
Happy wintering.
Words by Belinda Symons.
