It may be home to the Gold Coast’s bustling business district but Southport can also boast a huge array of incredible eateries, culture and general good times.

We’ve rounded up 15 things locals love about the place and we reckon you might enjoy them too.

In no particular order, enjoy.

Southport Sharks
There is many a good time to be had at Southport Sharks including dining at one of the delicious dish-packed restaurants, drinking at Aviary Rooftop Bar overlooking the city, joining in on one of their classes at the Health + Fitness Centre or getting involved in one of their many good time events. The possibilities are endless. It’s the perfect spot for a family event or take the crew for a Sunday afternoon session. Happy days no matter what.
Where: Olsen Avenue and Musgrave Avenue, Southport

Southport Yacht Club
Waterfront dining is the name of the game at Southport Yacht Club with two venues to choose from and stunning scenes from whichever you choose. You’re also welcome to just sit back and kick up your heels with a cold beverage or two while gazing lovingly at one of the many beautiful yachts in the marina. It’s one of the Coast’s best locations and you’re guaranteed to have a good time.
Where: 1 MacArthur Parade, Main Beach

Zero Latency
Zero Latency is a free-roam, virtual reality experience like no other. With up to eight players per game, you’ll have the BEST time fighting zombies, exploring mystical places and challenging your friends on space stations. All you need to do is put on the VR headset, strap into the backpack and pickup the controller. Get 10% off here. It really is so good.
Where: 34 Smith Street, Southport

Panezski Distillery
The Coast’s first vodka distillery opened in Southport a few short months ago and what a treat. The family-owned business are whipping up three types of vodka, two types of gin and even a couple of beers on the premises and you can pop in to grab a bottle to go, or you can sit down and enjoy a cocktail and a charcuterie board and spend a bit of time. Very cool. 
Where: Unit 7/55 Bailey Crescent, Southport

Vinnies Dive
Who doesn’t love a good dive bar. Particularly one that doubles as a live music venue and has a huge range of your favourite beers on offer (and some you may not have heard of). Head in there to discover some new music from both local and interstate bands and if you’re in the mood for a party, which we know you are, you can hire the space out for your next one.
Where: 44A Nerang Street, Southport 

Mr PP’s Deli & Rooftop Bar 
On the ground floor of the building you’ll find the deli section of the establishment, with an array of delicious meats and cheeses that will be brought together in platter form for your feasting pleasure. Upstairs, the rooftop bar boasts tasty cocktails, even more delicious eats and views across the city. It’s a real good time.
Where: 43 Nerang Street, Southport

Randy Wallhole
To put it bluntly, you haven’t lived until you’ve tasted a Randy Wallhole bagel. There are eight flavours to choose from which means you have multiple per day if you so choose. Go for the Pulled Bas first up, it’s got Smokey BBQ pulled beef, peri mayo and apple slaw. Wash it down with some of the best coffee on the Coast and be on your merry way.
Where: 4/21 Nind Street, Southport 

Boudoir Lounge
A newbie amongst the Southport bunch, Boudoir Lounge is the very best spot for a tasty brunch with the girls or simply a few cocktails after work. Found on Como Crescent, it quickly became the go to spot for those looking for some delicious eats, in a sweet setting and with unique sips of course. Inside there’s also a hair and beauty bar so you can get fabulous before you head out on the town. Perfect.
Where: 410/1 Como Crescent, Southport

Broadwater Parklands
Whether you’re four or 40, there’s tons of fun to be had at Broadwater Parklands. For starters, you can sit and stare out at the yachts you’ll never set foot on. Then, there’s the bouncy pillow (maybe don’t go on there without a child), a kiddies train, a water playground and weekly events from theatre shows to foodie markets. See, fun.
Where: Marine Parade, Southport

D Point Ten
Oh donuts, how we love you. D Point Ten can be found on Stevens Street and, in keeping with the general donut vibe, is a little hole in the wall space pumping out the freshest of donuts we may have ever excitedly shoved into our greedy mouths. In all the best flavours no less. Go the Ferrero Rocher for sure.
Where: 6/1 Stevens Street, Southport

Cardamon Pod
The delightful folk at Cardamon Pod are serving up delightful dishes with a focus on clean eating but of the prettiest variety. They offer vegan and gluten free options for breakfast and lunch with a side of organic coffee and vegan desserts. All very delicious and it’s very hard to stop at just one thing or not to post on your Instagram.
Where: Brickworks Centre, 3/3 Brolga Avenue, Southport

Gold Coast Aquatic Centre
Southport’s centre of swimming is something for all of us to be proud of. It’s as pretty as a collection of swimming pools can be and, as it was home to all the Commonwealth Games water activities, it’s world class. The architecture is sleek and there’s a training room featuring pits filled with foam for the divers to practice in.
Where: Marine Parade, Southport 

Escape Hunt
Imagine being wrongly accused of murder, chained to a wall and having to rely on your friends’ detective skills to free you. Who you gonna call? Welcome to Escape Hunt, Southport’s brain bending game guaranteed to test your problem solving skills like they’ve never been tested before. There’s a few scenarios you might be faced with, all of which involve solving a mystery with a set of intricate clues. It’s the most fun you can have inside a locked room. Make sure to take your smart friends. Grab 10% off here.
Where: 2/162 Scarborough Street, Southport

Brickworks Centre
Where to start. There are SO many excellent places to peruse at the Brickworks starting with Ferry Rd Market where you can nab yourself everything from beautiful flowers to the freshest breads, seafood and fruit and veggies galore. God it’s good. Within the Centre, there’s also stunning homewares, fashion and design stores and health and beauty services. Oh, there’s also always some really cool events.
Where: Ferry Road, Southport 

Words by Kirra Smith

It’s almost that time again Gold Coasters and if you’re anything like us, whipping up a Christmas lunch or dinner is the absolute LAST thing you feel like doing after sinking a few (too many) champers and opening all those pressies.

But never fear, we’re here to round up the local faves taking the hard yakka out of the jolliest time of year, so that you enjoy your food coma sans the prep and post feast clean up.

The Star Gold Coast
Who better equipped to handle our merry munches than the veritable recreation wonderland that awaits at The Star – we mean, they literally spend 365 days a year honing their impeccable hosting skills.. and an atmosphere primed for fun and frivolity is kind of their whole schtick.

Check out the epic array of soirees on offer here for the ‘star’ on the top of a tree-mendous Chrissy Day. Pssst, there are even gourmet hampers available for stress-free hosting.. (feel free to steal all the glory, our lips are sealed).
Where:1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach

Novotel Surfers Paradise
This Dec 25, have a cracker of a (carefree) Christmas Day with all of the cheer and none of the tears, and lock in a spectacular seafood buffet lunch at Novotel Surfers Paradise.

Find all the deets here to secure your spot – and score yourself a sneaky Chrissy morning sleep in while you’re at it – aka cut out the crack-of-dawn pilgrimage to the prawn trawlers altogether.. now that’s a Merry Christmas!
Where: Novotel Surfers Paradise, Cnr Of Surfers Paradise Blvd, Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise

Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach
Assemble your nearest and dearest for a delicious ripper of a Christmas celebration at the Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach this year. The Sofitel’s stunner trio of venues are set to transform for the occasion, on offer will be three enchanting experiences: a ‘Grand Ballroom Gingerbread House’, a jolly gastronomic journey for those who fancy their Christmas with a side of French indulgence, and sumptuous seafood and hot carvery buffet. Go here for all the delicious details.
Where: 81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

JW Marriott Gold Coast
We’re more spoiled than a kid on Christmas morning with the array of delectable dining experiences on offer at JW Marriott. As experts in exquisite eats, their annual yuletide events always sell out.. so get on it like an empty parking spot in December, guys.

This Christmas, we’ve got four spectacular events to choose from. Citrique is gearing up to deliver a luxurious lunch (sold out) and dinner celebration, with a festive twist on their famous seafood buffet for $279 pp + BF, children starting from $49 (under 2 free).

The signature seafood buffet experience will also be hosted in Grand Ballroom, for a luxe lunch including live cooking stations, a three hour premium beverage package with Champagne, live entertainment, face painting and a visit from Santa. Tickets $339 pp + BF, children starting from $159 (under 3 free).

Alternatively, choose to celebrate at Chapter and Verse with the ‘Festive Feast of Seafood and Sweets’ Christmas Lunch, from 12.30pm – 3.30pm – a selection of mouth-watering morsels all set to satisfy, including seafood on ice, raw bar, cheese and charcuterie, tapas and dessert. Tickets $249 pp + BF.
Where: 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise

QT Gold Coast
Families looking to converge for some magical (and mouthwatering) Christmas mems, look no further than the luxe QT luncheons – both the Ballroom and Bazaar (dinner also available) will be abuzz with 3-hour beverage packages, a sumptuous spread of roasted meats, fresh seafood and decadent desserts. Christmas cheer also comes courtesy of a festive cocktail on arrival, and for kids under 12, a gift from Mr Claus himself.

Alternatively, avid foodies can treat themselves to an exquisite gastronomic experience at the adults-only Christmas Lunch at Yamagen. Get in the spirit with a meticulously crafted 7-course menu, a masterclass in Japanese dining with a showcase of seafood dishes with a Christmas twist. Tickets from $299 pp + BF, including an arrival cocktail and curated wine pairings.

(Pssst – Santa called, he said you should go ahead and upgrade to the Premium Whisky/Wine/Sake Pairing, it is Christmas after all).

Want to bring the QT home with you this Christmas? Indulge in the epitome of festive luxury with a QT Gold Coast curated opulent hamper. Crafted to delight 4-6 people, this lavish banquet features culinary treasures like the iconic Moreton Bay bug & prawn roll, slow-roasted suckling Berkshire Porchetta with crackling, locally caught tiger prawns, Sydney Rock oysters and Tasmanian smoked salmon. From $649 per box with 20 dishes to unwrap.

Where: 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

RACV Royal Pines Resort
Another festive contender for your consideration – round up your kin and revel in the Chrissy day array at RACV Royal Pines, for an indulgent spread hosted within the impeccable surrounds of the Royal Benowa Ballroom.

Kicking off from from 12:00 pm, this years proceedings include a 3-hour beverage package along with all the traditional festive fare – delight in fresh Australian seafood, carved meats, and a selection of hot dishes, salads and desserts. Tickets start from $51.00 for children aged 2-4 (ages 0-2 free) up to $297.85 per adult (+ booking fees).
Where: Ross St, Benowa

The Langham Gold Coast
Are you and/or the fam fans of the finer things? Then look no further than The Langham for your December 25 festivities, friends. As a destination with a rep for all things luxury, our unofficial dealers of decadence are especially equipped to deliver a swanky soiree.

This year, their swoon-worthy spread includes fresh local seafood, a crudo and oyster bar, live barbeque with premium meats such as wagyu steaks (feat. sausage sizzle for the littles) salads, desserts and more. Their stellar shin-dig kicks off from 12:00 pm, with tickets ranging from $148 per child (ages 0-4 free) to $468 per adult inc. premium beverage package.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise

Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove
Offering two decadent dining experiences, spend your Christmas Day situated among Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove’s stellar surrounds and get amongst some fanciful fare to mark the occasion in the most delicious of ways.

If the thought of festive fine dining sparks a whole lot of joy for you – we present to you, option numero ono: the long, and lavish – Degustation Lunch. Secure your spot at this little advent affair for an all-inclusive experience hosted at The Fireplace, and prepare to sip and savour your way through your Christmas Day for $449pp + BF.

If you’d rather take the night off following a jam-packed day of festivities (aka keep the arvo open for a very necessary nap) the Seafood Buffet Dinner option will be enticing on every level. With two convenient seatings available at 5 pm and 8 pm, get cosy at Cove Cafe and sidle up to a mouthwatering spread of traditional Christmas fare fused with modern Australian flavours. Tickets from $209 per person, children aged 5 to 12 are priced at $89 per child (ages 0-4 free).
Where: Sanctuary Cove, Manor Cir, Hope Island

Southport Sharks
Sadly for fans of the legendary Sharks seafood buffet lunch, this event has already sold out for this year #tear – though if the thought of this leaves you languishing, tickets to the Festive Buffet Breakfast are still available. On the bright side, this means we can bring forward our scheduled smorgasbord proceedings – and frankly, feasting sooner is never a bad thing in our books.

Start your Christmas day with a classic brekkie banquet fit for a ‘Kringle’, complete with all the morning mainstays – tasty rashers of bacon, delicious eggs, juicy sausages, sides of mushrooms and tomatoes, hotcakes with warm butter or sweet syrup (both, obvs), piles of pastries and so much more. Tickets for this very merry morning start at $15 for kids (ages 0-3 free) up to $55 for adults + BF, with 90 minute seatings available from 7:30am – 10am.
Where: Corner Olsen and, Musgrave Ave, Southport

The Island
This year, Surfers’ stellar pozzy, The Island, is poised to throw not one but two tantalising Christmas day events – take your pick of the Family Buffet in the Glasshouse – or the all-inclusive Buffet & Beverage Package in the Penthouse.. either way, yule be left feeling rather jolly indeed.

From 11am – 2pm, prepare to tuck into all the traditional festive provisions and trimmings – savour hot and cold seafood, succulent roast meats, seasonal roast vegetables, wholesome summer salads and decadent desserts.

Tickets for the Family Buffet event start at $89 for kids (ages 0-3 free), through to $179 for adults (+ booking fees) – with drinks available at the bar throughout the day.  While the Penthouse Buffet & Beverage tickets are $229 pp + BF including 3-hour beverage package – which we might add, includes Christmas sangria and spritz, bc it would be rather Rudolph us to omit this very important detail.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

voco Surfers Paradise
We need not spend days toiling away in the kitchen, offload the preparations (read: stress) and let the voco pros handle your Chrissy day proceedings. Indulge in a banquet of iconic Christmas Day fare, such as fresh seafood, summer salads, succulent roast carvery, a variety of hot and cold dishes – complete with a mouthwatering dessert bar for your feasting pleasure. Plus, face painting and a sneaky cameo from the big man in red, for some extra special Christmas magic for the kiddos.

This little Chrissy extravaganza will set you back $289 per person, with children from $130 (ages 0-4 free).. and simultaneously deliver max satisfaction and zero stress in the process.
Where: 31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Words by Kellie Leader.

It’s that time again Gold Coasters (unsure how but what can you do). Christmas is here or it may as well be, since there are decorations everywhere and you may now pop down to see the big guy for a snap.

That’s right, it’s time to book in your Santa portraits pals and here’s the lineup of where you can do exactly that around the Coast. Hip, hip hooray, the years of socially distanced snaps are but a distant memory. We’re back to sharing a big chair, the way we all remember it.

Pacific Fair
Visit Santa’s Golden Palace filled with golden treasures for all to enjoy until Christmas Eve. Pacific Fair hosts Santa photos for everyone including pet photos for pictures with your fur babies, and Sensitive Santa, an experience with dimmed lights and no crowds. Plus, every child that visits Santa will receive a special surprise! Book here.
Where: Santa’s Golden Palace, Ground Floor outside Myer, Broadbeach

Santaland at Myer
Embark on a magical Christmas journey at Santaland! Jump on the Santaland Express, create festive art with Santa’s helpers, send wish-lists to the North Pole, and cherish the moment with Santa for an enchanting family photo. Plus, don’t forget your furry friends! Santa Paws welcomes your four-legged family members for a festive snapshot with Santa. Book here.
Where: Santaland, Myer near the Toy section, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Broadbeach

