Little Rookie is now open in Surfers Paradise.
Little Rookie is now open in Surfers Paradise.
There were many things that experienced a glow-up since COVID – the art of baking sourdough, video chats, pre-mixed cocktails, loungewear, it’s an endless list filled with things that have made our lives infinitely better.
Something else to add to the list is a renewed appreciation for roller skates, those delightful little things we used to strap onto our feet and frolic about with our mates in. Remember rolling skating rinks? What a time.
Well Gold Coasters it’s time to relive those epic moments of our lives thanks to Little Rookie Skate, a new skate hire shop in Surfers Paradise making dreams come true.
They’ve got a stunning range of colourful, retro-esque roller skates to buy or for hire and you can pop on in there, choose your faves and prepare yourself for one of the very best summer times a girl can have.
Husband and wife owners Jemanda and Chris watched the resurgence of outdoor skating in the US and knew Australia was next to get involved in the trend.
The pair were so excited to create a dedicated Skate shop showcasing some of the leading Retro Skates brands.
Not only do you get to roll around, free as a bird skating is a fun way to exercise (great leg workout gals) and what better place to skate than along the Gold Coast Esplanade soaking up the sun, good vibes and quality time with your crew.
If you choose to hire, the skate hire includes the wrist, elbow and knee pads protective gear and a helmet. Helmets are mandatory for adults and children. A current Australian driver’s license or a valid passport is required and a $80 refundable deposit is required for all bookings. You can choose from either one hour of skating good times for $15 or two hours for $25.
Grab those hot pants, a bikini top and head on into Surfers Paradise to live that retro life you’ve always wanted to try.
LOCATION: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
HOURS: Friday and Saturday 10am to 6pm and Sunday 10am to 5pm
Surfers Paradise offers a lot more than just beaches, bikini-clad tourists and nightclubs. The eats scene has really taken off in recent years with locals rediscovering this hub for quality nosheries. It’s a melting pot for different cuisines and eats styles, so whether you’re after a casual, relaxed meal or something fancy-pants boasting award-winning chefs and hats, Surfers has you covered.
Here are 14 must-dine spots in our city’s most famous location, so you have somewhere new to try every day/night for exactly two weeks. And…go!
Citrique
Famed for its breakfast buffet, weekend long lunch, award-winning seafood market experience buffet, and exciting Modern Australian a la carte dishes, Citrique and Executive Chef Paul Smart serves up the ultimate fine dining experience. #HereForIt! Calling the beautiful JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa home, you would expect nothing less from this five-star favourite!
Our pick: Anything seafood!
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
BOBs Beer
BOBs Beer is Surfers Paradise’s first and only brewery and is the perfect stop for a relaxing amber ale and meal post-surf with your posse. The kitchen is under the expert guidance of Head Chef Nathan Dennard, and trust us when we say you are in good hands! Oh and fun fact: BOBs Beer is an acronym for Best of Beers. Cue the “ah-haaaa’s”.
Our pick: Bannockburn chicken
Where: 10/2 Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
The Langham
The brand new super-luxe GC hotel ‘it girl’ The Langham serves up the finest cuisine from the East and the West. Get your posh on and enjoy The Langham Afternoon Tea at Palm Court, and the finest meat, fish and poultry at Akoya. We’re counting down till the opening of T’Ang Court, the hotel group’s signature Michelin-starred destination for fine Cantonese Dining. You had us at Langham.
Our pick: The Langham Afternoon Tea at Palm Court
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club
Nothing says Gold Coast like a meal by the beach at a surf club – and this one is a cracker. Grab a bite at the restaurant offering a modern, alfresco dining experience with a newly refurbished bar and dining area with casual coastal vibes. Or, swing into the Bistro which is always a hit with hangry ankle biters. Winner winner surf club dinner!
Our pick: $12 Lunch Specials
Where: Corner of Hanlan Street & The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Palette
With The Australian Good Food Guide awarding Palette 14 points and two chef’s hats, need we say more?! Situated in the stunning HOTA Gallery, Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law draws inspo from the artworks and exhibitions to show just how naturally art and food blend. There’s also a five-star menu for the plant-based folk, which is good enough to turn even the staunchest meat lover.
