Coolangatta is our southernmost suburb and an uncomplicated little town. Apart from when in summer (and outside lockdowns), you can travel between two time zones — by simply crossing the street!

Time travelling aside, Coolangatta has long been loved for its laidback, beachside vibes and of course, pumping surf when the elements align and the swell fills in. These days, there is a multitude of reasons to visit other than amazing beaches and world-class waves. These include outstanding food venues, lively bars and a few other businesses worthy of your attention. So here are some worthy reasons for a nip into Cooly town.

Have a beachside coffee at Vanilla Lily
Quite possibly Coolangatta’s prettiest cafe, Vanilla Lily is serving up solid coffees and fresh eats in a beautiful setting opposite Greenmount Beach. Chill with the local community who love this hangout and enjoy the delectable fare. Our pick is the Avocado Toast with sliced radish, dried chilli flakes, pomegranate and drizzled with raw honey and lemon on a slice of sourdough.
Where: Shop 2, 110 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Drink a beer at the Coolangatta Hotel
The Cooly Hotel is an absolute must-do. This well-known bar is opposite the town’s main stretch of sand and is often the place folks find themselves towards the latter part of the day. The attractions are world-class live music and great vibes aplenty. Pull up a chair and make an afternoon of it with salt-licked breezes blowing and uninterrupted beach views.
Where: Corner Warner Street & Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Enjoy some good food at Choofas Smokehouse & Seafood
Conveniently located on the town’s main street, the guys at Choofas offer some exceptional fresh and cooked seafood alongside BBQ style smoked meats, ribs, buffalo wings, burgers, steak, chicken and salads able to fill all hungry-bellies. The BBQ smoked meats are rubbed with Choofas own dark dry rub, then cooked long and slow to ensure tenderness and flavour. Choofas Horn Bar is also stocked with over 60 top brand rums, otherwise enjoy a cold beer on tap while overlooking Coolangatta beach as the sun goes down.
Where: 150 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Grab a pie from the Coolangatta Pie Shop
This iconic Gold Coast pie shop has been around for over 50 years, so it’s no wonder they’re serving up some of the tastiest pies around. You can also get some outrightly delicious caramel slices while you’re at it. Perfect for a mid-morning fuel up or after a big afternoon session of surfing. Fun fact: they’re open 24 hours on weekends.
Where: 50 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Eat pizza at Francie’s Pizzeria
Francie’s is some of the best pizza you’ll ever sample, so without hesitation, it quickly became the local’s favourite pizza bar. As purely a walk-in and no reservations style venue, swing by ahead of the crowd for delicious and inventive toppings. Our pick is the Pears Brosnan: Gorgonzola, pear, Prosciutto, and Mozzarella. YUM.
Where: 2/102 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Take a stroll through The Strand
The Strand at Coolangatta is a great respite from all the action at the beach. Filled with all you retail needs (ALDI, Woolies etc), dining (the views from the upstairs restaurants are outstanding) and entertainment (hello Timezone and Cooly’s only cinema). Spend some time strolling around the boutique shops in the air-con; you’re sure to find something you love here.
Where: 72-80 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Scoop your way through all the flavours at Ottimo
Ottimo serves up great coffee and makes all of their moreish gelatos in-house, but why are their plethora of dazzling flavours so damn good? Likely because the owner and head gelato maker Davide is Italian and has studied for a diploma from the Gelato University of Carpigiani — we didn’t make this up, it’s true!
Where: 18/52 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Release your inner child at Timezone
Have the heavens opened up? Or are you simply up for a bit of fun? Timezone Coolangatta features full-sized bowling lanes, over 200 video games, dodgem cars and laser skirmish. Not just one for the kids!
Where: Level 1, 72-80 Marine Parade, The Strand, Coolangatta

Start your day with brekky at South East Espresso
A Cooly favourite for a tasty breakfast and excellent poured Paradox coffee, find South East Espresso tucked a block back from the majestic Rainbow Beach. It’s the ideal spot to satisfy those early morning hankerings, and if you fancy visiting again (which you will after a surf), they’re open for lunch too.
Where: 5 Dutton Street, Coolangatta

Indulge in an Italian feast at Little Cooly
Little Cooly is serving up some mind-blowing handmade pasta alongside a 100-strong Italian wine list that reads like a love letter to Italy itself. If it’s date night, look no further — and if you’re desperate for great pasta, well they have you covered on all bases. In an ode to the local area, dishes have been named after Gold Coast icons and suburbs and shine a light on local produce, for instance The Snapper Rocks features Tweed River prawns, mango, cashews and avocado or The Greenmount features Bangalow bacon, spicy chorizo, a fried egg and mozzarella.
Where: Level 1, Shop 120/72-80 Marine Parade, The Strand, Coolangatta