Stockland Burleigh Heads
Get your portraits taken at Stocklands Burleigh Heads from Saturday 2nd December until Christmas Eve. There’ll be times for Paws & Claus, Sensory Santa and even traditional Santa photos. You can book online here.
Where: Santa’s Beach Shack, outside Aldi, West Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Heads

Australia Fair
Capture a magical photo moment with Santa every day from Thursday 30th Novmeber until Christmas Eve. As a special festive reward, they are offering a *FREE Santa photo when you spend $20 or more at Australia Fair or Metro! Terms and Conditions apply. Plus, every child who visits Santa will receive a free gift! No bookings required.
Where: Ground floor, outside Coles, 42 Marine Parade, Southport

Sanctuary Cove
Mark the annual Christmas tradition with a photo with Santa at Sanctuary Cove. Meet Father Christmas with your little ones (and fur babies too) inside Santa’s igloo and capture the moment to remember for years to come. The Santa photo booth will be open from 10am-2pm on Friday 8th December, then 11am-2pm from Saturday 9th – Monday 11th December. Pet sessions are available on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th from 1pm-2pm. No bookings required, but find more information on Santa photos and Sanctuary Cove’s other Christmas activities here.
Where: Masthead Way, Sanctuary Cove

Tweed Mall
Visit Santa at Tweed Mall this Christmas and every child will receive a free gift from Santa. Times are 10am-2pm (NSW time) Friday 1st December to Friday 15th December, then 10am-4pm (NSW time) from Saturday 16th December to Christmas Eve. Pet photos are available on Tuesday 13th and Thrusday 15th December from 3pm-8pm. Sundays are when you can experience ‘Surfy Santa’! Surfy Santa Photos will be on offer, FREE for the first 40 customers each Sunday. More details here.
Where: Centre Court near Target, Tweed Mall, Cnr Wharf and Bay Streets, Tweed Heads

Gold Coast Santa Beach Photos
Gold Coast Santa Photo Sessions are 5-10 minutes per shoot with Santa, your family and your pets! Depending on your session you will receive 4-10 high resolution digital images per session. Please read the full terms and conditions before booking. Available on various December dates on the beach at Main Beach, Miami and Currumbin. These photo shoots are super popular, with over 75% of spots are already filled. They have a brand new Candy Land Theme this year as well as Grinch photoshoots in the park (not for the faint hearted)!  You can book your Santa Beach photo here.

Robina Town Centre
Meet Santa in his magical Enchanted Forest from now until Christmas Eve. There’s also an option for a Sensitive Santa experience in a low-stress, sensory-friendly environment that can be enjoyed by all, without the crowds, queues and noise (from Monday 20th November) and special Baby’s First Santa photo packages. Book here.

Don’t forget the Awkward Christmas Portraits!  Grab your best Christmas sweater, 90s scrunchie or leave it to the team who have a bunch of props on hand. It’ll be the most cringe-worthy portrait of the season! Check out the times and dates here.
Where: Outside Myer and Kookai, Robina Town Centre, Robina

Westfield Coomera
Tis’ the season to be making magical memories. Create a Christmas memory and book your photo with Santa at Westfield Coomera from now until Christmas Eve. This year, Westfield is offering a range of photography sessions to suit everyone, including Sensitive Santa, My First Christmas, Pet photography and Auslan Santa. You can book online here.
Where: 103 Foxwell Rd, Coomera

Dreamworld Night Markets
Santa has made Dreamworld Night Markets his Ho-Ho-Home! Throughout December the Dreamworld Night Markets are going all out on Christmas. They have some of the GC’s biggest names performing all throughout December, as well as Christmas movies, a beautiful new stage show: Frosty the Snowman, and Santa photos. Make Christmas memories with professional Santa photos priced from $14.95. Parents are also free to take their own snaps. There;s no need to book.
*Price does not include entry into Dreamworld Night Markets.
Where: Dreamworld, Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera