Warm up this winter next to an open fire.
Warm up this winter next to an open fire.
Winter is officially here on the Gold Coast and baby it’s cold outside. When the temperature drops for that hot minute you bet we’re making the most of soaking up the winter vibes, and nothing says winter like cosying up by the fireplace with a glass of red and some of the best food the Gold Coast has on offer. We’ve found the best Gold Coast restaurants with roaring fireplaces so you don’t have to try and flex your fire making skills at home – you’re welcome.
Cora has taken over the iconic Miss Moneypenny’s space—and yes, the fireplace still slaps. This Broadbeach beauty brings the heat with its coastal-meets-luxe vibes, Mediterranean-inspired menu, and a roaring fire that’ll make you want to cancel your next appointment and settle in till spring. Order a Peach Melba, sip on a Blazing Oasis cocktail, and let the flames (and the ambience) do the rest. Fire, food and fancy vibes? Cora’s got it glowing on.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, D’Arcy Arms Irish Pub has been serving hearty Irish meals for over 30 years — a testament to their popularity amongst tourists and locals alike. While our winters are just a tad warmer than Ireland’s — ok, a lot warmer — we are still thankful they decided to bestow upon us a crackling, open fireplace to gather around over a Guinness or three. Take full advantage of their fireplace and book your Christmas in July for the full Euro-winter effect. We promise a fireside meal at D’Arcy Arms will soften the blow of missing out on that Euro trip.
Where: 2923 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
It must be said, nothing else makes you feel as warm and fuzzy inside as a glass of wine next to an open fire, meaning The Wine Barrel in Mudgeeraba has seriously got its priorities in order. This tapas and wine bar is a family-owned and run hidden treasure, featuring some of the best tapas and share platters the Gold Coast has seen. So, grab a couple of mates and proceed to devour serious eats, next to the fireplace naturally…
Where: 8/59 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba
Ok, this one is in the name. Still, the fine-looking InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort is home to a restaurant rightly named The Fireplace, and yes, you guessed it: it does indeed have an impressive fireplace within the dining room that is also used for cooking. But don’t just go for the roaring embers; the menu features locally sourced cuisine, a 300-strong wine library and a delightful wine-matched degustation. This is serious date night material, maybe even staying overnight wouldn’t be the worst idea you’ve ever had! There’s even a second fireplace located in the foyer at the Verandah Restaurant and Bar that you can cosy on up to with one of their 50 whiskies.
Where: Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove
It’s a Gold Coast institution for good reason, nestled in Mudgeeraba is the colourful ‘roadhouse’ style Mexican joint Panchos. It’s been lovingly restored to its former glory by local couple Lachlan and Maddie (the geniuses who brought us Suzy BBQ and TOKOH), holding onto the iconic 80’s character but dishing up a 2023-approved Mexican feast. We’ve pretty much never met a margarita we didn’t like, but something about them tastes even better when there’s a roaring fireplace and live music to keep you snug and beat the Hinterland chill.
Where: 581 Springbrook Road, Mudgeeraba
It might be in the heart of Surfers Paradise, but that doesn’t mean they’ve compromised on comfort and cosiness. Enjoy your dinner or date night out in the lantern lit courtyard or sneak a spot inside by the fireplace, either way the home of refined Persian food might just be one of our favourite Middle Eastern restaurants on the Gold Coast (big call, we know),
Nothing says winter warmer like authentic Persian food, and Shiraz celebrates its roots with authentic and flavour rich entrees and mains. The menu has a little something for everyone from traditional skewers to the richest slow cooked stews, as well as a generous range of vegetarian options. We’re all about warming up from the inside out.
Where: Mantra Wings Surfers Paradise, 2893 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
If you haven’t been to Pasture & Co have you really been to Currumbin Valley? Local, organic and sustainably sourced ingredients are the heroes on Pasture & Co’s menu, and it quite literally caters to everyone (and we mean EVERYONE’s) dietary preferences and cravings. Wholefoods are a hero but if you know a thing or two about coffee, the organic fair-trade brew will blow even the biggest coffee snob away.