Get your art on at Maverick Hair & Art Studio
Pop into this tucked away gallery for a fabulous hair spruce up or to enjoy some fresh local art including that of Cooly local Byron Coathup. You’re sure to find sweet, locally designed souvenirs to take home. Your favourite local brand, The Undercurrent is stocked here too. Grab a Cooly tee to remember your time.
Where: First Floor, 1/17 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Take in the view at Greenmount Beach Surf Club
With unsurpassed views in a northerly direction, you can take in everything overlooking the spectacular Greenmount Beach right up to the skyline of Surfers Paradise and, on some days, beyond. If the surf is good, you can also be entertained by surfers as they jostle with each other and generally tear waves apart — the level here is high. Our favourite is an icy schooner in hand and an amber sunset: perfection.
Where: Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Eat a burger at Eddie’s Grub House.
Rock ‘n roll meets fried chicken, burgers and whiskey: does it get any better than that? Get a mouthful of naughty but nice American classics in this soul food dive bar. They regularly have live music and karaoke nights and are one of the best spots to catch up with mates before a night on the town.
Where: 171 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Shop local at Cooly’s Beachside Markets
On every second and fourth Sunday of the month, Queen Elizabeth Park comes alive with plenty of local traders selling anything from raw produce to clothing and accessories. The perfect place to take a stroll with a coffee in hand and the sun on your face — be prepared to spend some money.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Park, Coolangatta

Have a sunset cocktail at Moxy’s Rooftop Bar
This Griffith Street rooftop bar is always packed with sunset and weekend revellers sipping on cocktails living their best lives, and this should include you. Regular DJs and insta-worthy drinks mean this venue is a top place to see in the weekend or alternatively help you get over a hump day from hell. Either way, head upstairs and let the good times roll.
Where: 2/152-154 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

The Groundwater Country Music Festival is up us and our beloved Broadbeach is set to be one hectic hive of activity.

As you’d well know, dancing up a storm makes you hungry and thus, here we have a list of 8 beaut restaurants in the main Broadbeach precinct.

Harajuku Gyoza
A Japanese beer stadium and gyoza bar with plenty of good vibes. Choose from lots of gyoza varieties or a bigger meal if you’re extra hungry. Or both. Harajuku Gyoza is perfect for a quick tasty meal on the go with plenty of people watching opps.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre Mall, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach 

Elk Espresso
Home of some of the most epic, Insta-worthy breakfasts on the Gold Coast, Elk Espresso is a must visit. The Breakfast Gnocchi is where it’s at.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre Mall, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach 

Mamasan Kitchen and Bar
It’s modern Asian dining offering Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Thai dishes with a modern twist and it’s all absolutely delicious. As are the cocktails.
Where: The Oracle, Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach

Bavarian Bier Café
Mmm bier. This German gem is always a good time and with traditional food and quite the array of biers, you best pop it on your list.
Where: The Oracle, Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach 

Nahm Kitchen & Bar
The newest eatery on the scene is Nahm Kitchen & Bar at the Oasis Shopping Centre. Serving up some of the tastiest Thai food we’ve ever experienced, the crew is all about authentic eats with an Aussie twist. They’re contemporary, flavourful and paired perfectly with the venues carefully curated wine list. We absolutely loved the Three Flavours Crispy Fish with Barramundi fillets, lychee, pineapple, three flavours chilli sauce and coriander. YUM.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Broadbeach

The Loose Moose
This speak easy style establishment is a whiskey bar slash eatery offering some of the tastiest southern eats around. The Loose Moose does tasty hot dogs, buffalo wings, loaded fries, it’s all good.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre Mall, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach

Rivea Italian
Having recently relocated to Surf Pde, Rivea Italian is already a firm favourite. They’ve got all your authentic Italian needs covered. It’s absolutely incredible food from some of the best in the biz.
Where: 89 Surf Pde, Broadbeach

Social Eating House + Bar
Absolutely next-level eats, Social Eating House is one of the best there is. It’s casual fine dining with share plates the name of the game. They’re all taste sensations.
Where: The Oracle, Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach

Kurrawa Surf Club
With 180-degree ocean views and a huge menu filled with all the old faithfuls, the brand new Kurrawa Surf Club is a must-visit. There’s very cold beer there too.
Where: Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach

Words by Kirra Smith

Paradise calling… And by that, we mean Surfers Paradise of course. You might have thought it’s all just bikini and booze but there is so much more just waiting for you to rediscover. Whether you’ve been looking for something laid-back to take the whole fam to or something a little bit fancy for that date night you’ve been putting off, and of course, somewhere to have a cheeky beverage – Surfers has it all. Did we mention it’s beachside?

