It’s official—Hope Island Tavern has had the ultimate glow-up.

Tucked in the heart of Hope Island, this much-loved local watering hole is stepping into its 2.0 era with a complete renovation, and trust us, it’s ticking all the boxes.

Whether you’re seeking a lazy family lunch, a cheeky drink with mates, or a front-row seat to the game of the season, this is your new go-to for good times on the Goldie.

Gone are the days of the old tavern setup (RIP, but thanks for the memories). Now, you’re greeted with a lush new beer garden that’s basically sunshine and happiness rolled into one.

Picture this: picnic tables nestled under market umbrellas, surrounded by greenery and a vibe that screams coastal cool. Add a playground and voilà—you’ve got the ultimate family-friendly destination.

It’s all about alfresco living here, and LBH, is it even a Queensland pub if you can’t sip a cold one while soaking up some rays?

Inside, the revamp leans into the tavern’s coastal retro vibe, with green stripes and rattan setting the scene for a relaxed yet elevated experience.

The bistro has had a zhuzh-up too, and the sports bar is now a sports fan’s dream come true.

We’re talking mega screens showing all the live action, so whether it’s the cricket or footy that gets your heart racing, you won’t miss a beat. And with plenty of seating options, there’s always room for your crew.

Now let’s talk about the menu because, honestly, we’re always thinking about food.

The good news is they’ve kept your fave pub classics, because who doesn’t love a Chicken Parmy or a good Smash Burger?

But they’ve also gone next-level with some seriously drool-worthy additions.

Case in point: the Prawn & Bug Rolls, slathered with chervil mayo and paired with crispy fries. Or how about the Sauteed Prawns with Chorizo, swimming in smoked paprika butter and sherry and served with house-made focaccia for mopping up every last drop?

Then there’s the pièce de résistance—the Salsiccia Pizza, straight out of the wood-fired oven, with mozzarella, pork and fennel sausage, caramelised onion, broccoli, and thyme. It’s basically a party on a plate.

We hope you left room for dessert. The gelato station is a hit with kids and adults alike, and for the grown-ups feeling a little extra, you can even opt for a boozy gelato paired with your favourite liqueur. Genius, right?

If all that wasn’t enough, Hope Island Tavern’s weekly programming seals the deal. Thursday nights mean trivia, Fridays are for tradies with a BBQ and live music from 5pm, and Saturdays bring free kids’ entertainment from 2pm, followed by more live tunes.

Sundays? It’s Family Fun Day, featuring activities for the little ones and a classic Sunday Roast that’s calling your name.

Venue Manager Troy Williams nailed it when he said the renovation was all about putting the community front and centre. And with a massive local’s weekend celebration planned for January, it’s clear that Hope Island Tavern isn’t just back—it’s better than ever.

So, whether you’re rolling in for the gelato, the pizza, or just want to kick back in the beer garden with a frosty brew, this newly revamped tavern is where the good vibes live. Don’t walk, run—because this place is about to become the talk of the town. Cheers to that!

Where: 93 Broadwater Ave, Hope Island
When: Sunday – Thursday 10am – 10pm, Friday – Saturday 10am – 12am

Words by Belinda Symons

STORY SPONSORED BY HOPE ISLAND TAVERN

Ah, summer school holidays, our old foe.. we meet again. Six magical, memory-filled.. very long weeks of slogging it out keeping the mini-me’s entertained (and your sanity intact, ideally)… some days, it really do be feeling like an endless summer.

Never fear, parents, carers, ‘funcles’ and ‘faunties’ – we got you. But like, not like, in a ‘child minding’ way (soz), more in a ‘thoughts, prayers, and compiling the best school holiday activities on the Gold Coast into one handy list’ kind of way.. aka, this very bible of boredom busters you have clicked upon.

Screenshot it, send it on, stash it for safe keeping and stick it to all your most important surfaces (fridge door, namely). At some point (right around day three, lbh) your (mildly exhausted) future self will be eternally grateful.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s ‘Wild Adventures’ school holiday programs are almost always a sell out – for good reason. For $72 pc, budding zoologists 9 to 12 years of age can have themselves a Wild Thornberrys vibing day out (what can we say, 90’s kid nostalgia dies hard) by becoming a Zoo Scientist for a Day, Animal Trainer for a Day, Vet for a Day, and Wildlife Keeper for a Day. Smashing!

