Once upon a time we left holidaymakers to their own devices in arguably the GC’s most famous beachside suburb, but off the beaten path – well to be fair, some are still very much on it – locals have been keeping these gems all to themselves for a little too long if you ask us. That’s right, Surfers Paradise is more than a postcard-perfect destination, it’s a lifestyle locals love to embrace, because why should we leave all the fun to the tourists! So now we’re here to spill the beans on all the reasons locals can’t get enough of Surfers Paradise.

For all-in-one spots
Surfers Paradise does convenience like a pro with destinations where you can shop, eat, and play all in one spot. Paradise Centre is a beachside fave with a mix of fashion, food, and fun, right at your fingertips in the heart of Cavill Mall. Just a short stroll away you’ll find Soul Boardwalk where laidback vibes met beachside dining and retail therapy aplenty – because what better way to get the food digesting than with a shopping moment.

If an urban escape is more up your alley then pop on over to Chevron Renaissance for all your boutique shopping needs, whether it’s a bite to eat, to grab groceries for the week, a new fit for that special event or a pedicure pamper moment your wish is their command. The two hour free parking is also a big drawcard!

All-you-can eats
If you’re in the market for a buffet that’ll bowl you over then you’ve come to the right place because at this point buffet should be Surfers Paradise’s middle name.

Locals know that they’ve got the buffet game locked down so if you’re up for eating so much seafood you’ll need to unbutton your pants to fit in another plate then Citrique at the JW Marriott has your name all over it.

Just down the highway you’ll find a bustling international market that dreams (and hungry bellies) are made of with QT Gold Coast’s iconic Bazaar Marketplace experience.

Edging on the cusp of neighbouring Broady, Horizon Sky Dining might have pretty much everything on the menu but what about revolving panoramic views of the Gold Coast? They’ve got those two and we’ll take a plate of both thank you very much.

For your morning sips
If you’re anything like us, the day doesn’t start until coffee has been sipped. Kickstart your day with the perfect brew at ESPL Coffee. This beachside gem is great for delicious bites with a friendly vibe.

If you’re seeking people who are serious about coffee, Paradox Coffee Roasters is the destination you seek. They are committed to producing the highest quality coffee there is — just ask the locals!

Like your morning sip with a side of epic treats? Janus Bakehouse is for you… don’t mind us drooling just thinking about it.

To escape the hustle & bustle head to Bumbles. Budds Beach has long been a local secret but there’s good reason why Gold Coasters have been flocking to this hot spot for 10+ years. Get your coffee fix, some snacks and set up on the edge of Budds Beach for the ultimate start to the day.

For you harder sips
Fancy a cocktail (or five)? Well you’ve come to the right place because Surfers is a cocktail connoisseur’s dream come true. After sunset – okay maybe before too – Surfers turns into a cocktail connoisseur’s playground.

Lulu Rooftop is the newest addition to the scene, serving up a funky art deco aesthetic alongside sophisticated sips.

Sports fan? Hit up The Sporting Globe to get all the sporting action live and loud or get ready to yeehaw and let loose at Cowboys, with a bucking bull taking pride of place the Americana vibes are vibing.

Okay party people, we hear you asking where to go get Gold Coast vibes going and it’s obviously got to be Cali Beach Club – it’s giving European inspired beach party so you’re guaranteed a good time. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it we say, so it’s no wonder locals keep going back for more at The Island Rooftop, an institution for good reason you can’t beat the open air and the huge beverage list never fails us.

For drinks with a view Surfers Pavilion has nailed casual waterfront meets ‘I don’t want to leave yet’ as it overlooks the canal so you can watch the boats drift by. Hinterland your preferred view? Well, The Exhibitionist Bar’s got them aplenty, actually they’ve got panoramic sight of the whole GC so take your pick. Back over on the beachside Coast Beach Bar are home to some of the best marg’s on the GC and even better views of the suburb’s namesake beach.

For casual eats
Sometimes you just want to keep it low-key and you know what, that doesn’t have to mean that the flavours are low-key too. You go-to for authentic Thai flavours has got to be Sura Thai, dine in to make the most of the cosy and authentic feel or grab your favourites to-go. Shiraz Persian Restaurant has become known as the Coast’s best Middle Eastern bites with aromatic Persian dishes like tender kebabs gracing the menu.

Don’t sleep on Velaa’s Asian fusion fare from classic poke bowls and new flavours like their signature Thai Milk Tea Parfait (uh, YUM) just waiting for you to discover.

We like big burgers and we cannot lie so Wahlburgers is a must-try for us, plus you might even sneak a peek at Mark Wahlburg when he’s in town next if you’re lucky!

Alright, this one is definitely loved by more than just locals, HOTA’s Markets are the ultimate hangout to ring in Sunday Funday, pick up all the local farm fresh produce and flowers your heard desires and then grab a bite (we’re looking at you, Mio Wraps) and a sweet treat for the road and thank us later.

For something a little bit fancy
Now’s the time to bust out your best fancy fit because Surfers has some pretty boujee spots up their sleeves.

Nestled beneath the HOTA Gallery, Palette proves that fine dining is back, baby! Treat yourself to the degustation for the full experience, with dishes and cocktails inspired by the each gallery exhibition you need to see it – or taste it – to believe it.

The buffet is always a winner at Citrique, but have you tried their a la carte? Take this as your sign to snag a seat and let the food come to you while you spoil yourself with the Chef’s Signature Bay Bug Dumplings (life-changing) or some chargrilled Australian Wagyu.

Elevated Thai is the word at Nahm Talay Thai, all your regular favourites but even better and cocktails that are just begging to be instagrammed – bonus point for the beach front views.

Let the good times roll
Surfers Paradise isn’t short on adrenaline or intrigue and it doesn’t matter if it’s your first or 50^th time visiting, they still pack the same punch in our humble opinion.

Scale SkyPoint for unbeatable views atop the Q1, chill out (literally) at the IceBar and get a moment to reflect at the Mirror Bar – see what we did there.

If you’d rather enter another dimension for a little while then Infinity is begging for you to explore their mysterious maze or drop into Other World HQ and escape the ordinary with mind-bending interactive games and escape rooms. Test your team work (and maybe patience) at Eclipse Escape Rooms and Fox in a Box, go on – put that big ol’ brain to work.

We’re partial to a trip down nostalgia lane so we’re always down to battle it out at Timezone, and when there’s fun for all ages on the menu how could you not! Feeling flighty? Take a literal leap of faith at iFly and get a taste of indoor skydiving before you brave the great outdoors.

Gosh all that exploring calls with some pampering to finish the day, but not without its quirks! Barefoot Fish have tanks full of fish – yep, real live fish – just waiting for you to dip in for a soak so they can get rid of any dry or dead skin and leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski

If you’ve strolled through Chevron Renaissance lately, you may have noticed Circa Collective—a boutique for those who crave unique and versatile fashion. Circa Collective first opened as a one-month pop-up, but thanks to rave reviews and a strong following it’s now a permanent resident. This homegrown brand is serving up a fresh, stylish edge—and honestly, we’re here for it.

Circa Collective is all about women. The real, fabulous women who juggle a million things and still want to look effortlessly chic. Founder Dora, a Gold Coast fashion veteran with over 30 years of experience (yep, she’s been around the style block), saw an opportunity to create something special for the women of the Gold Coast. After designing handbags in Sydney and working across sales, buying, and production, Dora decided to bring her talents back home. Her vision for Circa Collective? Stylish, timeless pieces that celebrate the individuality of every woman who wears them.

Circa Collective is fashion that fits your life (literally and figuratively). Dora knows that real women—busy, active, always on the go—need clothes that look great and feel even better. No more squeezing into something uncomfortable just for the ‘gram! At Circa, you’ll find pieces that are as chic as they are comfy. Whether you’re running errands or sipping cocktails by the pool, these collections are designed to help you live your best life in style.

Let’s face it—middle age and menopause come with their fair share of challenges, but style shouldn’t be one of them. Dora noticed that many fashion labels don’t cater to the unique needs of women in their 50s, 60s, and beyond. So, she created Circa Collective to fill that gap. With designs that flatter changing silhouettes, lightweight fabrics that breathe, and cuts that are as chic as they are comfy, the brand is redefining what it means to dress with confidence during this stage of life. These clothes are designed for real women, with real figures, and that’s reflected in the sizing, which ranges from sizes 8 – 16.

And let’s talk about the real magic—small production runs. That’s right, no mass-produced, fast fashion here. Each collection is carefully curated with exclusive prints and colours, so you’re not going to rock up to brunch and find everyone else in the same dress. You’ll be the one getting all the “OMG, where did you get that?” comments which, LBH, is the ultimate fashion win.

Circa Collective is more than just a brand—it’s a love letter to the Gold Coast lifestyle. Every piece reflects the laid-back, vibrant vibe of the region, offering timeless styles that are as adaptable as the women who wear them. And it’s not just locals who are in love. Thanks to its prime spot at Chevron Renaissance, tourists from all over Australia and beyond are discovering Circa’s coastal chic.

Oh, and did we mention the staff? They’re not just retail assistants—they’re full-on stylists. So if you ever feel a little lost in the world of fashion (or maybe just life), pop in for a chat. They’ll help you find your new favourite look, and trust us, you’ll leave feeling like a million bucks.

Whether you’re stepping into a new phase of life or just looking for something stylish and comfy, Circa Collective is where style meets substance—because confidence never goes out of fashion!

Where: Shop 21G, Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, Surfers Paradise
When: Monday – Sunday 10am-5pm
Website: chevronrenaissanceshoppingcentre.com.au/
Instagram: @chevronrenaissance

Words by Belinda Symons
Images by Mathilde Bouby

STORY SPONSORED BY CHEVRON RENAISSANCE

Glossy dumplings, pillowy, pork-stuffed buns, silken, stir fried noodles – what’s not to love about yum cha? Literally nothing. And if your mouth is already watering at the thought, just wait til you hear that Surfers has scored a new location to get amongst this time-honoured dining ritual, as Yum Cha Chevron Renaissance joins its ranks.

Chevron’s Cantonese-style newbie is as legit as they come, brought to you by Marco Hau, a man behind oodles of the authentic feasting locations smattered from here (Robina, more specifically) to Toowoomba – the latest addition officially rounding out his restaurant count to a solid ten. Safe to say we can officially go ahead and surrender to those cravings, guys.

Expect that hallmark Yum Cha feasting experience, brimming with delicious dumplings delivered every way you can dream of – alongside steamed, prawn stuffed rice noodles, and crispy Duck Spring Rolls, with some inventive twists thrown in along the way.

By now Marco and his crew have got this traditional Cantonese biz down to a ‘dine’ art. Scoping out a solid ten of a location, positioned in the heaving heart of the Surfers action in excellent company among Chevron Renaissance’s array of top notch nosheries. A stalwart spot that will always have a special place in our hearts – shout out to 2 hours free parking, the real MVP.

The venue’s sizeable footprint is one that lends itself to gathering groups en masse, special occasions, et al. Spot the signature sky blue finishes, and you’ll know you’re in the right place (though more likely, your nose will alert you long before that). Backdropped by neutral terrazzo pops and cool blue hues, there’s a mix of indoor and outdoor tables and booths bathed in the ambient light of Chevron Renaissance’s alfresco piazza (which has the added perk of providing impeccable lighting for those of us who love snapping food pics).

With those details all covered, we can get to the best part – taking a big ‘ole a swan dive straight in to the menu. With several pages of enticing dishes to drool over, the classics – such as Congee, XO sauce simmered seafood and sticky, sweet-sour Pork Skewers, are all well and truly accounted for, along with some unexpected, playful takes. The Crescent Dumplings are meticulously presented to mimic a miniature carrot, while the Fried Prawn Cheese Balls are playfully served to look like a pile of lychees. Truly a feast for all the senses here, folks.

When it comes to this fine Cantonese convention, we’re about as confident as a boomer in a comment section that there are two Yum Cha camps. Big fans and those who are yet to try it, which means no matter which group you fall into, there are about 64 excellent reasons to high tail to Yum Cha Chevron Renaissance… and yes, we are solely referring to the total number of dishes on the menu we counted before we got sidetracked and started mentally preparing our order instead.

Where: Chevron Renaissance, Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
When: Daily, 11:00am to 2:30pm and 5:00pm to 8:30pm
Website: www.chevronrenaissanceshoppingcentre.com.au
Instagram: @chevronrenaissance

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.

STORY SPONSORED BY CHEVRON RENAISSANCE.