Mirror, mirror on the wall, where’s the coolest new bar of them all? Surfers Paradise of course.

The team that brought us IceBar have once again delivered with the Coast’s shiniest new watering hole opening doors, and if you thought IceBar was cool (see what we did there) then you’re in for a treat.

The only mirror bar of its kind in the world – yes, the world – and of course the bustling streets of Surfers Paradise are the perfect place to call home.

Say goodbye to dull date nights and book in with your better half or your bestie to the newest bar on the block, we guarantee you will see yourself having a drink here (literally).

If you’ve been looking to experience something like never before, stop looking – we’ve found the attraction just for you. If you’re partial to a mirror selfie (guilty) then you’ll be in content heaven, the hardest decision will be picking your fave angle – or surface – to pose and pout with your drink of choice.

At this point, we just think it’s a mirror-cle that there are geniuses out there still coming up with new venue concepts that we can’t get enough of.

Picture this: An entire space where you can escape for a little while and everything shimmers and shines, where the floor, ceiling, walls, and even the bar itself are all reflections of your fabulous self. Yes, you read that right – Mirror Bar Surfers is a mesmerising masterpiece where every surface reflects back at you, so you can catch a cheeky peek at yourself everywhere you look – we know you love it, we would too if we looked as good as you.

And don’t stress, it’s not the gin and tonic that has you seeing double (or triple), it’s the walls… and the floors, and the ceiling, and the bar, and the seats.

If you need some time to reflect, then a 45 minute session at Mirror Bar should do the trick. It’s shiny and chic – and not just because it’s new – the glassy walls make the space feel like the ultimate sensory experience, with even the tables and chairs giving you a chance to catch a glimpse of your reflection.

Now Mirror Bar Surfers isn’t just a feast for the eyes, it’s also a treat for those taste buds of yours. Their expert mixologists have crafted a menu of cocktails that are as delicious as they are Insta-worthy. From classic concoctions to innovative new flavour combos, there’s something for every palate.

But don’t get it twisted, Mirror Bar isn’t just for the big kids because it would be rude for just the adults to have all the fun! Bring the kids and their cousins for a family fun day out, we guarantee they’ll have just as much fun sipping on their mocktail of choice and checking themselves out in one of the many mirrors.

It’s affordable fun for everyone – because we’re in a cost of living crisis ICYMI – with tickets just $45 for adults and $22 for kids aged between 4-17 years. And it’s event more affordable with our 10% discount coupon here. Prices include the signature attraction experience, plus a cocktail (or mocktail) to sit and sip. Cheers to seeing double at Mirror Bar!

Where: Cavill Lane, Level 1, 3113 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
When: 11am – 11pm daily
Website: www.mirrorbar.com.au
Instagram: @mirrorbarsurfers

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.

If you love to wine, dine and shop you’ll love Broadbeach. If you prefer to surf, laze in the sun or strut along beachfront esplanades, you’ll also love Broadbeach. From cult-followed cafes to shiny new eats, boujee bars and shopping boutiques, this burb’s an A-grade entertainer that shines bright in the eyes of locals and visitors alike.

There are many reasons locals – and Gold Coasters far and wide – love a bit of Broady, but here are 15 to get you started.

The Star Gold Coast
If ever there was a reason to call up the babysitter, it’s for a session at The Star. Here, you’re greeted with live music and a melange of premium food options- you won’t need to go anywhere else. Start with a few bevvies at the Atrium Bar before choosing your cuisine for the night. Will it be the fresh Garden Kitchen & Bar or the award-winning Cantonese at Uncle Su’s? Why not taste Tokyo right on the Gold Coast at Kiyomi, authentic Italian eats at Cucina Vivo or the ultimate buffet experience at Harvest Buffet? Or maybe you’re looking for the chic rooftop bar at Nineteen at The Star or a sneaky drink at the new look Veladora?
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
If you’re after a tried and tested, long-standing comedy cabaret, good ‘ole Dracs has been serving up frights, food and frivolity since we were all ankle-biters. Most people are sold when they hear there’s a ghost train alone, let alone the actual show, which changes every so often, so there’s always a reason to go back! Enjoy a quality 3-course dinner and a menu of magical and mystical cocktails and shots!
Where: Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach

Social Eating House + Bar
If you consider yourself a gastronome, then this Oracle Blvd darling is for you. Social serves modern Australian flavours in a casual meets fine dining setting. For this, they’ve secured more hats than a Milliner’s workshop and have just won 3 glasses at the 2024 Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards. This comes as no surprise with Executive Chef Matthew Jefferson in charge. With a recently refreshed menu (promised to please even the most refined palates), you’ll experience a carefully curated range of bar snacks, charcuterie, and small and large share plates featuring the finest Australian ingredients and paired to perfection.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Blues on Broadbeach
Unlike our other listings, this one’s not here 24/7. However, it’s that much of a Broady icon that it would be criminal not to throw it a mention. As the name suggests, it brings us world-class blues music and jazz from locals and famous acts alike, performing across multiple venues over four unforgettable days. And it’s free. When does that ever happen?!
Where: Various Broadbeach venues

Elk Espresso
This place has never met an empty table; it’s constantly bulging at the seams with raving fans. Of course, we are one of such fans. Just a hop, skip and a jump from the beach, the coffee is all-time, the menus are seasonal and heavenly, and they do a Boozy Bottomless Brunch. And sold!
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

The Oasis
It’s an everyday escape for locals, and one of our top shopping centres on the coast (for good reason). The Oasis is home to stunning fashion boutiques, and the number of fabulous eateries at hand is impressive in of itself. In addition to the ones we highlight in this article, we’re talking Mario’s, Madison’s Café and Patisserie, Spice Kitchen and Bar, and The Broadbeach Tavern, to name just a few. It’s a #OneStopShop.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Broadbeach Bowls Club
Ahhh, good old lawn bowls. The game that never fails to deliver a good time. If you’re looking for the best way to spend a chill arvo on the GC, it’s with a game of barefoot bowls, brew in hand at Broadbeach Bowls Club. When you’re finished, they have a full bistro menu waiting with big portions of all your go-to pub-grub meals. They also have a canape package perfect for a laid-back birthday or celebration.
Where: 169 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

kōst Bar & Grill
Just over a year old, yet kōst has already wriggled its way onto our hot list… sneaky bugger. Just kidding, they’re here for a reason, and credit is due! The contemporary style bar and grill is perfect for sophisticated sips, flame-grilled eats and boujee’ bar snacks’, all within a relaxed-luxury setting. Champagne with a side of caviar, anyone?
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach

No Name Lane
Well, if it isn’t No Name Lane making a name for themselves as Blake Lively’s favourite coffee. In her exact words “”the best coffee of her life”. We can attest to this, alongside the cafe’s cult local following. Not only are they adored for their cuppa, but their all-day breakfasts and gourmet lunches also go down a treat so if you haven’t been, remedy this immediately.
Where: 16 Charles Ave, Broadbeach

Kurrawa Surf Club
Ocean views don’t come any better than this. With legit THE most prime location, Kurrawa Surf Club has everything you’d want from a Surf Club…and more. With awesome regular members specials and fresh ingredients, there’s no such thing as a bad meal here. They host a trivia night and live music, and of course there’s the obligatory gaming lounge for those who like a flutter.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach

CHA CHA Japanese Restaurant
Gold Coasters have been CHA CHA bound for an authentic Japanese nosh-up which won’t break the bank for years, and that’s not about to change any time soon. The banquet menu is divine and every visit you’ll experience the same level of scrumptiousness. But the soy on the dim sum…it’s BYO and it’s hard to find an already affordable yet high-quality restaurant offering our 3 favourite letters. Score.
Where: 2705 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

Pacific Fair
This list wouldn’t be complete without mention of THE queen. Pacific Fair (aka Pac Fair) is any Gold Coasters first point of call when a new ensemble or therapy (retail or other) is required. It has every retailer you could possibly wish for, fabulous food options and indisputably the most gorgeous fit-out you’ve ever seen. Nothing rivals it.
Where: Gold Coast Hwy and Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach

Costa Taco
You bet we did a happy dance when news broke that our fav taqueria from Palm Beach had opened a third location in Broady (the second was Byron). For us, and many (most) Gold Coasters, it was a love at first bite. Costa Taco stole our taste buds with their authentic, flavour-filled eats and there was no turning back. And why would we? You would have to be coco to say no no to coconut margaritas?
Where: Cnr Armrick Ave and Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach

The Lamb Shop
In a pita shell, you’re getting bangin bar snacks and succulent souvlaki- what’s not to love? After a long day on Broadbeach beach (presumably), when you’re feeling sun-kissed and salt wrapped, is there anything better than biting into a tangy lamb-filled pita wrap to replenish exerted energy? No! The Lamb Shop’s entire menu is prepared in-house daily, using only fresh local produce, premium cuts and authentic grilling techniques. That’s why we love em!
Where: 1 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach

The Beach Hotel Broadbeach
There’s no better place to snag a seat and sink a beer (or a Golden Hour Sour) on a Saturday arvy than at the brand new The Beach Hotel in Broadbeach. The airy spaces and indoor-outdoor flow let the sea breeze carry through the beer garden into the public bar. The vibe is set to ‘summer chill’, eats are delish, sips are refreshing and every corner is designed for the perfect gathering with your pals. After some spirited fun, head inside Cora, a restaurant within The Beach Hotel, where fine dining and a laid-back atmosphere come together to deliver palate-pleasing Mediterranean-inspired bites and crisp, cool drinks. Don’t mind if we do.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

Somehow Easter is quickly closing in on us for another year – and we’d flat out refuse to accept this fact if it weren’t for the rows of foil-wrapped choccies and fresh-baked HCB’s have been gracing the shelves (and our bellies) for several weeks months now. Which means it’s time to get those long weekend plans locked and loaded – and who better than the GC’s very own designer playground, QT, to ensure our Easter is choc-a-block full of the good stuff: feasting, fun and festivities. From rugrat-approved egg decorating workshops to sumptuous market-fresh sashimi feasts, there’s truly something for every-bunny going down at QT this Easter. Srsly – this is one time keeping all your eggs in one basket is just good sense.

Easter High Tea at Fixx
If you’ve been ‘hunting’ high and low for a decadent and delightful way to celebrate this chocolate season Easter, look no further than a special edition Fixx High Tea experience available across the Easter long weekend. Hosted within the funky surrounds of Fixx cafe, the whimsical spread will be treated to an especially tempting Easter-inspired twist, which teases an indulgent sugar rush inspired by magical creatures from far off lands. As always, the QT pastry wizards know the way to our hearts – switching up the usual selection of exquisitely crafted pint-sized sweet and savoury treats, to include cameos from chocolate eggs and freshly baked hot cross buns for one wonderful weekend only. Pass the butter (and stretchy pants), please and thank you!

Shake and Create Kids Workshops at Fixx
Sugar-based shenanigans are not the only festive happenings at Fixx, with an egg-xtra special, egg decorating edition of their ever-popular school holiday workshops: ‘Shake and Create Kids: Easter Unleashed’ on offer for four days only. For only $25 per child, round up the rugrats to make some most egg-cellent mems on either Easter Saturday, or Wednesday 3rd April until Friday 5th April. As always spots are limited, so get cracking if you want to snag a spot. Stealing the glory for the fun points while outsourcing the food-based craft to a place other than our own kitchen? Priceless.

Easter at Bazaar
If you’re chasing a festive feast fit for the whole fam, Easter at Bazaar is where it’s at. The spectacular Bazaar spread and its curation of global flavours already has us in its clutches, so we are in awe that Executive Chef, Greg Benney and his kitchen brigade still manage to pull a rabbit or two out of their hats for occasions like these. Serving up an extra lush Easter Sunday brunch and Easter dinner from Good Friday through to Easter Monday, the superb spread comes complete with slow-cooked meats and perfectly-spiced fresh seafood along with oodles of otherworldly chocolate confections for the occasion. In addition to the famous, flowing chocolate fountain – fully stocked with all the dunkable and drizzle-worthy trimmings, of course – there’d be riots if not. Sugar rush, come at us!

Easter at Yamagen
Easter and overindulging is frankly, a foregone conclusion… *handshake emoji*. So, if you want to make each and every mouthful truly count, surrender yourself to the succulent Easter at Yamagen experience – for a fine dining style celebration where fresh seafood will steal the show. Set within the soft glow of neon lights at QT’s cosy, AGFG chef hat awarded dining destination, bask in elevated Japanese eats with a selection of the finest à la carte fare alongside a degustation style, fish-only omakase menu – handpicked by Executive Chef Adam Lane and his team of kitchen wizards. Don’t forget to check out the top shelf whisky selection while you’re there… special occasions are made for indulging, no?

Find out more on all of QT Gold Coast’s epic Easter happenings here.

Where: 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: Various dates/times across the Easter long weekend

Words by Kellie Leader.

STORY SPONSORED BY QT GOLD COAST