Of course, the park itself is a hoot even if you miss out on one of the BTS sessions. These days there’s a zipline Treetop Challenge, a park train, shows and encounters galore – inc. Feed the Rainbow Lorikeets at 8am and 4pm daily. Classic.

Don’t miss the Outback Adventure Precinct, Outback Springs, which features a recreation of a traditional outback Queensland farming station highlighted by animal encounters and experiences such as gemstone panning.
Where: 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin

HOTA
Hold on to your HOTA’s, because our cultural hub has lots going on to keep little hands and minds busy. Celebrate the festive season with 12 magical days at HOTA’s A Sprinkling of Christmas until the 21st December! Packed with fun for all ages, this holiday extravaganza features Santa photos, festive flicks, and plenty of cheer. Make it a family outing with a picnic-style lunch under the Terrace Christmas tree, complete with one of HOTA’s delightful Christmas hampers.

While you’re there, don’t miss Anna Carey’s Magic + Memory: make me a home in the Children’s Gallery, running until April 2025. Step into a world of imagination with oversized miniature house models crafted by Gold Coast artist Anna Carey, where play and daydreams collide. It’s a magical escape that feels just like home—only bigger and more whimsical!
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

Robina Town Centre
Round up the family and tell your friends – from January 13 to 26, little wranglers can saddle up for some free, rodeo-themed fun at Robina Town Centre’s Robina Rodeo. Lasso some entertainment into the school holidays by learning line dancing moves and customising cowboy hats as part of the boot-scootin’ line-up of activities found stationed outside of Myer and Kookai on Ground Level from 10-2pm daily. The Boot Scootin’ Boogie line dancing classes will commence from January 13 to 19, teaching kids how to stomp and shuffle to the rhythm of upbeat country music, while Cowboy Hat Customising will take place from January 20 to 26, putting kids in charge of creating and decorating their very own cowboy hats to take home. Activities are available daily from 10am – 2pm, alongside free games including lasso throw, tin can toss and hobby horse riding. Friendly staff will be available to help guide children through the dancing and art activities, ensuring everyone can wrangle themselves a mighty good time. Yee Haw!

When & Where:
Dates: Boot Scootin’ Boogie – January 13 to 19 | Cowboy Hat Customising – January 20 to 26.
Time: 10am – 2pm Daily
Cost: Free – No bookings required. Walk-ins welcome!
Where: Ground Level, Outside Myer & Kookai, Robina Town Centre, Robina

Rollerama
Get ready to roll into Rollerama, the GC’s roller-skating rink at Carrara Markets. This vibrant addition to the markets transformed the existing events arena into a permanent roller-skating haven.

Picture disco lights, graffiti walls, and a live DJ, creating an electric atmosphere with over 500 pairs of light-up roller skates available for hire. Lace-up for 2-hour skating sessions every Friday and Saturday night, plus daytime fun on Saturdays and Sundays alongside the regular markets.

Calling all parents: Rollerama is the ultimate school holiday destination with skate sessions every weekday. Plus, they’re open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm during school holidays.

No need to book. Just roll up on the day or secure your spot online. Let the good times roll!
Where: Carrara Markets, 2 Market Street, Carrara

Warner Bros Movie World
Need a break from all that festive cheer/obsessively vacuuming all that tinsel that just. keeps. coming? – might we suggest *tinsel town* for a refreshing change of pace? These school hols, Hooray For Hollywood returns to the streets of Warner Bros Movie World from 27 December – 19 January. It bestows unto us their biggest ever Movie Magic Parade, cameos from an all-star cast with the return of classic characters plus all your (we mean.. *your kids*.. yes.. that’s right.. for ‘the kids’) favourites. It will be packed with glitz, glamour and good times for all.
Where: Warner Bros Movie World, Pacific Mwy, Oxenford

Paradise Centre
Paradise Centre is serving up a summer of fun with Game, Set, Match, running from 30 December to 20 January! Whether you’re a table tennis pro, a music enthusiast, or just here for the good vibes, this is your go-to summer destination. Swing by the beachfront dining precinct daily from 12pm-6pm for free table tennis sessions—paddles, balls, and plenty of competitive spirit provided. DJs will keep the energy high every Wednesday to Saturday from 2pm-6pm, so you can groove while you dine.

