Whether it’s time to tame that boisterous bob, freshen up those limp locks or you’re craving a complete makeover for your mane, there are few names trusted as implicitly as Surfers Paradise’s innovative icon, Chameleon New Age Salon.

Renowned for its unparalleled customer service and transformative hair experiences, our very own home-grown hair haven will soon also be able to claim bragging rights as the largest and best salon in, not only the state – but the entire nation. Hold. The. Foam! Currently in the throes of an impressive transformation of its own, the Chameleon crew is gearing up to unveil an expansion that’s set to redefine the Australian salon landscape.

Dishing up an experience as dynamic as the captivatingly colourful ‘do’s they’re synonymous with, a trip to Chameleon New Age Salon has long been known as anything but your average salon zhuzh up. A sanctuary for the mind, body and soul tucked just off the bustling Surfers Paradise Blvd strip, the enigmatic hair lair is lauded among locals for its unique, holistic approach to feeling fab from our follicles to our toes. At Chameleon, the multi-talented and highly awarded team offer so much more than unmatched colouring, cutting and styling smarts – with bespoke wellness services from tailored massage to tarot readings commonly offered alongside the cutting-edge hair treatments.

Opting to swallow the former yoga studio space upstairs (for now!), come April the vibrant super venue will be operating across 2 levels, with a sprawling 600m2 footprint that will allow the Chameleon crew to better meet the demand of their devotees.

Never one to do things by halves, tress trailblazer and Chameleon founder Bromwyn Corrigan now has set her sights on throwing an epic, community-minded Cut-A-Thon to coincide with the venue’s exciting new era. To mark the momentous achievement, Chameleon will be celebrating with a community Cut-A-Thon on Saturday April 20th in a show of appreciation for the ‘wonderful Surfers Paradise community who have supported us for the last 9 years’. Partnering with Friends of Parks QLD, the proceeds of Chameleon’s charitable hair affair will go toward the enhancement of protected areas and parks across Queensland… and who among us is not absolutely buzzed about supporting local conservation efforts.

Punters will be looking fine and feeling even better, with Chameleon’s scissor-wielding wizards on the tools from 2pm–5pm, doling out charitable cuts and barbering by donation-only for the duration of the epic extravaganza. They’re also firing up the barbie with a sausage sizzle to boot – and surely a community-minded snag goes down even sweeter than a democracy sausage any day of the week.

The only requirement to participate in the cut-a-palooza is to come with clean and dry hair, with the proceedings operating on a first-come, first-served basis.

So what say you, Gold Coasters? If you fancy contributing to a cause that matters grab some mates, scrape together some moolah, get down early and score a glow up of your own in the process. Sounds like a sweet deal to us.

Where: 3171 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
When: Cut-A-Thon event, 2pm–5pm, Saturday April 20th

Words by Kellie Leader.

STORY SPONSORED BY CHAMELEON NEW AGE HAIR SALON

After a long day in the surf, there is nothing we want more than an ice-cold acai bowl to cool down and refuel. I guess you could say it’s an acai for sore eyes – see what we did there?

Okay, but does anyone really remember life before acai? That delicious little berry from the Amazon has been a breakfast, lunch and snack staple for Gold Coasters for years and because we take our jobs very seriously, we’ve done the heavy lifting (see: eating) so that you can kick back and chow down. Don’t mind us while we add acai aficionado to our resumé.

Cardamom Pod
Maybe some of the most instagrammable bowls on the GC, Cardamom Pod’s bowls are truly a work of art. Loaded with colourful toppings and flavours like mango mousse, blue spirulina crème and a protein ball, the colourful mermaid tail finisher makes it feel almost too pretty to eat… Almost.
Where: 3/3 Brolga Ave, Southport

Blendlove
If you’re in search of acai perfection, look no further than Blendlove in Southport. The team behind this plant-based haven have been mastering the art of the perfect bowl for years and no surprise, it’s one of our faves on the Coast. Top yours with seasonal fruit, flaked coconut buckinis and it’s like summer in a bowl.
Where: 1/253 Ferry Road, Southport

Yo-Chi
You probably already know them for their frozen yoghurt and if you don’t, then where have you been, honestly? Now they’re swirling up acai at both their Gold Coast locations and want to know what the best part is? You can swirl as little or as much as your tum desires AND build your perfect bowl with all of the iconic Yo-Chi toppings you know and love.
Where: 11/3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise and 89 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Goji Granola Bar & Café
Taking the classic acai bowl to a whole new level, Goji Granola Bar is the place where locals flock and celebreties are spotted when visiting our beachside haven. Anything but your average acai bowl, Goji’s signature Coco Fluff vegan ice cream is the hero topper of course with flavours changing weekly. Add fruit for something fresh or a churro if you’re keen to indulge.
Where: 7/60 Santa Cruz Boulevard, Clear Island Waters

