Locals love Mudgeeraba and clearly, we do too. It’s easy to get swept up in the allure of our iconic coastline, but when was the last time you popped into this hinterland haven? No seriously, it’s a little over 15 minutes from Burleigh (we don’t want to hear you say it’s too far) so you can escape the hustle of the beachside burbs and take our word for it when we say it’s got some of the best eats the Gold Coast has to offer. Big claim, we know, but we stand by it.

We’ve taken the task of finding the best feeds in Mudgeeraba very seriously so you can just pop in and live like a local for the day. So, book a table and pretend you’ve gone bush for a little while, it’s the next best thing to an actual holiday.

Anekawa Japanese
This has got to be one of the Gold Coast’s best-kept secrets, nestled in the heart of Mudgeeraba’s Village, Anekawa shines a whole new light on traditional Japanese food. Created by chef Koki Anekawa (ex Rick Shores), the menu is a glorious celebration of ethically sourced Australian produce and traditional Japanese fair that we don’t so often see, set to the backdrop of one of the most intimate restaurant spaces we’ve dined in. The menu is ever changing based on the seasonality of produce and availability of specialty seafood, so you know that what they’re dishing up is fresh AF.
Where: Corner of Swan Lane & Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

The Wine Barrel
An institution among locals, there’s good reason why The Wine Barrel has stood the test of time, serving up some of the best tapas and wine (obviously) going around. The menu is loaded with an epic variety of food from Asian-inspired dishes to classic tacos. Our must-try’s? We can’t go past the pork belly, chilli caramel, coriander and mint to start, followed with the organic black mussels with Napoli, cream and nudja for a serious flavour bomb.
Where: 59 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

Pangaat Indian Restaurant & Bar
We know it might not be fair, but we low key judge a suburb’s foodie scene by their best Indian restaurant, so it’s fair to say Mudgeeraba is serving up the goods. Pangaat Indian Restaurant & Bar is not only one of our favourite Indian spots in the hinterland, but the whole of the Gold Coast. Think of the aromatic spices and bold flavours that come with authentic Indian food, they’ve got everything covered from hearty curries and succulent tandoori specialities that will keep you coming back.
Where: 3/59 Railway St, Mudgeeraba

Bon Appetea
Tucked away in the most beautiful old Queenslander, Bon Appetea brings that English whimsy charm to Mudgeeraba – made even better with the beautiful hinterland back drop. You can pop in for your favourite high tea whether it’s for breakfast, brunch or lunch with luxe options too if you’re feeling a little bit fancy. In case you needed more mo-tea-vation to book in high tea with your favourites, the iconic basque cheesecake is one of our favourite sweet treats on the menu. Heading there in winter? You’ll want to snag a spot fireside while you get cosy, sit and sip on your hot beverage of choice.
Where: 7 Johns Road, Mudgeeraba

Lenny Pizzeria
By now you’ve surely heard all the buzz about Lenny Pizzeria, the woodfired pizza hotspot has been buzzing since their iconic entrance to the Mudgeeraba dining scene. Think next level flavour combinations – we’re looking at you, Chill Kale and Fancy 4 Cheese – you’ll definitely want a pizza this. Perch up under the stars with your nearest and dearest and treat yourself to your favourite drop while you carb load.
Where: Shop 5/58 Railway St, Mudgeeraba 

Mudjira Village Eatery
Now it would be plain old rude of us to miss out on Mudgeeraba’s best breakfast spot. Embrace the laidback vibes of the hinterland at Mudjira Village Eatery, it’s got the country charm you expect from one of the town’s best eats and a full menu of epic eats. We’re all about the maple pecan French toast – try it and thank us later.
Where: 3 Swan Lane, Mudgeeraba

Junior’s Deli
For a taste of New York in the heart of Mudgeeraba you don’t need to look any further than Junior’s Deli. With classic deli sandwiches, toasties and burgers, plus barista coffee supplied by Therefore Coffee these guys have nailed the casual dining vibe. If you’re more about the grab and go life Junior’s have you sorted, you can even take home some of their signature house-made pickles to up your sandwich game and get a taste of the deli at home.
Where: 2/51 Railway St, Mudgeeraba

The Wallaby Hotel
One of the Gold Coast’s oldest pubs, The Wallaby has been serving up cold brews and great food since 1883. If you’re looking for the ultimate pint and parmy combo then you’ve come to the right place. They’ve got all the pub classics you know and love to kick those hunger pains, if you want to get a little adventurous then get around the Native Australian Wallaby Shanks – guaranteed to become your new go-to.
Where 43 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

