Discounted goodies that won’t break the bank.
Discounted goodies that won’t break the bank.
Whether you’re a self-proclaimed bargain hunter or just love the thrill of nabbing a designer steal, factory outlets are the holy grail of retail therapy. No buyer’s remorse here – just smug satisfaction as you waltz out with bags full of discounted goodies and a bank balance that isn’t crying for mercy. From high-end fashion to sportswear, homewares, and more, these Gold Coast factory outlets are here to fuel your shopping addiction without the financial regret. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Harbour Town Premium Outlets
I mean, this place needs no intro. We’ve all nabbed many-a-bargain here and it would be rude not to, coz there is everything you could ever want…at insanely good prices. We’re talking over 200 retailers offering up to 70% off every single day and just shut up and take our money already. The best of both designer and high street faaarshion awaits like Coach, Armani, Aje, Seed, Sass & Bide, and Sheike to name a few. Plus Nike, New Balance, Bonds, Adidas, Adairs, Victoria’s Secret, Billini and we could go on…and on. It’s the ultimate one-stop-shop, with a spiffy eats and sips precinct to boot.
Where: 147-189 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters
Rip Curl DFO
For a Gold Coaster, an endless supply of swimmers (all.the.styles), hats, rashies, towels, sunnies, cute summer threads, thongs and sandals (again – all.the.styles) is mandatory. Full stop, end of story. Thankfully, the surf gods have smiled upon us in the form of Nerang’s Rip Curl DFO (plus a smaller outlet at Harbour Town), offering all year round darn dirt-cheap Rip Curl radness. And for the surfers (i.e., every second person), this place is actual heaven. Wetsuits, surfboard covers, surf hardware – it’s all here and the quality is mint.
Where: 2 Pappas Way West, Nerang
Ashmore Factory Outlets
Just look for the ginormous Aussie flag and pull in immediately for discounted goodies galore #truedat. There are plenty of household names waiting for you here, including Billabong, Quicksilver, Unit, and Surf, Dive N Ski. There’s also Skate Connection, a Good Price Pharmacy, Sunglass Clearance Warehouse, Nutrition Warehouse, and the Mega Footy Store. Plus you can update your ‘do at Cali Hair and work on your rig at Strong Pilates, so that you look as bangin’ as your bank balance. Sugar lovers will be spoilt for choice at Captains’ Candy!
Where: 12 Central Park Avenue, Ashmore
Sideways Surf Outlet
Ok so Sideways currently have not one but three locations on the Gold Coast alone, so it’s pretty safe to say it’s a crowd fave. Clothing wise, we’re talking up to 60% off all the big brand surf and street labels for the whole fam. Plus there’s A1 quality surfboards made from PSI Formula One and glassed with quality Aussie FGI resin, board bags and covers, and reliable leashes and tailpads from brands like Sideways (obvs), Gorilla, Wander and Modom. So if you’re partial to a surf, ‘seas’ the day and stock up on all your gear here!
Where: 16 Central Park Avenue, Ashmore, 1 Santa Maria Court, Burleigh Waters, & 28-30 Greenway Drive, Tweed Heads South
UGG Since 1974
Nothing says Australia like the quintessential UGG boot. A national icon which has been replicated time and time again, no imposter – many even using the UGG name #cheeky – has ever come close to the original. And colour us happy, there’s an UGG Since 1974 factory outlet right here on the Goldie! Shop everything from the snuggliest of boots to UGG slides, clutches, handbags, rugs and gloves. Choose from a ready-made pair or, insert drumroll, customise and design your own. Yes, this is a thing and what a time to be alive!
Where: 23 Christine Avenue, Miami
Words by Bianca Trathen
Growing bigger(a) and better every year with a smorgasbord of dining, sipping and shopping spots is the rising star of the northern Gold Coast; Biggera Waters. Nestled right near the sparkling Broadwater, it strikes the perfect balance between laid-back living and lively entertainment with a hearty dose of coastal charm.
Here’s why Biggera locals love their neck of the woods – and why the cool cats from down south are starting to look north with envy.
Harbour Town Premium Outlets
Let’s be real – this spot doesn’t just deserve an intro; it practically wrote the book on where to shop, sip, eat, repeat. With outlets like Coach, Sass & Bide, Sheike, and Camilla, every day is like Black Friday at Harbour Town. Your wardrobe won’t know what hit it, and neither will your arms after hauling your fashion finds back to the car. Who needs a gym when you’ve got retail cardio?
Where: 147-189 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters
White Oat Distillery
You know a burb has hit the big league when it lands its own distillery. Enter White Oat, the ‘pandemic progeny’ of three local legends who’ve turned this passion project into a hot-ticket destination. With award-winning distiller Tudor Duxbury at the helm, a fit-out so stylish it practically struts, and a vibe that’s ‘wise with a side of cool and a splash of vintage’, this is one to oat-solutely check out.
Where: 13-14, 211 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters
Metro Market
This is the local’s local for all-things grocery and takeaway, also popular for a little pampering sesh and some retail therapy. But if you ask us (and the Biggera crew), there’s another reason why Metro Market is a north-side mecca; it houses the decades-old meat institution and duck’s nuts of butchers, Cav’s Butchery #IYKNK
Where: 33 Hollywell Road, Biggera Waters
Reading Cinemas
All the best flicks? Check. Gold Class for those fancy nights with your love? Check. Fab food, snacks, drinks and friendly staff to boot? Checkedy check check. And the best part? You’re at Harbour Town so pre or post movie retail therapy is basically mandatory. Challenge accepted!
Where: Harbour Town, 147-189 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters
Crafty’s
Crafty’s has been flipping the script on sports bars for many a moon, with the perfect brunch to dinner hangout for the whole crew (mini-me’s included). Think fab food, unbeatable specials, cocktails for days, games galore, and weekend DJ beats. From birthdays and events to live-and-loud game nights or dinner with your MVP, Crafty’s is a slam dunk for every occasion.
Where: Harbour Town, 147-189 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters
Christmas Galore
Your tree, icicle lights, and elf on the shelf are still going strong but it’s never too soon to start planning next Christmas – and this joint is the absolute yule-timate! The largest Chrissie shop on the GC stocking over 10,000 products, you’ll love the amazing display of stunning trees, lighting, and finest festive decorations from head to (mistle)toe.
Where: 3 Gateway Drive, Biggera Waters
Dublin Docks
Perched on the shores next door to Harbour Town, Dublin Docks has been dropping anchor in locals’ hearts for years. It’s the ultimate spot to rally the crew for a hearty Irish-inspired feast, sip a few cold ones on the deck, and let the kids run amok in the indoor playground. Cheers to a good times and a pot of gold at the end of your pint!
Where: Harbour Town Shopping Centre, Harbour Town Drive, Biggera Waters
Black Hops II
Ahh Black Hops. What’s not to love and the answer is nothing. The runaway success of the original Burleigh Black Hops spurred the unveiling of this upscale production brewery and large taproom. With 16 beers on tap, trivia on Thursday nights, and food trucks up the wazoo, round up your mates, the fam and even your pooch for some award-winning amber ales.
Where: 671 Pine Ridge Road, Biggera Waters
Sushi Train
This is one of the Gold Coast’s original – and largest – Sushi Trains, and it’s still the ‘roll’ of honour for its sibling stores across the region. The iconic chorus of “Irasshaimase!” hits all the high notes here. After just one visit, the brilliant sushi chefs are likely to know your name and order by heart. Talk about service that’ll really ‘maki’ you smile!
Where: Corner Brisbane Road & Oxley Drive, Biggera Waters
Japanese Grocery Go Go Mart
Just a hop, skip, and a sashimi roll from Harbour Town, Go Go Mart is the ultimate treasure trove for all things Japanese. Stocked with Queensland’s biggest haul of Japanese groceries and goodies, it’s your go-to for a taste of the Land of the Rising Sun. From miso to matcha and everything in between, there’s a feast of healthy, authentic delights to discover.
Where: Corner Brisbane Road & Oxley Drive, Biggera Waters
Hound & Stag Brewing Co
Ok it’s technically in Arundel but being across the road from Harbour Town means it also identifies as Biggera Waters. Rocking an old barn style home fit out, the largest taproom on the Northern GC, private function spaces, and 28 beer taps, this crowd fave even has its own kitchen with an extensive top-notch menu. Plus, there’s live entertainment a-plenty making it a bona fide north-side unicorn.
Where: 13 Wrights Place, Arundel
Words by Bianca Trathen
Congratulations, you’ve survived Monday, and that calls for a celebratory feed! But keep those dollars in check so you don’t blow your weekend budget – that’d be more tragic than dropping your last fry.
Here are 20 cheap and cheerful Tuesday nosh-up spots for maximum taste with minimum damage to your bank account.
NORTH GC
MID GC
MID GC continued…
MID GC continued…
SOUTH GC
Words by Bianca Trathen
So it’s the end of the day and you’re spent. All you want to do is chill on the couch with a chardy and Outer Banks, until you realise it’s Trivia Night at your local and just like that, the Kooks and Pogues are dead to you.
Not only is trivia next level entertaining, but it’s cheap as chips (if not free) and you get to think of a hilariously inappropriate name for your team. Here are 13 local spots to test your knowledge and expand your useless facts repertoire across the Gold Coast (from North to South):
The Park Coomera
This is no ordinary trivia folks, it’s the biggest on the GC and the most interactive in the country! Infusion Gameshow combines all your favourite TV game shows and high-tech alert – you use your smartphone to answer the questions. Happening every Wednesday and great for families, be there at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Don’t forget to ask about your exclusive team membership card with a host of cracking good deals. Online registration is essential.
Where: Top Floor Westfield Shopping Centre Coomera, 103 Foxwell Road
The Parkwood Tavern
Try out your trivia skills at the Parkwood Tavern Quiz Night Mondays from 7pm. Always arrive with plenty of time up your sleeve to register (from 6.30pm), and grab a pre-game feed (and a tipple) to fuel your brain! Call in the posse for a hoot of a night, with some impressive prizes ripe for the taking.
Where: Corner of Olsen and Wintergreen Drives, Parkwood
Southport Sharks
Themed trivia at Sharks is the shiz, coming in hot on the first Wednesday of every month and centred around the best of pop culture. Take a trip down memory lane and battle it out for great prizes, with themes like Harry Potter, Gossip Girl (#XOXO), Stranger Things and Love Actually. Registration is from 7pm and lift off from 7.30pm. Bring it on, and we srsly dare you to come up against us on Gossip Girl night….
Where: Olsen & Musgrave Avenues, Southport
Last Night on Earth
If it was indeed our last night on earth, we’d want to make it a ripsnorter so naturally (or supernaturally…), we’d head into the GC CBD for Last Trivia on Earth! Starting at 7.30pm on Wednesdays, hump day never looked so fun! Go your hardest with questions on pop culture, music, general knowledge, movies, and in their very own words ‘’random sh#t”. Entry is $10 and your first drink is free (yay), plus there’s live music to set the tone.
Where: 50B Nerang Street, Southport
The Sporting Globe Bar & Grill
There’s more than just watching sport and drinking beer at The Sporting Globe, like playing trivia and drinking beer! With a different theme each month and blockbuster prizes to be won, Robina Town Centre’s fave sports bar has rebuilt, rewritten, and reformatted their trivia decks for a bigger, better trivia experience. Doors open at 6.30pm and this month, it’s all about Marvel so note to self; pick the kids’ brains beforehand. Grab a feed and some refreshments and don’t forget to book in advance.
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
The Bavarian, Robina
Another one hosting a free themed trivia night each month is Robina TC’s The Bavarian. If you know your Baratheons from your Targaryens, gear up for this month’s instalment; Game of Thrones, alongside a feast of fine fare and wicked drinks from 7pm until 9pm on Friday 17th March. There’s a $100 first place bounty and $50 for second so grab a schnitty, a stein and your squad. Oh and PS – The Bavarian also holds a smaller 1 cent wings and trivia night every Thursday!
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
Chameleon Lounge Bar & Restaurant
If dragalicious trivia is your jam, get on down to Chameleon for Tuesday Drag Trivia! Hosted by the hilarious hostess with the mostess, Justine Kase, it’s feisty, fabulous, and FREE! Kicking off at 7pm, tuck into $4 Asian fusion tacos. Yas queens!
Where: 97 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Mermaid Beach Bowls Club
The home of the Mermaid Beach Bowls Club presents Thursday Trivia Nights so gather the gang and get competitive! Whether you have a big or a small crew, prepare for battle and stand to win some srsly cool prizes. It’s free to play and while you’re there, seize the moment and enjoy family-friendly meals at D’Agostino’s Bistro.
Where: 9 Markeri Street, Mermaid Beach
Bine Bar & Dining
There’s only one thing better than Tuesday night trivia and that’s Taco Tuesday Night Trivia at Bine! Enjoy $5 tacos all night and this alone has us all kinds of sold. It’ll set you back $15 per team (max of six per team), which you’ll hopefully recoup – if you’re cluey enough – with the CASH prizes #kaching! Be there or be square at 6.45pm latest for a 7pm start.
Where: 1/28 Chairlift Avenue, Miami
Precinct Brewing Co
With a name like Tipsy Trivia (also known as Smarty Pants Trivia), Sign.Us.Up! Hosted by the infamous Marty, flex your knowledge every Tuesday night at 7pm. You can have up to six peeps in your team (cost is $15 per team) and you can wrap your laughing gear around $20 pizzas all night long. Top that!
Where: 17 Christine Avenue, Miami
Burleigh Town Hotel
Don your thinking caps and get down to Burleigh Town Hotel for Tuesday Trivia Night featuring Funky Bunch, and now we can’t stop thinking about Marky Mark #goodvibrations. Entry will cost you nix and there are epic prizes up for grabs (translation; be strategic and round up your smartest mates!).
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads
Currumbin RSL
At Currumbin RSL, Thursday nights mean free trivia with a host of awesome prizes to be won. If you don’t take home any loot, nothing is lost and everything is gained, as it’s not just a guaranteed good time but it’s also Thursday steak night! Devour a 200g rump, house salad, fries and and your choice of sauce for just $18 bucks. Rego is from 6:30pm for a 7pm start and no need to book – just rock up!
Where: 165 Duringan St, Currumbin
Salty Fox
What’s better than a rooftop bar you ask, and that would be a rooftop bar where you can play trivia! Put your game face on, bring your competitive spirit and put your general knowledge to the test every Wednesday night from 6.30pm until 9pm. Our hot tip; arrive a bit earlier to take advantage of happy hour specials between 3pm and 6pm #cheers.
Where: Rooftop, Rydges Gold Coast Airport, Terminal Drive, Bilinga
Words by Bianca Trathen.
