Gold Coasters, do we detect the slightest notes of aromatherapy oils, artisan tea blends and fresh-baked scones filling the air? Yep, that’s right – Mother’s Day is just around the corner!

But fret not if you’re yet to line up anything plush in honour of Mama dearest. All across the Coast, our most fanciful eats, fun and self-care purveyors are putting the finishing touches on myriad ways to spoil the OG lady in our lives.

Here are a few ideas that go some way towards expressing our eternal gratitude this Mother’s Day. Hint: you can defo skip the servo flowers.

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
Give Mum the royal treatment she rightfully deserves, with a Mother’s Day lavish seafood buffet lunch hosted in the lush surrounds of Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort. Terraces Restaurant is rolling out the red carpet for an indulgent afternoon (12pm – 3pm) of gourmet selections including Pacific oysters, Balmain bugs, tiger prawns, seared barramundi and even a cheese and chacuterie station! Live entertainment will set the tone with musician Ben Ferguson captivating guests with a collation of smooth jazz, modern classics and crowd favourites. Including a two-hour beverage package featuring the acclaimed Whispering Angel rosé among, house wines and beers, the afternoon is priced at $179 per adult and $89.50 for children 12 and under.
Where: 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove
Now, we’re not calling anyone posh per se, but if the lady of your manor could sniff out Tasmanian smoked salmon from a mile away, Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove does High Tea with pizazz at Cove Café. Sip ’til heart’s content from the crème de la crème of cuppas, Tea Forté, plus a glas of sparkling moscato on arrival. Then savour the selection of gastronomic small bites such as Smoked salmon & creme fraiche finger sandwich, Slow-cooked 12-hour beef cheek & chimmi churri doughnut, and hand-crafted sweets like Strawbery & pistachio layer cake and Passionfruit & milk chocolate choux. And who could forget classic and cranberry scones with all the trimmings? Priced at $79 per adult and just $30 per child, bookings are available for both Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th May 2025.
Where: Cove Café, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circle, Hope Island

Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach
Elevate your gift game beyond the usual with a sophisticated dining experience at Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach. Offer a luxurious seafood buffet, where culinary excellence meets elegant dining. The special Mother’s Day lunch features premium selections of Pacific oysters, Mooloolaba king praws, Moreton Bay bugs and local blue swimmer crab. Not just for adults, there’s also a kids’ buffet for $68 per child under 12. Priced at $135 per person, this event promises to make Mother’s Day memorable. Spaces are limited, so booking early is advised!
Where: Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, 81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Sirromet Winery
Sirromet’s Mother’s Day Garden Party will be a beuatiful afternoon filled with music, laughter, and memory-making. Imagine live music, signature wine flights, food & wine stalls, take home gifts, sweet treats, arts & crafts, face painting, bubbles & balloons, scenic helicopter rides and more! Set against the stunning backdrop, this special event brings together all the little things Mum loves; live acoustic tunes, signature wine flights, delicious food and wine stalls, sweet treats to enjoy, and thoughtful take-home gifts. While Mum relaxes with a glass of wine in hand, the little ones will be entertained with arts and crafts, face painting, bubbles and balloons, making it a day filled with joy for the whole family. Entry to the event is $15 per adult (incl. a glass of wine, beer, or soft drink) and $5 for kids (under 12, incl. a soft drink). You can also make Mum’s day an extra special one with 15 minute scenic helicopters rides for $291 for up to 3 people on the day!
Where: 850-938 Mount Cotton Road, Mount Cotton

QT Gold Coast
Is Mum a fan of the finer things, but you know it’s quali-tea time that really fills her (tea)cup? Why not embark on an unforgettable epicurean adventure, with an elegant High Tea experience at QT Gold Coast. Delight in tiered towers of sweet and savoury goodies and flowing bubbles to spoil the woman who’s spent a lifetime spoiling you! Served with a glass of G.H Mumm Rosé Champagne and endless tea or espresso coffee. Imagine Mum’s delight as you point that GPS to paradise and bonus points for custom playlist with all her favourite bygone bops! Priced at $89 per adult and just $39 per child, bookings are available for both Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th May 2025.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

Skypoint
Celebrate Mother’s Day in style at Level 77 in Australia’s tallest building, Skypoint, where beachside dining is elevated to new heights! Treat mum to an unforgettable experience with their special GH Mumm Mother’s Day High Tea menu. Choose from a delightful High Tea for 2 with a glass of GH Mumm each for $89, or indulge in a High Tea for 2 with a bottle of GH Mumm to share for just $159. On the High Tea menu are petite mango and coconut slice, assorted macarons, house made tiramisu, house baked blueberry and lavender scones with strawberry rose jam and Chantilly cream, toasted Turkish bread sandwiches with Smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, and roquette, Prosciutto, caramelised onion and Swiss cheese, and gem lettuce.
Where: Skypoint, Q1 Building, Level 77/9 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise

Amore Restaurant
Racking your brain thinking of the best way to win Mum’s heart this year? Make your way directly to TRYP by Wyndham Southport’s for a High Tea at Amore Restaurant and consider it sorted! What better way to toast your beloved matriarch than rounding up the fam-bam for a leisurely high tea filled with bold flavours with delicate detail and a glass of Chandon. Prawn and scallop baguettes, smoked salmon and cucumber tartlets, prosciutto and provolone on toasted brioche and mouthwatering house-made pastries galore, and let’s not forget the lemon curd tarts – seriously, you can’t go wrong!
Where: TRYP by Wyndham Southport, 59 Meron Street, Southport

Paradise Centre
Everyone’s favourite Surfers Paradise shopping centre, Paradise Centre is really raising a glass to all our matriarchal rocks, role models and one-in-a-millions; rolling out a stack of freebies and special deals for the occasion. From fun to fashion, beauty to bikes, and everything in between, Paradise Centre is your ultimate on-stop destination this Mother’s Day. If you’re looking to dine… at Enzo’s, mum receives a complimentary Aperol Spritz when dining on Mother’s Day or if TGI Fridays is more your mum’s vibe, book online and she’ll receive a complimentary glass of T’Gallant Prosecco and a delicious Malteser Turtle dessert! But if Mum is looking to unleash her inner warrior, mums can throw for FREE (with one paying customer) at MANIAX Axe Throwing. So what’ll it be?
Where: Paradise Centre, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Talk about Thai-riffic! Pink Whale is making a splash in Surfers Paradise, serving up Thai street food that’s as bold as its venue. This brand-new eatery from the masterminds behind Valyn Thai, LimLay Thai and Nahm Talay is the latest addition to the Nahm Group – a family of restaurants that has grown from a single venue to a beloved collective, each offering a unique take on Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine. After 10 years in the hospo game, the team has taken over the iconic Charlie’s spot and given it a seriously fun makeover.

Just like its sibling restaurants, Pink Whale is all about elevated street food – a perfect mix of traditional Thai flavours with a modern twist. But where LimLay pops with vibrant furnishings, Pink Whale explodes in colour.

Inspired by the buzzing, chaotic energy of Thai street stalls, the space is decked out in neon lights, glittery rainbow tables, and an unapologetic pink aesthetic. It’s bright, it’s loud and it’s designed to feel like a walk through the late-night streets of Bangkok.

But let’s get to the real star of the show – the food. Pink Whale is bringing the hustle and bustle of Thai street eats straight to Cavill Avenue, serving up sizzling, slurp-worthy, and oh-so-snappable dishes.

Kick things off with their mouthwatering Thai BBQ skewers, perfect for grabbing on the go or pairing with a beer tower while you soak in the Surfers Paradise buzz. Choose from Tropical Chicken, Beef, Pork, Chicken Wings or classic Satay Chicken – each marinated, grilled, and dripping with flavour.

Feeling a little soupy? Their Tom Yum Jumbo is a must-try. Build your own noodle bowl by picking your favourite noodle, protein, and broth. Whether you go for a rich and spicy Tom Yum base or a comforting, aromatic broth, it’s a slurp-worthy experience that warms the soul.

One dish that’s making waves is the Pineapple Fried Rice, served straight from a pineapple half. Packed with prawns, egg and their signature Thai seasoning, this dish is a tropical dream come true. And if you’re a fan of the classics, Pad Thai and Pad See-ew are always a winning choice.

Got a hungry crew? Go big with jumbo-sized servings available for soups, noodles and rice – because when it comes to Thai food, more is always more.

Want some table-side theatrics? The Sizzling Tenderloin is the one to order. Juicy beef, peppercorn, chili and mixed veggies come together on a sizzling hot plate, with the sauce poured over right in front of you – cue the mouthwatering aroma and dramatic steam. Spice lovers, be warned: this one brings the heat.

And what’s a Thai feast without a refreshing drink? Pink Whale serves up homemade Thai Milk Tea, Thai Lemon Iced Tea and Coconut Juice, perfect for cooling down after a fiery dish. If you’re in the mood for something stronger, grab a cold Asahi or Stone & Wood on tap, a bottle of Corona or a crisp Somersby Apple Cider.

And if you’re really settling in for the night, that beer tower is calling your name.

Looking for something a little more adventurous? Their signature cocktails, including the Long Thailand Iced Tea, Aperitivo and ‘Sunrise’, bring the perfect Thai twist to your sipping session.

With indoor and outdoor seating for 80–100 guests, a menu packed with crowd-pleasers, and a neon-lit, high-energy vibe, Pink Whale is a tail-slapping good time. The team chose this buzzing location because, “it’s just like Thai street food – busy, chaotic, and a little over the top.”

After a decade of creating beloved Thai eateries, Pink Whale is their boldest concept yet – a love letter to Thai street food, brought to life in the heart of Surfers Paradise. More than just a place to eat, it’s an experience. So next time you’re in the area, wade in and get ready for a whale of a good feed!

Where: Shop EP024/2 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: Daily from 11.30am to 10pm

Let’s face the facts – we Gold Coasters are morning people. Whether we’re hitting the run clubs, catching waves or strolling with our furry friends, we’ve turned ‘Carpe Diem’ into an art form. So, it’s no surprise our breakfast spots are serving up next-level eats to match our early bird energy.

When the sun hits that glitter strip, there’s no better place to start your day than in Surfers Paradise. From drool-worthy dishes to coffee that’ll have you buzzing, we’ve hit the streets by the beach to bring you the best breakfasts in the heart of the Coast.

Tropicana
Escape the daily grind at Tropicana Kitchen & Bar! This sunny Surfers spot has just had a glow up from Irish pub to island paradise. Whether you’re taco-ing into Loco Tacos or diving into the dreamy Blueberry French Toast, every bite is a tropical getaway. Wash it down with a Campos coffee or bottomless mimosas or for the ultimate morning pick-me-up. So butter up your brunch crew and sip back – because a breakfast oasis awaits!
Where: Paradise Centre, 25/2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

La Playa
Wake up and smell the ocean breeze – La Playa is flipping breakfast on its head with dishes that’ll have you coming back for more. Spice up your morning with the chorizo-loaded shawarma wrap, because let’s be real – boring breakfasts are nacho thing. Avo cravings? The Baltic avo smash is guac-ing amazing. And if you like it sweet, the blueberry ricotta hotcake is a stack-tacular dream. Pair it all with a fresh smoothie, or a signature cocktail for something a little stronger, and you’ve got a beachside brekkie that’s a party in your mouth!
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Janus Deli
Bringing big flavours and retro diner vibes to Hanlan Street, Janus Deli is your go-to for next-level sandos, sweet treats, and seriously good sips. Whether you’re sinking your teeth into the JFC (soy garlic fried chicken with apple slaw on a potato bun) or tackling the Moo-licious (corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Janus sauce on fresh sourdough), every bite is a deli-lover’s dream. Got a sweet tooth? Their freshly baked donuts, including the cult-fave Dough-kie (a cookie-donut hybrid), will have you in dessert heaven. Pair it all with a pistachio latte or iced biscoff, and you’ve got a breakfast worth waking up for.
Where: 12 Hanlan Street, Surfers Paradise

Hyde Paradiso
Hyde Paradiso has poached one of the top spots for breakfast in Surfers, serving up Mediterranean magic on level two of Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise. Soak in the ocean view while feasting on Eggs Benny Hash dripping in Truffle Honey Hollandaise, Shakshuka eggs cooked in a spicy tomato sauce, or Fluffy Pancakes with lemon curd and macadamia butter. For the ultimate weekend catch-up, gather the crew for Hyde Paradiso’s famous bottomless brunch, available 12pm – 2pm Friday to Sunday.
Where: Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise, Level 2, 8 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Bumbles
If you haven’t been to Bumbles, it’s time to buzz over to Budds Beach! This gem has been flipping out top-notch breakfasts for over a decade, and locals know it’s no yolking matter. Indulge in dreamy French Toast with cinnamon brioche, bacon and berry compote, or tuck into Savoury Mince with poached eggs and chorizo. Feeling fancy? Book in for a High Tea experience, with an array of sweet and savoury treats to devour. Pinkies up, darling!
Where: 19 River Drive, Surfers Paradise

BARITALIA
Pizza for breakfast? Mama mia, yes please! BARITALIA serves up a slice of morning heaven with an Italian twist that’ll have you dough-eyed in delight. Swap that sad cold pizza in the fridge for a pizza-oven toasted croissant or breakfast bruschetta stacked with zucchini, Meredith goat’s cheese, and mint. The smashed avo is a real knockout, and if you’re feeling extra, the panini lineup – think eggplant, chicken or prosciutto — will have you saying “Bellissimo” at the first bite of house-made dough. Italian-made coffee hits differently, and their barista is ready to serve you Allpress Espresso from 6.30am.
Where: Chevron Renaissance Centre, Elkhorn Ave &, Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

Ohana’s
A fruity, Hawaiian-inspired bar and eatery was exactly what Surfers Paradise needed and exactly what Surfers Paradise got in the form of Ohana’s. Surfers Paradise’s tropical gem, serves up island vibes and seriously good morning feeds. Think Fritter Stacks, Waffles, Açai Bowls, and Smashed Avo, all washed down with an East Coast Roast coffee, fresh juice, or a smoothie. Turn that leisurely breakfast into brunch with a cheeky morning cocktail – because why not? Ohana’s is the ultimate spot to fuel up before a sun-soaked day.
Where: 64 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Sandbar
With a prime location overlooking Surfers Paradise beach, Sandbar is the toast of the coast—serving up fresh ocean breezes, epic people-watching, and a brekkie menu that truly egg-ceeds expectations. From smoothie bowls that scream summer to a pulled pork Benny worth waking up for, every dish is packed with coastal flavours. Feeling hungry? The Beachside Big Breakfast will have you rolling from your seat to laying on the beach.
Where: 52 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Elston Restaurant & Bar
If it’s breakfast classics you’re after, look no further than Elston Restaurant and Bar. This casual dining spot will keep the whole tribe happy with açaí bowls, egg and bacon rolls, smashed avo and waffles as the waves crash nearby. If your appetite calls for something hearty, the Elston Feast is no mean feat to finish, with eggs, bacon, mushrooms, sauteed greens, tomatoes, chorizo, sourdough, pickled onions and chilli relish. Just make sure you leave some room for a Locale Coffee Roasters sip of choice.
Where: Soul Boardwalk, Shop T1/04 / 4 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Paradox Coffee Roasters
Rise and grind, Gold Coast coffee lovers! Paradox Coffee Roasters know their beans, and they’re not just waffle-ing on about quality. Your brew-tiful coffee journey starts with ethically sourced beans, roasted to perfection by a team with over 15 years of experience. And let’s toast to their epic breakfast game. The Cinnamon Donut with Peaches, Coconut Caramel Sauce, Fresh Fruits & Tim Tam Crumble is as doughlicious as the Chilli Scramble with house-made chilli oil is hot. Paradox Coffee Roasters is the ultimate combo of coffee and cravings, all in one perfect spot.
Where: The 4217, 10 Beach Road, Surfers Paradise

Breakfast Buffets
If you’re anything like us, making decisions – especially about breakfast – is a struggle. Why choose when you can have it all? A buffet is the ultimate foodie free-for-all – no judgment, just endless plates of pure joy. The Gold Coast is serving up some seriously drool-worthy all-you-can-eat experiences, and we’re here for it. Indulge in the luxe spreads at Bazaar Marketplace, Citrique, Akoya and Waves Buffet Restaurant, or take your appetite to new heights at Horizon Sky Dining. This is just a taste of what’s on offer, with buffets on the Gold Coast deserving of a list of their own. Slide into your stretchy pants and check out our round-up of the best buffets on the Gold Coast.

Words by Lisette Drew