Ahhh St Patrick’s Day, you’re almost upon us. A day when even those who don’t drink beer (because wine) reach for a pint of Guinness, tuck into a hearty Irish stew, give their best Riverdance rendition a crack (generally after said pint of Guinness), and say “to be sure, to be sure” wayyyy too many times.

This year, it’s a case of the luck of the Irish because St Pat’s falls on a Friday (17^th March), so there’s no excuse not to don something green, crank B*Witched full blast, and head out for some local Irish cheer.

Do we know the best places partial to a St Paddy’s celebration? To be sure, to be sure (see, we’re already doing it). Here’s a list of top Gold Coast spots to get your green on from north to south.

Harrigan’s Irish Pub
Because one day just isn’t enough to enjoy Harrigan’s delicious Irish food and drink specials, they’re doing it for three days straight from Friday 17^th till Sunday 19^th. On Friday from 11am, enjoy live music from David McCrystal and get your jig on with Juggling Leprechaun Irish Dancers. On Saturday from 1pm, Sarah Caldwell be performing live, as will the Limerick & The Shamrock Dancers. Finally on Sunday from 1pm, Asleep at the Reel will be pumping out the live tunes like only they can!
Where: Harrigan’s Lane, Jacobs Well

Paradise Point Bowls Club
Embrace your inner Irish (coz surely we all have a long-lost relo from the Emerald Isle in our family tree) on St Pat’s Day at the Paradise Point Bowls Club. Catch the McNeill Academy of Irish Dance from 6pm to 7pm, followed by the Mitchell Fold from 7.30pm to 10.30pm. To add to the festive spirit, they’re putting on special deals on traditional Irish food and drinks, including a Guinness Filo for $8, Irish Stew with Mash, Veges & Irish Soda Bread for $25, and Guinness and Kilkenny cans!
Where: 22 Thrush Avenue, Paradise Point

Dublin Docks Tavern
Harbour Town Premium Outlet’s favourite neighbour Dublin Docks is never light on Irish cheer, particularly not on St Paddy’s Day! There’ll be live entertainment, Irish dancers, best-dressed prizes, Irish nosh, Guinness and Kilkenny on tap, and green beer. But we should issue a very valid warning here; too many of the latter may induce the Irish flu (aka a humdinga hangover)! Currently choccas for lunch, never fear because you can still get amongst it at the Sports Bar, Bistro and Gaming, all open from 10am.
Where: Harbour Town Drive, Biggera Waters

Southport Sharks
Another venue where one day of St Pat’s shenanigans just isn’t enough! Enjoy Irish sounds and flavours with two days full of quality Irish entertainment. On Friday and Saturday, get your gobber on with $13 Beef and Guinness Pies at Frenzy’s (drool). Epic Irish band O’Leary & The Munsterbucks will be rocking the main stage on Friday, then The Filberts (an equally epic Irish band) will give you all the Irish feels on Saturday.
Where: Cnr Musgrave and Olsen Avenues, Southport

Waxy’s Irish Pub
Always a sure thing for a hearty feed and Irish beer fix, Waxy’s has traditional Irish charm in spades!  Set in the heart of Surfers Paradise, you’re guaranteed to find an Irishman (or 50) here spread amongst 2 levels of entertainment, including the stunning Skyline Rooftop Bar. On St Paddy’s Day soak up the live tunes, Gold Coast Pipe Band, McNeill Academy of Irish Dance, and much more. Sláinte!
Where: 3206 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Finn McCool’s
Witness a sea of green take over Cavill Avenue at Finn McCool’s! All the crazy craic will be kicking off at 10am on St Paddy’s Day, with free entry and Guinness galore! You’ll have a grand ‘ole time celebrating all-things-Irish as traditional Irish dancers and pipe bands hit the stage! So tell Siri to remind you to swing by the $2 shop and stock up on silly Irish stuff now because Finn punters get involved!
Where: 39 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

D’Arcy Arms Irish Pub
It’s not just a day, or even a weekend, it’s a full-blown St Patrick’s Fest at this much loved local Irish icon. Over the three-day extravaganza, catch Mark (and Mary) Butler, Salliana Campbell, Munster Bucks, the Carolan Academy Irish dancers, the GC Pipe Band, Tartan Shamrock, and of course, The Gathering (woot!). Head down for some traditional Irish fare and what’s sure to be the best time outside of the motherland itself!
Where: 2923 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise

The Local Tavern
The Local are bringing back a part of the old Lansdowne Road Tavern and guys, we salute you #RIPLandsdowne. Enjoy some of your Irish faves this St Patrick’s Day, an all-day breakfast, Guinness and Beef Pie, and other chef specials! We’ll forgive you for leaving a chubbier little leprechaun #MoreToLove. Available only on St Patty’s Day so get it while you can!
Where: Chevron Renaissance, 3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Steampunk
Steampunk are all about a party and LBR – St Patrick’s Day is the ultimate excuse! Get your green on and celebrate with classic green beer, Guinness (obvs), specialty cocktails, live music and much more. Oh and it’s also Fishbowl Friday….and just like that, we’re suddenly 19 again #OhTheMems. Book now so you don’t miss out!
Where: 3113 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Words by Bianca Trathen.

Let it be known, we are quite the fans of basking in the sunshine and drinking icy cold tipples whilst gazing appreciatively at pretty views. In fact, those three things are right up there when it comes to our top reasons for living on the Gold Coast in general.

We suspect you might feel the same so, in celebration of summer and getting amongst all the goodness on offer, we’ve collated a list of the 14 best spots to drink frosty daytime beverages for maximum sun soaking opportunities.

Palm Springs Cafe
Miami’s new addition is indeed a cafe, but not as you know it. Found on the highway, where Siam Thai once lived, Palm Springs Cafe is unmissable, all white washed with pops of green – Southern California style. Inside it’s absolutely beautiful, the menu is packed with goodness and the best part – morning cocktails of the Margarita, Espresso Martini and Bloody Mary varieties. As early as you like. Best.
Where: Cnr Gardenia Grove and Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Aviary Rooftop Bar
Rooftop bars are up high (surprise), so it makes sense they would get even more sunshine and even more balmy breezes, making them the perfect spot for daytime drinks. Aviary Rooftop Bar has a sweet little outdoor section called The Nest, it’s an uncovered space with cute pops of colours and 180 degree views toward Surfers Paradise. See, perfect.
Where: Melia Court, Southport

Burleigh Brewing Co.
Laidback beers around a table full of mates is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Particularly when said beers are local made by a team of absolute legends who know what’s up when it comes to brews. Burleigh Brewing Co. is all those things and more, found just off the beaten track and ready to cater to all your day drinking needs. Weekend sorted.
Where: 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Pavilion
This place was pretty much made for day drinking – right on the beach at Burleigh, with guaranteed life-changing sunset views, all your favourite beers on tap, Frosé (a revelation), plenty of fancy cocktails and lots of tasty each, there’s really nowhere better than Burleigh Pavilion to don your fave oceanside drinking outfit and gather the crew for a good time.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Garden Kitchen & Bar
It goes without saying a venue with the word garden in it is a good choice for day drinking. Garden Kitchen & Bar found in The Star Gold Coast, is a delightful mix of pretty insides and expansive, outdoor sunshine-filled spaces so you can alternate between the two and cram in as many good times as possible. One of our absolute favourites.
Where: Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Southport Yacht Club
Talk about jaw dropping views. The Southport Yacht Club is perched on the edge of the marina in Main Beach and with a huge outdoor deck, lawn space and even a white sandy beach, there are plenty of spots to kick back with a drink in hand and pretend one of those multi-million dollar yachts is yours. Drinking and dreaming, it’s definitely allowed.
Where: 1 Macarthur Parade, Main Beach

Rick Shores
Another Burleigh beauty, Rick Shores recently reopened with an updated menu and drinks list. Not that you need any extra incentive to go there because, bug rolls. With uninterrupted ocean views, and maybe even a salty splash or two, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better place to spend your drinking days. Get dressed up and grab the girls, this one is unmissable.
Where: Shop 3, Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Precinct Brewing Co.
A brand new brewery on the Miami / Burleigh block is Precinct Brewing Co. by the good people who brought us a slew of epic local venues (Bine Beer Bar, Nightjar, Hideaway etc.). It’s a converted garage on Christine Ave and the team are going to be brewing an array of unique sips, they serve beloved Mr Consistent cocktails AND they’re serving up pizzas, fried chicken and all of the perfect beer-accompanying eats. Pop in for frothy and see it for yourself.
Where: 17 Christine Avenue, Miami