So we’ve done the leg work and found the 10 must-try spots for you to get the best feed in the heart of the Coast.

Citrique
It’s one of the Gold Coast’s most loved buffets, Citrique takes its reputation seriously. For real, its award-winning seafood buffet is the GOAT for a reason – think fresh prawns, oysters and lobster tails (did someone say boujee) alongside flavours of the world. If breakfast is more your vibe then you’re in luck because they’re dishing up all-you-can eat breakfast and weekend long lunches alongside their signature seafood feast. 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

The Langham
If feeling a bit fancy is on the menu then The Langham Gold Coast is the destination. Just as luxe as you’d expect the international hotel to be, The Langham can’t stop, won’t stop on delivering the finest food from the East and the West. Meticulously plated, T’ang Court is where precision meets passion with each dish a show of art for the ultimate Cantonese fine-dining affair. Dine beachfront while you treat yourself at Akoya or pop down to Palm Court for a spot of Afternoon Tea.
Our pick: The Langham’s iconic chef’s menu at T’ang Court
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise

Palette
Palette stormed onto the dining scene just a few short years ago and it’s been a fan favourite ever since. Located within the HOTA Gallery, this dining spot brings art to life with Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law using the Gallery’s exhibitions to inspire the decadent degustation menu. The award-winning restaurant has also modestly received Two Chef Hats from AGFG, which is reason enough for us to book a table already. Art you can eat? Yes please.
Our pick: Go all in on the Tasting Menu you absolutely won’t regret it
Where: HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Shiraz Persian Restaurant & Bar
Shiraz have been calling their Surfers Paradise corner home for a couple of years now, so I suppose you could say they’ve settled in well. The perfect spot whether you’re looking for a cute date night or somewhere to take the entire family, Shiraz’s incredibly chic interior is big enough (like, 200 seats big) for you to get your authentic Persian fix. Best enjoyed with their namesake’s Shiraz. Ps. If you don’t feel like cooking on a Monday (honestly, who does) then pop in for their BYO day – it would be rude not to.
Our pick: We can’t pick favourites, so go hard on the banquet, we say
Where: Mantra Wings, 2893 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise

The Island Gold Coast
This Island has long been a landmark of the Gold Coast and we think the reason locals and visitors on the Goldie love this place is in part thanks to an aptly named spot called, Goldies. With a huge lineup of foodie favourites from steak and seafood through to pizzas and parmy’s there’s something to satisfy everyone’s cravings. If you’re after a tipple then the Rooftop is the place to perch up with a Pina Colada in hand while you soak in the iconic Gold Coast skyline, we just love a dining destination that’s as vibrant as the city itself.
Our pick: Mare e Monti Pizza
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Yamagen Japanese Izakaya
Tucked away in the QT, this is new generation Japanese for the discerning diner. It’s modern fine dining in a way that ignites all of your senses while celebrating the best of authentic Japanese cuisine. Market fresh sashimi dishes are the hero of the menu, bringing the freshest fare and flavours together to be expertly paired with vast whisky list.
Our pick: Sashimi Moriawase for a taste of it all

Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

The Avenue
Everyone has a story from The Avenue, right? And for good reason. Where else can you go and literally spend all night long there. Pop in for a bite at the restaurant and stay for the vibes at the nightclub or one of the iconic drag shows. Live music venues are becoming harder and harder to find, but luckily for us The Avenue aka the home of live music is doing the heavy lifting so you can sip back and listen to sweet tunes every week.
Our pick: Crispy Pork Belly
Where: 3-15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Coast Beach Bar & Kitchen
There’s something about sipping back on a cocktail while you look at the ocean that just makes it taste that much sweeter. Fortunately for you, that view and those cocktails are accompanied by one of the best new additions to the restaurant scene. Coast Beach Bar & Kitchen brings the perfect balance of fancy food with a relaxed vibe, so you can soak up your surrounds while indulging on your choice of steak or seafood, or head out to the Terrace Bar for more relaxed bites.
Our pick: Kingfish Ceviche
Where: Ocean by Meriton – Level 1, 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Central Lounge
Something you might not know about us is that we love a lounge bar, so you bet we were fans of Central Lounge the moment those glorious doors opened. Massive cocktail list? Check. Epic easts? Check. R&B Sunday sessions? Check. We’ll go ahead and call that a trifecta. If you’ve been hunting for a stylish spot to sip cocktails and people watch, then this the place for you.
Our pick: Crab Linguine
Where: 8/27 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Driftwood Social
Driftwood Social, tucked just off Ferny Ave brings blissed-out, Miami pool club vibes to the banks of the Nerang River – and if it’s been a while between drinks, this secluded social spot is every bit as lush as you remember. A stacked menu is another real drawcard, and don’t be tempted to assume we’re talking basic bar bites here.
Our pick: Linguine Alla Vodka And Prawns
Where: 42 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.

Sport watching is a hungry time, particularly when there are 10 events happening in one day and you managed to score tickets to all of them.

So you can make the most of your spectating time (and not starve in the process) we’ve found some of the best restaurants near the major northern Commonwealth games venues.

Coomera Indoor Sports Centre
(gymnastics and netball)

The Boathouse Tavern
A family-friendly bar and grill with all your favourites including burgers, salads, pizza and of course, seafood platters five minutes walk from the sports centre.
Where: 101 Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera

The Galley
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and with a beautiful deck overlooking the marina, The Galley is the perfect spot to relax, soak up the sunshine and escape the crowds.
Where: 200 Beattie Road, Coomera

Manhattan on Hope
Something a little bit fancy about 10 minutes drive away, Manhattan on Hope is a fine dining venue for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Treat yourself to something special while enjoying views of the Hope Island marina.
Where: Shop 18, 10 Santa Barbara Rd, Hope Island

NightQuarter
A short ten-minute drive down the motorway is the Coast’s beloved night market and entertainment venue, NightQuarter. Throughout the Games a ten day festival will showcase street food style restaurants and live music.
Where: 1 Town Centre Drive, Helensvale

Optus Aquatic Centre and Southport Broadwater Parklands
(swimming, diving)

Mr PP’s Deli & Rooftop Bar
A relative newbie on the Southport scene, Mr PP’s offers all the delicious eats, sweet cocktails (and cocktail jugs) and view over the city of SoPo. There’s also a deli downstairs for takeaway goodies and a café next door for exceptional coffee.
Where: 43 Nerang Street, Southport

Randy Wallhole
Bagels, coffee and good vibes are what you’ll find in the heart of Southport at Randy Wallhole. Grab yourself something to eat on the go or head in for breakfast pre-hectic day of cheering on the Aussies.
Where: 4/21 Nind Street, Southport

SoPo Dining Room
Open for lunch and dinner SoPo Dining Room, in Australia Fair, is the perfect central place to stop in for a healthy meal or tasty share plate. They’ve also got frosty cold beer and wine and a fun cocktail menu, if it’s come to that point in the day.
Where: Young St, Australia Fair, Southport

42fifteen
A breakfast and lunch goodie to ensure you’ve got strength to power through the day. From bagels to pork belly, anything you could possibly want can be found at 42fifteen along with exceptional coffee. Back to the bagels, there are nine varieties and we highly recommend every single one.
Where: 9 Davenport St, Southport

Meraki Wholefood Kitchen
Healthy, nourishing foods are always a good idea but particularly when you’ve got a million things to do and need all the energy you can get. Meraki offer exactly that for breakfast and lunch with gluten and dairy free options and vegan goodies. There’s even tasty takeaway raw treats. Get on this one.
Where: 55 Brooke Ave, Southport

Carrara Stadium and Cararra Sports and Leisure Centre
(opening ceremony, closing ceremony, athletics)

RACV Royal Pines Resort
Just around the corner is Royal Pines with a range of restaurants to choose from. For five star eats and stunning views head to Videre, for family friendly Italian fare go with Trattoria Amici, Kalinda is an incredible international buffet and Arakawa is traditional Japanese style eats. No need to go anywhere else really.
Where: Ross Street, Benowa

Emerald Lakes Golf Club
Just across the (extremely busy) road are all the dining choices you could possibly need after a big day of sport watching. They’ve got all the best golf club style eats including salads, steaks and pastas.
Where: Alabaster Drive, Carrara

Althenia Restaurant Bar
Greek dining at it’s finest just a five minute drive from Carrara Stadium. This place is highly recommended for groups (because you can order more) and OMG how good is Greek food (HALLOUMI).
Where: 80/3030 The Boulevard, Emerald Lakes 

LakeFront Bistro
All the European goodies are on offer here for both lunch and dinner with plenty of seafood options. The desserts are out of this world and if we could eat Rhubarb Crumble every single day forever, we would.
Where: Shop 78, 3030 The Boulevard, Emerald Lakes

Words and photos by Kirra Smith