The best weekends begin with brunch.
The best weekends begin with brunch.
Ahh, the blessed ritual of brunch. Leisurely feasts of eggs every which way you can imagine, sticky, syrup drenched French toast stacks, and smoked salmon for days – what’s not to love? Plus, it gives us the excuse to sleep in, and our tastebuds are rewarded pretty handsomely for the trouble.
Couple it with a little concept known as bottomless cocktails and life doesn’t get much better. So universally beloved is the sip-happy cousin of this mid-morning rendezvous, we’ve rustled up an entire list of the best places on the GC to get your boozy brunch-fest fix (say that five times fast after two hours of free-flowing mimosa’s).
From north to south, gather your mates, don your stretchy pants and jump on the brunch bandwagon!
Mozza Mozza
For a surefire way to stave off the Sunday scaries, the groovy and oh-so boozy, discotheque-themed Italian feast (don’t ask questions, just go with it) going down weekly at Mozza Mozza would have to be one of the best. For $75 per person, the Sunday Bottomless Disco dishes up share-style plates such as Pizzas, Arancini Balls and House-Made Focaccia to load up on – studded by a fruity Spritz and Mimosa menu to strategically work your way through. As far as bottomless spreads go, we particularly love the options on offer here – feeling like flanking your Italian feast with a boozy slushie upgrade? Say no more, fam! Craving Mozza Puff Bread or Tiramisu? Sure thing, just add ‘em on for a fiver. You’ll be shakin’ your groove thang in no time.
Where: Southport Sharks, Corner Olsen Avenue & Musgrave Avenue, Southport
Winey Cow
If you consider yourself a bit of a brunch connoisseur, Main Beach’s resident egg-slinging specialist, Winey Cow is a must try for several reasons. Reason numero uno, is that they live and breathe this brekkie business – after all, the much-lauded namesake Melbourne location has the boasting rights to accolades like Café of the Year and Best Breakfast Restaurant. And when you’re in the mood to take the Chilli Scramble Croissant up a notch, they also throw a particularly spectacular bottomless brunch any ‘ole day of the week. For $55 per person, you can grab a main with endless mimosas for an hour, with Cranberry & Lime and Pineapple, Passionfruit & Lime options if you wanna switch it up from the Classic OJ. And ‘wine’ not, we say?
Where: 5/11 Woodroffe Ave, Main Beach
QT Gold Coast
There’s Sunday brunch… then there’s Soul Sundays at Bazaar. A bubbly twist on the beloved Bazaar buffet experience we know and love, Soul Sundays takes this fanciful spread to the next level! From 11am–3pm every Sunday, you can nosh your way through brekkie faves like waffles and crepes while being serenaded by the sounds of live music and the chorus of clinking glasses as the champas flows freely. To chaperone your delectable experience, there’s even a Director of Champagne at the ready to customise your sip with a selection of juices and nectars. Yep, this one does indeed speak to our soul.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
Surfers Pavilion
The Surfers Pav always delivers the goods and this is especially so when we’re talking about their Brunch Club experience. The perfect waterfront setting, DJs will be on the decks from 1pm every Sunday to set the mood. Choose from the $59 per head package including a selection of Oysters, or the $99 per head package with a choice of Cauliflower popcorn, Calamari or Chicken riblets, followed by either Nachos, Lamb ragu, Fish and chips, or Mushroom lasagne. Both packages entitle you to Prosecco, Bellinis, Mimosas, Pineapple mimosas, Mango mimosas, Pav lager, along with requisite softies. Walk-ins or bookings welcome anytime from 12.30pm.
Where: 30 – 34 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Hyde Paradiso
It’s the ultimate beachside brunch overlooking the ocean and yeah, we had you at beachside. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, tuck into the Standard Brunch or Vegan Brunch for an all out, four-course feast of Mediterranean-inspired mixed tapas, including delightful bites like Eggs Benny Hash made with truffle honey hollandaise. But ‘bottomless’ we promised, and bottomless ye shall receive – here you can pick your poison with two-hour sip packages such as Aperol Spritz, Bellini Spritz & Limoncello Spritz, Chandon Brut & Chandon Rosé, or perhaps the Veuve Clicquot upgrade will be more your speed. Available between 12pm and 2pm, minimum of 2 people required.
