It’s the unassuming seaside suburb quietly making itself known for the hippest coffee haunts and an industrial area that has grown into THE place to be, seemingly overnight.

Because somebody has to do it, we’ve rounded up 13 reasons why locals love Currumbin.

Fuel Bakehouse
Serving up some of the absolute best doughnuts you’ll ever have the pleasure of sampling is Currumbin’s Fuel Bakehouse. With varieties like Nutella, Passionfruit and Salted Caramel to name a few, you won’t be sad if you buy at least four of each. Not only doughnuts though, they also do epic pies, cruffins, croissants, all of the baked goodies and coffee too. Perfection the lot of it.
Where: 44 Currumbin Ck Road, Currumbin Waters

The Salt Mill
A tiny little space directly across from the beach, The Salt Mill is perhaps one of the most beloved cafes there is on the Coast. They do exceptional coffee, takeaway sandwiches packed with goodness, Açai bowls (arguably some of the best around), smoothies, fresh juices, smashed avo, raw treats, everything that is delicious in the world. Buy one of everything then stroll across the road and take in that unrivalled ocean view.
Where: 784 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Gather Store
Hello homewares. And plants and art and jewellery and clothing. All the things you love and all delightfully arranged in the perfectly styled space that is Gather Store. In case you haven’t been in (WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE), allow us to enlighten you. Owners Jan and Sandy Hogg have carefully curated goods from local artists and craftspeople drawing inspiration from the local creative community. It’s pure gold, go now.
Where: Shop 1, 56 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters

Consciously Clean
The newest kid on the block, Consciously Clean is the place to go if you need to stock up on anything and everything eco-friendly in terms of home and body cleaning goods. They have a system where you can bring in your own jar or bottle and fill that with the product of your choice or purchase one there and it’s all very affordable. Not only that though, you can also grab food containers and wraps, drink bottles, pet things and skincare too. It’s a one-stop shop. We love.
Where: 4/42 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin

Portside Coffee
The cry of “best espresso on the Coast” has been heard of Portside Coffee more than once and it’s true, this cool little joint is serving up the goods and not just in the coffee department. There’s also buttery homemade pastries on offer and intimate, friendly neighbourhood vibes galore. It’s the perfect place to get your early morning caffeine fix if you’re planning to explore Currumbin’s newly happening industrial area.
Where: 42 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters

Panya Artisan Bakery
The only thing better than the smell of freshly baked bread is the taste of freshly baked bread. Sensory dreams can come true when you visit Panya Artisan Bakery. If you haven’t heard of it, don’t be alarmed, their main jam is supplying your favourite cafes and restaurants, but they do sell limited quantities of baked goodies to the public. Set your alarm for as early as you can handle, it’s well worth the wake up call.
Where: 42 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters

Freeman’s Organic Farm
For a complete change of scenery make sure you add Freeman’s to your weekend plans. The farm was established in 1915 and in the 1920’s became the largest commercial banana farm in Australia with over 100 acres of trees. Today, the farm grows all organic produce which you can sample at the I Eight Cake Kitchen via a variety of delicious organic dishes and (more) baked treats.
Where: 618 Tomewin Mountain Road, Currumbin Valley

Dust Temple
All your favourite arty aspects combine at Dust Temple, an ex-warehouse turned gallery, coffee shop and creative community hang. Hosting local, national and international artists, musicians, poets and an in-house ceramicist, leatherworker and silversmith, it’s certainly a place to go if you need to feel creatively inspired. Amp up the happy vibes with a coffee while you’re there.
Where: 54 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin

Zipang Japanese
Casual Japanese dining at its absolute finest is what you’ll find at Zipang Japanese. If you’ve not yet had the pleasure, it’s time you did yourself an absolute solid and booked in there to devour one of the best feasts you’ll ever have. They’re open Friday and Saturday nights at the moment and you’ll absolutely need to book ahead because Zipang is very, very popular. For good reason.
Where: 5/31 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin

Balter Brewery
You’ve heard about it and if you’ve not yet had the chance to visit, make today the day. Balter is the brainchild of your fave local pro surfers combining two of the things we Gold Coasters love the most, beer and waves. It’s a delightfully decked out space with big old beer vats on display, a sweet mural on the wall and plenty of outdoor spots to sit. Happy days.
Where: 14 Traders Way, Currumbin

Iron & Resin Garage
Primarily a clothing store and coffee shop, Iron and Resin Garage was made for rockers and motorbike riders. The reclaimed industrial space features a famous Sunday session, #onanysunday. Every Sunday from 9am-12pm you and your crew are invited to enjoy great live music from the cream of local musicians and breakfast provided by assorted food trucks.
Where: 6 Stewart Road, Currumbin

Sanctuary Markets
Brimming with all the tasty food stalls, arts and crafts and live music, Sanctuary Markets are held every Friday night at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Oh, there’s a bar too. Whack on your stretchy pants and grab your gang, there’s fun to be had on Friday nights in Currumbin. Obviously check out Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary too for that matter, they’ve got a bird show that’s pretty fun.
Where: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin

Parker and Persia
Love all of the vintage things? Us too. Luckily newbie Parker and Persia has us covered with a shop filled with revamped vintage furniture and homewares and some of the most stunning Moroccan rugs we’ve ever seen. Owners Steph and Sam have curated goodies from all over Australia to bring the stunning space to Currumbin. We’re in love.
Where: 2a/42 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin

Words by Kirra Smith

With an unyielding passion for her constituents and a knack for getting things done Angie Bell MP is a powerhouse in Australian politics. Angie has embraced the Gold Coast as her home for the past 22 years. We chatted to Angie about the pressing issues that Gold Coasters face in today’s uncertain economic landscape and how she is determined to make a positive impact on the lives of Gold Coasters.

How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
It’s been a journey to get here! I first moved to Brissy from Adelaide after falling in love with Queensland at Expo ‘88 and I lived there for 6 years. I had a work opportunity that took me to Sydney for 6 years and then Melbourne for 2 years. I met my partner whilst on a conference at Jupiter’s and then moved here in 2001- 22 years ago! I have led an incredible life on the Gold Coast, full of opportunities and experiences for which I am incredibly grateful.

What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
I love everything about the Gold Coast! The smell of the ocean breeze and the easy lifestyle makes me feel happy when I come home. Our community is quite unique when you consider the many organisations and generous individuals who assist the growing cohort who are doing it tough with the cost of living crisis. That generosity of spirit makes me very proud to represent the heart of the Gold Coast.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I come from a low socio-economic background. My family are three generations of factory workers and my mother was an immigrant from the UK in 1957. I went to public school and was first in my family to finish high school. I won a Rotary scholarship to Denmark in 1986 and lived and studied there for 12 months. It was the great opportunity that changed the direction of my life. That’s why I am so passionate about delivering opportunities that make a difference for young people. I attended the Adelaide Elder Conservatorium of music studying saxophones and voice, and enjoyed a 35 year career as a pro muso whilst working in sales, marketing and business development for decades at the same time and I wrote a book to help small businesses improve their retail model and rebranding. I joined the LNP aged 45 and was elected aged 51 and re-elected in 2019. I love sausage dogs and Peter Alexander PJs, jazz, blues and wineries!

What are some of the key issues that you are passionate about and hope to address during your time in office?
There’s so many areas I have worked on since coming to office including supporting charities and community groups, sporting clubs, and the arts. I have assisted small business, tourism and manufacturing through the 2020 and 2021 Reimagine Gold Coast Jobs, Skills and Industry forums, which I convened as Chair of the City Heart Taskforce. I have always been invested in improving and championing economic security for women and programs for youth that change lives through greater opportunities. Many women can be left with nothing after relationship breakdowns later in their life and often they don’t have any savings or superannuation because they have cared for the family for decades and not necessarily been involved in family finance. It is a growing issue that makes fleeing family and domestic violence that much harder and it breaks my heart to see women and children living in cars. I think there could be a more flexible superannuation regime where women could opt to contribute to their own super when they have financial windfalls during their lives and then draw down their own money if they need it to buy a house or secure accommodation.

I have been a big supporter of the flexible independent school model of education that MOB Academy in Southport has to ‘build better men’ through their programs for disaffected youth who often don’t have positive male role models to draw on. MOB shows the boys a positive way forward and delivers opportunities for them to develop and grow through tailored programs that engage and nurture them. I recently delivered the inaugural Gold Coast IMPACT Youth Summit at Sea World Resort that enabled new opportunities for 179 young Gold Coasters aged 15-24.

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing your constituency, and how do you plan to tackle them?
The biggest problem right now is the cost of living crisis facing Australians and the Gold Coast is among the worst affected regions. Power bills are going up 25% for families and 29% for business. A regular family is around $25,000 worse off in the last year. The Federal Government’s latest big spending Budget has forced interest rates to go even higher for mortgage holders who are struggling with repayments. The Government should have reined in spending so that the economy slows and interest rates come down, instead they are pouring money into the economy that makes it harder for everyone as inflation continues to be out of control.

How do you plan to advocate for the interests and concerns of your constituents at the regional or national level?
I meet with constituents in my office and I visit community groups, schools, sporting clubs across the electorate regularly. I also meet with my Moncrieff Community Cabinet from across faith groups and not-for-profit organisations and the Gold Coast Youth Cabinet, so I know what’s important to our community at any given time. I have also recently undertaken ‘Moncrieff’s Biggest Survey’ which I sent to every household. There’s a pile of responses a mile high in my office that we are working through! It’s a great way to know what people think about many different topics. I write letters to all levels of government on behalf of constituents and advocate in Canberra for the needs of our electorate on matters affecting us here on the Coast.

What do you think the Liberal Party needs to do to get more Gold Coasters on board?
The Gold Coast is an aspirational city that has been built through the blood, sweat and tears of entrepreneurs and the boom and bust of real estate cycles. Iconic families who take risks to employ people in order to develop and grow all understand the value of being rewarded for their efforts through keeping more of what they earn so they can make the choices they wish for themselves and their families. These are timeless Liberal values and that’s what Gold Coasters have always embraced. We are undertaking work on policies that assist women and young people to get ahead such as allowing jobseekers, pension card holders and veterans to earn more and women over 55 to access their super for a home.

What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café/coffee spot: I love the way that new cafes have popped up since Covid and that young entrepreneurs are small business owners. I’m so pleased that the next generation are putting their stamp on their cafés and service styles. Sparrow at Nobby’s make a great double shot oat milk latte and Piccolo at Miami is a long time fav!
Restaurant: We love our local restaurants! Everywhere from Main Beach to Highland Park you can find great food and wine on offer. I do love Japanese and Italian as my favourite cuisines.
Bar or place for a drink: I love to pop in to Northcliffe, Kurrawa or Mermaid Surf Club on the way home for an ice cold tap beer and a chat with the locals. Nothing like it!
Beach: I love a short ocean swim in the morning at Miami or Nth Burleigh or a paddle board if it’s flat. I have tried to surf for decades but I’m not very good, so I’m choosy about when and where I go.

How do you choose to spend your days off?
Days off are special. My partner and I like a relaxing bike ride along the esplanade and brekkie afterwards. We love to go to the beach or play with our grandkids on the weekends. We enjoy a long lunch and a Netflix binge! I think that’s a hangover from Covid that we just keep doing. We are watching ‘The Diplomat’ at the moment.