Whisky Lounge
Whisky aficionados will feel right at home at the Whisky Lounge, but don’t stress if you’re a newbie – the legends behind the bar will find you the perfect drop to start your whisky lover journey. It doesn’t matter if your palate prefers a smoky scotch or a smooth bourbon, they’ve got pretty much everything so you can pour, savour and enjoy the flavour. Not into dark spirits? Stress less and don’t whisk yourself away, there’s a delish cocktail menu to keep you busy all night long.
Where: Shop 2A/58 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

The Sensory Boutique
In need of some retail therapy? The Sensory Boutique have the most aesthetically pleasing collection of goodies that have been perfectly curated so you can pick up home décor, scents, jewellery and more. If you’re looking for a fresh fit the team have hand selected pieces just for you. If buying brand-new is so last season for you, in the name of circular fashion, there’s a selection of pre-loved clothing and accessories (chic of course) that you can give a new life.
Where: Shop 24, Franklin Square, 60 Railway St, Mudgeeraba

Panchos
Spice up your dining experience at Panchos, this Mexican spot knows what’s up when it comes to good food, good margs and good entertainment – the holy trinity of good vibes. The colourful fit out feels like you’ve stepped straight off the streets of Mexico into an authentic taqueria with the Latin American influence coming from all ends. Did we mention on Thursday’s you can snag a burrito and beer for $25 too? You’re losing money not getting amongst it #girlmath.
Where: 581 Gold Coast Springbrook Rd, Mudgeeraba

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.

What’s better than a caffeine fix? One that comes with a side of uninterrupted adult conversation while your little ones burn off energy on an epic playground. Yep, the Gold Coast has a treasure trove of cafes serving up great coffee and kid-friendly vibes in equal measure. Think slides, swings and latte art that’s almost too pretty to sip… almost.

We’ve scouted the best spots where the caps flows as freely as the fun, so parents (and child minders) of the GC can enjoy a guilt-free moment of zen while the kids go wild.

Funnybone Coffee
At this Northern Gold Coast gem, you can expect a ‘welcome to the neighbourhood’ feel, all while being located within the multi-million dollar The Surrounds Leisure Centre. Find handcrafted timber communal dining tables, cosy nooks and one of the best playgrounds going around (that’s what the kids are telling us, anyway). And you know you’re about to be served a damn delicious coffee when Blackboard Coffee is involved. There’s also a delish menu to match!
The Surrounds Leisure Centre, 6 Emerald Drive, Helensvale
When: Daily from 7am

Neptune Kiosk
The newly revamped Neptune Kiosk is serving up all the Instagram-worthy vibes you could ask for. But don’t be fooled by its good looks—this Tallebudgera Creek gem knows its way around a stellar brew, pouring smooth Marvell St Coffee that’ll make your morning. Cool off with a refreshing smoothie or treat yourself to one of their irresistible baked goodies (perfect for a little bribery, if we’re honest). And let’s be real—nothing quite compares to the pure joy of biting into a warm, cinnamon-dusted doughnut. The cherry on top? The newly unveiled Tallebudgera Creek playground right next door, offering epic views and plenty of fun for the kiddos. It’s a win-win!
Where: 1525 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
When: Daily from 5:30am

Dune Café
The delightful Dune Café is on the water’s edge and next to the beautiful Palm Beach Parklands. Where breathtaking views of Currumbin Lagoon, the iconic pirate ship playground, great coffee and a dog-friendly atmosphere come together to make the ultimate family hang out. What more could you ask for?! Good food? Yep, they have that too, their menu is stacked.
Where: 945 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
When: Daily 6am-3pm

Stones Throw
Say hello to Stones Throw: your gateway to an uninterrupted cafe meal with friends. Okay, not completely uninterrupted, but close enough. There’s a charming backyard within the cafe; a sizable one at that. Let their brilliant baristas do the heavy lifting today while you take a tree-shaded seat on the back deck. Oh, the kids? They’re already busy in the onsite sandpit and van-style cubby, living their best life. If things couldn’t get any better, they also serve top-notch eats with a solid kids’ selection to match.
Where: 9 Station Street, Currumbin
When: Daily 6am-2pm

Nobbys Shack
Whether it’s rain or shine, you’re guaranteed a few things at Nobbys Shack: a latte smoother than your best pick-up lines, slurpable smoothies, drool-worthy desserts and, of course, a playground- an adorable playground. Find indoor seating in the front and an outdoor deck area in the back. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a cafe this ideal for a classic Gold Coast summer’s day. Did we mention they do the best banana split north of the NSW border?
Where: UA/2241 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
When: Monday-Wednesday: 6:30am-5pm; Thursday-Sunday: 6:30am-8pm.

