Coolangatta is our southernmost suburb and an uncomplicated little town. Apart from when in summer (and outside lockdowns), you can travel between two time zones — by simply crossing the street!

Time travelling aside, Coolangatta has long been loved for its laidback, beachside vibes and of course, pumping surf when the elements align and the swell fills in. These days, there is a multitude of reasons to visit other than amazing beaches and world-class waves. These include outstanding food venues, lively bars and a few other businesses worthy of your attention. So here are some worthy reasons for a nip into Cooly town.

Have a beachside coffee at Vanilla Lily
Quite possibly Coolangatta’s prettiest cafe, Vanilla Lily is serving up solid coffees and fresh eats in a beautiful setting opposite Greenmount Beach. Chill with the local community who love this hangout and enjoy the delectable fare. Our pick is the Avocado Toast with sliced radish, dried chilli flakes, pomegranate and drizzled with raw honey and lemon on a slice of sourdough.
Where: Shop 2, 110 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Drink a beer at the Coolangatta Hotel
The Cooly Hotel is an absolute must-do. This well-known bar is opposite the town’s main stretch of sand and is often the place folks find themselves towards the latter part of the day. The attractions are world-class live music and great vibes aplenty. Pull up a chair and make an afternoon of it with salt-licked breezes blowing and uninterrupted beach views.
Where: Corner Warner Street & Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Enjoy some good food at Choofas Smokehouse & Seafood
Conveniently located on the town’s main street, the guys at Choofas offer some exceptional fresh and cooked seafood alongside BBQ style smoked meats, ribs, buffalo wings, burgers, steak, chicken and salads able to fill all hungry-bellies. The BBQ smoked meats are rubbed with Choofas own dark dry rub, then cooked long and slow to ensure tenderness and flavour. Choofas Horn Bar is also stocked with over 60 top brand rums, otherwise enjoy a cold beer on tap while overlooking Coolangatta beach as the sun goes down.
Where: 150 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Grab a pie from the Coolangatta Pie Shop
This iconic Gold Coast pie shop has been around for over 50 years, so it’s no wonder they’re serving up some of the tastiest pies around. You can also get some outrightly delicious caramel slices while you’re at it. Perfect for a mid-morning fuel up or after a big afternoon session of surfing. Fun fact: they’re open 24 hours on weekends.
Where: 50 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Eat pizza at Francie’s Pizzeria
Francie’s is some of the best pizza you’ll ever sample, so without hesitation, it quickly became the local’s favourite pizza bar. As purely a walk-in and no reservations style venue, swing by ahead of the crowd for delicious and inventive toppings. Our pick is the Pears Brosnan: Gorgonzola, pear, Prosciutto, and Mozzarella. YUM.
Where: 2/102 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Take a stroll through The Strand
The Strand at Coolangatta is a great respite from all the action at the beach. Filled with all you retail needs (ALDI, Woolies etc), dining (the views from the upstairs restaurants are outstanding) and entertainment (hello Timezone and Cooly’s only cinema). Spend some time strolling around the boutique shops in the air-con; you’re sure to find something you love here.
Where: 72-80 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Scoop your way through all the flavours at Ottimo
Ottimo serves up great coffee and makes all of their moreish gelatos in-house, but why are their plethora of dazzling flavours so damn good? Likely because the owner and head gelato maker Davide is Italian and has studied for a diploma from the Gelato University of Carpigiani — we didn’t make this up, it’s true!
Where: 18/52 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Release your inner child at Timezone
Have the heavens opened up? Or are you simply up for a bit of fun? Timezone Coolangatta features full-sized bowling lanes, over 200 video games, dodgem cars and laser skirmish. Not just one for the kids!
Where: Level 1, 72-80 Marine Parade, The Strand, Coolangatta

Start your day with brekky at South East Espresso
A Cooly favourite for a tasty breakfast and excellent poured Paradox coffee, find South East Espresso tucked a block back from the majestic Rainbow Beach. It’s the ideal spot to satisfy those early morning hankerings, and if you fancy visiting again (which you will after a surf), they’re open for lunch too.
Where: 5 Dutton Street, Coolangatta

Indulge in an Italian feast at Little Cooly
Little Cooly is serving up some mind-blowing handmade pasta alongside a 100-strong Italian wine list that reads like a love letter to Italy itself. If it’s date night, look no further — and if you’re desperate for great pasta, well they have you covered on all bases. In an ode to the local area, dishes have been named after Gold Coast icons and suburbs and shine a light on local produce, for instance The Snapper Rocks features Tweed River prawns, mango, cashews and avocado or The Greenmount features Bangalow bacon, spicy chorizo, a fried egg and mozzarella.
Where: Level 1, Shop 120/72-80 Marine Parade, The Strand, Coolangatta

Get your art on at Maverick Hair & Art Studio
Pop into this tucked away gallery for a fabulous hair spruce up or to enjoy some fresh local art including that of Cooly local Byron Coathup. You’re sure to find sweet, locally designed souvenirs to take home. Your favourite local brand, The Undercurrent is stocked here too. Grab a Cooly tee to remember your time.
Where: First Floor, 1/17 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Take in the view at Greenmount Beach Surf Club
With unsurpassed views in a northerly direction, you can take in everything overlooking the spectacular Greenmount Beach right up to the skyline of Surfers Paradise and, on some days, beyond. If the surf is good, you can also be entertained by surfers as they jostle with each other and generally tear waves apart — the level here is high. Our favourite is an icy schooner in hand and an amber sunset: perfection.
Where: Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Eat a burger at Eddie’s Grub House.
Rock ‘n roll meets fried chicken, burgers and whiskey: does it get any better than that? Get a mouthful of naughty but nice American classics in this soul food dive bar. They regularly have live music and karaoke nights and are one of the best spots to catch up with mates before a night on the town.
Where: 171 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Shop local at Cooly’s Beachside Markets
On every second and fourth Sunday of the month, Queen Elizabeth Park comes alive with plenty of local traders selling anything from raw produce to clothing and accessories. The perfect place to take a stroll with a coffee in hand and the sun on your face — be prepared to spend some money.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Park, Coolangatta

Have a sunset cocktail at Moxy’s Rooftop Bar
This Griffith Street rooftop bar is always packed with sunset and weekend revellers sipping on cocktails living their best lives, and this should include you. Regular DJs and insta-worthy drinks mean this venue is a top place to see in the weekend or alternatively help you get over a hump day from hell. Either way, head upstairs and let the good times roll.
Where: 2/152-154 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

International Beer Day – don’t mind if we do

Fan of a frothy? Us too. And it turns out it’s not just us, the beverage that really does need no introduction officially has its own day of honour – well overdue if you ask us. On Friday 4^th August we’ll be cracking open a coldy to celebrate International Beer Day, and in honour we’ve penned a list of the top breweries that the Gold Coast has to offer.

So ‘hop’ on down to one this weekend. And next weekend. And the one after…

Fortitude Brewing Co
Froth fanatics, Fortitude Brewing Company sees you! This hinterland spot has 15 taps, each pouring something different from the range of Fortitude and Noisy Minor beers – all brewed on site! Visitors can nom their way through a variety of made-to-order pizzas whilst sinking a tasting paddle…or two, or… Enjoy the venue’s rugged exteriors and soft-hearted interiors and on weekends, soak up the beats from talented muso’s.
Beer to sip: Fortitude Pacer — the perfect session pale ale.
Where: 165 Long Road, Eagle Heights

Laughing Lizard Brewery
The good times keep on keeping on at Laughing Lizard with over 150 different beers! The best part, however, is that none contain any nasty chemicals or preservatives (yay, no hangover…well, that’s our story and we’re sticking to it…), and there’s even a gluten-free option #CeliacsRejoice! Here you’ll find a micro-brewery, beer and spirits shop, and every party planner’s besty – a keg hire service!
Beer to sip: You can’t go wrong with the Skini – light bodied, low carb, but full flavour.
Where: 27 Sinclair Street, Arundel

Hound & Stag
Who said the north side wasn’t the place to be? Guarantee you’ll have a ‘beery’ good time at one of the newest breweries on the block, the old barn-style joint is the largest taproom on the Northern GC with 28 beer taps and an epic kitchen serving up Modern Australian food daily.
Beer to sip: Struggling to pick the perfect pint from the huge range on offer? You can’t go wrong with the award-winning Red Baron for a spritzy and refreshing brew.
Where: 13 Wrights Place, Arundel

SOPO Brewing Co
A hidden gem on the beer scene here on the Gold Coast, we reckon SOPO Brewing Co is one of the suburbs best kept secrets. They’ve got house brews as well as monthly releases to keep those tastebuds on their toes, with the microbrewery delivering a tasty range of craft beers, lagers and ciders exclusive to the venue.
Beer to sip: When in SOPO one must drink the SOPO IPA of course!
Where: 146 Scarborough St, Southport

Madocke Beer Brewing Company
The ultimate Belgian beer experience awaits at Ashmore’s Madocke! Starting their commercial brewery in a tiny garage, proud owners Jimmy and Annelies are a bona fide local success story! Enjoy the complex flavours and richness of their brewskis at free Thursday trivia nights, and pair your pitcher with some belly laughs at live comedy night every Friday. Skohl!
Beer to sip: The creamy and refreshing White IPA Celebration is the perfect night starter – see you on the d floor.
Where: 286 Southport Nerang Road, Ashmore

BOB’s Beer
Beers near the beachfront – you’d be hard-pressed to find a better way to spend your International Beer Day, wouldn’t you? Whether you’re a local or playing tourist, BOB’s Beer is one of the best joints in Surfers for a cheeky brew, with a seriously swanky fit-out with high ceilings and most importantly those glistening copper pipes delivering that expertly brewed amber nectar straight to our glasses.
Beer to sip: The Surfers XPA of course – a deliciously easy drinking pale ale brewed entirely out of local malt, perfect!
Where: 10/2 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

The Lucky Squire
In case you haven’t put two and two together, this brewhouse brings to life the story of Australia’s first brewer, the rogue swindler James Squire (cue ‘aha’ moment). Celebrating quality craft beers and modern pub grub, the custom-designed full-functioning microbrewery pumps out small, exclusive batch brews, and it’s a cracking spot to round up your crew for an arvo sesh.
Beer to sip: Check out their limited-release small batch brews rotating the taps. Our current fave is Chivalry – because of course it’s not dead.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Lost Palms Brewing
This pink and mint icon is a short stroll from the hot spots in Nobby’s and a ‘hop’, skip and a jump from Miami Marketta. Pull up a pew outside, sink some unique and refreshing brews, and make sure you grab some sweet snaps for your socials. Roll up for $1 Wings on Thursday nights and live music on Sunday arvo’s, and see why this wicked brewery is a must-visit!
Beer to sip: Lost Palms Talle Daze Hazy Pale — one of their core range beers, named after the local Tallebudgera Creek.
Where: 11 Oak Avenue, Miami

Precinct Brewing
Bursting onto the Miami arts precinct scene with a rapacious welcome, Precinct Brewing now has solid status as the place to grab a freshly made beer, pull up a stool and forget all of life’s woes. They make matters much more bearable with the tastiest of pizzas, stand-up comedy, and some captivating, limited releases like their recent Big If True, Hazy IPA — yummy!
Beer to sip: Check out their weekly Friday releases for exclusive flavours!
Where: 17 Christine Avenue, Miami

SOBAH
If you love a social brew but you don’t love the idea of a potential hangover, then Australia’s first non-alcoholic brewery – SOBAH – is going to be for you. Tucked away in Burleigh, the brewery and café will have their range of full-flavour brews on offer, bringing that real craft beer flavour you know and love without the sore head. We’ll have more of the inside scoop for you when the brewhouse opens Monday 7th August.
Beer to sip: The Pepperberry IPA or Davidson Plum GF Ale are our regulars, celebrating the best of our native Australian ingredients.
Where: Unit 1, 314 Burleigh Connection Road, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Brewing Co.
With gold medals for days from the World Beer Championships, you know you’re in for a good ale here! Famous for their paddle boards, relaxed atmosphere, big smiles and super friendly service, it’s the perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday arvo (or Friyay / Saturday sesh). There’s even awesome live music to set the mood while you quench your thirst. Cheers!
Beer to sip: Burleigh Brewing Burleigh Bighead — No carb, no-fuss big flavoured thirst quencher.
Where: 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads

Black Hops HQ & Black Hops II
The runaway success of the original Black Hops in Burleigh spurred the creation of its spacious and upscale sibling, Black Hops II in Biggera Waters. Both serve up 16 beers on tap and have popular food trucks on site to feed hungry punters. So whether you’re north or southside, round up your mates, the fam and even your pooch for some award-winning amber ales.
Beer to sip: Black Hops Send It Session Ale — light, fruity, and not too strong
Where: 15 Gardenia Grove, Burleigh Heads and 671 Pine Ridge Road, Biggera Waters

Aardvark & Arrow Brewery
This Varsity based microbrewery may produce ‘petite’ batches, but their list of return customers is anything but small! Consistently producing and supplying chemical and preservative free beer and cider that exceeds expectations, the boutique beers here are on point. The staff are uber friendly and knowledgeable and the prices will blow ya mind (in a good way).
Beer to sip: For something fresh, opt for the GC Crisp – a seriously refreshing light coloured, crisp beer perfect for a brewery sesh.
Where: 13 John Duncan Court, Varsity Lakes

