Ah, Saturday afternoons – that magical sweet spot where we’ve clocked off from the week, dealt with the most pressing commitments and chill mode can officially begin… ideally with an ice-cold spritz in hand.

While we’re compiling our wish lists throw in a grazing platter with all the trimmings, and some million dollar views. To this, The Star Gold Coast crew says ‘say no more’ and hands us Spritz Saturdays at Nineteen At The Star. Daydream no longer, friends – the ultimate way to get into the swing of this weekend business really does exist and it’s tantalisingly within reach.

For a surefire way to blitz your Saturday simply assemble one (or more) of your partners in dine and saunter over to one of the best rooftops on the Gold Coast to sip and graze the afternoon away. Did we mention it’s only $79pp from 4.00pm to 7:00pm? And it’s on every Saturday. Time to fire up the group chat.

As if we needed convincing to bust out our resort-vibing frocks and breeziest linen ensembles add in the prospect of balmy afternoons spent slurping back oysters and charcuterie and we have the sudden urge to skedaddle on over faster than you can say ‘one Elderflower & Mint Spritz, please’.

Of course, if you like to keep it classic, there’s also Aperol Spritz and a summery Strawberry Spritz equally poised for sipping as the sun sinks low. With drinks sorted, all that stands between you and zero cares in the world is… well, not a whole lot, because the share menu is yet to enter the equation and it comes bearing cheese #sold.

Along with a stellar Cheese and House cured olives selection, the fully stacked share spread includes two mushroom and gruyère cheese stuffed Arancini balls and freshly shucked oysters each. The Arancini balls certainly won’t be the only thing stuffed once this feast is through because there’s still the Charcuterie plate with toasted sourdough and French Fries w Garlic Aioli coming in hot.

All of which is enjoyed whilst kicking back poolside, surrounded by the sweeping views and supreme luxury of Level 19 of The Darling…. yep – put a fork in us, we’re done. If that’s not peak ‘weekend done right’ material, we don’t know what is.

Going down each and every Saturday, the one and only catch is that bookings are essential, so gather your crew and plan accordingly, y’all.

Whether you’re due for a catch up with a bestie, a spectacular sundowner sesh with the whole gang, or a romantic rooftop rendezvous with your other half – plan ahead and reap the rewards of a Saturday very well spent. We can smell the chill vibes already.

Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: 4.00pm to 7:00pm, every Saturday

Words by Kellie Leader.

STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST

The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol. Guests must be 18 years or over to enter the casino. BET WITH YOUR HEAD, NOT OVER IT. Gambling Helpline 1800 858 858.

The Star Gold Coast is officially in its Comedy Era and one question remains: are you ready for it (“dn dn dn”). And yes, that is a TayTay reference as we are unabashed Swifties. The star-studded line up will have you snickering, snorting, and ROFLing in the aisles, and side note, with guaranteed laugh-induced ab workouts-a-plenty, lining your stomach beforehand is strongly encouraged. Lucky for us, the pre-show munching options are as extensive as Kylie’s Birkin collection, with nom-worthy cuisine to satisfy even the most discerning diner.

Russell Howard
Kicking off the comedy calendar on Monday 4 March is LOLs lord Russell Howard, primed to take on global crises armed with nothing but his quick wit and infectious humour. With a sell-out world tour and a Netflix special that’s hotter than last Boxing Day sans air-con (thanks super storm), Howard’s comedic prowess is as sharp as his punchlines. Critics concur, with the likes of The Times and the Telegraph giving him four stars #CueApplause. Doors open at 7pm and tickets start from $91.65.

Tim Minchin
Next up, it’s Tim Minchin on Friday 15 March with his “Unfunny Evening with Tim Minchin and his Piano.” Despite the disclaimer that ‘this is not a comedy gig,’ we’re saying #FakeNews and bracing for a lol-o-coaster as Minchin serenades us with his unbridled banter and charm. The set list will be fluid, the chat unplanned, and the vibe informal, but expect tunes from his latest album and a medley of hits from his musicals, Matilda and Groundhog Day. Oh and he plans to wear shoes. Doors open at 6:30pm and tickets start at $101.85.

Dawn French
On Tuesday 14 May, powerhouse and queen of British comedy Dawn French is making her long-awaited grand return! From her days as one half of the iconic comedy duo French and Saunders to her role in beloved TV hits like The Vicar of Dibley, French’s career is as illustrious as her wit. Prep yourself for a whirlwind of hilarity as her one-woman stand-up show regales you with tales that are as cringe-worthy as a dad joke at a family reunion (translation, funny AF). Doors open at 7pm for an 8pm show and tickets start from $101.85.

Urzila Carlson
Dreading the winter? Don’t coz nothing warms you up from the inside out like comedic firecracker Urzila Carlson who is Star-bound on Sunday 23 June with ‘Just Jokes’. Set to light up the stage with her razor-sharp humour and infectious charm, it’s a show that is precisely what it says on the label – just jokes. If your face isn’t sore from laughing, seek help because this is pure giggle gold. Doors open at 6pm for a 7pm show and tickets start from $71.30.