Where: Peppers Soul, Level 2/8 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
The Island Gold Coast
The Island says Saturday afternoons are for gathering, grazing and good times, and who are we to disagree? And yes, technically speaking, this one is classified as a ‘lavishly long lunch’ – but when it comes with two hours of tantalising eats, arrival mimosa and cocktail and spritz carafes – does anyone really mind? Spend your Saturday nibbling your way through Charcuterie and share-style bites of Karaage Chicken, Lamb kofta and Wood-fired pizzas, alternated with jugs of Passionfruit and Vanilla Mojito, Watermelon Margarita Spritz and Mimosa. $79 per person, two sittings (from 11:30am or 1:30pm) available.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Elk Espresso
Broady gem Elk is another superb spot popping the cork on bottomless brunch daily. And bonus, it’s walk-ins only – so just grab the gang and rock up between 10am–1.30pm to partake in their delectable assortment of colourful, petal-topped dishes along with one hour to go ham on the bottomless Mimosa menu. Yep, that’s sixty whole minutes of mimosa action and nope, we sure as heck ain’t driving. Pick your fave between the the Classic, Strawberry lime and Tropical varieties, then ‘sip’ back and marvel as your flute magically refills itself. You certainly don’t have to tell us twice! $49 per head.
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre (opposite the beach), Broadbeach
Miss Moneypenny’s
Weekends are for sleep-ins, so if you didn’t quite make it out of bed in time for brunch, turn those lemons into two hours of citrus-studded spritzers, cocktails or French champagne (which absolutely beats lemonade, any day of the week) at the famous Miss Moneypenny’s bottomless lunch. Opt between the degustation-style Chef’s Signature or Three-course a la carte menu, and nosh your way through delectable dishes like saffron-infused Coral Coast Barramundi and Waygu Carpaccio. Talk about lush …we’re not saying it was this stellar spread in particular that was responsible for bagging them an AGFG chef hat for the past three years running… but we’re not not saying it, either. Available Saturday and Sunday, 12–2pm from $110 per person.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Tropic Vice
Yes, this one’s technically a ‘lunch’, but we’re happy to look the other way for any excuse to a) incorporate more margs into our weekend and b) hit snooze few dozen times. From 12–4pm every Sunday, the Tropic Vice rooftop transforms into a free-flowing fiesta with live music, DJ’s bites and bottomless margs for $99 per person. We’re talking a set menu of Truffle fries, Halloumi Bites and Tacos, with the option to upgrade to a Dozen Oysters & Bottle of Luc Belair for an extra $85 if you’re really in the mood to celebrate. Monday can wait indeed!
Where: 2215 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Ally Chow
Ally Chow dishes up Asian fusion done right, and their two brunch options do not disappoint. For $99 per person, the Chow Out features the Chef’s choice banquet with two-hours of bottomless thai basil caprisokas, Asahi beer and prosecco. Or, have a go of the Margarita Lunch Banquet and yes, this has us written all over it. For $130, enjoy the same offerings mentioned above, only substitute bottomless caprioskas for bottomless margis! Once again recognised with the Australian Good Food Guides Chef Hat Award, this one is a no-brainer.
Where: Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach
The Tropic
One of the GC’s very favourite ocean-view venues, The Tropic offers a solid ten bottomless brunch and absolutely nobody is surprised to hear this. Taking place exclusively on the terrace on the last Saturday of every month, not only will you be privy to multi-million-dollar views and DJ beats, but deliciously fresh seafood and innovative fare. Think Oysters, Spiced bread, Stracciatella & Persimmon, Pavlova, and more, but no need cuz we’re already #sold. Veuve, Rose and Bellini Cocktail packages available from $75 per person. Don’t mind if we do!
Where: 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Palm Beach Ave
Palmy’s resident art deco stunner isn’t just a pretty face—it’s also home to some pretty spectacular dining deals (shout out, $60 3-course set menu) – including one of the most irresistible bottomless brunch options going! Every weekend, from 10am to 2pm, get beachside for your boozy brunch fix for only $45 per person. The mid-morning soiree kicks off with a salmon blini canapé to start, while you settle in to 1.5 hours of free-flowing mimosas and ponder between options like the Chilli Scrambled Eggs and Prawn and Bug Roll from the mouthwatering menu… #decisionsdecisions.
Where: 6 Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach
Refinery Coffee
Why wait for the weekend? Refinery Coffee reckons any day is a good day to bust out the boozy OJ for this beloved mid-morning ritual, and we wholeheartedly agree. Available from 10am daily, gather your celebratory crew and report to Currumbin’s light-filled converted warehouse for the Bottomless Brunch option. Here, you can tuck in to your pick from the all-day eats menu, such as Chilli Scram and Eggs Benny, while throwing back Classic & Watermelon mimosas for 1.5 blissful hours. The only caveat is that your whole crew must be partaking (is that even a question) with a non-alc option also available. Bottoms up!
Where: 37 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters
Well well well, what do we have here?
If it isn’t our mate Currumbin collecting trendy new haunts like they don’t already have dibs on the coolest creek in the whole of the GC.
It’s okay though, we’re not mad about it, because in case you haven’t caught the hottest news in town, a cult-flavourite on the GC scene has branched out to bring us a BRAND NEW VENUE (and yes we feel the shouty caps are warranted, as will anyone who has tasted one of their mouth-watering pastries) because we are talking about our beloved, one and only Tarte Bakery here.
We are so bready for the great Tarte takeover, with Currumbin officially welcoming its sister venue Tarte Beach House this week and, while we want to say it’s every bit as good as you’d expect – it’s not.
It’s even better (how is that even possible?!)
Taking up residence under the palms lazily swaying by the picturesque Currumbin Creek foreshore, this Hamptons meets Parisian style stunner ticks all the boxes – and with owner and culinary mastermind Chloe Watts at the helm, we certainly don’t think this new venue will be living in the shadow of its big sister for long.
Somewhere between her duties as #supermum and running one of the GC’s most popular artisan bakeries, Chloe apparently manages to squeeze in the odd The Block binge, because the new Tarte Beach House beach shack glow up was a reno of epic proportions.
She well and truly uncovered the true potential of this creekside gem, which has been treated to a full facade makeover with some stunning new joinery to frame those knockout views.
Also of note are the painstakingly sourced vintage fixtures, with tables, counters and beach umbrellas turned lamp shades direct from France clocking in at a mere century old #oohlala.
Complete with chic monochrome checkerboard floors and elegant brass fixtures to round out the whole elevated space, it’s no longer just the glistening outlook that’s insta-worthy.
No how matter how ‘in’, the mullet may claim to be, we are loathe to use such a term to describe the ‘party in the bottom, business in the top’ functionality of this gorg new multi-level space (but we did it anyway).
Downstairs has been designed to be the more casual of the two spaces, welcoming us to saunter in post-dip and pull up stumps, or perhaps grab a New York style bagel (or any of your usual Tarte flaky faves) to-go #we’rejusthereforthecruellers.
Upstairs boasts the more formal style restaurant, which of course is fully licensed (which means Tarte cocktails, huzzah!).
Coupled with all-day faves such as Chilli eggs – Crispy ‘fried’ eggs, sauteed asparagus and broccolini with Aunty TT’s crispy chilli and fresh shallots on white sourdough and slightly more boujee brunch options such as the Lobster Roll made with Southern rock lobster in hot butter, celery, chives and lettuce served in a toasted housemade brioche. Shut up and take all our money!
With plans to eventually extend the Tarte Beach House offering to arvos and evenings, Europe called and said we should definitely stay home for creek hangs this summer.
When: 6.30am-3pm Monday – Thursday, 6.30am-5pm Friday – Sunday
Where: 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin
Words by Kellie Leader
Images by Carly King
Okay, by now you’re probably well acquainted with the name Ink Gin, the unmistakable drink as stunning as it is sippable. But did you know the world class drop that’s taken our sips by storm, is distilled 100% locally – as in, a mere 20 minute meander down the road from Cooly?
It should come as little surprise that the masters behind the game changing bevvy that infinitely levelled up our cocktails, have also put together an equally gin-credible experience at their stunning Tumbulgum facility, boasting an immersive cellar door, bar and cafe for our R&R pleasure.