Balter Brewing Company
Another one with awards up the wazoo, the newly renovated Balter never disappoints. Its line-up of founders includes some seriously famous sporting legends, and it just oozes chillax and cool in equal measure. Whether it’s from the tap or can, there’s a variety of styles to get your tastebuds singing. Kick back in the new beer garden and enjoy live beats with your brew, along with food truck goodness.
Beer to sip: Balter XPA — Balter’s most awarded beer can be yours fresh from the production line.
Where: 14 Traders Way, Currumbin

4 Pines Coolangatta
Another beachfront favourite of ours, but this time nestled on the Cooly shoreline is 4 Pines Coolangatta. The relaxed Southern Gold Coast vibe makes this little brew spot the perfect place stop in for a session. With six taps of their finest beers and 2 Keller door taps pumping out fresh flavours, as well as a dedicated Doggos of 4 Pines polaroid wall, it’s loved by locals for a reason.
Beer to sip: Nothing says 4 Pines like their Pacific Ale – fresh, fruity and floral, it’s impossible not to love.
Where: The Strand, 28/72 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Words by Bianca Trathen & Jacqueline Bojanowski.

Do you hear that? It’s the sound of the Northern burbs rejoicing because they FINALLY have their very own premium G.I.N distillery! When our northside staff got the memo, they assumed they’d nodded off and were dreaming about being as cool as their southside neighbours. They muttered a little prayer to the Grog Gods, pinched themselves, and then the realisation dawned – IT’S ACTUALLY REAL! Biggera Waters-based White Oat Distillery is officially open for business, so drop everything and text everyone (especially the peeps north of 4215) because this place is a winner ginner!

When you walk into the unassuming giant shed-like structure in the industrial area near Harbour Town, you’re in for a treat. Greeted by a sea of timber benches and high stools, a sandy-hued polished concrete floor, a swoony pink vee-jay counter wrapping around the entire space, and a sleek black brick-back taps area, White Oat Distillery is a sight for sore eyes. Festoon lights adorn the sky-high roof, but it has to be the super shiny distillery equipment that is the most awe-inspiring conversation starter. Not only does it look flash, but it pumps out sips that scream “let the fun be-gin”.

The White Oat concept blossomed in a humble GC backyard early on in the pandemic. Founding trio Andrew Langton, David Beaton and Ryan Goding were three mates sharing some tinnies when they hatched a master plan for gin greatness. Defined by classic tastes, quality ingredients and a modern twist, the blueprint unfolded. Their mission was to open a distillery where the focus wasn’t just on the flavour, but on the overall end-to-end experience and feels. They scoured the country for a top-notch distiller which is precisely what they unearthed in award-winner, Tudor Duxbury. He was warmly welcomed to the team when he started introducing fresh ideas like using oats to make gin to add a velvety mouthfeel. This sort of genius thinking suited the business ethos to a tee. Creating a holistic experience is what White Oat is all about, bringing dimension and experimentation to the gin-drinking movement.

White Oat produces two stellar varieties of gin; the White Oat London Dry and the White Oat Berry Pink Gin which can of course be purchased either on-site or online. And the good news is for southern Gold Coasters, they already have their gin available at Robina Pavilion, so if you can’t get north to their distillery, you can stay in your ‘hood and still try their delish drops.

But, we must say, it would be a shame to pass up the opp to visit their premise as the drinks menu there is top-to-toe ginny goodness and we don’t know where to look first. There’s gin served with tonic or soda, gin on tap, gin goblets (eeee) and gin cocktails. Oh and for those who don’t dig gin, firstly this is not normal and secondly, there’s beer.

Now let’s unpack their signature cocktail (our favourite part), the oh-so-fine New, Old Favourite and snap – that’s precisely what it is! With London Dry gin, ginger, lemon and mint, we could sink these all day long and intend to do just that. For the pink gin enthusiasts, give the More Tea Vicar a crack, with pink gin, camomile, grapefruit, ginger beer and thyme and line ‘em up already coz we’re hella thirsty over here!

With capacity for 100+ people, it’s the perfect space for a celebration or just to hang with your mates as you ponder your dreams, the universe and new possibilities….just as the gents did.

And the stellar news keeps on coming, because there will be various food trunks on rotation and on-site to line those bellies; and the grand plan is to bring something #extra to other classics (besides gin) in the future. Cheers to that!

So with its quality sips, ambience and gin-boss look and feel, this place is set to bring about a tecTONIC change to the north-side’s entertainment scene. And even if you’re down the other end of the Coast, the ‘wise but cool with a hint of old school’ White Oat Distillery definitely deserves a visit or at the very least a sneaky online shop of their gins.

Where: 13-14, 211 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters
When: Thursday & Friday 3pm – 9pm. Saturday & Sunday 12pm – 9pm

Words by Bianca Trathen.