Ahh the GC. There’s so much to love and don’t we know it. There’s the usual suspects; blissful beaches, heavenly hinterland, awesome attractions, and sunshine for days – 365(ish – give or take a dash of El Niño). Heck, even Margot Robbie grew up here and if that’s not a flex…

But there’s another reason why our hometown is the duck’s nuts and that’s the ever-growing festival and events culture. Leaning into this, City of Gold Coast supported by Live Music Australia (an Australian Government Initiative) has announced the ultimate FREE ticketless pop-up music event, Sundown. Celebrating our homegrown muso’s, Sundown is coming to Southport on Saturday 25 May and yep, it’s a no-brainer for us.

Is this a family event? Yes. A Gen Z, Gen Y, and a boomer event? Yes, yes, and more yes, so grab your granny, partner, besties, and ankle-biters and get ready for a variety of music taking you from arvo to evening. Add a generous helping of tasty eats, sensational sips from Carafe Wines and Young Henry’s, colourful art, AND markets, and you’ll have memories to last a lifetime.

Kicking off in Nerang Street from 2pm, the live music line-up is lit, starting with headliners The Rions and Hope D.

If The Rions are good enough for Sam Worthington to express his heartfelt love for their tunes, then #sold. Citing influence from Arctic Monkeys, Dayglow and The Beatles, they’ve carved out their own sound scoring some 13 million streams worldwide and yes, we said million. Their catalogue includes the Unearthed High winning ‘Night Light’, ‘Anakin’, ‘Disassociation’, ‘Sadie’, ‘Head Still Hurts’ and ‘Halfway Out’, and we are all-the-way-in to see them live and loud at Sundown.

Brissie singer/songwriter and indie pop/rock powerhouse Hope D couldn’t be more ‘headline act’ worthy if she tried. Performing at several festivals including Splendour in the Grass to a legion of fans, she’s supported Boy & Bear at Fortitude Music Hall, co-wrote with close pal G-Flip, and taken out Queensland Music Awards in 2020 and 2021.

Another must-see is indie-pop siren and two x 2024 QMA winner Jem Cassar-Daley. Named ‘the star to watch’ last year by the Queensland Sunday Mail, has taken centre stage with Thelma Plum and sounds like the love child of Missy Higgins, Angus and Julia Stone, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Phoebe Bridgers.

Other equally epic acts include singer/songwriter and producer Lyric, who recently took home two coveted awards at the Gold Coast Music Awards, and opened the mainstage of the SPRINGTIME Festival. Described as a cross between Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eilish, she’s basically a musical Pegasus.

Also appearing is Buttered, as well as Chutney and no, we’re not listing off condiments. Buttered, formed by duo Scott Dalton and Jackson James Smith, took out Breakout Artist of the Year at the Gold Coast Music Awards in 2022, they’ve had audiences in a chokehold with their soulful sorcery at the likes of Bluesfest and Hidden Lanes.

Sounds from Chutney are spicy, hot, and saucy – just like, well, chutney. Mixing world music with a dash of klezmer, a splash of funk, some middle eastern vibes, not to mention shmultz and the odd blues nod, this awesome foursome is a true treat for your ears. Up the Chut!

And if you’ve been to a supersized event with a cracking DJ, chances are it was Cory Hotline. Forever a crowd favourite, he’s set to do what he does best and that’s spin a kaleidoscope of bangers to get everybody shaking what their mama gave them.

Not ready to go home when the event winds up? Good, you don’t have to, because the many OG live music venues in Southport are ready and waiting to pick up right where Sundown left off.

So block out your calendars and go here for more info, or check it out on FB.

Where: 7 Nerang Street, Southport
When: 2pm – 8.30pm Saturday 25 May

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY CITY OF GOLD COAST.

Is it just us, or does Gold Coast life go perfectly with a barbie? And no, we’re not referring to the plastic blonde haired variety (also, we kind of are…), but rather the beer in one hand, snag in the other kind. With over 380 public BBQs in our region, that’s one for precisely every day of the year + 15 days and challenge accepted!

Here are 12 idyllic spots to meet your mates for a BBQ, outside of your very own back yard of course! Let’s take it from the north….

Tipplers
If you grew up on the GC, you’ve heard many-a-story about this place! The iconic Tipplers now offers a super relaxed atmosphere, epic camping, a fab café (#cocktailoclock), a playground, and of course, BBQ’s! Frolic on the sand, set up some beach cricket and eat BBQ tucker till your heart’s content. Find a friend with a boat or book a ferry and check.it.out!
Where: South Stradbroke Island

Bim’bimba Park
This five-hectare $7.5 million super park is a national award-winner. A destination in itself, they’ve thrown everything but the kitchen sink at this one. We’re talking shaded BBQ and picnic areas, an outdoor amphitheatre, an amazing playground, basketball half-court, skate ramps, outdoor table tennis, and three kilometres of walking and cycle paths. If you want a BBQ with no risk of boredom, Bim’bimba Park is a sure thang.
Where: Gainsborough Drive, Pimpama

