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Dance the night away at Surfers’ sweet, California-style cocktail bar

Duke’s Parlour is your new favourite drinking destination.

Duke's Parlour
Duke's Parlour

If there is one thing we love above all others, it is dancing the night away in a beautifully decked out bar with our gal pals by our side and a top notch cocktail in our hand. You too? Well get excited Gold Coasters, there’s a new kid in town and it’s the absolute perfect place for a night on the town that you won’t soon forget.

It’s called Duke’s Parlour and you’ve no doubt heard the name before. The bar opened at The Island Gold Coast a little while ago but as of the last few months, the space has had quite the revamp including a new look, new cocktails and a whole new vibe.

Duke's Parlour
Duke's Parlour

The look is a firm favourite, all California beach bungalow-style, charming and a little bit moody with a modern mid-century feel. If we could live there, we absolutely would. There are plush couches dotted throughout so you can kick up your feet, if you need a luxe little break from the dance floor.

The bar was named after the Hawaiian father of modern surfing, ‘The Duke’ Kahanamoku, he was one of the first (very brave) men to promote wave riding in Australia, so where better to honour him than our very own Surfers Paradise.

Duke's Parlour
Duke's Parlour

So what can you expect from the The Duke’s namesake? Well a lot to be honest.

There’s live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night which is perfect for those looking for a live music venue in the heart of Surfers (so everyone), not to mention an array of premium cocktails carefully curated by Tim Cerche, Duke’s clever venue manager.

The menu is filled with delightful tipples, all with a modern twist and of course, some innovative signature cocktails that you simply must sip.

First Date Flake, Duke's Parlour
First Date Flake, Duke's Parlour

In terms of classics, we HIGHLY recommend the London Calling with Beefeater Gin, Tio Pepe Fino Sherry, lemon juice, sugar syrup and orange bitters (divine right?) and the New York Sazerac with Martel vs. Woodford Reserve Rye, Peychauds bitters and sugar syrup because, punchy.

Signature sips-wise you must try Peanut Butter Jelly Time with Dead Man’s Fingers rum, Dead Man’s coconut, Tempus Fruit Crème de Banana, Peanut and Raspberry Syrup, half and half and pineapple juice, obviously. There’s also the Kickstart My Heart Jack Daniels, Jägermeister, Apricot Brandy, lemon, sugar and charcoal foam. So good.

Southside of Collins Street, Duke's Parlour
Southside of Collins Street, Duke's Parlour

Of course, there are MANY more on the list that are mandatory but we have to leave something to your imagination.

If an edgy but laidback bar experience is on your list of to dos (same), look no further than Duke’s Parlour, it’s the perfect spot to treat your eyes, and your dancing shoes, to a night of live music while indulging in some of the very best cocktails around.

Duke's Parlour
Duke's Parlour

We’re fairly confident you’re going to love it. We sure do.

LOCATION: The Island, 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
HOURS: 7pm to 1am Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, 7pm to 3am Friday and Saturday

STORY SPONSORED BY THE ISLAND GOLD COAST

Words by Kirra Smith. Photos supplied.

 

Aussie rock legends to headline Surfers Paradise music festival

Baby Animals

A little bit of rock and roll is good for the soul. So is a lot of rock and roll and just music in general really.

Which is probably the reason we Gold Coasters love a good music festival so much. Especially when that music festival takes place right here in our own sweet city and it promises the delightful sounds of some absolute rock gods to boot.

Surprise! Surfers Paradise LIVE is back guys and with it comes a lineup you absolutely won’t want to miss.

Yes friends, this year is set to be an absolute feast for your ears with Aussie rock legends Spiderbait, Jon Stevens and The Angels headlining a super-charged weekend of classic Aussie acts.

Not only those good times though, the much-loved local event is serving up one of its best ever line-ups with musos Vanessa Amorosi (love you), Mark Seymour and the Undertow, Baby Animals and Dragon to light up the main outdoor Beach Stage too.

Held from Thursday 30th April to Sunday 3rd May (which will probably be here in three days now that January is over), Surfers Paradise LIVE will announce even MORE epic headline acts over the next few weeks.

Honestly we could just die happy having Vanessa Amorosi help us relive our not-so-wild youth.

While the event is (and always has been) free, in 2020 there’ll be an option to purchase VIP passes guaranteeing exclusive front-of-stage access and the chance to meet all your faves.

