It’s the day where even non-morning folk are up-and-at-it before the birds – and wouldn’t have it any other way. Monday 25th April 2022 is ANZAC Day, one of our country’s most pivotal national holidays when we gather to pay our respects to our courageous fallen servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives for the greater good. This year will mark the 107th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, and the bravery and heroic actions of these selfless souls will never be forgotten.
The Gold Coast hosts a number of dawn services, plus opportunities for us all to come together afterward with friends and family, share a drink and a game of two up.
Lest we forget.
Anzac Day Services
Tweed Heads & Coolangatta Dawn Service 5.55am
Held at Chris Cunningham Park, Wharf Street, Tweed Heads
Currumbin RSL Dawn Service 5am
Held at Elephant Rock on Currumbin Beach, 741 Pacific Parade Currumbin. Head back for a gunfire breakfast with $5 bacon and egg rolls from 6.15am at the Currumbin RSL, 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin
Burleigh Heads Dawn Service 4.25am
Held at the Memorial Park Cenotaph, corner of Connor Street and Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Mudgeeraba Dawn Service 4.45am
Held at Elsie Laver Park, 12 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba. After the service at 5.30am, there will be a traditional gunfire breakfast in the Mudgeeraba Memorial Hall, 62 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba
Nerang Dawn Service 4.45am
Held at 69 Nerang Street, Nerang
Surfers Paradise Dawn Service 5.30am
Held at the Anzac Memorial, 5 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Southport Dawn Service 4.30am
Held at Anzac Park, Broadwater Parklands, Southport
Runaway Bay Dawn Service 5am
Held next to the library at the Anzac Place Cenotaph, Lae Drive, Runaway Bay
Helensvale Dawn Service 5.20am
Held at Memorial Wall, 20 Discovery Drive, Helensvale
Tamborine Mountain Dawn Service 5am
Held at the Cenotaph, The Circle of Remembrance, Corner of Main Street and Geissmann Drive, Tamborine Mountain
ANZAC Day Events
Currumbin RSL
Although the ANZAC Day Luncheon has sold out, the club will be open to the public from 12.30pm for ANZAC Day activities. Two up kicks off at 1pm, with free entertainment including Kel Peterson (Smashed Crabs) from 1pm – 5pm. Please note that if you have your younger folk in tow, under 18’s will be required to leave the premises at 3pm.
Where: 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin
Treetops Tavern
Commemorate our diggers and savour mateship at Treetops Tav, with a free sausage sizzle and two up from 2pm to 5pm in the Sports Bar. There are of course meals available from 12pm in the bistro if you’re in need of something more substantial. Remember, bookings are essential.
Where: 7 Executive Drive, Burleigh Waters
Burleigh Heads Bowls Club
Pop down to this local fave for two up from 12pm, and barefoot bowls at 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm. There’s even an outdoor DJ to set the tone for an afternoon of togetherness and honouring our fallen heroes.
Where: Corner of Connor Street & Park Avenue, Burleigh Heads
Southport Sharks
Commemorate the day with an ANZAC Day Double Header clash as Hawthorn takes on Sydney, then, later on, catch Collingwood and Essendon, at none other than Sharks. Head into Mackenzie’s Beer Garden from 12.30pm to watch all the action broadcast live on their huge 5.25m2 screen! Plus, those who are there will enjoy free half-time footy food!
Where: Corner Olsen & Musgrave Avenue, Southport
The Star Gold Coast
You’re invited to indulge in a traditional ANZAC Day house-made honey oat biscuit and small coffee combo at M&G Café & Bar. Also, the Sports Bar is screening the notorious NRL and AFL ANZAC Day Footy back-to-back clashes all live, large & loud. Round up your peeps and book your booth today.
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
The Cavill Hotel
Remembering those who fought for our country, The Cavill Hotel is welcoming locals in for a cold beer and to enjoy the AFL ANZAC doubleheader matches from 12.30pm and 3.20pm. In addition, they’re also airing the NRL games from 4pm and 7pm, live on the biggest screen in Surfers Paradise.
