A finer twist on your favourites.

Nestled amongst the Broadbeach strip on Albert Ave you can find yourself a little bit of Italy, a little piece of France and a side of the Tuscan Hills. Twist On Broady is offering up quality Gold Coast produce with European finesse.

A quirky bar and smart restaurant surrounded by warm hues and soft lighting make for the perfect dinner setting. The impressive menu will be a favourite for seafood lovers with dishes like Victorian Black Mussels in light tomato white wine broth with hint of chilli and fresh herbs, served with crusty ciabatta bread, Harvey Bay Scallops, gratinated with Tarragon & Tomato Butter or Grilled fillet of Barramundi topped with crushed macadamia nuts and shredded coconut, served on a prawn & coriander risotto, with a coconut curry broth moat.

For the meat lovers a selection of Eye Fillet Steaks, Lamb Rack, Pork Belly and Chicken Breast. Pasta enthusiasts a mouth watering selection of Ravioli’s, Linguini’s and Risottos. All of which can be accompanied by a sultry red, a fruity white or perfectly paired bubbles. The staff are enthusiastic and educated, matching the perfect wines with your meal.

Twist on Broady, the perfect place to indulge in finer foods and fantastic service.

Tuesday – Thursday 5pm – late

Friday 12pm – late

Saturday – Sunday 7am – late

Shop 11, 23 Albert Ave, Broadbeach

By Amy Merridan

It’s almost a rite of passage of our youth, sloshing (stumbling) around in muddy fields for days on end, the never ending festival queues and lost mates. So what do you do when your love of live music remains but the mere thought of that sentence makes you feel like a nap and your mud tolerance left right around the same time the bottle-o stopped asking you for ID? Well *drumroll pls* because one of Australia’s largest free music festivals is swooning and crooning its way back to us for another year.

The beloved annual beachside Blues on Broadbeach festival that never misses a beat is kicking off from Thursday 18th May until Sunday 21st. Now a GC institution, and you just know a festival that’s celebrating it’s 22nd year knows a thing or two about showing us a blue-dy good time.

Prepare the toes to get tapping, and the boots to get a scootin’, because the lineup slaps. Headliners include the likes of Australia’s guitar slinging virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel, Don Walker, and we just know Melbourne SKA Orchestra is really going to blow us away #goosebumpsalert. Don’t fret, we’re only just getting started – there’s also Indigenous vocalist Emma Donovan and Melbourne rhythm combo The Putbacks, Chris Cheney, The Kevin Borich Express and Marcus Scott and the Bo-Keys.. (and we haven’t even got down to the little fonts yet!)

Blues on Broadbeach has crammed this carpal-tunnel inducing list of acts (srsly, it just keeps going) into 17 of Broady’s finest venues and stages, so of course we had to compile the ultimate guide of all the best spots to grab a bevvy and bite while you soak up the best of the fest. Who’s ready to get into the swing of things?

Kurrawa Park Stage
The Oasis Shopping Centre bars and restaurants
It’s the perfect place for a stage and Blues on Broadbeach know it! With oodles of space and the picturesque Kurrawa Beach right next door, live music in this setting just sounds better! If you need a pre, mid or post-festival feed, or an hourly festival cocktail, The Oasis Shopping Centre’s hot spots have you covered. The likes of Elk Espresso, Mario’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar and Spice Kitchen & Bar are all up to the task!
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Victoria Park Stage
Gemelli Broadbeach
A perfect place to take in the many genres of Blues dropping in Victoria Park is the Italian Stallion of GC restaurants, the rustic Gemelli Broadbeach. With products imported from Italy infused with locally sourced seafood and meat, the menu is the real deal. Their wine list is also off the charts, awarded “One Glass” by Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine and who doesn’t love a fancy wine with their tunes?
Where: 2/2685 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach

Federation Park Stage
Unicorn Seafood Restaurant
With a name like Unicorn Seafood Restaurant, Captain Obvious has spoken and declared this new Mediterranean seafood-infused restaurant o-fish-ally worthy of Blues Festival hangs. Boasting an all-day menu including a seafood platter to die for, why wouldn’t you?! Set in a space rich in relaxing blue and white hues and ocean murals, grab yourself a cocktail or five and settle in for the long-haul.
Where: Phoenician Resort, 24-26 Queensland Avenue, Broadbeach

Surf Parade Stage
Marilyn’s
Let the sweet melodies fill the air, and the luxe cocktails fill your heart, or stomach (technically). The aptly named House of Delicious, smack bang in the heart of the action within the prime Surf Parade position earns them rights an offish festival Dine and Watch spot. Book yourself a table at Marilyn’s swanky retro-chic digs, kick back with the American-style eats and keep the bevvys a flowin’ – the only thing sweeter than the Watermelon Sugar cocktails on repeat will surely be the dulcet tones serenading you from the main stage.
Where: Shop 10, East Tower The Phoenician Building, 90/104 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Oracle Boulevard Stage
Mamasan Kitchen & Bar
With awards up the wazoo, Mamasan Kitchen & Bar’s traditional and modern South East Asian chow will give you sustenance to bust many-a-move! Shining the spotlight on the popular share food philosophy, the authentic flavours have earned local street-cred and not just critical acclaim. The zesty Asian-inspired cocktails are all the motivation we need and side note: they also serve up a mean Sake.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Den Devine Stage
It’s the home of jazz and blues so duh, naturally it was the logical choice for a Blues on Broady stage provider! Serving up an eclectic variety of homely, Mediterranean foods along with your favourite beers, wines and spirits, its old school, moody but pumping jazz bar vibes are a winner with blues and jazz enthusiasts. Even if you don’t drink whisky, trust us – you’ll start!
Where: 12/15 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach

The Oasis (Level One) Stage
Harajuku Gyoza
Gyoza load of all the festival action, then hop on over to Broady’s very own beer stadium and dumpling bar, Harajuku Gyoza to refuel. It’s dinner and a show x2, since you get to watch the chefs prep goodies through the kitchens open glass windows too. Serving an array of Japanese craft beer on tap – there’s even frozen beer if you need a little more pep in your step after all those questionable dance moves.
Where: 2/26 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach

The Loose Moose Stage
We’re a sucker for a North American-style bar and restaurant and it’s safe to say we’re not the only ones! The Loose Moose is THE spot for a couple of drinks and a bite to eat…and also now the perf spot to listen to tunes bellowing from their own special Blues on Broady stage! Plus, should you find yourself depleted after bopping away all day/night long, there really is no better place to refuel and grab a well-deserved drink.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

The Broadbeach Tavern Stage
The hub for locals to meet up for a chinwag, a bite and some brewskis is also one of the music hubs for the festival! Pull up a pew either in the Family Bistro, Sports Bar or our vote, the large outdoor deck to soak up both the music and the Autumn GC rays. It’s also just over the road from Kurrawa Park Stage so you get the best of both worlds!
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre, Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach

The Lucky Squire Stage
Beer and jazz are a match made in heaven so this joint was born to stage (literally) some Blues on Broady bangers. In case you haven’t put 2 and 2 together, The Lucky Squire brings to life the story of Australia’s first brewer, the rogue swindler James Squire. Celebrating quality craft beers and modern pub grub, it’s a must-visit on your festival rounds.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Fat Freddy’s – Beach Bar & Diner Stage
Who doesn’t crave burgers, fries and all things American diner-style after drinking, scat singing and dancing up a storm? Another venue boasting a stage, you’ll not only get front-row seats to a bunch of cool acts, but also a feast of drool-worthy classics. It’s one big par-tay here so you can imagine the levelled-up fun factor when you add Blues on Broadbeach into the mix.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Words by Bianca Trathen & Kellie Leader.

There are some things in life that must be seen to be believed and what we’re about to share with you is one of those. You’ve no doubt noticed quite a bit of work going on in the middle of Broadbeach of late and, just in time for summer, the reason for that ruckus has been unveiled.

The Broadbeach recently emerged like a phoenix from the ashes of what was once much-loved drinking hole, Broadbeach Tavern (aka Liars Bar), in prime position at The Oasis Shopping Centre.

A familiar phrase that’s slung around when Broadbeach Tav is mentioned is “oh I’ve had some good nights there in my time”, and it’s true, there has indeed been many a good time had at the Broady Tav.

Which is something that will certainly continue, only now with more of a bright, summer holiday, take-the-kids-along-for-a-wholesome-family-dinner vibe. It’s a mind blowing transformation so let’s unpack it shall we.

First of all, it’s the perfect addition to the beachside centre and will no doubt be buzzing every day and night for the rest of time so hats off to the team. It’s due in large part to the oceany, good time feels they’ve managed to create with a spacious deck, lots of natural light, white exposed brick tables and the bar itself, wooden accents and fun feature tiles, plants hanging from the ceiling and pillars that both hold up the ceiling and are painted with tropical animals and jungle-type scenes. So many pretty things.

It’s open and airy and there are fresh flowers everywhere and it’s very much the new summer hangout of your dreams.

Of course, the menu has a whole new lease on life too and it’s exactly what you’ll want after a long day on the beach or to accompany an afternoon of tasty beverages on the deck with the crew.

There are plenty of share plates and starters including Beef Ragu and Mozzarella Arancini and Charcuterie Boards, which are two of our favourites things on Earth.

If you’re after something more substantial, that’s a-okay, there are plenty of delicious pizza and pasta options plus your favourite bar meal situations in the form of Taco Bowls, big old burgers, fish and chips and the like.

We would also HIGHLY recommend the Fig, Haloumi and Walnut salad because that is a combination for the ages.

The very best thing though is something known as the The Broadie Board which is made up of many tasty treats including Calamari, kaarage chicken (love you), arancini balls, baked brie, Amalfi prawns, oyster shooters, flatbread and dips. So all the best ones.

The dance floor is being prepped and will open in three weeks so you’ll have everything you need, right in the one sweet little space.

Props Broady Tav, it was lovely knowing you but The Broadbeach is where it’s at.

LOCATION: Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach
HOURS: 10am until 5am daily

Words and photos by Kirra Smith