First release VIP tickets will go live Tuesday 11 February for $79 per day or $199 for a three-day pass. Ticketed guests will have access to an exclusive LIVE bar at nominated times, as well as exclusive access to the front of stage area allowing for the ultimate viewing experience, the chance to mingle with artists, exclusive use of VIP toilets and access to watch all the LIVE music on a big screen if you’re in need of a break from the crowds (yes please).

Vanessa Amorosi (love you)

Talented local artists will bring live music to the streets of Surfers Paradise every day of the festival and the main events will unfold each evening on the Beach Stage near the iconic Surfers Paradise sign. More can also be seen at Cavill Mall Stage and at White Rhino’s Beach Hut Stage.

It’s going to be an absolute time Gold Coasters, make sure you get in quick to get your tickets or mark April in the calendar for some of that soul soothing music you absolutely need (same) in your life.

WHEN: Thursday 30th April to Sunday 3rd May 2020

Words by Kirra Smith

11 family-friendly restaurants in Surfers Paradise

Little Girl eating pizza (stock image)

Hoisting the kidlets into the back of the car to grab a feed can be a varied experience. And by varied, we mean #traumatic. But not at these Surfers Paradise restaurants which are tried and tested by many-a-small person, with a double thumbs-up both from kids and therefore, parentals.

Here’s our rundown on the glitter strip places to take the rug rats for a tanty/whinge-free meal.

Misono
If there’s one thing that’ll delight the kids (and the big kids), it’s teppanyaki! Situated in JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, Misono’s teppan experience brings an inescapable energy and thrill from the highly skilled teppan chef’s intricate knife work and interactive theatrics. Make sure you have your smart phones at the ready to capture every catch….or not (spillage is part of the fun). There’s also a live sushi bar to discover and psst mum and dad – there’s even a sneaky whisky bar for ‘ron!
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

 

Misono, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa (image supplied)
Misono, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa (image supplied)

Wahlburgers
Designed with good times in mind, the kids will go wild for Wahlburgers! The burger chain and sports bar baby of Hollywood superstars ‘Marky’ Mark, Donny, and the wider Wahlburg clan, expect high-quality, simple, down to earth eats! In addition to burgers there’s breakfast, salads, loaded sides, wings, calamari, dessert, shakes and spiders and so much more. It’ll give the whole family Good Vibrations!
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

TGI Fridays
Tasty American Burgers, good friends and good times. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, it’s always a recipe for smiley faces. Serving up your all your fave dishes from the US of A right off the grill, we’re talking starters to share, wings, fresh mex, burgers, wraps, salads, ribs, steaks, desserts and a cracking kid’s menu. I mean, who wouldn’t want to go to a place where it’s always Friday?
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

TGI Fridays, Surfers Paradise (image supplied)
TGI Fridays, Surfers Paradise (image supplied)

Steampunk
Kids will love the Victorian-era décor, friendly service and most importantly, wide variety of all the chow our small people dream of. The usual suspects like woodfired pizzas, loaded chips, burgers, steaks and ribs etc all make an appearance on the menu, plus there’s a kiddywinkle menu suitable for those up to 16. They’ll go loco for the supershakes and if you’re in a rush (isn’t EVERY parent), you can skip the queue and order via the app! Genius.
Where: 3113 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Longboards Laidback Eatery and Bar
If the kids are hungry, do not pass go, do not collect $200 – go to Longboards. One thing’s for sure, both you and your ankle-biters will leave choccas (no other meals required). The burgers here are legendary and dad, if you wanna impress the fam, give the 30 minute Phat Bastard Challenge a crack for your chance to win a $150 tab prize. There’s a kids menu to boot, plus $3 play packs to keep them entertained. Sold!
Where: Q1 Resort & Spa, Corner of Hamilton Avenue & Northcliffe Terrace, Surfers Paradise

El Camino Cantina, Paradise Centre, Surfers Paradise (image supplied)
El Camino Cantina, Paradise Centre, Surfers Paradise (image supplied)

El Camino Cantina
Mexican is the new Maccas in terms of universal appeal for kids, and El Camino is forever Mexcellent. Slinging tacos, nachos, loaded nachos, fajitas, wings and sombrero-filled party vibes, there’ll be no whinging whatsoever from the small folk. Head on down for $2 Taco Tuesdays, 10-cent Wing Wednesdays and half-price Fajita Thursdays. How spec-taco-ular!
Where: 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