Where: 46 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Anzac Day Meeting at Beaudesert Race Club
ANZAC Day Races at Beaudesert Race Club is a long-held local tradition that brings the town together, both young, old and all those in between! Come along for a great day of racing and remember our diggers for the sacrifice they made to enable all of us to enjoy days like this. Gates open at 11am and admission is $10 for adults (free for children).
Where: Beaudesert Race Club, Beaudesert Boonah Road, Beaudesert
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Oh Burleigh you little beauty, what’s not to love right? Since the dawn of time (or the dawn of the GC at least) Burleigh has been one of the most-loved suburbs amongst a slew of strong contenders.
Sure, the beach is beautiful and James Street boasts all the best eats and acai bowls galore but it’s more than that, Burleigh has a soul of its own born of cruisy, barefoot, salty seabreeze vibes you simply won’t find anywhere else.
Gushing aside, here are 20 solid reasons why the locals love it and you should too (or else). And yes, we understand there are many more, hold your horses for list 2.0.
Restaurant Labart
The fine dining venue is only a couple of years old, but in that time has become one of the Gold Coast’s premier dining destinations. Tucked away on West Street, the five-star, seasonal produce-led restaurant is an absolute must-visit and your dining experience there is one you won’t long forget. The produce is sustainable and the wine list is filled with some of the most stunning natural wines in the world. The service is impeccable too, but in a fun, not-too-formal way. We LOVE.
Where: 2A/8 West Street, Burleigh Heads
Rosella’s
It’s the good time, slightly fancy Australiana bar of your dreams and it is perfectly at home in Burleigh Heads. Rosella’s very quickly became a firm local favourite when it opened last year and with both a drinks and food menu made up entirely of Australian produce, we are in love. There are cocktails made with Nutri Grain, some of the tastiest toasties around and all the very best Aussie beers. It’s refined, beautifully decked out and created by a couple of absolute legends. Love.
Where: 6/1734 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Mr Hizola’s
Yum, contemporary Cantonese food, we love you. Mr Hizola’s is dishing up the goods in the form of tasty share-style dishes and we are here for it. Particularly the sizzling steak dish that is all kinds of delicious and an array of epic cocktails to match. Mr Hizola’s is by the gang who brought you Hideaway Kitchen and Bar, Nightjar (see below), Bine, Soho Place and Nightcap, so it’s fair to say they know what’s up.
Where: 1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Hill
Well hasn’t this simple little piece of Mother Nature become a local legend. No matter the day of the week (but particularly Sunday arvos) “the hill” as it’s affectionately known is packed with picnic rugs, ball games and groups of revelers basking in the sunshine. Looking out over the ocean and with the city in the distance, it’s the perfect spot for a late afternoon lemonade or early morning coffee date with the crew. If you’re feeling energetic, take a stroll around the hill to Talle Creek for some Insta-worthy scenery.
Where: The south end of The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads
Nightjar
It’s the good old-fashioned party bar Burleigh has welcomed with open arms and there’s absolutely no doubt that all the best things go down behind Nightjar’s spray painted roller door. Inspired by wanderluster Sailor Jerry and with very few rules, the back alley bar is home to epic live jams, crazy cocktails and guaranteed good times.
Where: Justin Lane, Burleigh Heads
Iku Yakitori Bar
Yakitori translates to chicken on a stick, simple enough to describe, but much more intricate in nature. As for Iku, ask the crew when you stop in. Also found in Burleigh’s bustling back alley, Iku is even better than you’d imagine it to be. Skewers are the name of the game and no part of the chicken is left behind. There’s also veggo ones and some ridiculous edamame dip and plenty of tasty cocktails too.