Cafe 63
Did you know one of the Gold Coast’s best playgrounds is conveniently located within Westfield Coomera? Why is it the best? Firstly, it’s smack bang in front of Cafe 63, the home to exceptional coffee from 5:30am-9pm daily (you’ve got to love extended trading hours). Then there’s the fact that it’s located within a shopping centre – it was practically made for killing multiple birds with stones. Of course, there’s the park itself, which is huge! Talk about the perfect spot for a pre or post-shop playdate!
Where: Shop 1075, Westfield Coomera, Foxwell Road, Coomera
When: Daily 5:30am-9pm

Historic Rivermill
Sip on Piazza D’Oro coffee while taking in the rustic and forest-filled surrounds of the Historic Rivermill. If it’s a nature fix you seek, you’ll find that and more at this Mount Nathan treasure. The kids will be set with animal feeding, horse riding and endless rolling greens to explore, guaranteeing hours of adventure. Of course, this gorgeous cafe is well equipped with seating, but why not lay a picnic rug beneath the Jacaranda trees? Sounds like a slice of heaven to us.
Where: 950 Beaudesert Nerang Road, Mount Nathan
When: Wednesday-Friday: Cafe 9am-1pm and Petting Zoo 9am-2pm.
Saturday-Sunday: Cafe and Petting Zoo 9am-2pm.

For when it’s raining:

Bella’s Wonderland
Caught in the rain? Well, that’s a good reason (but certainly not only the reason) to head to Bella’s Wonderful. Or, as we call it, a child’s version of heaven on earth. Picture a pastel-coloured explosion where bubblegum princes and princesses roam the land. If we’re being completely honest, we’re a little jealous. As the largest play centre on the Gold Coast, you know you’re about to get it ALL, with claw machines, a ball pit, a rock climbing wall, imaginary play, and even a mini merry-go-round! What’s more, the cafe menu is almost as impressive as the playground itself, and the coffee… let’s say they understood the assignment.
Where: Shop 48, 3-15 Jackman Street, Southport
When: Daily 9:00am-5:00pm

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

Organising your mini-me’s birthday party triggers a rollercoaster of emotions; excitement, anticipation and pure joy…laced with a dose of fear, dread, and general trepidation. The sugar. The screaming. The inevitable tantrum. And don’t even get us started on the politics of who to invite….#sendwine.

Well, we’re here to help you keep your cool and focus on the fun stuff with our list of fail-proof, kid-pleasing, parent-sanity-preserving places to host the ultimate bday celebration.

#MayTheForceBeWithYou…

Hijinx Hotel
Looking for a party with extra oomph this year? Look no more coz Hijinx Hotel, the ultimate immersive experience, has you covered. Play a set of super fun Hinjinx Hotel Challenger Rooms (five rooms in total), eat a yummy main and side (with an option to add-in extra noms), plus sip on soft drink or water and experience a totally ‘ungeneric’ celebration. The best part? You can relax while a party host takes cares of all the action #hearhear! For $38 per whipper snapper, it’s worth every cent.
Where: Corner of 3197 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Level 1 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

Slideways Go Karting
Watching the kids race around a track channelling their inner Lewis Hamilton having an absolute hoot of a time is a vibe. Slideways boasts a three-storey indoor drift kart track and is the perf party destination for kids aged 7 to 13 (minimum height 120cm). For $88 per person with no less than five kidlets, you’ll get 20 mins of go karting, 10 arcade tokens, a balaclava, an ice block, a bottle of H20, and two-hours in the function room. Side-note, feel free to use our special discount here.
Where: 10 Spencer Road, Nerang

Holoverse
Imagine spending your birthday picking hologram grass to feed a giant hologram Brontosaurus, or swimming with life sized holographic whales? Well, you can do precisely that and so much more at Holoverse! There are four party packages starting at $26 per person, with a minimum of eight people and maximum of 16. The average hologram party goes for two-hours and all parties include seven giant scratchy credits and party bags. And PS, if you wanted to organise a group ticket, did we mention we have a discount voucher here?! (You’re welcome).
Where: Paradise Centre, 8 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Paradise Resort
Celebrate your child’s next party in paradise. Literally – this place is actual paradise for kids. Paradise Resort is a sprawling fun-packed venue, with so many options for birthday parties we’d be here till Christmas listing them all. As a guide, a basic three-hour Ice Skating Party for five kids will set you back $150, whereas a two-hour Pamper Parlour Party for a minimum of eight kiddos is $520. Or you can mix and match the above, and add in waterpark, laser tag, and climbing wall to name a few.
Where: 122 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

iPlay
We dare you to find a kid who doesn’t go all kinds of gaga for gaming and nope, they don’t exist. That’s why iPlay is a winner winner kid’s party dinner.