BMD Northcliffe SLSC (image provided by Destination Gold Coast)
BMD Northcliffe SLSC (image provided by Destination Gold Coast)

BMD Northcliffe Surf Club
Ok, so we all know kids love surf clubs – especially award-winners like BMD Northcliffe. For a start, it’s absolute beachfront making a pre or post-meal dip super duper easy. There’s plenty of room in the spacious restaurant, filled with sunlight by day and boasting a magical outlook by night, a stunning deck, and one of the best surf club menus you’ll ever find. All Little Nipper meals come with a small soft drink and a gelato. Winning!
Where: 51 Garfield Terrace, Surfers Paradise

Vapiano Restaurant (image provided by Destination Gold Coast)
Vapiano Restaurant (image provided by Destination Gold Coast)

Vapiano
Vapiano is Italian for kid-foody-heaven and whilst that’s a fib, it still rings true. We dare you to find a kiddo (and parent for that matter…#Don’tTellThePT) who doesn’t love a meaty, hearty pasta or a palette-pleasing pizza and yeah, nah, it’s not possible. Choose from the kids’ menu or the standard menu for small people with a BIG appetite! This is no impasta friends.
Where: Soul Boardwalk, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Hogs Breath Café
The very pinnacle of family-orientated eating venues has to be the original and much-loved Hogs Breath Café. You’ll find consistently yummy and unassuming food served up in a friendly atmosphere, setting the benchmark high for other family restaurants to follow. Your little ones will be loving life with their own (sizeable) Hogster’s Kids Menu, which offers uncompromised value for money as each dish comes with its own drink and even dessert. Sorted!
Where: Soul, Building T2/9 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Hogs Breath Restaurant (image supplied)
Hogs Breath Restaurant (image supplied)

Crazy Cat Café
This cute setup is the purrfect place to drop by for an afternoon pit stop and, of course, to mingle with some feline friends. Apart from a mob of the friendliest cats you ever did meet, the hefty café style menu offers a host of appetising treats to boot. Worth noting is the venue’s setup which also has a separate section for those who want to witness the cats at paw’s length – a great option for the kiddies who need a slow introduction to the furry ones.
Where: 3131 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Pancakes on the Rocks
There is no mistaking; pancakes are a good time, every time, particularly when they’re being pumped out of specialty restaurant, Pancakes on the Rocks. Based in the heart of Surfers Paradise, they are a dead-set family vibe. All about family dining, you can’t go wrong with the obvs (pancakes), plus there are pizzas, salads, crepes, and the now famous beef and pork ribs. Littlies will adore this joint. Cross our hearts.
Where: 31 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Words by Bianca Trathen.

Kids Pancakes at Pancakes on the Rocks (image supplied)
Kids Pancakes at Pancakes on the Rocks (image supplied)

10 must-dine Surfers Paradise restaurants

Citrique Seafood offerings, JW Marriott Gold Coast (image supplied)
Citrique Seafood offerings, JW Marriott Gold Coast (image supplied)

Surfers Paradise offers a lot more than just beaches, bikini-clad tourists and nightclubs. The eats scene has really taken off in recent years with locals rediscovering this hub for quality nosheries. It’s a melting pot for different cuisines and eats styles, so whether you’re after a casual, relaxed meal or something fancy-pants boasting award-winning chefs and hats, Surfers has you covered.

Here are 13 must-dine spots in our city’s most famous location, so you have somewhere new to try every day/night for exactly two weeks. And…go!

Citrique
Famed for its breakfast buffet, weekend long lunch, award-winning seafood market experience buffet, and exciting Modern Australian a la carte dishes, Citrique and Executive Chef Paul Smart serves up the ultimate fine dining experience. #HereForIt! Calling the beautiful JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa home, you would expect nothing less from this five-star favourite!
Our pick: Anything seafood!
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

BOBs Beer (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)
BOBs Beer (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)

BOBs Beer
BOBs Beer is Surfers Paradise’s first and only brewery and is the perfect stop for a relaxing amber ale and meal post-surf with your posse. The kitchen is under the expert guidance of Head Chef Nathan Dennard, and trust us when we say you are in good hands! Oh and fun fact: BOBs Beer is an acronym for Best of Beers. Cue the “ah-haaaa’s”.
Our pick: Bannockburn chicken
Where: 10/2 Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