David Crisafulli is the leader of the Liberal National Party and Leader of the Opposition. He represents the people of Broadwater in the Queensland Parliament. David has a passion for service to the community and is heavily involved in local sporting, school and charity causes. We talked to David about how he’s enjoying life as a Gold Coaster, the challenges he has faced professionally and what he’s hoping to achieve for Queenslanders.

How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
My family and I moved to Hope Island from North Queensland in 2015 and love everything the Gold Coast has to offer. I never forget how warmly my family and I were embraced when we first arrived. From my cousin who helped us find our first home, to the friends we met in the local service clubs and sporting groups, our move to the Coast felt right from day one.

What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
It’s a city where people aspire for more for themselves and their families. It’s large enough to have everything to make the perfect lifestyle but small enough that friendships and connections still count for something. It’s a place that combines natural beauty with incredible people to make it a world class place to live.

Tell us a little bit about yourself (both personally and professionally)?
I start every day with a gym session, followed by a long black coffee. We have formed some amazing friendships on the Coast and love to spend time eating out or enjoying the beaches and our hinterlands. I pride myself on working hard and I feel blessed to have a job that takes me throughout the state, but still allows me to represent Broadwater on the Northern Gold Coast.

You’ve been Leader of the Opposition in Queensland for 2 years, what have been some of the highs and lows for you to date?
I’ve been proud to unify the Party and give a clear alternative for Queenslanders yearning for change after nearly ten years of a Labor Government. I focused my effort on an economy based on the hard work of small and family business and their staff; services Queenslanders deserve so in their hour of need they can be sure their ambos are properly resourced to take care of them and the Police Service is backed up with the laws to keep Queensland families safe; and finally, demanding integrity in government so people can have faith their leaders are focused on improving our great state. The frustrating part of the last two years has been the suffering and missed opportunities for Queenslanders caused by a government that has checked out.

The State election is just under two years away, what do you think is the biggest challenge for the Liberal Party of Queensland?
Queenslanders are realising this Government has changed. As they seek their fourth-term in office, people see they are no longer interested in a platform of transparency that they took to the election nearly ten years ago. The Labor Party is a ruthless political operation, and the Premier is a formidable politician. I do not underestimate how big the task is, and it’s clear we remain the underdog. I won’t lose focus on the things that matter to Queenslanders, nor be drawn into playing personality politics. Voters deserve to know what we can do for them, not why our opponents are incapable.

What should Gold Coasters expect from the Liberal Party of Queensland in the future?
The Gold Coast has suffered as a result of poor planning and a lack of infrastructure to meet the growth pressures we are experiencing. Our city is already nearly 1000 hospital beds short and I’m determined to deliver a new hospital for the northern Gold Coast ahead of schedule. I have grave concerns the State Government has also failed to properly preserve and protect our local environment, with things like our koala population in decline. I am committed to increasing protected areas. Roads remain a major challenge and delays and cost blowouts on the Coomera Connector means a city of over 600,000 people are at the mercy of one road to-and-from the capital. We intend to fix this.

What do you think the Liberal Party needs to do to get more Gold Coasters on board?
More than any city in Queensland, Gold Coasters understand the importance of a government that acknowledges reward for hard work and the value of planning, delivering and evaluating projects. As a Gold Coast based MP, I intend to ensure our city gets our fair share if I’m given the honour of becoming the Premier.

What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café: Café 7 at Paradise Point
Restaurant: Ioesco at Sanctuary Cove
Bar: The Cambus Wallace at Mermaid Beach
Beach: Burleigh Beach

How do you choose to spend your days off?
Days off have increasingly become a rarity, but nothing beats a morning at Burleigh or an afternoon exploring Mount Tamborine. I am a sports tragic and love nothing more than watching the cricket or the footy with friends.

What do you think the top three issues are in Queensland today?
Cost of living and the impacts on people’s rent and electricity prices because of bad housing and energy planning, a failing health system that was in crisis long before COVID and has the worst ambulance ramping in the country, and rampant crime that has continued to deteriorate after the State Government watered down our laws in 2015.