Where: Justin Lane, Burleigh Heads
Jimmy Wahs
The stunning space offers incredible Vietnamese dishes inspired by Head Chef Jakes’ trip through Vietnam and a desire to eat some of the very best street food in the world every single day. Same. It’s a refined style of dining paired with mouthwatering cocktails and a sleek, paired back vibe. Jimmy Wahs is one of the Gold Coast’s most impressive eateries and we are big fans.
Where: 1724 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Sean Scott Boutique
Gold Coast local Sean Scott is a world-renowned surf and nature photographer and his gallery on James Street is filled with his stunning images and the coolest of clothing and accessories. The gallery has been open for five years and is the perfect spot to stop in for some creative inspo or grab yourself a piece of Sean’s incredible art. Read our interview with the man himself here.
Where: 21 James Street, Burleigh Heads
Rick Shores
Literally opening out onto the sand at Burleigh beach, Rick Shores is loved (not only locally) for its stunning sunset views and those tiny little taste sensations otherwise known as Bug Rolls. If you’ve never tasted one, you’ve been wasting your life, make a booking RIGHT NOW and order them all. Wash them down with one of Rick’s signature cocktails and you’re a bonafide Burleigh-ite.
Where: Shop 3, Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Bowls Club
A relaxing little beachside club loved by young and old alike, Burleigh Bowls has been around since 1937 and is certainly a prime piece of real estate these days. Barefoot Bowls roll on from 12 to 5pm every Sunday and it’s a measly $5 per person including coaching and bowls (AKA ball whipper snappers). Live music can be heard on Sunday arvos from 2 to 6pm. Get down and support your local while sipping on a schooner.
Where: Connor Street, Burleigh Heads
The Village Markets
Our beloved boutique fashion and lifestyle market, The Village Markets, is home to hundreds of local makers and has helped to launch the international careers of countless creatives. Head down for an early morning coffee and breakfast while wandering through the stalls until it’s time for lunch. Oh and there’s always live music if you need a breather. It’s the best way to spend a sunny Sunday
Where: Burleigh Heads State School, Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Baker
The baked goods that come out of this friendly little bakery are honestly something else. Owners Geoff and Lisa are passionate about baking and opened Burleigh Baker to provide us with the best tasting and most nutritious Artisan Sourdough and boy do they deliver. They use only the finest ingredients and the traditional process of fermentation. Do not buy bread anywhere else. You’re welcome.
Where: 13/50 James Street, Burleigh Heads
Freedom Float Centre
Floating in an enclosed tank of water may not seem like the most freedom-inducing activity in the world but trust us, it is. It’s the perfect place to experience the deepest of relaxation for the mind and body and literally involves floating weightlessly in a concentrated salt solution in a specially designed lightproof and soundproof pod. You’ll be shut off from the entire world. Sign us up!
Where: 105 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads
Justin Lane Rooftop
Don your finest frock and rally up your girlfriends for a Sunday session and a spot of people watching on the roof at Justin Lane. With cocktails in hand and a balmy breeze blowing in through the windows, you need never go anywhere else again. After a few hours, pop downstairs for one of Justin’s famous pizzas and that’s your Sunday sorted.
Where: 1708 – 1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Pavilion
Absolute beachfront views and balmy ocean breezes aside, Burleigh Pavilion is a real treat. The interior is all pastel hues with greenery dotted throughout, two distinct sides including a sit down restaurant (The Tropic) and a more casual beach bar-style situation (The Terrace) for the best of both worlds. There are tasty eats on both sides and many a refreshing cocktail. Not to mention their new baked goods-filled van. Get involved in all of that.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Ze Pickle
The OG of giant, gourmet burgers, Ze Pickle’s Burleigh Heads store is all the best burgery things. Opened by friends Joey, Nathan and Aaron in 2012, the concept has spread around Australia and is now loved nationwide. Paired by your favourite local craft beer or a tipple of primo tequila and you’ve got yourself a good time.
Where: Corner Park Avenue and Connor Street, Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Farmers Markets
Everyone’s favourite Saturday morning market adventure. Get up early, grab your basket and set out in search of fruit, veggies and of course, your first coffee of the weekend. These days the farmers market also boast locally made clothing and homewares, flowers, meat and seafood and delicious breaky and lunch options. There’s also live music and plenty of laughter floating around. Happy days.
Where: Burleigh Heads State School, Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
David Fleays Wildlife Park
Nestled in the heart of Burleigh Heads, David Fleay’s is a wildlife park with a difference. Stroll through the tranquil surroundings to experience some of Queensland’s most iconic natural habitats and meet the resident wildlife — all in just one day. Explore the park solo or join the dedicated Park Rangers at the daily wildlife shows.
Where: Corner of West Burleigh Road and Loman Lane in West Burleigh
Burleigh Brewing Co.
If there’s one thing Burleigh deserves (the big legend), it’s a brewery and Burleigh Brewing Co. certainly delivers. After opening in 2006, Burleigh Brewing Co. has produced nine delicious drops with delightful names such as ‘My Wife’s Bitter’ and ‘FIGJAM’ – perfectly Burleigh. Get a sixer for Netflix and chill or head into the brewery from Wednesday to Sunday afternoons to get amongst it. There’s live tunes too, what a combination.
Where: 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads
Lockwood Bar
A somewhat hidden little speakeasy in the heart of Burleigh Heads, Lockwood Bar specialise in all of the very best varieties of whiskey along with many a local tipple transformed into tasty cocktails. It’s a laidback, jazz bar kind of vibe, low lit, often with live music and once you’re inside, you likely won’t want to leave. We dig it.
Where: Justin Lane, Burleigh Heads
Words by Kirra Smith
They say good things come to those who wait and Gold Coasters, all we’ve been doing this year is waiting wouldn’t you say?
Well, here’s the good thing you need and deserve, right on time.
It’s The Cavill Hotel and it’s opening Thursday 29th of October from 9pm in the very spot where beloved local institution Melba’s once (and for a very long time) lived.
The entire space has undergone a transformation and the newbie now boasts a contemporary fitout, an entirely new (and very exciting) dining experience, live sporting action and a state-of-the-art gaming lounge. It’s all new everything and you’re going to love it.
From the impressive sports bar and gaming lounge – a hero offering for The Cavill Hotel – to the delicious gastro-pub modern menu, expansive beverage options and excellent TAB facilities, the team at Hallmark Group are very excited to open the doors of the venue they promise offers something special for everyone.
The venue draws on the locations strong local heritage to pay homage to Brisbane hotelier and pioneer, Jim Cavill.
Now if you need something to get you even more excited about the opening, how about a list of all the epic spots Hallmark Group have already opened on the Coast?
In no particular order there’s Retro’s Cocktail Lounge, Finn McCool’s Irish Bar, Asylum Nightclub, Jamie Oliver’s Pizzeria, Lefty’s Music Hall (Brisbane) and the recently opened, Lost Kingdom Nightclub.
All very much good time venues that you’ve no doubt spent a bit of time in lately.
The Cavill Hotel is set to be exactly the same level of goodness for people of all ages and opening just in time for Melbourne Cup festivities and of course, summer.
Aside from the pub favourites on the menu including seafood, share plates, pizza, burgers to chow down on during a footy match, we know the real winner will be The Cavill Brunch Club. Happening every Sunday from 12pm-3pm from $49 per person including an Espresso Martini or Aperol Spritz and a 3hr grazing package showcasing fresh seafood to delicate sweets, no one is going home unhappy.
Get on down there asap to be the first to check out what’s sure to become a firm new favourite.
LOCATION: 46 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
HOURS: Monday to Thursday 11am until late, Friday and Saturday 11am until 3am and Sunday 11am until late. The gaming lounge is open everyday from 11am until 4am.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE CAVILL HOTEL