Little Mermaid
This corner-side hangout spot has long been the locals’ favourite place to grab a coffee and a bite post-swim/surf – and it’s easy to see why. Dreamy décor and fantastic breakfast and lunchtime menus mean this is the kind of place you want to visit on the regular with salty hair and sand between your toes.
The pick: Get the Beach Lover Acai Bowl and don’t look back! All of the bright and zesty additions you’d expect but with a healthy dollop of peanut butter as its crown of glory.
Where: 2557 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Oakberry
Okay, so you know it’s going to be good when they literally only make acai. Popping up all over the Coast, Oakberry has locations in all your favourite spots, so a bowl is never far away. What do we love most about the Oakberry acai bowl, you ask? Probably that no two are the same. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure vibe with bulk flavours, textures and toppings to create your custom flavour. We’re also low-key big fans of the fact that they come in cup-size containers too. No more praying your acai bowl won’t spill in the car on the drive home.
Where: Pretty much everywhere – Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads, BSKT at Nobby Beach, Broadbeach, Pacific Fair, Coolangatta, The Pines, Robina and Paradise Point

Sunkist
The newest addition to the acai scene, Sunkist Eatery has recently joined the fold at The Oxley and they’re serving up bowls until 5pm. Yes, you read that right. Bowls until 5pm because apparently they’ve felt our pain of having a mean craving in the arvo with no one to save us. Their signature bowl has all the goodies you want to create an epic bowl – think fresh fruit from the Oxley Grocer, crunchy granola and a drizzle of honey.
Where: The Oxley, 17-19 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach

Nobbys Shack
As classic as they come, Nobbys Shack has the traditional acai combo you know and love or another with a cheeky twist. Try the Jungle Bowl for a tropical flavour sensation with acai, cupuacu, banana and coconut water topped with museli, coconut, banana and fresh fruit – tastes like summer in a bowl.
Where: 2241 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

Tugun Fruit and Flowers
Your one-stop-shop for all the significant essentials you need, and of course, some pretty darn good acai bowls! Whilst you wait for the bowl of your dreams, you can grab yourself some super fresh fruit, a candle or two, or even an epic-looking dried flower arrangement to spruce up a space at home.
The pick: The Choc Acai Bowl for us – this overflowing bowl is blended with raw cacao and almond milk and is topped with ALL of the seasonal fruit imaginable.
Where: 4/467 Golden Four Drive, Tugun

Niche & Co
You could say this superfood café have found their niche, think healthy food, good vibes and acai bowls that are anything but average. Our flavour of choice? The Snickers Acai Bowl for the perfect blend of fresh and full of flavour, it’s served with vegan granola, coyo salted caramel mousse, cacao nibs, house peanut butter, activated choc buckinis and salted caramel – it’s almost too good to believe it’s good for you!
Where: 4/449 Golden Four Drive, Tugun

The Salt Mill
If you like big bowls and you cannot lie or you’re a southern Gold Coaster looking for your acai fix then you really don’t need to look further than The Salt Mill. Located in the perfect spot in Currumbin for you to pop in post swim and cool down with a bowl of icy goodness, all while soaking in epic beach front views – yes please!  Trust us when we say the bowls are BIG, they’re loaded with crunchy goodness, fresh berries and passionfruit , plus a scoop of peanut butter if that tickles your fancy.
Where: 784 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.

If there’s one place on the Gold Coast where you can shop till you drop, eat your body weight in quality nosh, do some srsly cool stuff, and wander amongst stunning natural parklands, it’s Robina.  There’s also a hospital, a train station and a sports stadium, one of which is exciting enough to make our list (hint; it’s not the hospital or the train station).

In honour of this central GC gem, we’ve compiled a list of 14 reasons why Robina peeps love their ‘burb, and why wider GC locals travel en masse to experience all it has to offer.

Pasta Emporium
With their Euro background and extensive experience in the food industry, mum and daughter duo Natalie and Sonia have created an artisan pasta boutique store like no other. Made with a high-quality durum wheat semolina (rich in fibre, protein, vitamin B and also digestion friendly), their fresh-as pasta can be paired with a selection of nasty-free slow cooked sauces. The.Best!
Where: Easy T Centre, 514 Christine Avenue, Robina

Palmer Golf Course
Carved out of 65 hectares of native woodlands with fairways lined by towering gum trees, this uniquely designed course is in the top 30 resort courses in the country #noice. A 6078-meter, 18-hole, Par 71 championship golf course (Aust Course Rating 72) designed by the Marsh / Watson team, its rolling fairways, manicured greens, towering eucalyptus and natural water course make it a local and visitor fave.
Where: Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina

Zone Bowling / Timezone
This dual-branded entertainment venue is an uber-exciting entertainment experience, combining Zone Bowling and Timezone in one renovated super space. Perfect for a birthday of any vintage and for corporate functions, you’ll find ten pin bowling, the latest arcade games, a laser tag arena with a ‘futurism/apocalyptic robots’ theme, and super fun spin zone bumper cars (coming later this year). Just yay!!!
Where: Robina Town Centre, 1 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