Justin Lane
Burleigh’s much-loved rooftop bar is a no brainer when it comes to day drinks. Sunshine pouring in, an open roof and LOTS of other fun lovers enjoying the frivolities. Treat yourself to a pizza to go with those cocktails and that is one of the best days out you can possibly have. Oh and did we mention there are ocean views and people watching opps aplenty. Yes please.
Where: 1708 – 1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Lost Palms Brewing Co.
Miami’s pretty pink brewery is the GOODS guys. There is a basketball hoop for your playing pleasure and what could be better than sinking beers with your pals, while also sinking hoops and being outside in the fresh air. Not much we say. If running around isn’t your thing, pull up a seat along the fence and sledge those willing to give it a go. Or don’t and just drink beer.
Where: 11 Oak Avenue, Miami

Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Club
Without a doubt, one of the most spectacular venues on the Gold Coast in terms of five star views is Currumbin Vikings. It rises directly out of the ocean and offers views of the city to the north and as far as Tweed Heads to the south. It’s a little bit magical to be honest and an absolute cracker of a spot for day drinking and counting your lucky stars you’re a Coastie.
Where: 741 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Balter Brewing
Another of our epic breweries is the one and only Balter Brewing, found in Currumbin’s cool-as industrial area. The indoor space is good enough but there’s also an outdoor strip with umbrellas and bench seating and colourful cushions for lazing about with a beer in hand. Get a designated driver and taste test every single one. Best spot for a Sunday session.
Where: 14 Traders Way, Currumbin Waters

Mr PP’s Rooftop Bar & Deli
Another bar up high is Southport’s Mr PP’s, overlooking the Southport cityscape and with plenty of space for all your pals. Found in the old post office building, there’s a deli downstairs for all your charcuterie needs plus plenty of pizza options to go with those tasty cocktails you’re sure to consume. The perfect spot for a long lunch that stretches into the evening.
Where: 43 Nerang Street, Southport

Words by Kirra Smith

If there was one thing that Surfers Paradise was missing, it was a stylish brewery complete with it’s very own range of epic beers and a menu that is unlike anything you’ve seen in a brewery before. But that one thing is missing no longer thanks to the long-awaited opening of BOBs Beer this week.

Found on the corner of Elkhorn and Orchid Aves, in the heart of Surfers Paradise, the stunning new brewery is a must-visit not only because of an impressive range of frosty brews on tap and the aforementioned impressive menu but because the fitout is one of the very best we’ve seen in a while and you’re going to absolutely love it.

Being on a corner block means the venue offers plenty of window seating so you can sit back and watch the bustling world of Surfers Paradise roll by. There’s a little outdoor seating section if you’re keen to catch a breeze but inside is where all the Insta-worthy goodness can be found.

The first thing you’ll notice are the growlers suspended from the roof that have been transformed into light fittings and second, the bar made with beer taps that are actually huge copper pipes and behind that, the brewery itself. It all comes together absolutely perfectly and we are huge fans.

Now let’s chat beer because that’s what we all came for and BOBs is of course, a working brewery led by famed (former) Melbourne brewmaster Ryan Fullerton who knows what’s up when it comes to beer. He and his team have been busy brewing and already you can get four BOBs Beers on tap ( a lager, IPA, XPA and a Saison), with four more on the way.

The idea is to always have eight in-house brews on offer and the rest of the taps to be taken up by other Australian brewers.

If you’d prefer a cocktail there are sips like the Monkey Business with Mr Black Coffee Liqueur, Flor de Cana 5yo rum, banana and coffee and the Buffalo Berry with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Fino Sherry, Raspberry, Orange and Soda. So lovely. There’s also an extensive wine and sparkling list and A LOT of thought has been put into every single aspect of it.

To eat, as we said, there’s an incredible menu filled with bites you might not expect to find at a Surfers Paradise brewery — for example savoury profiteroles with craquelin, ricotta and King Island Mousse, oysters with mignonette, shallots, shitake and topiko and a chicken dish with carrot and pumpkin gels and purees and a chicken jus. All extremely delicious (tried and tested by us).

Of course there’s also a Waygu Beef Burger (so good), premium steaks and fries with aioli.

The entire venue boasts a few finishing touches that really make BOBs Beers something special – for example a stamp to brand the ice cubes (played with that for way too long) and plates made out of leftover grain from the beer production (how good).

Not to mention the team is planning to open a whisky bar downstairs in the coming months. It’s all happening in Surfers Paradise Gold Coasters, you’re not going to want to miss this one.

LOCATION: 10/2 Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
HOURS: 12pm to 12am daily

Words and photos by Kirra Smith