Here are six reasons Husk Farm Distillery is a must visit (hands down best gin going, aside):
Only 20 mins from the GC
Just a hop, skip and a jump over the border, we’re not even sure if a sneaky visit to the lush Husk grounds constitutes a day trip – but it’s certainly one of the more low effort, high reward outings Gold Coasters have at our fingertips. One of those elusive day trips that feels a world away, but with the kind of convenient proximity that barely gives us enough time to dust off the road-trippin’ playlist (or the boredom to set in… #arewethereyet)
Sample the good stuff (+ take home some for later)
It goes without saying one of the biggest perks of visiting the source of such deliciousness is the chance to sample, discover new faves and of course stock up on some souvenirs to replenish our personal bar stocks. Quite frankly, we’re as giddy as a kid in a candy store at the thought.
Our recommendation? Take your tastebuds on a very smooth sip around the signature Husk offerings with a tasting paddle to start. Opt to sample the sipping quality, farm to bottle cane juice Rums, or, if you’re yet to venture beyond the voddy, lime soda train, get your hands on the Ink Gin selection and prepare for your mind to be blown.
Alternatively, just jump straight into the cocktail menu for the best of Husk showcased for your sipping pleasure. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
Go behind the scenes with Distillery Tours
There’s a lot more to a bottle of this tasty drop than its good looks would let on. Daily distillery tours give the chance to go behind the scenes and see the magic (hard work) that goes into their range of premium spirits.
A first hand look at the unique process involved with Husk’s farm to bottle rare rums offers a fascinating (and tasty) experience like none other.
It’s sure to give you a whole new appreciation for your faves (not to mention, an extra chance to sample the goods).
Fantastic food
Not only have they mastered treats of the thirst quenching variety, the Husk Farm kitchen offers up a selection of top notch eats to rival their signature spirits selection. As you’d expect, the menu has been designed to complement the sips, with a mouth watering array of share-style bites such as Grazing Boards and Ploughman’s Platters. Though, if it’s a full blown feast you’re in the mood for, the Husk kitchen is up to the task (Slow cooked lamb shoulder, Bam Bam rum jus, garden rosemary, need we say more)
Stunning surrounds
Framed by the spectacular Wollumbin (Mount Warning) rolling hills as backdrop and nestled among the sugar cane fields, the architecturally designed modern industrial Husk facilities are every bit as gorg as their surrounds. The lush Messenger family farmland Husk calls home is Northern Rivers scenery at its finest – if the GC wasn’t also a certified stunner, we’d be insanely jealous, tbh.
The expansive lawn offers sun-soaked alfresco vibes just begging for you to perch up for a lazy long lunch, with tables and large umbrellas at which to settle in for the arvo. There’s plenty of space to run around for those with kiddos in tow (and for parents, the ever elusive chance to #sit-ervise). Glorious.
They know how to host a party
Now that the weather is getting warmer it’s time to start thinking about Christmas parties (side note: I’m sure last time I looked this year had only just begun). Why not try something a little different and head to Husk? I mean, last year’s Christmas party may have been great, but did it have sugarcane javelin? On top of delicious food and cocktails for up to 200 people Husk offers a range of fun activities and tastings. Lock it in Eddy.
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY HUSK DISTILLERS.
If there were a list of the best places in Australia to enjoy some daytime tipples, the GC would undoubtedly be top of the leaderboard! We’ve got ALL the sunshine, countless rooftops, stunning views from ocean to hinterland, and don’t even get us started on our cocktail-making prowess!
We’re sure you feel the same, but with so many places on the Gold Coast to enjoy a drink, we decided to help you out by picking 13 of the best spots to drink frosty daytime beverages for maximum sun-soaking opportunities. Let’s go!
Hope Island Tavern
This isn’t your average tavern—it’s where chic meets chill. Kick back at a picnic table under retro umbrellas with a spritz, or hit up the gelato bar for boozy scoops. PSA to parents: there’s free kids’ entertainment from noon on Sundays. Amen.
Where: 93 Broadwater Ave, Hope Island
La Luna Beach Club
Trivia time! You’re basking on a sun lounge with super yachts in your surrounds. You have a cocktail in hand; no wait, you’re double-parked! You’re on a floating beach club with jaw-dropping views of the glistening marina. Where are you? Well, you’re at La Luna Beach Club, of course. Here, you may never leave, with options to book a sun lounge, day bed, cabana or grand cabana! We haven’t even mentioned the bottle service yet!
Where: Pool Pontoon, Marina Mirage, 74 Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Hyde Paradiso
Coastal chic meets Mediterranean magic here. Grab a balcony seat with ocean views and dive into $2 oysters every Wednesday and Thursday from noon (yes, you read that right). Or splurge on their Beachside Brunch—a decadent spread with bubbles, beers, spritzes, and Mediterranean-inspired eats.
Where: Peppers Soul, Level 2/8 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
The Island Rooftop
It’s the Gold Coast’s largest open-air rooftop bar – of course, it’s made our list. Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, this venue goes off from Thursday to Sunday. Don’t miss Fuego Fridays – a Mexican fiesta that turns up the heat. Epic cocktails, wood-fired pizzas and DJs lead this place into the Day Drinking Honour Roll.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
The Beach Hotel
There’s no better place to snag a seat and sink a beer (or a Golden Hour Sour) on a sunny summer arvo than at 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. Sunday sessions start at 1pm (don’t be late!), and FYI their cheeky margs are customisable.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Garden Kitchen & Bar
This Broadbeach fave is a lush oasis of good vibes. Soak up the sun with mates on the outdoor lawn or head inside to velvet lounges for a leisurely lunch. Drinks, eats, and ambiance—tick, tick, tick. Whatever you choose, know good vibes are aplenty.
Where: Casino Level, The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Sueño
If you’re craving a little Latin American sol, Sueño is your golden ticket. Think classic cocktails from the Americas served on rouge tables under the sway of palm trees. Brought to you by the Rick Shores legends and perched in The Oxley, this spot screams refined indulgence. Start your weekend (or weekday – we love a little rebellion) with an icy cold mezcal – straight, stirred, or shaken – under a sunny umbrella with your crew.
Where: The Oxley Atrium, 17 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach
The Miami
Never had a Miami Colada or a Pink Miami? Gasp. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Snag a seat on The Deck for those dreamy balcony views over North Burleigh and let the ocean breeze do its thing. Cocktails + views = happy days.
Where: 2043-2047 Gold Coast Highway, Miami
Burleigh Pavilion
The Pav (yep, we’re on nickname terms) is an icon of day drinking glory. Sitting right on the sand and water, it’s arguably the best spot to bask in GC sunshine and soak up those dreamy ocean views. Open 7 days from 11am, it’s perfect for daytime sips. Bonus points for their Summer Lover Sundays – think DJ sets, great vibes, and even better cocktails. Who needs an excuse?
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Local
For those chill, “let’s meet at our local” vibes, head to The Local. With a front terrace made for people-watching and a backyard beer garden perfect for live tunes (Friday to Sunday), it’s a laidback legend. Pair supreme cocktails, fizzes, rosé, or your usual go-to with an outdoor table and your afternoon is golden. Our rec? The Afternoon Spritz.
Where: 1744 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
The Collective
Ready for a fishbowl margarita? Or an espresso martini tree? Yep, The Collective’s rooftop bar is serving big-time weekend vibes. Open from 12 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, it’s a spot where sharing (and sipping) is caring. Pro tip: Try their Shake & Stir Cocktail Masterclass for some hands-on fun.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Kirra Beach House & Kirra Beach Hotel
If you’re yet to be acquainted with Kirra Beach House and Kirra Beach Hotel, they’re both ideal for enjoying glasses (there’s only the plural) of rosé all day long. In terms of spaces to hang out, you’ve got the Public Bar, The Bistro and the Beer Garden downstairs, while upstairs is the gorg Kirra Beach House, complete with outdoor cabanas, indoor booths, and signature Kirra cocktails, including a Champagne Piña Colada!
Where: Level 1, 2 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Coolangatta Hotel
Pub classics, frothies, and an unbeatable Bottomless Brunch every weekend—what more could you ask for? Think two glorious hours of tacos and frozen cocktails for $79. Or chill in the Beer Garden and Bistro all week long.
Where: Cnr Warner St & Marine Parade, Coolangatta
The Gold Coast is absolutely bursting with epic surf clubs, bars, and rooftop gems. If you’re still parched or keen to explore even more top-notch spots, check out our dedicated lists for the best surf clubs, rooftop bars, distilleries and breweries around. Trust us, your next fave hangout is just waiting to be discovered!
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