Coomera iPlay: For $25 per child (minimum of 8 guests), your small people will score two hours of partying, including one-hour unlimited arcade (yellow) and redemption (red) games, 2 x (purple) prize games, 300 x tickets per guest, and a whopping 500 tickets for the bday kid! Food platters are also available.

Harbourtown iPlay: For $25 per child (minimum of 8 guests), the kids will lap up one-hour of arcade time, unlimited red and yellow swipers, three purple swipers, 200 tickets per child and a $5 return voucher for the party kiddo. Line those hungry tums for $12 each with food supplied from Crafty’s! Save some for mum and dad!
Where: Westfield Coomera, 83-121 Foxwell Road, Coomera & Harbour Town Premium Outlets, 147 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters

Miniature Golf
Who doesn’t love a game of golf, mini or otherwise? It’s a sure-fire winner for all ages, including the youngins who love nothing more than a golf birthday party! We’re pretty lucky here on the Gold Coast as we are spoilt for choice whether it’s the mini variety with Holey Moley in Surfers or Putt Putt Mermaid Beach’s three themed 18-hole courses. Or enjoy less screen time, less green time at Top Golf with a hosted kids party. Shot!
Where: Various

Timezone
Ahhh the flashbacks of living it large as a kid at Timezone. And let us tell you, absolutely nothing has changed, with our mini’s going weak at the knees at the mere mention of the ‘T’ word. At Surfers Paradise Timezone, there are three party packages priced from $35 to $48 per head. Between 2.5 and 3 hours in duration, they include everything from game time to a dedicated party host, with the two more expensive options also serving up kid’s meals. At Timezone Coolangatta and Robina, there are similar packages so parentals, it’s a no-brainer!
Where: Paradise Centre, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise, Robina Town Centre, 1 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina and The Strand, Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Infinity Attraction
Get the party started at Infinity, an incredible journey through a world of illusion. Think of a futuristic, maze-like world of wonder with unique rooms and sensory overloads that will have you and the kids feeling as though you’re in a dream. Prices start from $17 per child and when paired with tasty eats from Betty’s Burgers, parent of the year status incoming! Should we mention that you can get 10% of adult and child entry here?!  Go on and make your little one’s year!
Where: Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, G31/3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Escape Rooms
Locking the kids up for an hour – are you sure it’s not our birthday? Just joking kiddos…sort of. Small folk love a good escape room, plus they’ll use their brains trying to figure out how to get un-locked #bonus. Sounds like the perfect party plan to us – especially when we have a 10% discount at Padlock’d, Eclipse Escape, Fox in a Box, and a 15% discount at Other World HQ.
Where: Padlock’d – 3177 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise, Eclipse Escape – Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise, Fox in a Box Gold Coast Escape Rooms – Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise, Other World HQ – 3107 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise.

Bella’s Wonderland
Love a good play centre? Chances are your small people do too and this one is humungous, plus its beautiful modern design will make for some srsly instagrammable pics. Think on-trend curves, pastels-a-plenty, and a darn good menu to boot. Offering an array of party packages including the Mini Birthday Bash ($299 for five kids), Bella’s Fun Fiesta ($580 for ten kids), and the hum-dinga Dream Discovery Bash ($880 for 12 kids), this one’s a keeper.
Where: 48 3/15 Jackman St, Southport

Rollerama
This one’s for the nostalgic parents who long for their minis to enjoy the roller rink parties of yesteryear #OhTheMems, and wept uncontrollably when the local roller rink shut up shop #StillScarred. Well, we have news for you! Rollerama is a huge new roller-skating arena, now a permanent attraction at Carrara Markets! The perfect spot for a fun-fuelled birthday party, it’s wheely good fun for all ages.
Where: Events Arena precinct, Carrara Markets, Corner of Gooding Drive & Manchester Road, Carrara

The Craft Parlour
Pretty as a picture, The Craft Parlour takes the mess factor away, whilst allowing your birthday girl or boy and posse to craft away till their hearts’ content! The summery enclosed backyard and beautiful studio has plenty of room for kids to dance, relax, and craft away, and it’s BYO food, drinks, and cake. Mama’s, feel free to pack a yummy cheese platter and bubbles for any parents who may stay for the sesh #AnyExcuse.
Where: 27 Lemana Lane, Miami

Helensvale Aquatic Centre
If you’re looking for an inexpensive crowd-pleasing way to celebrate your kiddo’s birthday, nothing says “party” quite like a pool party! There most popular option for good reason is the three-hour Inflatable Pool Party from $20 per child, which side note; will also wear them out #tick! Or, for the littler littlies, how about a two-hour Splash Park Party from $15 per head. Both are for a minimum of ten kids, have the option to add catering, or BYO food and drinks. Yes mum and dad, we said BYO!
Where: Rugby Lane, Helensvale

Words by Bianca Trathen.