For more information and to book your tickets, go here.

Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: Various shows as per above from March – June 2024

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST

The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol. Guests must be 18 years or over to enter the casino. BET WITH YOUR HEAD, NOT OVER IT. Gambling Helpline 1800 858 858.

Without a doubt one of life’s greatest pleasures is sitting down in front of a multi-tiered tray, delicately filled with morish bite-size eats and paired with a cuppa. Or bubbles. Okay both.

In all honest-tea, here are 13 of the best high tea haunts here on the Coast. Bake a leg and get bready to tick them off your must-visit list, one by one. And go!

Cove Cafe
Following a multi-million dollar refurb, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort is looking better than ever – as is the the ever-elegant High Tea menu, hosted in Cove Cafe from 1–4pm every Saturday and Sunday. Elevate your weekend with decadent morsels such as Spanner Crab with saffron mayonnaise, and Salted Caramel Choux with orchid vanilla tea cream and caramel sauce.

Plus, since they also have the bragging rights as the first hotel to feature globally renowned Tea Forté teas, so you can rest assured you’ll be treated like royal-tea – starting with a welcome of Tea Forté infused towel and palate-cleansing iced tea piccolo from your host. You can also upgrade to bottomless rosé or the signature ‘Pear-tea-ni’ cocktail – either of which sounds pear-fect to us (and bonus, we can finally swing by and suss out that lush, spruced up lagoon pool in the process). Prices start at $57 per person.
Where: Cove Cafe, Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove

Pearls Bar
This eclectic fave with warm mood lighting for days is known for its rotating seasonal high teas. Starting March 1 they invite us all to celebrate the heart of autumn with their Falling for Flavours: Autumn High Tea. Infused with luxurious flavours inspired by the new season, we’re drooling in anticipation. From Roasted Hazelnut Nutella Slice to Spiced Pumpkin Cake, you certainly won’t leave underwhelmed…or hungry. Complemented by the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and tropical palms, it looks as decadent as it tastes. $76 per adult, which includes a glass of Sparking Wine as well as unlimited tea and coffee.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Le Jardin
The Imperial Hotel, Seaworld Drive’s HQ of luxury might be sporting a fresh new name – but thankfully they’re serving up that same fabulous Couture High Tea experience we know and love. Bringing a fashionable culinary experience to the perennial classic – you’ll be feeling very high socie-tea indeed sipping bubbles surrounded by the sparkling crystal chandelier and grand vaulted ceilings. There are two high tea options to choose from (fancy and fancier) – depending on how bougee you’re feeling – starting from $89.90 per person. Or for a slightly less extravagant experience (that doesn’t skimp on the delish factor), there are also four curated mini-spreads to pick from (think Devonshire tea) for around $30 per person.
Where: Imperial Hotel, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Chapter and Verse
Located in the luxurious JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, high tea at Chapter & Verse is an unmissable resort tradition created by their esteemed culinary team. Using local ingredients, this team take their high tea business seriously – sharing that each homemade morsel is inspired by the echo of birds in the resort’s peaceful and tranquil surrounds. So excuse us as we channel our inner seagull and duke it out over the likes of of Honey Lavender Scones and Salted Caramel Chocolate Tartlet… we kid, of course – only our best etiquette for a classy establishment like the Marriott. There’s also a cute mini-me version for the little ones, Teeny Tiny Tea for $39 per child. Prices start from $79 per adult.
Where: 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Bumbles
Tucked peacefully a stone’s throw from the Budds Beach waterfront, Surfers stalwart Bumbles has long been a beloved spot to meet for coffee and some grazing action (and now cocktails – thanks to neighbouring big sis sip spot, Blue House #squee).

Inside the most charming little cafe in 4217 (and perhaps, the entire coast) there’s a mix of themed private rooms that branch off the main space – so it figures that it also makes a particularly spesh spot for a fanciful high tea soiree. Acquaint yourself with the divinely appointed Library (or luxurious Hamptons room, perhaps) and tuck into a spread of smoked salmon blinis, pint-sized quiches, fruit tarts and tea sandwiches. Bookings for the “regular” high tea (a misnomer if ever we’ve heard one) come in at $50 per person, with dietary and bubbles options also available. La-de-dah indeed.
Where: 19 River Drive, Surfers Paradise

QT Gold Coast
This is no ordinary high tea! … well okay, technically speaking they do offer an ‘Ordinary’ High Tea option, but since you know QT Gold Coast is all about infusing the unexpected into everything they do – trust us when we say it’s anything but. The variety of pinky-popping menus also include a champas-studded Extraordinary High Tea experience, a Man Tea for a more savoury take and a mini spread for your little Q’Ties for $39 per child.