Our pick: Lady Musgrave Island Swordfish
Where: HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Pancakes on the Rocks
Who could eat pancakes for breakfast, lunch and dinner and the answer is everyone. It’s not all about pancakes though, with sweet and savoury crepes, salads, pizzas and their famous beef and pork ribs. They also do a drool-worthy ice-cream soda so warning, the kids will be buzzing on sugar for at least 48 hours but #WorthIt. Tried and tested – on repeat….
Our pick: Lemon Meringue Pancakes
Where: 4 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
San Churro
If the answer isn’t churros then what is the question? With sister branches at Harbour Town and Tweed Village, this Spanish crowd-pleaser is famous for its to-die-for churros (obvs), croffles, gelato, desserts, hot chocolate, fairtrade coffee and shakes. For the non-sweet-tooths there are also scrumptious savoury eats, so everyone can #DiscoverDelicious. Served with only the best chocolate, you might intend to share…but you won’t.
Our pick: Cookie Butter Banana Churros Snack Pack
Where: Circle on Cavill South Tower, 3184 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Alfresco Italian Restaurant
Promising a full belly and a soul filled with love and happiness, say ciao to the much-loved Alfresco. Wowing diners for 30 years, this is where the Gold Coast meets the Amalfi Coast! With recycled timbers, textured walls and epic mood lighting, this place looks as good as it tastes. Everything on the menu is Bellissima, which also applies to the cocktail menu…especially the Long Island Limoncello!
Our pick: Schnitzel & Spaghetti Bolognese
Where: Wyndham Hotel, 3018 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Shiraz Persian Restaurant & Bar
Team Shiraz have given their newest location a major face-lift, with a completely new white and teal aesthetic fitted with over 200 seats, including interior and alfresco dining areas. Enjoy authentic Persian-style entrees, kebabs, lamb shanks, marinated lamb cutlets, chicken skewers, baklava, tiramisu and much more, with vegetarian options also available. Cue the drool.
Our pick: Shishlik
Where: Mantra Wings, 2893 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise Beer Garden
It’s the heart and soul of Surfers and it just keeps on getting better. Notorious for its fresh menu and beer towers, it continues to cook up flavour-filled goodness with local seafood, meaty pizzas, pub classics and more. Add the nostalgia factor with the infamous ‘adults playground’ offering Jenga, Connect Four, Foot-Pool, Shufl and more, and it’s the obvious choice to work on your ‘six-pack’.
Our pick: Chicken Parmi
Where: Paradise Centre, Corner Cavill Avenue and Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
The Island Gold Coast
Goldie’s at The Island has gained quite the following with its impressive burgers, seafood, steaks, wood oven pizzas, fresh locally sourced produce, and off-the-chart good cocktails. And, why not pop up to The Island Rooftop Bar for views of the stunning Gold Coast skyline, plus a range of delicious cocktails, share platters and more wood-fired pizzas. The perfect spot to spend the day. Yes please!
Our pick: Italian Sausage Wood Oven Pizza
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
La Diosa Mexicana
A modern Mexican restaurant with exquisite cocktails and lots (and lots) of tequila. Can we get a hell yeah?! With arches, cacti and all things cool for days, not to mention a menu jam-packed with Mexicana goodness, expect all the usual suspects like tostadas, enchiladas, quesadillas, nachos and burritos – it’s pure mexcellence. Oh and Taco Tuesdays here are a vibe!
Our pick: Burrito Super Bowl
Where: Circle on Cavill, 3184 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Seascape Restaurant + Bar
Perched above the hustle of the Surfers Paradise Esplanade, Seascape offers a multi-level venue with a chic Bistro and Bar and a fine dining restaurant, both with amazing ocean views. For those serious about their seafood (us), this is THE place for o-fish-ally the best eats from our pristine waters. If you have something to celebrate in the warmer months, book The Rooftop…you can thank us later.
Our pick: Lobster and Blue Spanner Carb Lasagne
Where: Level 1 & 2, Soul Boardwalk, The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Yamagen Japanese Izakaya
Tucked away in the QT, this is new generation Japanese for the discerning diner. Executive Chef Adam Lane brings a tantalising Omakase experience, offset by a whisky list filled with the most refined Japanese distillery drops, and an incredible sake selection. The glossy enamel black finishes frame the venue’s eye-catching details which scream “insta me”.
Our pick: Sushi and Sashimi Platter
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Bianca Trathen.