My French Pastries
A venue called My French Pastries needs no introduction but since it’s amongst the cream of the crop here on the GC, we’ll give them one anyway. Jen and Antonio Marchesi have created something really spesh with French pastries made from scratch. Think key lime Chantilly, lemon meringue, blueberry and chocolate tarts, and if you’re not salivating, you must be unwell. A special shout-out must go to the scrumptious savoury goodies, providing a well-rounded experience for your tastebuds.
Where: Robina Quays Shopping Centre, 5/361 Robina Parkway, Robina

Eddy + Wolff
The trendiest of the Robina bunch, Eddy + Wolff opened in early 2019 bringing exceptional, modern Asian eats to the people. It’s a sleek, 22-seat venue serving up ten-outta-ten eats, just like it’s northern brother from the same mother, Can Tho Kitchen at Runaway Bay. The menu features BBQ-style dishes, snacks, larger plates and sides, all of which are designed to share and hail from Thao and Vien’s home country of Vietnam, China, Japan and Korea to name a few. The drinks list is tight and perfectly curated to match the food with an unmissable lemon sake. An absolute fave.
Where: 44 Commerce Drive, Robina 

The Kitchens
Fact; foodie marketplace-style situations are one of life’s greatest gifts. The Kitchens is precisely that, with an array of exceptional venues all in the one beautifully appointed area. Think tasty teppanyaki, big ‘ole burgers, a vegan foodie venue and even a craft beer bar offering delicious eats to name a few. There is more choice here than you can poke a stick at and bonus; it’s attached to one of the region’s best shopping centres #UnicornsDoExist.
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina 

El Camino Cantina
A good time Mexi-joint at Robina Town Centre, what’s not to love? Rocking one of the most colour-filled interiors you ever did see, a menu packed with family-friendly Mex-cellent eats, and frozen margaritas, it’s love at first sight/bite/sip. The legendary venue is one of seven Queensland restaurants, synonymous with funky neon signage, sweet sombreros, and an all-round winning ambience. Gather the crew and get on it.
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

CBUS Super Stadium
Home of our beloved Titans, CBUS Super Stadium is one of the best regional stadiums in Australia and it’s ours, all ours (insert wicked snigger). Not only do Gold Coasters spend their weekends cheering on the boys here, but we’ve also been lucky enough to watch A-league and international football games, the Nitro Circus, and the Rugby 7s as part of the Commonwealth Games. High five to CBUS for being our homegrown hub of sporting joy.
Where: Centreline Place, Robina

Robina Pavilion
A tried and tested (regularly. Very regularly….) favourite, Robina Pav features a sleek look’n’feel, dreamy deck overlooking the water, a specialised kids area, and plenty of good vibes. Boasting a menu packed with epic eats from woodfired pizzas to stacked burgers, it would be rude not to get involved with the impressive cocktail menu #IfWeMust. It’s the perfect spot for sun-soaked afternoon sessions with you posse.
Where: 229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina

Robina Parkway Dog Park
Obviously one for the locals with hairy mates but if you live further afield and have a furry friend in tow, we highly recommend. There are all kinds of fun things for your doggo to explore including tunnels and hurdles, and they’re bound to make a new buddy or two in the process. If you don’t have a pooch, get down there anyway and score free pats a-plenty #GoodForTheSoul.
Where: Lot 21, Robina Parkway, Robina

Parkway Coffee
Ahh Parkway Coffee how we love thee and your equally irresistible sibling Third Base in Palmy. Like its southern sister, this Robina crowd pleaser offers similar laidback community vibes, and also serves up the same level of tasty brunch eats. Their Reuban Toastie with beef pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, gherkins, and thousand island dressing on golden toasted sourdough is the perf example of Parkway’s culinary prowess. Pair your feed with some quality time in the garden…and day made.
Where: Robina Quays, 361 Robina Parkway, Robina

Cheltenham Park
If open spaces and oodles of greenery, in the middle of a city no less, is your thing (yes please), Cheltenham Park is the business. There are plenty of areas for the kids – human and fury – to run themselves ragged (#yeahmums!) bushwalking tracks, and big leafy trees to stretch out beneath with a picnic and your favourite people. Perfect for escaping the rat race without chewing through the petrol in search of a tree change.
Where: Cheltenham Drive, Robina 

The Sporting Globe
The spacious, sports-themed bar and restaurant made a big splash on Robina Town Centre when it first moved in and continues to do so in 2023. Within The Sporting Globe there are no less than 50 high definition screens including two 5m2 screens and a nine-screen video wall, so yeah nah, you’re not missing a single second of the action. They’re also serving up perfect sport-watching food, frosty bronsons galore, and an all-round cracking good atmosphere. It’s a sure thing.
Where: The Promenade, Robina Town Centre, Robina

Alpine Indoor Climbing
Robina’s state-of-the-art climbing centre is positively R.A.D if you’re somewhat of an adrenalin junkie, or someone looking for a new sporty-spice-esk challenge. Alpine Indoor Climbing is a favourite amongst both professional and beginner climbers (including those lacking in coordination, AKA us). There are varying levels of challenges and you can go across, straight up, or anyway you like really, and there are cushioned pads underneath should you lose your grip. Good times.
Where: 86 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

Words by Bianca Trathen.