The Langham
The brand new super-luxe GC hotel ‘it girl’ The Langham serves up the finest cuisine from the East and the West. Get your posh on and enjoy The Langham Afternoon Tea at Palm Court, and the finest meat, fish and poultry at Akoya. We’re counting down till the opening of T’Ang Court, the hotel group’s signature Michelin-starred destination for fine Cantonese Dining. You had us at Langham.
Our pick: The Langham Afternoon Tea at Palm Court
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise

Palette interior at HOTA Gallery (image supplied)
Palette interior at HOTA Gallery (image supplied)

Palette
With The Australian Good Food Guide awarding Palette 14 points and two chef’s hats, need we say more?! Situated in the stunning HOTA Gallery, Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law draws inspo from the artworks and exhibitions to show just how naturally art and food blend. There’s also a five-star menu for the plant-based folk, which is good enough to turn even the staunchest meat lover.
Our pick: Lady Musgrave Island Swordfish
Where: HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Shiraz Persian Restaurant & Bar
Team Shiraz have given their newest location a major face-lift, with a completely new white and teal aesthetic fitted with over 200 seats, including interior and alfresco dining areas. Enjoy authentic Persian-style entrees, kebabs, lamb shanks, marinated lamb cutlets, chicken skewers, baklava, tiramisu and much more, with vegetarian options also available. Cue the drool.
Our pick: Shishlik
Where: Mantra Wings, 2893 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise

Shiraz Persian Restaurant & Bar exterior (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)
Shiraz Persian Restaurant & Bar exterior (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)

Pancakes on the Rocks
Who could eat pancakes for breakfast, lunch and dinner and the answer is everyone. It’s not all about pancakes though, with sweet and savoury crepes, salads, pizzas and their famous beef and pork ribs. They also do a drool-worthy ice-cream soda so warning, the kids will be buzzing on sugar for at least 48 hours but #WorthIt. Tried and tested – on repeat….
Our pick: Lemon Meringue Pancakes
Where: 4 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise Beer Garden
It’s the heart and soul of Surfers and it just keeps on getting better. Notorious for its fresh menu and beer towers, it continues to cook up flavour-filled goodness with local seafood, meaty pizzas, pub classics and more.  Add the nostalgia factor with the infamous ‘adults playground’ offering Jenga, Connect Four, Foot-Pool, Shufl and more, and it’s the obvious choice to work on your ‘six-pack’.
Our pick: Chicken Parmi
Where: Paradise Centre, Corner Cavill Avenue and Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

The Island Rooftop (image supplied)
The Island Rooftop (image supplied)

The Island Gold Coast
Goldie’s at The Island has gained quite the following with its impressive burgers, seafood, steaks, wood oven pizzas, fresh locally sourced produce, and off-the-chart good cocktails. And, why not pop up to The Island Rooftop Bar for views of the stunning Gold Coast skyline, plus a range of delicious cocktails, share platters and more wood-fired pizzas. The perfect spot to spend the day. Yes please!
Our pick: Italian Sausage Wood Oven Pizza
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Seascape Restaurant + Bar
Perched above the hustle of the Surfers Paradise Esplanade, Seascape offers a multi-level venue with a chic Bistro and Bar and a fine dining restaurant, both with amazing ocean views. For those serious about their seafood (us), this is THE place for o-fish-ally the best eats from our pristine waters. If you have something to celebrate in the warmer months, book The Rooftop…you can thank us later.
Our pick: Lobster and Blue Spanner Carb Lasagne
Where: Level 1 & 2, Soul Boardwalk, The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Seascape Restaurant & Bar (image supplied)
Seascape Restaurant & Bar (image supplied)

Yamagen Japanese Izakaya
Tucked away in the QT, this is new generation Japanese for the discerning diner. Executive Chef Adam Lane brings a tantalising Omakase experience, offset by a whisky list filled with the most refined Japanese distillery drops, and an incredible sake selection. The glossy enamel black finishes frame the venue’s eye-catching details which scream “insta me”.
Our pick: Sushi and Sashimi Platter
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Words by Bianca Trathen.

Yamagen Japanese Izakaya (image supplied)
Yamagen Japanese Izakaya (image supplied)
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