The GC’s transformation into somewhat of a cafe mecca over the last few years speaks to our voracious appetite/total reliance on our daily cup…s (let’s be honest it’s definitely plural) of joe.

Though a competitive coffee scene means our standards are at an all time high, those with a reputation for plying us with the perfect brew, living and breathing (and drinking) their craft quickly earn our undying loyalty (and solid chunks of our disposable income).

Coffee fanatics will be buzzed to learn that there’s a latte to love about a new boutique operation that’s just opened its warehouse doors, with Burleigh Heads welcoming Willy’s Beans in late July.

For owner Jayson Mathiou Willy’s Beans marks quite a professional tree-change, which was inspired by a stint in Colombia as physiotherapist to pro athletes abroad. After Jayson fell in love with the Colombian community and culture, he was inspired to find a way to bring a taste of that life home to lucky punters here on the GC.

Jayson set out to create a unique experience, pushing the concept of a specialty coffee house one step further, resulting in what is a coffee lover’s equivalent of a cellar door experience. Willy’s Beans is a destination that celebrates and educates, showcasing the journey of coffee from bean to brew.

Step inside and you’ll soon see that not only is exceptional coffee the star, it’s also the entire cast and crew of this particular operation, with Willy’s Beans resembling a shrine of sorts – an ode to the art of coffee making.

Upon entry, you’re greeted with the signature red Willy’s Jeep sitting pride of place – an iconic symbol that’s synonymous with Colombian coffee production. Also doubling as the namesake for the venture, the Jeep has been modified for coffee on the go. And #challengeaccepted, we are so ready to be playing a Coast-wide game of Where’s Willy. It’s also immortalised in the oversized mural that adds a colourful point of interest to the industrial space, drawing the eye up to the loft level beyond where some of that behind the scenes magic takes place.

While there’s plenty to feast your eyes upon, you only have to follow your nose to the gleaming La Marzocco machine atop the espresso bar to grab your preferred pick-me-up. A brew made with one of the nine single-estate origin beans on offer will no doubt put a (delicious) pep in your step. Though, if you’re feeling adventurous, opt for the specialty menu – including the exotic Summer Gesha bean that made it to the semi-final in the World Barista Championship. Clocking in at $36 a cup, this coffee, arguably the most expensive on offer on the Coast, is best reserved for special occasions, but don’t despair as Willy’s also offers delicious options for your everyday coffee desires.

Willy’s Beans pride themselves on ethical and sustainable practices, with their Rainforest Alliance-certified beans sourced direct from the farms they work closely with – resulting in delicious coffee we can feel good about indulging in (if, perhaps a little too often).

As well as an exceptional offering of specialty brews, also on offer is the chance to go behind the beans scenes with private tours and tastings of their specialty and exotic coffees.
For a coffee experience that’s willy something special, swing by Willy’s Beans to see what’s brewing.

When: Warehouse open 6.30am-12.30pm Monday-Friday. Events and private tastings/bookings available by appointment.
Where: 1/4 Ramly Drive, Burleigh Heads

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.

For those who love themselves a coffee (isn’t that all of us?), getting yourself a cup of steamy — or icy — inspiration after a particular time of the day can be a tricky affair. We’re aware most cafes close around 1pm or at a push 2pm. And that’s all perfectly well and fine. However, if your cravings for caffeine don’t have any sense of time, this situation undoubtedly causes you some unnecessary upset.

So much so, you may find yourself backed into a corner and considering coffee from some sort of vending machine. Don’t do it — there is an answer!

A mustering of Gold Coast cafes recognise coffee never sleeps and continue to serve it well into the afternoon, and in some cases, the evenings. So, when your mid-afternoon caffeine withdrawals begin to kick in, fear not. This handy list of vendors serving coffee after 2pm has got you covered.