Here, the typical savoury tea fare has been treated to a tapas-style twist, such as Spiced Tempura Cauliflower and Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Poppers to excite the tastebuds – so, move over cucumber sandwich, you culinary snooze-fest you (there, we said it). And don’t get us started on the Choux Pastries and Brownie-macarons. Prices start at $64 per adult with a variety of boozy upgrade options, such as jugs of Aperol Spritz really enhance to your experience.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Ms Margot’s
A pretty little gem nestled just inside the lobby of Hilton Surfers Paradise, Ms Margot’s certainly knows a thing or two about being boujee. Along with serving up superb sips and all-day bites, the signature High Tea spread is available from 11:30–3:00 daily for whenever the urge for a lavish light lunch hits. Gather your gal and/or guy pals for a glam #SATC style rendezvous, and spill the tea over soft-shell crab bao, pumpkin arancini, and halloumi with pickled fig. The Signature and champagne upgrade Par-Tea option come in at a very Carrie approved $42 and $67 respectively – bc, y’know – more to splash on shoes. OTT outfits optional.
Where: Hilton Surfers Paradise, 6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Palette
Every Sunday, locals and visitors alike flock to HOTA not just for their arty fix or a spot of market browsing, but to tuck into a delightful High Tea. Served in the critically acclaimed and ever-popular Palette restaurant, superstar Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law has curated the ultimate high tea experience. A couple of highlights are the Prawn Toast with yuzu mayo and sesame and for the sweet tooths, Davidson Plum and Marshmallow Pinwheel. Yum! Prices start at $70 per adult.
Where: HOTA Gallery, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Greendays
With its pavilion backdrop, lush gardens, and tranquil setting, this centrally located secluded oasis is the home of high tea. To set the scene on the type of sumptuous snack spread they put on – we’re talking mouth-watering morsels like Pork and Chestnut Gyoza, Pandan Swiss Roll and Dragonfruit Pannacotta. Throw in a glass of French bubbles for an extra $12… just because, or go the whole hog and upgrade to bottomless bubbles for an extra $45 pp. There’s also a separate vegan high tea and junior high tea so no one misses out. High Tea from $65 per adult.
Where: 8/6 Ashmore Road, Bundall

The Langham
Okay so technically this one is officially called an Afternoon Tea, but when it comes to sumptuously snacking our way through bite-sized helpings of Miniature coconut + mango pavlovas, Hot smoked salmon rillettes and Lemon curd scones, we’re not about to get caught up in the semantics now are we (a ‘Rosé’ by any other name and all that).

In a British nod to its namesake at The Langham, London where traditional English afternoon tea was served over 150 years ago, the stunning Palm Court restaurant inside the hotel pays tribute to its heritage. Serving a bespoke offering of the traditional Afternoon Tea crafted by culinary experts, it’s time to start practicing your tea drinking etiquette (no pinky!). Prices start from $109 per person Monday to Friday and $119 per person Saturday & Sunday.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise

Videre
Local fave Videre does a high tea with panache… with the added perk of some some pretty stellar views, to boot. From Moreton Bay Bug Fritters and Barramundi Summer rolls with bush tomato relish, to a selection of sweets whipped up by the in-house Chef de Patisserie’s – the quali-tea here is unparalleled. And quite frankly, the assortment of freshly baked scone flavours served with all the trimmings (hellooo Sun-dried mango scone and just-churned butter!) alone is enough to get us swooning. Don’t forget the unlimited French press coffee and ‘Tea Drop’ tea and breathtaking panoramic views from the 21st floor whilst the golf folk slug it out below. We know what we’d rather be doing. Prices start at $68 per person including a glass of Mumm Tasmania Brut Prestige or a speciality mocktail, delish!
Where: RACV Royal Pines, Ross Street, Benowa

Mecca Bah
Have you tried a Middle Eastern high tea yet and if you’re shaking your noggin, we’re about to open up a whole new world of d-lish. Boasting exotic sweet and savoury bites a-plenty, it will become your new normal to meet your mates here. Tuck in to three tiers brimming with treats such as Orange Blossom Cheesecake and Halloumi and Eggplant Skewers, with unlimited barista made coffee and tea, and a sparking wine or mocktail on arrival. $69 pp, minimum of four people.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach & 18/10 Santa Barbara Road, Hope Island

Bon Appetea Teahouse
Nestled in leafy Mudgeeraba, the stunningly decorated and truly breathtaking Bon Appetea Teahouse exudes French charm and traditional elegance. Popular for bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays and basically any event you can think of, their Luxe High Tea is the definition of decadence. Think scones with homemade jam and cream and a selection of petite patisseries, organic sandwiches and savoury bites. Oh and if you’re on the hunt for a truly beautiful, quaint, spot to tie the knot, this one’s a keeper. $55 per adult.
Where: 7 Johns Road, Mudgeeraba

Words by Kellie Leader.