And if all else fails, the rag-tag entertainment gang – Timezone, Zone Bowling and mind-blowing virtual reality experiences at Freak VR, have never let us down yet.
Where: 2 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise

Gold Coast Active & Healthy Program
Oh, how we (and by association, our eternally ‘bored’ offspring) love the City of Gold Coast’s array of free and low-cost activities on offer thanks to the Gold Coast Active & Healthy Program. There’s stacks of stuff going down daily for all ages, so jump on their website and compare calendars stat (pro tip, filter by ‘school holidays’). Get amongst everything from junior park runs, colour blast obstacle courses and summer dance parties to hip hop workshops (one our own kidlets can attest to).
Where: Various locations across the Gold Coast

Gold Coast Recreation Centre
Channel those seemingly unlimited amounts of energy into any of the action packed activities on offer at the school hol MVP, Gold Coast Rec Centre. For kids aged 5+ full day ($77) sessions are available from Monday 6th January, ranging from abseiling, stand up paddle boarding and court sports to aerial adventures and circus skills. And meals are provided, so those lunchboxes can stay right where they belong (for now)! Don’t drop the ball when it comes to booking though – registrations are essential and are open now.
Where: Gold Coast Recreation Precinct,1525 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

NaturallyGC Kids
The NaturallyGC Kids school holiday program gives your intrepid adventurers the chance to explore.. and dare we say… learn (shhh).. about the Gold Coast’s natural environment, with a range of range of nature-based activities on offer. Book them in for heaps of free workshops, and switch screen time for green time with deep dive sessions such as ‘Mini marine biologists’, ‘Little Twitches’, ’Koala Kids’ and ‘Scaly Reptiles’ all on offer. It’s giving Totally Wild (#iykyk, 90’s kids).
Where: Various locations across the Gold Coast

KDV Sport School Holiday Camps
As always, there’s action packed adventure days a plenty happening at KDV Sport School Holiday Camps. Kiddos aged 5–14 are catered for, with more options than you can poke a tennis racquet at – mini golf, tennis, dodge-ball, swimming, basketball, table tennis, padel tennis, arts & crafts, talent shows, rock climbing aaaand *pauses dramatically to inhale* cricket all on offer. We’re exhausted just reading all that. The kids will be begging to go back and try them all.
Where: 221 Nerang Broadbeach Rd, Carrara

The Strand at Coolangatta
The Strand at Coolangatta is bringing the holiday cheer with Festive Fun, a Christmas calendar packed with free events and activities to delight the whole family! With activities running throughout December, enjoy a heartwarming lineup of workshops, performances, and festive fun designed to make lasting memories with loved ones.

Mark your calendars for the Voice Weaver Choir’s soulful a cappella performance on 14 December. Feeling crafty? Kids can unleash their creativity at the North Pole Bake House Workshop from 20–24 December, while the Coolangatta Ukulele Group wraps up the festivities with their cheerful holiday tunes on 22 December.

With something for everyone, The Strand is your go-to for festive fun this silly season. Don’t miss out—come make your holiday season merry and bright!
Where: The Strand at Coolangatta, Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Oasis
The Oasis in Broadbeach is bringing the festive magic to life this holiday season with activities for everyone. Kids can decorate mini gingerbread houses at Madison’s Café & Patisserie on Wednesday 11th December, Thursday 12th, Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th December at 3pm. Cost is $25 per child and includes a frosty milkshake.

From December 19-21, enjoy free Christmas entertainment and face painting from 11am-2pm, featuring festive singers and performers.

Don’t miss the Oasis Scavenger Hunt, running December 14-22, where the Broadbeach Mall transforms into a gingerbread village. Celebrate the season with fun, prizes, and festive cheer!
Where: The Oasis, 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Pacific Fair
Get ready for a stress-free shopping spree at PAC Fair this Christmas with their Cinema Childcare sessions from 16–22 December!

For just $10, kids aged 3–12 can enjoy a magical movie experience at Event Cinemas. Little moviegoers will watch Christmas favorites like Inside Out 2, Moana 2, Elf, and The Grinch, all while munching on popcorn and sipping juice under the watchful eyes of certified childcare professionals. Perfect for parents needing a break and little ones seeking some festive fun! Bookings are essential, and kids must be toilet-trained. Sign-in starts at 9:15am daily, with pick-up times varying by movie. Don’t miss out—secure your spot now!
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach

Rainy day activities
Although our city is known for sunshine, at the moment the weather gods have frowned upon us with iffy conditions. To prevent your kiddos from suffering dreary weather moods #theworst, check out our list of things to do indoors when it’s raining on the Coast.

Words by Kellie Leader and Belinda Symons

If a bakehouse café is your jam (doughnut), then go to Doughed, go directly to Doughed. Do not collect $200….and if you’ve never played Monopoly, you’re hearing crickets right now. This Hope Island newcomer is literal heaven, serving up cracking good coffee (and mind-blowingly good matchas), taste-bud-titillating toasted focaccia sangas, and the holy grail of sweetness, doughnuts.

And if you’re thinking ‘oh but my waistline…’, stress not because the centre is 100% fat free #EatMoreHoleFoods. They also specialise in choice chunky NYC style cookies, fresh outta the oven and straight into your belly.

This gastronomic Graceland is the brainchild of prior café owners and smart cookies Alannah Bell, Kyle Davidson, Yuki Soga, Jay Jeon, who wanted to revolutionize the GC dining experience with a one-stop-shop satisfying every craving. Recognising the immense potential of Hope Island and its promising trajectory for growth, they landed on northern Gold Coast fave, Hope Island Marketplace to set up shop. On behalf of all northerns, we salute you.

Opening to a frenzy of food lovers in mid March, locals were instantly wooed by the vibrancy and vitality Doughed brought to their ‘hood. Providing both indoor and outdoor seating options, it’s more than just a place to grab a bite; it’s the perfect spot for friends and fam to come together and share their passion for doughlicious food.

Inside, they’ve crafted a clean, minimalist vibe with just the right splash of color courtesy of their bright blue logo and eye-catching packaging. It’s a space that’s both calming and invigorating, setting the perfect backdrop for your Doughed experience.

Everything on the menu will evoke your inner foodie, but let’s take a moment to shout out their signature dishes. The Early Riser Focaccia Sandwich is available all day and rises to any occasion. The slice of life we all need features maple bacon, a fried egg, hash brown, American cheddar, tomato relish, and everyone’s fave; aioli. If you’re keen to grab another, their other focaccias are just as smashing including Chicken Schnitzel, The Doughed Reuben, The Benny, Mortadella Medley, and The Vego.

Back to the sweet stuff, their signature dish Chunky NYC Cookies race out the door faster than Jono hooking up with Ellie post MAFS, including Hot Cocoa, Ferrero, Biscoff, Salted Caramel Pretzel, Red Velvet to name a few. For the doughnut devotees, have a go of Vanilla Glazed, Crème Brulee, Tirimisu, Apple Crumble, Gaytime, Strawberries and Cream and more. Apologies in advance to your dentist.

A visit to Doughed isn’t complete without a beverage and our vote goes to their signature Iced Strawberry Matcha. Using the highest possible qualiTEA, we dare you find a better drop.

Coffee lovers are in for a treat too with their already-famous coffee brews, or if you’d like to cool off with something fruity, grab an Allie’s Cold Pressed Juice, available in flavours like Watermelon, Daily Greens, Sublime Pine, or Valencia Orange. They also serve frappes, standard teas, and sparkling iced tea.

So, dough’nt delay! Pop in and say hi (and nom) to this new kid on the block, where focaccia fantasies, doughnut dreams, matcha memories, and cookie castles-in-the-sky are made.

Where: 99-103 Broadwater Avenue, Hope Island
When: 7am- until sold out (due to high demand), Monday to Sunday

Words by Bianca Trathen
Images by Mathilde Bouby