Canvas Palm Beach and Nobby Beach
Having one outstanding little arts and crafts-inspired café in Nobby Beach wasn’t enough for these guys. Opting to expand their operations south into Palm Beach, they have opened an incredible café come shop that can only be described as a trove of homewares, candles, clothes, and the prettiest flowers. Need a late afternoon coffee — swing in up till 4.30pm. Need the perfect gift for someone — swing in up till 5pm!
Where: 7/2221 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach and Magnoli Building Shop 3, 1338 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Elk Espresso
The eternally lauded Broadbeach café that has been in all our lives for so long — and shows no sign of going anywhere! Elk Espresso has always been the place you go to for fabulous breakfasts, but did you know they serve coffee right up until they close at 4pm? Owner Andrew Whiting is clearly for the caffeinated people.
Where: Shop G044 The Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Rose Gelateria
Should you find yourself in Sanctuary Cove after a fabulous lunch, a mini shopping spree, or even a game of golf, this gelateria is serving up delicious gelato right up until late (9pm in fact). The same is said for their perfectly made coffee, which you can have poured over gelato. Just saying…
Where: Shop 39a Masthead Way, Sanctuary Cove

Commune Café
If a sunbathing session on Burleigh Beach has swallowed up most of the day (hey, it can happen to the best of us), then your best option for a nearby caffeine injection is this neighbouring local’s fave which closes at 3pm (it’s tight, but we’ll take it!). And if you’re not too late, enjoy yourself some delicious lunchtime specials!
Where: 1844 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Fixx Café and Lounge
See what you could be missing out on when you step inside QT Gold Coast’s open to the public Fixx Café and Lounge? When the clock goes past twelve, their irresistible high tea comes into action with all the trimmings. Fancy a quick takeaway order though, these guys have got you covered until 4pm.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Bumbles Café
This elegantly styled café is like a breath of fresh air for Surfers Paradise, and once you see their selection of house-made sweet treats, you may even forget about coffee altogether. Mark this one down as your go-to spot for an afternoon pick-me-up, and you won’t look back.
Where: 19 River Drive, Surfers Paradise

South Coast Coffee Co.
Being one of the Gold Coast’s best roasters and dispensaries of magnificent coffee is not enough for these guys, oh no. They also have an adjoining café space with out-of-this-world sweet treats and coffee flowing till 5pm during the week (4pm Sundays).
Where: Shop 3G10, Capri Via Roma, Surfers Paradise

Merlo Torrefazione (Brickworks)
If coffee is a happy part of your life and you can’t see that changing anytime soon, we suggest you pay a visit to these guys in Southport. With pretty much every known piece of coffee apparatus under one roof, you can’t go wrong. They also roast on-site and serve coffee right up till 6pm most days.
Where: The Brickworks Centre – Market, 107 Ferry Road, Southport

Ottimo
With owner Davide holding a Diploma of Gelato making from the Gelato University of Carpigiani in Italy (no joke), you’d be right to have a sneaking suspicion the gelato here is likely out of this world. And in truth: it is! Mix it with all-day (until 9.30pm-10pm every night) served coffee utilising beans roasted in Italy, and you have a slice of Europe in Coolangatta.
Where: 18/52 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Daark Espresso
The highly sought-after enclave of Chirn Park simply keeps on impressing. Part of the formula is extraordinary and well-executed cafes such as Daark Espresso. Always dishing up impressive breakfasts and lunches, if you find you need a mid-afternoon break from your desk, look no further, these guys are serving the daark fluid till 3pm.
Where: Shop 2/41 Musgrave Avenue, Chirn Park

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

Oh Burleigh you little beauty, what’s not to love right? Since the dawn of time (or the dawn of the GC at least) Burleigh has been one of the most-loved suburbs amongst a slew of strong contenders.

Sure, the beach is beautiful (that Hill is iconic for a reason) and James Street boasts all the best eats and acai bowls galore but it’s more than that, Burleigh has a soul of its own born of cruisy, barefoot, salty seabreeze vibes you simply won’t find anywhere else.

Gushing aside, we’ve found the best of Burleigh so you don’t have to.

We say when in Burleigh do as the locals do, so here’s our guide to the best eats, bars, shopping spots and places to visit so you can see why the locals love it and you should too (or else).