Where: 6 Village Way, Currumbin Valley
If crackling fireplaces, cold mountain air and country pub charm are your thing, St Bernard’s Hotel is calling your name (probably from a vintage rotary phone). Perched on Tamborine Mountain, this cosy gem dishes up casual pub fare with a side of sweeping valley views, and yes, a toasty fireplace that’s perfect for warming your mitts between sips of mulled wine or a hearty red. Bonus: there’s a giant St Bernard dog on site. Need we say more?
Where: 101 Alpine Terrace, Tamborine Mountain
Dreaming of a winter dining spot that’s all about ambiance? Tweed River House has you covered. Nestled in a century-old riverside manor, this venue offers chandeliers, pressed metal ceilings and stunning dining room, complete with an impressive open fireplace to set the perfect scene. Savour plates that showcase the finest produce of the Tweed region. During the cooler months, enjoy lunch on the heated river verandah, but come dinner time, it’s all about cozying up by the fire. This is the perfect spot for a long lunch or an intimate dinner, making it a must-visit destination this winter!
Where: 131 River Street, South Murwillumbah NSW
The Paddock at Beechmont Estate is giving major cosy country manor energy, and the fireplace? Chef’s kiss. This chef-hatted gem serves up paddock-to-plate perfection, with seasonal dishes that spotlight the best of the Scenic Rim. Settle in by the fire with a glass of local red and let the mountain air, crackling logs and five-star flavours do the heavy lifting. It’s like a warm hug from the hinterland.
Where: 422 Binna Burra Rd, Beechmont
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski
At roughly this point in the frosty season, the balmier days of strappy sandals and summer dips feel but a distant memory. Sure, we here in the Sunshine State can get a bit dramatic whenever the temps dip below 20°C, but when it comes to keeping ourselves busy in the chilly months our outlook needn’t feel bleak.
Currently cranking up the fire pits and busting out the warming fare, some of GC’s finest are bunging on some un-brrr-lievably good experiences to coax us from the comfort of our domiciles. So skip the hibernation – here are some of the hottest activations to be had on the Gold Coast this winter.
Can’t swing a ski trip to Japan this winter? Roji Cat’s got you. All July, they’re transforming their cosy Miami bar into a Niseko-style snow scene, complete with glowing lanterns, snow-dusted décor and all the après-ski feels (minus the jet lag).
Expect Japanese comfort food, winter cocktail specials, steaming hot sake, and ice-cold craft beers. Basically everything you need to survive winter in style. It’s cosy, it’s cute, and it’s peak snow-season vibes.
Where: 47 Lemana Lane, Miami
If the prospect of a spot of riverside revelling on those nippy winter evenings isn’t exactly enticing, Coomera Lodge Hotel has got you covered (literally). The open air beer garden will again transform into an igloo wonderland for the season, so that we may live our best winter lives carousing in total comfort. Nab one of the decked out domes and hunker down by the river. Bookings essential, no booking fee, and seating is first in, best dressed!
Where: 160 Maudsland Road, Oxenford
We don’t care how old we are, opportunities to stuff our faces with freshly-toasted marshmallows over an open fire are outrageously far and few between. Thankfully the return of Robina Pavilion’s ever-popular Fire pits by the Lake sessions are back and doing their darnedest to turn this toasty past time erasure around. For select dates across winter, beat the winter chill by booking your group of up to six for your own fire pit sesh every Friday–Sunday night (until Sunday 24th August). The booking fee of $199 is redeemable on your choice of food and bev, so sip cocktails, nosh on cheese boards and your fave winter warmers and char til heart’s content with complimentary marshmallows and fire pit attendant included. Not to fan the flames, but bookings are limited people!
Where: 229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina
Bigger, better and more brrrr-iliant than ever, ain’t ‘snow way we’re missing out on Dreamworld’s Winterfest. Bringing thrills, spills and chills, we’re predicting a high chance of wholesome family fun with Euro inspired eats, scavenger hunts, interactive winter-inspired activities and some extra snowy surprises in store. Glide across the full-sized, pop up ice skating rink, then defrost with a little help from some warm cinnamon churros (that’s our story, and we’re sticking to it). While all ages will have an absolute (arctic) blast tobogganing down the ice slide. And not to date ourselves here, but, if you can’t use this opportunity to bust out all your favourite Cool Runnings quotes, when can you? Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme!
