So either you enjoy golf or you’ve got better things to do with your time. We, clearly, fall into the latter category (unless Happy Gilmore is involved). Except of course, when it comes to mini golf and particularly when there’s alcohol involved.

Excitingly, and in non-food related news for once, a boozy mini golf course is coming to the Coast and all your Saturday night activities can now merge into one.

Holey Moley (which is the greatest name ever) opens toward the end of March at the new Strike Bowling in Surfers and it’s going to be a real good time.

The go is this; it’s a mini golf course with a bar – called The Caddyshack – but there’s also a drink caddy that rolls around and cocktails are on offer along with the usual suspects (beer, wine etc.).

Iconic holes include ‘727 Evergreen Terrace’ and ‘The Dude’s Adobe’ which is set up like the Dude’s room from The Big Lebowski. Tee off across a rug, past an occasional table, and aim for the bar with a White Russian and some bowling trophies on top. Gaze at his signature cardigan as you bounce back towards the hole avoiding the bowling pins on the floor. Simple right. 

In case you needed a little bit more convincing, there’s also a karaoke room for when you’re all golfed out but full of cocktails and keen for a little more fun.

There’ll be a few other fun elements including a life-sized Simpsons couch (which is part of one of the holes) so you can live out your ultimate opening sequence (and create some sweet Insta content while you’re at it).

Inside there are two escape rooms which means if you get sick of losing you can “duck off to the bathroom” with your cocktail and never return. Wonder if you can get one of those for general life.

Holey Moley’s signature cocktail is the Sugar Caddy featuring sherbet and fairy floss because there’s nothing quite like getting buzzed on all the sugar and then whacking balls around with a stick.

Sounds like the best thing that’s ever happened.

Oh and you can play 9, 18 or 27 holes.

LOCATION: Strike Bowling, Circle on Cavill South Tower, 3200 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

Words by Kirra Smith.

Hold onto your hats Surfers Paradise, your foodie scene is a-changin’. On Friday the 14th of July we welcome Knox Dining to Circle on Cavill and with it comes a long overdue healthy eating option in a suburb filled with fast food.

Owners (and brothers) Brad and Greg Turvey have a combined 30 years’ experience in the hospitality scene and decided to open the sophisticated Hamptons-esque space in Surfers Paradise after noticing a need for wholesome, good-for-you meal options.

Knox Dining is leading the way in the suburbs’ soon to be evolving dining scene and, fitout with natural wood, polished concrete and a neon “this must be the place” sign, is certainly gunning to change the way people see Surfers.

The food, although technically not “health food”, will appeal to those who are conscious of what they eat while still offering the comfort foods we know and love and all with a distinctive Asian twist.

The Gratin Egg in Avocado Cocotte not only looks like health personified, it is in fact full of goodness including a 64 degree sous vide egg in a dukkah spiced half avocado, with Swiss gruyere cheese on a bed of raw broccoli slaw. Phew!

Meat lovers don’t go past the Beef Loco Moco – a grass fed beef pattie on brown, black and red rice, topped with a fried egg and masala gravy.

Of course there are an array of protein packed salads, fresh juices and smoothies, all of which are available through The ‘Lil Ox, a takeaway window for those who need to eat (or drink coffee) on the run.

Inside tip: order a hot drink purely to experience the tasty side sensation that is a Matcha cookie.

Happy days Surfers Paradise, happy days.

HOURS: 7am to 4pm daily
LOCATION: Circle on Cavill, Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

Happy days have arrived in Surfers Paradise and they come in the form of a sleek new, double-storey corner space that’s bringing all your Jumanji dreams to life. Except pretty and not at all terrifying.

White Rhino is complete and will open its’ doors to us, the food and beverage loving people of the Gold Coast, late next week and Surfers is set for a little shakeup friends.

There’s a lot to unpack here so buckle up and let’s get into it. As mentioned, White Rhino is an expansive corner space on Cavill Ave and it’s all open and airy and filled with quirky little delights.

Let’s begin with the bar, because, obviously. Lit from behind with a digital ocean montage, it’s quite the mesmerizing sight. Above, a rock formation complete with its’ very own waterfall sets the scene.

Drawing your eyes around the room, you’ll notice a tree, smack bang in the middle of the venue, a stunning wrought iron staircase winding it’s way to the top floor (as staircases tend to do) and, tucked in behind it, are the stars of the show; the white rhino and her (could be his) baby. The pair are meticulously crafted really quite ah, realistic. Love them.

A step up above the casual bar section you’ll find a slightly more formal dining area artfully decorated with velvet and high gloss wood plus, our favourite, two booth-style arrangements with leafy green backdrops and bulk people watching opportunities.

Upstairs, on the mezzanine level, there are three stunning velvet booths overlooking the rest of the venue and out into the street, perfect for gathering the crew and enjoying a slightly more private style of party.

The entire venue has been crafted with an outdoor feel in mind and indeed, no matter where you are, the open space and seamless transition to the actual outdoor section gives a balmy, can-it-be-summer-already vibe.

Now to the food. It comes courtesy of someone you know and love, Adam Dundas-Taylor of Firecue, London’s Nobu and many other fine establishments, obviously.

The menu offers both a fine and casual style of dining and it is all of exceptional quality and even better taste, as you would expect.

The Spiced Pumpkin Salad is a colour-filled treat with chilli and fennel roasted pumpkin tossed in baby spinach leaves with cous cous, pomegranate seeds mint and hummus. It’s both beautiful and delicious.

The Chilli Bug Linguini is also a must-try with chilli and garlic Moreton Bay bugs with sweet cherry tomatoes tossed in brandy and seafood stock reduction and served with fresh linguini. Oh yes please.

Let us not go past the Slow Cooked Beef Ragu (12 hours slow cooked no less) stirred through a rich tomato sauce, tossed with fettuccine and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese (love you always Parmesan).

There are also epic pizzas and options from the grill like Crispy Skin New Zealand King Ora Salmon and Peppercorn Cut Eye Fillet. YUM.

The cocktails are to die for (but don’t die, because there are many to be sampled) including an extremely tasty Espresso Martini made with beans from our faves Locale Espresso.

An exceptional breakfast menu will also roll out from Saturday the 3rd of November.

The unique venue is certain to take Surfers Paradise to a whole new level and, with a few more exciting additions on the way, you might want to rearrange your life to include a little more time there.

White Rhino officially opens on Friday November 2nd and prepare for a summer of fun friends.

LOCATION: 55 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
HOURS: 11.30pm until late

Words and photos by Kirra Smith