Paradise Point Parklands
Anyone on the north side knows it well. It has something for everyone and selling points galore, with amazing views of the Broadwater topping the list. In addition to the sweet BBQ and picnic facilities, the epic playground areas are first class making it a family fave. Extending all the way along the esplanade, enjoy a scoot or a stroll along the picturesque walkway hugging the shoreline. Bliss.
Where: The Esplanade, Paradise Point

Hollindale Park
Home to the Main Beach Pavilion, Hollindale Park boasts beautiful grassy areas and lots of shade for long lunches – BBQ style! Right by the ocean, the sea breezes scream summer, and the views never fail to woo a crowd. With barbecues, picnic tables, picnic shelters and gazebo’s, there’s plenty of real estate, and the playground areas will keep the ankle biters entertained #happywifekidshappylife.
Where: MacArthur Parade, Main Beach

Broadwater Parklands
This spectacular precinct occupying three kilometres of vast natural beauty and exquisite Broadwater views has it all. There are busier areas if you’re after a Barbie with a vibe, or more private spots for intimate barbie feels. Pack your togs and take a dip in the netted swimming area, and let the kids rip on the jumping pillow, in the playgrounds, rockpools, and the interactive GC Aqua Park. It’s a ten out of ten.
Where: Marine Parade, Southport

Cascade Gardens
If chilled leafy BBQs by the river are your jam, Cascade Gardens nails the brief. With multiple BBQ and picnic areas, it’s a beautiful spot for a low-key, uber-relaxed barbie. Take a nature walk to burn off some snags and coleslaw, and let the mini-me’s run free in the playground. It’s also home to the Rotary Kokoda Memorial Wall and the Queensland Korean War Memorial to add a little history #lestweforget.
Where: Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

Kurrawa Pratten Park
Want a beachside BBQ spot with a side of large grassy areas to kick the footy? Same, and Kurrawa Pratten Park was born for this. It boasts a fully fenced playground promoting interactive play, pedal-powered monorail and G.I.A.N.T slides. Take a dip in the ocean before moving your posse over the road for a post barbie beverage at one of Broady’s many watering holes.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach

Evandale Park, HOTA
HOTA, how we love thee. In addition to culture in spades, you bring us Evandale Park. With plenty of BBQ and picnic tables with stunning Nerang River views, you’re sure to find a spot surrounded by beautiful towering greenery and a gated playground. There’s even an enclosed swimming, perfect for those balmy summer barbies. Hot tip: Go on a Sunday AM for some pre-BBQ fun at the HOTA Markets.
Where: Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Mick Schamburg Park
Offering spectacular views from the north to the south, this ever-popular BBQ spot set atop Miami Headland is a showstopper. There are barbecues and picnic tables for your spread, and a playground next door for the kiddos to burn off some energy (yassss!). It’s ideal for catching up with your mates over a snag or ten, and reminding us how lucky we are to live in such a stellar part of the world.
Where: Kelly Avenue, Miami

Queen Elizabeth Park
Sandwiched between the foreshore of Greenmount Beach and Coolangatta’s retail and dining precinct, Queen Elizabeth Park is a local fave. There are lots of BBQs scattered throughout, with large green spaces, beautiful beach, and playground areas for the littlies. The infamous Greenmount Headland serves as a stunning backdrop, and don’t forget to pack the cricket set, skateboard and footy to up the fun factor.
Where: Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Laguna Park
A GC BBQ spot list would not be complete without this one. Kids legit go cray for the iconic pirate ship, slides, rockers, and pedal-powered monorail, all enclosed in a fully fenced area easily visible from the BBQ areas. Always choccas, Laguna Park overlooks a lake, and you can even bring your pooch to romp in the off-leash exercise area. Time your barbie with live music in the park…and happy days!
Where: Laguna Avenue, Palm Beach

Winders Park
If you fancy a pre or post BBQ kayak or stand-up paddle, Winders is a water sports fan’s utopia. Set alongside Currumbin Creek, take your pick from the many shaded picnic tables and barbie spots and let the kids run amok in the little playgrounds. There’s even a boat ramp in the park, so feel free to BYO vessel to lunch #boatsboatsboats.
Where:  Duringan Street, Currumbin

Words by Bianca Trathen.

Sure, there’s abs-olutely no shortage of ways to get fit on the GC – but what about when you don’t want to feel the burn on the ‘ole hip pocket too?

When it comes to keeping active on the cheap, of course you’ve got your beach, bush walks, stair runs & bike tracks – but what about when you’re craving something outside of the more obvious suspects? *Cue crickets*

If finding ways to get fit, flexible or sweaty on the GC has you coming up empty-handed in more ways than one, we’ve compiled some of the best free and (super) low-cost options to get that heart rate up without breaking the bank!

Oh, and we crunched the numbers – with five free options in the mix, you’ll even have enough change left over for a sneaky oat latte for your efforts #thankuslater

Yoga pants at the ready, y’all!

Pilates
Zen Soul Life

Zen Soul Life
If you’re yet to become a devotee of the all-over body workout that is Pilates, the free and affordable weekly community sessions run by Zen Soul Life make it easy to change that. Don’t let the appearance of the low-impact movements fool you, this deceptively challenging workout will have you building strength, improving flexibility and – our personal fave – relieving back pain (a must for all the desk workers among us!).
When: Free sessions held Monday 9.30 am (during school terms) or various days and times (Paradise Point)
Where: Zen Soul Life, Pacific Pines Community Hub or Paradise Point Parklands
Cost: Free* (Pacific Pines) or $10

Move Strong – on the Mat
A hybrid program with a Pilates feel, Move Strong on the Mat is based around complementary resistance training and cardio techniques, designed and led by an accredited exercise scientist. Created to enhance your balance, coordination, cardiovascular health and muscular strength – sign us up! And from only $4 entry, this f-ab class is really not a stretch either.
When: Move Thursday 9 am and 10.30 am, Friday 9.15 am
Where: In Motion Health and Fitness, Benowa, Paradise Point & Labrador
Cost: $4–5

A&H Group Fitness
With a time slot that makes it ideal to squeeze in before work, and a fun and interactive group based environment designed for all fitness levels, the only thing standing in your way to live, laugh, lunge will be your ability to ignore the seductive allure of the snooze button. Go get your fix of strength, cardio, boxing and functional fitness movements all in one. With HOTA hosting multiple classes across the week that cost no more than a fiver; our reasons not to get our keister along for a solid sweat sesh really are diddly-squat.
When: Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 6 am
Where: HOTA, Surfers Paradise.
Cost: $5

Dance
Lights Out and Dance
We all know the mood-boosting properties of a spontaneous dance sesh, so why not take it to the next level and get fit while you tear up the d-floor? Lights Out and Dance is an immersive free-movement dance experience so fun you’ll forget you’re even exercising. Held in the evening at two convenient GC locations, what better way to ‘shake it off’ after the day that was, than having an abs-olute blast while you dance your heart out in the dark!
When: Tuesday and Thursday at 7 pm
Where: Broadbeach Cultural Precinct, Broadbeach and Runaway Bay Youth Centre, Runaway Bay
Cost: $10 – bookings required

Yoga
This ‘Gentle Yin’ class is geared towards beginners, so the gentle movements will leave you feeling restored, rejuvenated and pose-itively put together no matter how manic your day has been! A combination of stretching, light isometric strength training and long holds at a restorative, slower pace. Glow on, get amongst it – your mind, body, and soul will thank you.
When: Tuesday at 4.30 pm
Where: Eleventh Avenue Community Space, Palm Beach
Cost: Free

For those of you a little further north, the savvy yoga sessions such as those hosted at various locations throughout Broadbeach may be a little more convenient for you. Designed to unify the body and mind, these open air classes are based around postures, movements and breath awareness while improving flexibility and strength. I really regret starting my day with that seaside yoga sesh – said no one ever.
When: Wednesday and Saturday (2 locations) 7 am
Where: Broadbeach Cultural Precinct, Kurrawa Park and Federation Park, Broadbeach
Cost: $5

Deep Water Running
For a cheap and cheerful workout that’ll really make a splash, get carried away with the benefits of deep water running! This low-impact workout option is ideal for people with injuries or limitations (but also, a great way to escape the humidity!) With beginner classes geared towards introducing you to the joy of combining cardio and for a full body workout and improving mobility without any worries about strain or injury.
When: Mudgeeraba – Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (times vary) and Nerang, Thursday at 9.45 am
Where: Mudgeeraba (various locations) and Nerang Aquatic Centre
Cost: $3–$5

Tai Chi
Be moved by the healing martial art techniques that Tai Chi has to offer. A qualified instructor will guide you through a series of breathing and stretching techniques to help promote harmony, improve mobility, and increase alertness. The beach-side proximity is an added bonus that makes this class a martial-ous way to start your day.
When: Thursday 8am
Where: Kurrawa, Broadbeach
Cost: Free

Running
Parkrun
Ready to run Forrest, run? Or perhaps you’d prefer a spot of power walking to start your weekend on the right foot (hey, if it’s good enough for Kath and Kim, it’s good enough for us). No matter your preferred pace, hit the pavement with this fun, friendly and free weekly 5k community park run event! Great for people of all fitness levels to get those steps up – walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it’s up to you!
When: Saturday 7 am
Where: There are stacks of Parkrun locations across the Gold Coast. Including, Tallowwood Park, Coomera, The Esplanade, Paradise Point, Hollingdale Park, Main Beach, HOTA, Surfers Paradise, Monaco St, Broadbeach Waters, Varsity Lakes, Varsity Lakes and Darcy Doyle Park, Mudgeeraba and Kirra.
Cost: Free – registration required

Community Run Clubs
If you’re looking for a little push to peel yourself outta bed and punch out a sneaky few dozen km before breakfast, a community run club is the one for you. Hedges Run Club and Unfit Run Club are just two of many groups across the Coast bringing sweaty, like-minded souls together to make early morning mems whilst moving their bods. Cardio with a side of camaraderie – sounds infinitely funner, no?
When & Where: Hedges Run Club – 5am Wednesdays (outside Rafikis), Unfit Run Club – Thursdays and Saturdays, check the insta for deets as routes change weekly
Cost: Free – registration required

Words by Kellie Leader