Where: Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera
Surrounded by lush rolling hills and an unending supply of locally-made vino – who among us isn’t perpetually down for a sneaky Sirromet trip (doubly so when it’s someone else’s turn as deso driver). Add in your very own personal fire pit, crackling under the twinkling night sky, and you’ve got yourself just about the cutest and cosiest date night going (bestie dates count too!). For $189, Sirromet will take care of all the heavy lifting, with a generous hamper for two filled with charcuterie-style provisions to feast upon and signature mulled wine to sip. Once you and your nominated partner-in-wine are done whiling the night away by the fire, you then get the insulated Sirromet cups and picnic blanket (plus fond mems) for keeps! Wine not, we say! (Bookings required).
Where: 850-938 Mount Cotton Rd, Mount Cotton
If anyone knows how to lure us from our cosy cocoons (read: oversized hoodies and novelty socks), it’s The Star Gold Coast. This winter, they’re turning up the heat on the Cucina Vivo balcony with crackling fire pits, small bites, and drinks that’ll warm your soul faster than you can say “another round of red, please”. Swing by from 5.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays for a no-bookings, first-come-first-served fireside experience.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
No skis? No worries. Aviary Rooftop Bar is bringing major après-ski energy to the GC this winter – minus the snow, plus the sunset vibes. Until August, head up to the rooftop every afternoon from 4–6pm for Aviary Après – a twilight wind-down complete with firelight, cosy blankets and seasonal sips, all set in their dreamy open-air space The Nest.
It’s giving Euro winter meets Gold Coast glam, with live acoustic tunes on Fridays and Saturdays (weather permitting), golden hour skies, and a very strong chance of mulled wine. Whether you’re snacking, sipping or just soaking in the vibe, it’s the perfect way to warm up as the sun goes down.
Where: Aviary Rooftop Bar, Mantra at Sharks, Corner Musgrave & Olsen Avenues, Southport
Words by Belinda Symons
When it comes to Christmas on the Gold Coast, we usually think of beachside barbies and a pav with more humidity than dignity.
But come July? It’s game on for festive feasting, fuzzy knits, and enough mulled wine to make even the Grinch smile. So sleigh the mid-year slump and yule be sorry if you miss these jolly good celebrations happening across the Coast.
A true Gold Coast festive MVP, D’Arcy Arms is back with their classic 2-course Christmas feast. Think roast turkey, pork, ham, Yorkshire puds, and veg so good even your nan would approve. Finish strong with homemade sticky date pudding and enough butterscotch sauce to drown your seasonal sorrows. Irish pub vibes, fireplace, and all the trimmings? We’ll toast to that. $50pp
Where: 2923 Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise
When: Throughout July
If luxury was on your Christmas list, the Imperial Hotel just gift-wrapped it at Il Barocco. Their Christmas in July dining experience is elegance on a (very festive) plate. Start with a silky parsnip soup, then choose between award-winning Wagyu or Lilydale Chicken with all the wintery trimmings- hello, creamed kale and honey-glazed carrots. Cap it off with a yuzu-spiked pavlova that’s basically Queensland summer in dessert form. It’s giving sleigh, but make it fine dining. $59pp
Where: 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
When: Sunday 20th and 27th July
If a buffet is your love language, Green Fields heard you loud and clear. Cosy up under heaters with blankets and load up on traditional fare that brings all the nostalgic Chrissy vibes. Lunch and dinner sittings run across three glorious days, and honestly, we’re considering all three. Is that… too festive? No such thing. From $49pp
Where: 94 Laver Dr, Robina
When: Thursday 3rd – Friday 4th July, 11.30am – 2pm and 5pm – 9pm. Saturday 5th July, 5pm – 9pm
Running Friday and Saturday nights from 27th June to 19th July at Shoreline Restaurant, this festive buffet is bringing all the holiday cheer (and none of the sweaty Santas). Adults dine for $99, teens for $49, and kids for just $39, with epic eats like Bundy rum and maple-glazed ham, Aussie oysters, rib-eye steak and a dessert table that’ll make you believe in Christmas magic again (hello, chocolate lava pudding and rum balls). There’s also live music and drinks included, soft drinks, beer, and wine.
Where: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
When: Friday & Saturday nights, 27th June – 19th July (closed 29th June – 2nd July).