Fine Dining
Restaurant Labart
The fine dining venue has become part of the fabric of Burleigh’s bustling heart, but it’s also become one of the Gold Coast’s premier dining destinations. Tucked away on West Street, the five-star, seasonal produce-led restaurant is an absolute must-visit and your dining experience there is one you won’t long forget. The produce is sustainable and the wine list is filled with some of the most stunning natural wines in the world. The service is impeccable too, but in a fun, not-too-formal way. We LOVE.
Where: 2A/8 West Street, Burleigh Heads 

Rick Shores
Literally opening out onto the sand at Burleigh beach, Rick Shores is loved (not only locally) for its stunning sunset views and those tiny little taste sensations otherwise known as Bug Rolls. If you’ve never tasted one, you’ve been wasting your life, make a booking RIGHT NOW and order them all. Wash them down with one of Rick’s signature cocktails and you’re a bonafide Burleigh-ite.
Where: Shop 3, Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Mr Hizola’s
Yum, contemporary Cantonese food, we love you. Mr Hizola’s is dishing up the goods in the form of tasty share-style dishes and we are here for it. Particularly the sizzling steak dish that is all kinds of delicious and an array of epic cocktails to match.
Where: 1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Jimmy Wahs
If you’re looking for fancy food but with the relaxed vibe that’s quintessentially Burleigh, look no further. The stunning space offers incredible Vietnamese dishes inspired by Head Chef Jake’s trip through Vietnam and a desire to eat some of the very best street food in the world every single day. Same. It’s a refined style of dining paired with mouthwatering cocktails and a sleek, paired back vibe. Jimmy Wahs is one of the Gold Coast’s most impressive eateries and we are big fans.
Where: 1724 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Casuals Eats
Burleigh Town Hotel
If you haven’t seen this new reno, then where have you been? One of the best glow ups on the GC recently (in our humble opinion), Burleigh Town Hotel has nailed the pub-style menu and good vibes. The perfect place to set up for the arvo with your besties and the kids, there’s loads of space for the little ones to roam and plenty to keep them entertained while you kick back with a beverage in hand. Say less.
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Gelato Co
We’re softies for the sweet deliciousness that is gelato. Burleigh Gelato Co know how to deliver on flavours worth melting for, they’ve got all the classic Italian flavours you know and love along with their own signature specials. Guaranteed you’ll love them un-cone-ditionally.
Where: 9 Connor Street, Burleigh Heads

Coffee Hangs
Seadog
The guys behind Seadog know coffee. Starting as a humble little hole in the wall – literally – Seadog has become the go-to for a quick bite and a brew. And don’t worry, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you – you really are seeing double because you’ll find the crew on the bustling James Street or down the other end at the old faithful Burleigh Bowlo, perfect spot for a piccolo and park hangs.
Where: 8/50 James Street, Burleigh Heads and 1, Bowls Club, Connor Street, Burleigh Heads

Tarte Bakery & Cafe
There’s good reason this gem is heaving at all hours, the home of the iconic muffin top (IYKYK) and some of the best coffee in town, it’s not just locals who love it – you’ll find Gold Coasters and beyond flocking here for a taste of the goods. Come for a coffee and to get around their huge menu with something for everyone – literally, it’s impossible to not love something. Plus, we’re pretty sure it’s mandatory to leave with a pastry in tow – go on, you deserve it.
Where: 1748 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Social Brew
Social by name, social by nature – Social Brew is one of Burleigh’s best coffee hangouts whether you’re looking to catch up with the crew or a spot to work for the day, there’s a reason these guys have stood the test of time. A staple spot to visit in Burleigh for their signature iced coffee, come for the caffeine and stay for the bites.
Where: 34-36 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Baker
The baked goods that come out of this friendly little bakery are honestly something else. Owners Geoff and Lisa are passionate about baking and opened Burleigh Baker to provide us with the best tasting and most nutritious Artisan Sourdough and boy do they deliver. They use only the finest ingredients and the traditional process of fermentation. Do not buy bread anywhere else. You’re welcome.
Where: 13/50 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Something To Drink
Paloma Wine Bar
From the brains that brought us Labart is the one and only Paloma. This small but mighty wine bar has one of the largest selections of boutique wines (we mean, it is in the name) with some seriously epic eats to accompany. We can’t go past the steak frites – seriously, don’t sleep on this – and if you don’t know where to start on what to sip the expert team always nail the reccos. Pop a Pet Nat on your must-try for something a little bubbly or if you’re more of a red drinker, their signature chilled reds are the ultimate for a hot summer’s day.
Where: 12 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Rosella’s 
It’s the good time, slightly fancy Australiana bar of your dreams and it is perfectly at home in Burleigh Heads. Rosella’s very quickly became a firm local favourite when it opened last year and with both a drinks and food menu made up entirely of Australian produce, we are in love. There are cocktails made with Nutri Grain, some of the tastiest toasties around and all the very best Aussie beers. It’s refined, beautifully decked out and created by a couple of absolute legends. Love.
Where: 6/1734 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Justin Lane Rooftop
Don your finest frock and rally up your girlfriends for a Sunday session and a spot of people watching on the roof at Justin Lane. With cocktails in hand and a balmy breeze blowing in through the windows, you need never go anywhere else again. After a few hours, pop downstairs for one of Justin’s famous pizzas and that’s your Sunday sorted.
Where: 1708 – 1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Lockwood Bar
A somewhat hidden little speakeasy in the heart of Burleigh Heads, Lockwood Bar specialise in all of the very best varieties of whiskey along with many a local tipple transformed into tasty cocktails. It’s a laidback, jazz bar kind of vibe, low lit, often with live music and once you’re inside, you likely won’t want to leave. We dig it.
Where: Justin Lane, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Brewing Co.
If there’s one thing Burleigh deserves (the big legend), it’s a brewery and Burleigh Brewing Co. certainly delivers. After opening in 2006, Burleigh Brewing Co. has produced nine delicious drops with delightful names such as ‘My Wife’s Bitter’ and ‘FIGJAM’ – perfectly Burleigh. Get a sixer for Netflix and chill or head into the brewery from Wednesday to Sunday afternoons to get amongst it. There’s live tunes too, what a combination.
Where: 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads

Something To Do
Burleigh Hill
Well hasn’t this simple little piece of Mother Nature become a local legend? No matter the day of the week (but particularly Sunday arvos) “the hill” as it’s affectionately known is packed with picnic rugs, ball games and groups of revelers basking in the sunshine. Looking out over the ocean and with the city in the distance, it’s the perfect spot for a late afternoon lemonade or early morning coffee date with the crew. If you’re feeling energetic, take a stroll around the hill to Talle Creek for some Insta-worthy scenery or if you’re into hill and chill then order some takeaway and perch up on a picnic blanket to soak up the scenery.
Where: The south end of The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Bowls Club
A relaxing little beachside club loved by young and old alike, Burleigh Bowls has been around since 1937 and is certainly a prime piece of real estate these days. Barefoot Bowls roll on from 12 to 5pm every Sunday and it’s a measly $5 per person including coaching and bowls (AKA ball whipper snappers). Live music can be heard on Sunday arvos from 2 to 6pm. Get down and support your local while sipping on a schooner.
Where: Connor Street, Burleigh Heads

David Fleay Wildlife Park
Nestled in the heart of Burleigh Heads, David Fleay’s is a wildlife park with a difference. Stroll through the tranquil surroundings to experience some of Queensland’s most iconic natural habitats and meet the resident wildlife — all in just one day. Explore the park solo or join the dedicated Park Rangers at the daily wildlife shows.
Where: Corner of West Burleigh Road and Loman Lane in West Burleigh

Shop With Us
James Street
If you’re in need of some retail therapy then James Street is the only place you need to go. The range of shopping has everything you need whether you’re looking for some new additions to your home from Maison & Maison or to update your wardrobe at Emte you’re guaranteed to leave suitably more stylish. If you’re looking for the perfect piece of art to dress your walls at work or home, Art Yarramunua is our pick for their incredible collection of indigenous art, expertly curated to celebrate the rich cultural history of Australia’s indigenous communities.
Where: James Street, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Farmers Markets
Everyone’s favourite Saturday morning market adventure. Get up early, grab your basket and set out in search of fruit, veggies and of course, your first coffee of the weekend. These days the farmers market also boast locally made clothing and homewares, flowers, meat and seafood and delicious breaky and lunch options. There’s also live music and plenty of laughter floating around. Happy days.
Where: Burleigh Heads State School, Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

The Village Markets
Our beloved boutique fashion and lifestyle market, The Village Markets, is home to hundreds of local makers and has helped to launch the international careers of countless creatives. Head down for an early morning coffee and breakfast while wandering through the stalls until it’s time for lunch. Oh, and there’s always live music if you need a breather. It’s the best way to spend a sunny Sunday
Where: Burleigh Heads State School, Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads