Dinner and drinks on glowed-up trawlers? Fishizzle!
Dinner and drinks on glowed-up trawlers? Fishizzle!
Avast, me hearties! Feast your eyes on the newest dining destination set to make waves here on the Gold Coast – Holy Ship Bar & Restaurant. A treasure trove for both locals and visitors, Holy Ship invites you aboard their seas-oned trawlers, the ‘FV Havana’ and ‘Austral Eagle,’ for a spectacular dining experience that’ll have you in a chokehold, hook, line, and sinker.
Not to be confused with your average whiffy trawlers, these authentic timber beauties have been refurbished to perfection, inspired by the traditional charm of timber vessels, but with a striking modern twist. Perfect for your next event, there’s indoor covered dining for 56 people on custom timber furniture, with outdoor seating on the upper deck on both vessels (up to 36 people on FV Havana and 12 people on Austral Eagle).
We’re talking front-row seats to the stunning Broadwater and a dining/sipping experience set to become a GC lega-sea.
So what’s on the menu? Plenty of seafood for a start and duh, no ship Sherlock. Austral Eagle’s full commercial kitchen serves up fresh trawler seafood and an array of small plates.
Why not start with some Oysters, natural, mignonette, Kilpatrick or even Thai style? Then, tuck into their signature dish, the ‘Holy Ship I’ll Have It All’ seafood platter, with oysters, prawns, bugs, salmon and sashimi a-plenty. If land dwelling fare is more your thing, how about some Saucy BBQ Ribs or a ship-shape Charcuterie Board with all-the-things?
If you’re anything like us, we want to know all-a-boat the bevs and yes, these tidy trawlers pack a punch with their oar-some drinks selection. Get shipfaced at the bar on FV Havana (but don’t really) with its 10-tap system serving up beer, wine, ready-to-drink spirits and cocktails. Speaking of, it would be remiss of us not to single out their signature sips – the Frozen Margarita and Cosmopolitan – which folks, are a shore thing.
Who masterminded this maritime marvel, you ask? None other than Kane and Yvette McCarthy, the legends behind the iconic Tonic on Chirn Park and ELV 525 on Mt Tamborine, along with co-owner Jake Ruttley. With their extensive expertise and passion for hospitality, it’s o-fish-al – we’re ready to dock and roll.
Kane and Yvette’s journey to bring Holy Ship to life has been nothing short of epic. It started with finding the illustrious Austral Eagle in Harvey Bay, a famous shark fishing trawler that worked actively out of her Adeliade port.Her sister from another mista, FV Havana, is a local girl, who was still fishing prawns in Tweed Heads until she was brought down and lifted out.
Both old girls were renovated on the hard stand at Coomera for 18 months, stripped back to their bare hulls and rebuilt to their former glory.
Sea you there!
Where: Birth 7&8 Marina Mirage, Marina Commercial arm, Sea World Drive, Main Beach (but both vessels are available for functions at private pontoons, Gold Coast marinas and events around the Broadwater).
When: Launching Wednesday 27th March
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
With a name like Rosie Boat Charters, what you’re picturing is 100% on the money. Cute as a button, she’s a fully renovated 1960s timber cruiser with comfort and style for dayz. Filling a gap in the GC market for a vintage-vibing full-service charter boat, Rosie is the water-based bestie you’ve always wanted.
Perfect for any occasion, Rosie is a birthday girl/boy’s, hen’s, newly engaged couple’s, fam-bam gathering’s dreamboat. With capacity for up to 30 passengers and both indoor and outdoor entertainment options, this cool kid is KNOT your average charter boat, packing more personality and charm that you can poke an oar at.
Chill outside on the fully covered deck (#SunSmart), up front for Titanic-esque pics (“KOFTW – King of the World for acronym novices), or inside in the insta-awesome red vintage booths. Offering both day and sunset cruises on our beloved Broadwater, Rosie delivers the goods and is more than just a pretty face (but man, #IsShePretty!).
Equipped with barbeque facilities for srsly scrumptious sausage sizzles (Bunnings, eat your heart out), and catering options for those of us who can’t be arsed heading to the butcher, we love the flexibility to choose the food that suits our mood. But before we go on, we feel the need to immediately highlight the fact that she’s BYO and point proven, case closed, thanks for coming, #SOLD.
Boasting a bangin bar, gnarly DJ / muso space (karaoke anyone?!), and a sound system to make Retro’s green with envy, what’s not to love(boat)? Picture festoon lights (happy sigh), modern bathroom facilities (always a b.o.n.u.s.), and legit the friendliest fun-loving crew you ever did meet, just get on board already. They’ll pop your bubbles, mix your cocktails and bring their signature rosiness every day of the week (literally – Rosie sets sail seven days a week).
Equipped with All.The.Things (glassware, eskies, ice), all you need to bring besides your grog are your panty pants and dancing shoes (and shoe cushions #you’rewelcome). There’s even an inflatable Twister Mat and if you weren’t sold by her swashbuckingly sexy good looks (said in our finest Austin Powers voices), this orta do it.
Setting sail for the first time in December last year, Rosie is the boat baby of Rowan Fletcher and Tamara Briffa. Previously known as Maltby, she was built by Cayzer Boat Builders in Victoria and used as a survey vessel in the waters of Port Phillip Bay. Taking on the treacherous conditions of the Southern Ocean, she proved time and time again that she’s sturdy AF and built to last. In her new life as a Gold Coast charter boat, she’s already earned a reputation on the Broady as a one-of-a-kind old-skool it-girl #ShowUsYourHyphens.
On a final note, Rosie is feeling all kinds of generous this season with an opening summer special to knock your boardies off #AllAboard. Curious to hear more? SO.ARE.WE! Go here to learn more.
Where: Muriel Henchman Drive, Main Beach
When: 11am – 8pm, Monday to Sunday
Instagram: @rosieboat.gc
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Ahoy there, mateys! Ok, so we’ve been having a whale of a time on Spirit of Gold Coast for almost three decades now, but fun fact incoming; did you know that this 24-meter super catamaran is more than a one-trick-pony? Whilst it is undeniably THE choice for whale watching #HeyMigaloo, this shipload of fun also offers sunset cruises, lunch cruises, and party cruises – and buoy are they top-‘knot’ch.
Family owned and operated, Spirit of Gold Coast will float everybody’s boat from your nautical loving nan to your boat-loving bestie, and even your water worshipping whipper snapper (say that five times over). Setting sail from Mariner’s Cove in Main Beach and perfect for any occasion, get ready to sail-a-brate with Spirit of Gold Coast.
Sunset cruises
Want to bid adieu to the day in style? Embark on a magical sunset cruise on the Broadwater, soaking up the last of the sun’s rays as twilight shows off the glittering GC skyline in all her glory. With a frozen cocktail in hand, see how the other half live with views right down to the sea-lebrity style homes on Sovereign Island.
Tuck into the tasty complimentary eats, including finger foods and wraps that are fresher than the sea breeze. Plus, there’s onboard commentary, which is like having your own Gold Coast Wikipedia, offering insights into the area’s history, environment, and wildlife. Ferry impressive! $79 per adult and $39 per mini-mate.
Party cruises
What’s better than carving up the dancefloor and we’ll tell you – carving up the dancefloor aboard Spirit of Gold Coast! Each Friday night from 7pm, DJ Tiki transforms the nautical nirvana into the ultimate party cruise with the latest beats and breathtaking Broadwater views.
Once again, the captain will set sail towards Sovereign Island for a glimpse of the region’s most ritzy abodes, before cranking the tunes and making the voyage back against the dazzling GC night sky. The fully licensed bar will be serving up all your faves, and snacks are available if you need to line your belly before the next frozen cocktail.
The two-and-a-half to three-hour cruise will return to Mariner’s Cove, where you’ll be docked and loaded for a night on the town! Hull yeah! Tickets are $49 per person.
Lunch cruise
If a feast on the high seas is more your speed, the Spirit of Gold Coast has a sensational lunch cruise just for you. Enjoy an award-winning 2.5-hour aquatic escapade whilst indulging in a freshly prepared seasonal lunch that’ll tantalise your taste buds.
Grab a complimentary cuppa and morning tea on arrival, before touring the iconic Broadwater – and even venturing out to sea! The GC Seaway is like a wildlife red carpet, showcasing sea lions, dolphins, marine birds, turtles, and more, so keep your phone at the ready coz if you didn’t snap it, did it even happen?
The Tiki Bar is on hand to serve up your fave tipple, and the bow of the boat is always ready for the token Titanic shot #I’mTheKingOfTheWorld. $99 per adult, $79 per senior, $59 per child, and small folk under four are free!
So, whether you’re chasing sunsets, cruisin for some beats, or craving a quality lunch with a side of sea-life, don’t harbour any regrets – seas the moment and book yourself an unforgettable Spirit of Gold Coast cruise here.
Sea you there!
Where: Mariner’s Cove, 60-70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
When: Daily. Check website for cruise times
Website: www.spiritofgoldcoastcruises.com.au
Instagram: @spiritofgoldcoast
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY SPIRIT OF GOLD COAST
Easter weekend is nigh and while you might be packing up for a long weekend trip away, if you’re not, we live in paradise already, so lucky us.
As you’re no doubt aware, Good Friday is a day on which traditionally we’re not supposed to consume any meat besides seafood and again lucky for us, there’s many an epic fish and chippery (great word) on the Gold Coast to choose from.
Here are 11 of them from north to south.
Charis Seafoods
The folks at Charis Seafoods are the biggest seafood retailer in Queensland, so they have everything you could possibly need for a seafood feast. The family-owned business are serving up fresh and cooked fish, prawns, lobster, oysters, mussels, scallops, octopus and crab and everything is of the highest possible quality. YUM.
Where: 371 Marine Parade, Labrador
Peter’s Fish Market
A Gold Coast institution and an absolute must-visit, Peter’s Fish Market can be found right on the Broadwater with fresh seafood coming in off the trawler daily. There’s often a lineup out the door for both fresh and cooked seafood and everything is absolutely delicious, every time. Get in early, they’re very busy this time of year.
Where: Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Sunkist Fish & Chippery
The newest fish on the block, Sunkist Fish & Chippery is the latest venture at The Oxley 1823. Offering locally sourced seafood, steps from Nobby Beach, this place is dishing out seriously fresh and super tasty seafood. If you prefer to cook your own step into The Oxley Village Grocer for a boatload of Easter seafood specials.
Where: 17 Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach
Mermaid Beach Seafood
The crew at Mermaid Beach Seafood are serving up the goods with a wide variety of fresh and cooked fish, epic traditional burgers and all the salty extras like crumbed sausages, potato scallops (or potato cakes) and of course the infamous chiko roll. Choose from plenty of sweet fish and chip options or one of their epic family packs for a little bit of everything.
Where: 7/2375 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Two Wise Fish
Boasting 3 generations of fish & chip knowledge and love Two Wise Fish opened in Mermaid Waters to rave reviews. For good reason. Their menu is an impressive one with plenty of fresh fish and seafood to choose from plus tasty treats like a Golden Crumbed Fish & Salad Sandwich which is the absolute goods. Pop in and taste all of that for yourself.
Where: Shop 1/64 Karbunya St, Mermaid Waters
Miami Fish Market
The Miami Fish Market is a game changer for locals living on the southern end. First and foremost because they sell everything from prawns, clams, oysters, crabs, and even have a specially designated area for carefully prepared Japanese style seafood delicacies. Choose from an array of whole fish, and you can have it filleted and prepared as you wait. The selection here is one of the most extensive and diverse anyone is likely to find outside our major cities.
Where: 1/54 Paradise Avenue, Miami
The Jolly Roger
The Jolly Roger opened in Miami in 2020 to bring us fish and chips with a bit of a twist. Which comes in the way of Keto options. Yes, meaning there are healthy fish and chips and they taste mighty fine. Of course, you can get the regular version here too plus things like prawn skewers and salads and there’s beer on offer too. Perfect.
Where: 3/110 Mountain View Ave, Miami
Small Fry
The newest airstream on the block, Small Fry serves super fresh and delicious seafood out the front of Global Pacific Seafoods. The signature dish is Bug Bao and honestly, we can’t imagine a world where these don’t exist. The lightly battered bug meat is served in a freshly steamed bao bun with homemade coleslaw, fresh chilli, shallots and sriracha mayo. A staff and customer favourite for a reason, it’s pure ecstasy in edible form.
Where: 273 Scottsdale Drive, Robina
Burleigh Heads Fish Mongers
If you’ve ever set foot in Burleigh, you will have seen James Street’s beloved fish and chip joint, Fish Mongers. It’s generally packed with diners and or takeawayers and that’s because they’re serving up the absolute goods when it comes to seafood. Choose from the freshest of fish to take home and cook yourself or opt for their famous cooked-for-you options should you wish to do absolutely nothing except eat. Same. Definitely try this one team.
Where: James Street, Burleigh Heads
Red Hot Cod
Consistently voted Burleigh’s #1 Fish and Chips Shop and regularly voted Top 10 on the Gold Coast, it wouldn’t be an accurate fish and chips list without Red Hot Cod. These guys are doing fish and chips old school-style with a twist. While all the usual fish and chips suspects are available, we highly recommend the Burleigh Beach Box with one Crumbed Whiting, one Battered Fish, three Pieces Calamari, two Prawn Cutlets, one Seafood Stick, Chips, Salad and Sauces. Tell us if you’re still hungry after all of that!
Where: 1716 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Captain Hook’s Seafood, Tugun
Captain Hook’s Seafood is an old school fish & chip joint offering takeaway and you’re probably going to want to sample everything. The best of ocean goodness, everything on the menu is fresh and tasty.
Where: 451a Golden Four Drv, Tugun
Words by Bianca Trathen.