Eggnog on arrival? Say no more. Mr PP’s rooftop soirée comes stacked with entertainment, a Christmas in July menu (hi, pork belly and reef cod), a raffle, and a festive dress code that basically demands a novelty knit. Finish with Tuscan trifle and a dash of rooftop magic. Warning: may cause uncontrollable cheer. $75pp
Where: 43 Nerang St, Southport
When: 10th July, 6–10pm
It’s Christmas meets cocktails at this tropical-meets-twinkly fairy light haven. Kick off with mulled wine, feast on a festive menu, and dance the night away to live music. For an extra jolly boost, add the three-hour drink package or dive headfirst into a trio of specially crafted Xmas cocktails. $106.14pp
Where: 8/6 Ashmore Rd, Bundall
When: 5th July, 6pm–9pm
If Christmas was more thongs than thermals, this tropical twist is your mid-year miracle. Labrador’s Christmas in July is turning up the cheer (and the sunshine), with Aussie Santa rocking boardies and a whole day of barefoot-style festivities. Think classic old-school games, a jumping castle, free craft and sensory fun for the kids, a disco dance party with DJ Hartley Love, and market stalls galore. There’s even a Reindeer Games Arena hosted by Brett Johnathan, with prizes up for grabs. Round it out with food trucks, face painting, and all the summery vibes you never knew Christmas needed. Best of all? It’s totally free.
Where: Labrador Community Centre, 57 Billington Street, Labrador
When: Saturday 26th July from 10am – 3pm
Terraces Restaurant’s signature long brunch is back on Saturday 26th July, and this time, it’s wearing a Santa hat. Sip, Savour & Soirée is serving up all your seafood faves with a festive twist, including Stradbroke Island oysters, lobster rolls, sashimi, Balmain bugs, charcuterie, Nimbin Valley cheeses and sushi, plus glazed Christmas ham, king prawns and a decadent dessert station. Tickets are $179 per adult and $89.50 per child, including a luxe seafood buffet, a 3-hour free-flowing drinks package, live music, roving entertainment and complimentary parking. It’s indulgent, it’s vibrant, and it’s set to sleigh.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast, 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
When: Saturday 26 July, 12pm–3pm
Bust out your Christmas sweaters, dress festive and enjoy a fun arvo with the Miami community. Free entertainment for the kidlets, live music, eats and drinks by Little Itoshin and The Jolly Roger (with more to be announced), it’s a street style event you won’t want to miss. Make sure you wear your ugly sweater, bring a chair or picnic rug and most importantly, bring your family and/or crew for Christmas in July with a street-style twist.
Where: Miami Village Shopping Centre, 110 Mountain View Avenue, Miami
When: 2pm – 6pm Sunday 27th July
There’s nothing quite like Christmas in London, but we’ve found the next best thing, and that’s the Fox & Hounds’ Christmas in July lunches. Tamborine’s wintery, hinterland feel makes you feel like you’re tucked in a pub in the English countryside. There’s a reason people travel from near and far for a seat at the South East’s favourite English Pub. Cosy up by the fire and tuck into a classic roast of turkey and beef and don’t forget to save room for dessert because it’d be sacrilege to not have a taste of Christmas pudding and custard to finish the feed. Served daily and from $40, it’s a whole lot cheaper than a flight to the UK. Thank us later.
Where: Cnr Oxenford Tamborine Road & Elevation Drive, Wongawallan
When: Throughout July from 11.30am, bookings essential for groups
Pimpama’s going all in on a one-day-only lunch event dripping in nostalgia and cranberry jus. Two classic courses- including turkey, ham, and apricot & pine nut stuffing– followed by a lucky dip dessert round. Pav or plum pud? You won’t know until it hits the table. Surprise! A$42.61
Where: 102 Pimpama Jacobs Well Rd, Pimpama
When: 24th July, 11:30am–2pm
The Ducks are decking the halls and firing up the ovens for a cosy Christmas in July celebration on Sunday 20th July from 5pm to 8pm. For just $79 per person, guests will enjoy a festive menu filled with seasonal favourites, starting with smoked trout blinis, followed by roast turkey, glazed ham, bacon-wrapped sausages, and all the trimmings (hello, roast veggies, cranberry sauce and rich, velvety gravy). Dessert is a traditional Christmas pudding, of course. Mulled wine and cider will be flowing, alongside their wine special of the day, Mountadam 550 Cabernet Sauvignon, with the full drinks list also available for all your sipping needs.
Where: Three Blue Ducks, The Farm, Byron Bay
When: Sunday 20 July, 5pm–8pm
Looking to sleigh your Christmas in July party this year? Mona Lisa’s Lair at Miami Marketta is serving up glam, glitter and gourmet good times with an exclusive festive feast for private groups. Whether you’re after an elegant seated dinner or a chic cocktail soirée, this one’s all about luxe vibes, delish bites, and serious holiday sparkle. Think Christmas cocktails on arrival, a three-hour drinks package, themed décor, and enough merriment to make Santa blush. Bonus points: you can even add a Drag Queen, DJ, or Christmas photobooth for extra razzle-dazzle.
Where: Miami Marketta, 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
When: Available on Marketta open days throughout July
Price: From $70pp (cocktail) or $120pp (seated)
Capacity: 20–70 guests (private events only)
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Every once in a while, you stumble across a bona fide triple threat.
We’re talking phenomenal food, an impeccably styled space, a truly unparalleled location, and old-world hospitality. Wait, that’s 4 things, which means this place is so off-the-charts spesh, that it actually qualifies as a quadruple threat! Ladies and gentlemen, please take a bow for the majestic Tweed River House.
From the vantage point of the verdant riverbanks, settled at the tropical foothills of the Tweed Caldera in Murwillumbah, this century-old riverside plantation house has been lovingly restored to maintain its original character and charm. The elegant yet relaxed renovation creates a unique space that reflects the gentle pace of the Northern Rivers, oozing 1930s style with a French twist.
Restaurant owner / interior designer Gregory Lording has impeccably styled every inch of this space. From the patterned pressed metal ceilings in the main dining room, to the magnificent chandelier in the 10-seater private dining room, all the way to the wall art and décor choices. It’s also impossible to not mention the tranquility of the Tweed River, and panoramic views of the lush cane fields and mountain ranges. Bundle this all together and you get a truly unforgettable trip to Tweed River House.
Now let’s get to the food because let’s be honest, it’s kinda (really really) important to get this part right in making this a showstopping location. And folks, we are proud to report they nail it.
They offer mouth-watering French-style cuisine so delicious that they’ve been nominated for a Chef Hat Award by the Australian Good Food Guide. Their curated menu is hand-selected by Head Chef Joseph McGrattan showcasing only the best of each season’s produce; from the region’s fertile farmlands, riverways and ocean. Now you’re talking!
Once you’ve sampled their signature cocktail the Le Bleu, with ink gin, violet liqueur, orange syrup, lemon and whites (drooling over here), it’s time to peruse the menu.
You’re spoilt for choice between their two, three or five-course menus. Or perhaps you should up the ante with their degustation menu served exclusively in the chandelier private dining room.
If you prefer your choice of meals, we suggest to start the Jake Hill Rabbit Terrine, with confit rabbit and fair game chorizo terrine, leek, citrus rhubarb, hazelnuts, bush tomato gel and tarragon mayo. Then, move your way into the Bouillabaisse with Australian bay prawn, scallop, local octopus, chargrilled fish, mussels, cuttlefish, vegetables, house bread and rouille. Or, perhaps the McAuley’s Road Beef is more to your liking, with pink rump, with smoked mash, daube croquette, sautéed urliup mushrooms, bordelaise and pickled carrot.
And it’s safe to say dining out just isn’t complete without the icing on the cake – dessert. So, we suggest you treat yourself to the Native Citrus, with native citrus lemon aspen and honey cake, aspen ice cream, rum and finger lime cream cheese mousse and gingerbread crumble. Talk about finishing things off on a sweet note! We are sooo here for this.
For a relaxed yet contemporary culinary experience in a setting that captures the stuff dreams are made of, you know where to go.
Where: 131 River Street, South Murwillumbah NSW
When: Lunch – Thursday to Sunday, 12pm to 3pm. Dinner – Friday & Saturday, 5.30pm to 8pm.
Words by Bianca Trathen
