Rides, entertainment and now epic night markets at our fave theme park.
Rides, entertainment and now epic night markets at our fave theme park.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when someone says “Dreamworld”? Indulging your inner adrenalin junkie with epic thrill rides galore? Or maybe a trip down memory lane coz waiting at Kodak for our Dreamworld prints from mum’s disposable camera was literally life circa 1990. Whilst that all rings true, our answer is (drum roll pls)….Night Markets #CueMicDrop. No, we’re not disoriented after one too many spins on the Steel Taipan, Dreamworld really is the new home to our region’s coolest Night Markets, creating the GC’s hottest coupling since Kenny and Belinda #KoalaPowerCouple101.
Serving up good times and good food from 5pm to 9pm every Friday and Saturday night, the first point we need to highlight is cost, or lack thereof. No need to buy a ticket to Dreamworld, simply forgo that trip to the $2 shop and redirect your shiny gold coin (or Eftpos card coz srsly, what is cash) to your Dreamworld Night Market entry! That’s right, it’s only two bucks for adults and better yet, free for kiddos under 13, passholders and anyone already inside the park.
So what can we expect from these Night Markets and get comfy coz It’s.A.Lot. Let’s start with the nosh and we’re talking unreal street eats, sweets, drinks – the works! Serving up cuisine how we like it best – food truck style – there’s something for everyone. Think decadent dumplings and bao, North American, South American, Korean, Vietnamese, Indian, Latin American, German, Spanish, Italian and Turkish tucker, and that’s just a taste* PunAlwaysIntended.
If you’re a cocktail or beer enthusiast (is the sky blue and duh), check out Apollo’s Cocktail Bar and Apollo’s Beer Bar. Or perhaps you’d rather give booze the boot and stick to coffee, tea and juices and the choices are equally abundant and satisfying. As are the desserts with the likes of popcorn, Hong Kong style waffles, Dutch pancakes, churros and donuts and if you’re thinking who needs mains then #same.
Food is just the beginning though with more entertainment than you can poke a sate stick at and yes, you can nom plenty of those too. Dreamworld Night Markets are also the home of exciting live music from local, emerging, and well-known artists on the Main Street Stage. With set lists changing weekly there’s always someone new to enjoy….and add to your ever-growing Spotify list.
Turn up the heat with free family entertainment and we don’t mean that figuratively coz there are actual fire twirlers people #(Non)CannedHeat. There are also stuntmen, live performance artists, roaming entertainers, and of course, free movies on the big screen from 6.25pm. Pull up a beanbag and keep your little ones entertained, whilst enjoying a well-earned time-out from the daily grind.
If you fancy yourself as the arty farty type, you’re invited to bring your best strokes with the crew from Paint Juicy. Happening on alternate Friday and Saturday nights (at an additional cost), if you haven’t experienced the creative outlet that is a paint and sip class then friends, this is THE place to do it. Paint and Sip sessions are just $59 per person and include entry, a drink on arrival, and an individual snack box. Plus, you can take home your own art creation to hang proudly in your abode, or chuck in your wheely bin but hey, it’s all about the journey which is next level fun, fetch and fab. Paint and Sip is perfect for the whole family and session spots are strictly limited (translation – book yesterday).
If you’re more of a lol enthusiast than a paintbrush pusher, keep your eyes peeled for an evolving showcase of live comedy gigs. And for the small folk, get a load of Gamesite, the pay-for-play fun zone with all your fave arcade games (#kool) and of course, Belinda’s Tree House, perfect for expelling their second (third and fourth…times two) wind.
So as you can see, there is something for everyone – young, not so young, creative, not so creative, hungry or hungrier. Whether you’re heading for after-work drinks, taking the kids out for dinner, or looking for the ultimate good-times-and-vibes joint to host your corporate function or party, all roads lead to one destination: Dreamworld Night Markets.
For more information, go here.
Where: Dreamworld, Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera
When: 5pm – 9pm, Fridays & Saturdays
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY DREAMWORLD
Ah markets, how we love thee. Temporarily transforming all our very favourite sun-soaked haunts into stall-laden shopping meccas so that we can get amongst the good vibes, gather fresh provisions and snap up meticulously crafted unique creations from talented local makers.
And for our troubles? Top it all of by refuelling with a hot coffee, fresh smoothie, or the obligatory extra-large serve of Poffertjes.
There’s something (or many somethings…) for everyone and best of all, you’re supporting local – and isn’t that what it’s all about!
Here is a who’s who list of our fabulous local weekday, Saturday and Sunday markets here on our beloved Gold Coast.
The Village Markets
An award-winning platform for small creative businesses, The Village Markets host curated markets encouraging collaboration, creativity and good vibes. With clothing from the coolest designers, jewellery and accessories, homewares, rack sales and amazing food, these curated lifestyle markets are run like a well-oiled machine.
The bi-weekly pilgrimage to Burleigh’s beloved institution is one of the GC’s longest-running markets, with this year TVM marking its 15th in action being testament to this (we still remember the very first…and this makes us feel old), our advice is you’ll blow your dosh every time, and we’re not even fooling ourselves when we say we’re just gonna hit them up for a ‘quick look’… *money with wings emoji* x10
Where: Burleigh Heads Primary School, Burleigh Heads
When: First and third Sunday of the month, 8:30am – 1pm
HOTA Farmers & Artisan Markets
The stunning HOTA grounds offer an equally picturesque and conveniently central spot to convene and soak up some #sundayfunday good vibes and a whole lot of local goodies. Thanks to a little transformation into vibrant (literally and figuratively) cultural hub, the Bundall site is also home to a hotted up weekly market offering which has become one of the Gold Coast’s numero ono community events.
They’re passionate about local farmers, makers, bakers and growers, with in-season farm-fresh produce, delicious artisan foods, boutique fashion, handcrafted treasures and live music. Nestled against the backdrop of Evendale Lake and the surrounding parklands, the kids can take a dip while you sit back and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere (read: eat fresh pastries and sip hot coffee). Bliss!
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
When: Every Sunday 6am – 11.30am
Farmers Markets
There are options aplenty when it comes to farmers markets around the Coast to source your fruit, veggies, locally made goods, plants and of course, brekky and caffeine. Supporting local farmers with both organic and conventional produce, you’ll get the feel-good factor as well as the taste-good factor! A ritual for many locals on weekends, it sure beats hitting the mainstream grocery retailers. Plus, the best thing is, you’re spoilt for choice with a number of different locations to hit up.
Where & When: Helensvale State High School – every Saturday from 6am – 11am at 243 Discovery Drive, Helensvale; Marina Mirage Farmers Markets – every Saturday from 6.30am – 12pm at Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach; Palm Beach Currumbin High School – every Saturday morning from 6am – 11.30am at PBC, Thrower Drive, Palm Beach; Burleigh Farmers Markets – every Saturday morning from 7am – 12 noon at Burleigh Heads State School, Cnr West Burleigh Rd &, Lower Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads.
Carrara Markets
Still the biggest market in Oz, Carrara Markets house over 300 stalls. Discount shopping at its best, there is literally nothing you can’t find from fresh produce, fashion, homewares, pots, plants, bric a brac, cars, souvenirs, arts and crafts and everything in between. Perfect for the family, there’s buskers, pony rides, a baby animal farm, bungy trampolines, mini golf, face painters, and even a new walk-in Butterfly House.
Where: Gooding Drive, Carrara
When: Every Saturday and Sunday, 7am – 3pm
Emerald Lakes Gourmet Food and Craft Markets
Feeling a bit fancy? Described as a complete alfresco gourmet shopping experience with an international ambiance, head to Emerald Lakes for some of our region’s best street food and fresh produce. It’s also one of the few markets available for a mid-week meander to replenish the larder with quality essentials – with Australian seafood, grain fed and hormone free meats, free range eggs and home-baked goodies all on offer. Plus stock up on gorgeous candles, melts and a myriad of unique crafts, all handmade with love and arguably, still *somewhat* essential.. bc vibes are important too.
Where: Emerald Lakes Complex, The Boulevard, Carrara
When: Every Thursday, 3pm – 7pm
Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
No prizes for guessing where these markets are located. Mere footsteps from the sand, they’ve been an iconic Gold Coast shopping and cultural experience since the mid-90s. Featuring artisan and traditional Aussie goods, fresh produce, gourmet provisions, handmade wares and more, they showcase our best growers, makers, characters and creators. When you’re done, Surfers’ melting pot of restaurants and bars are a hop, skip and a jump over the road.
Where: The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
When: Every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights, 4pm – 9pm
Gold Coast Art & Craft Sunday Markets
Lining the beachfront at four beautiful GC locations (Broadbeach, Coolangatta, Burleigh Heads and now Paradise Point), these markets have been a local fave for over three decades. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, souvenirs, art, craft, the ingenious or the weird and the wonderful, it’s here. A-buzz with atmosphere, there are over 150 stalls showcasing original Australian-made products, fresh produce, yummy food and live entertainment.
Where & When: Kurrawa Park – The first and third Sunday of every month from 8am – 2pm at 155 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach; Queen Elizabeth Park – The second and fourth Sunday of every month from 8am – 2pm at 60 Marine Parade, Coolangatta; Justin Park – The last Sunday of every month from 8am – 2pm at Burleigh Heads; Esplanade North Park – The fourth Sunday of every month from 8am – 2pm at Paradise Point.
The Sanctuary Markets
On The Village Green at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, you’ll find these popular markets. A nod to the GC’s multi-culturalism with local and international foods plus cool arts and crafts, you’ll also be wowed by our best homegrown entertainers. The venue is fully licensed (translation: let’s wine), featuring craft beers exclusively from Burleigh Brewing Co, and vinos courtesy of Sirromet Wines.
Where: On The Village Green, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin
When: Every Friday, 4pm – 9pm
The Organic Gold Coast Farmers Market
Every Sunday morning you can get your fill of organic, spray-free fruit, veggies, ready-made eats (we’re all about easy eats), organic cosmetics, organic clothing…basically, if it’s organic and it exists, it’s here! It’s the perfect place to spend a sunny Sunday morning and load up your basket with treats that will not only make you feel good, but help the planet too!
Where: Merrimac State High School, 3 Dunlop Ct, Mermaid Waters
When: Every Sunday, 6am – 11.30am
Hide & Seek Children’s Market
Those familiar with the Hide & Seek Children’s Market from its former Elanora and Robina locations will be thrilled to learn the concept lives on thanks to a new home in Upper Coomera – with the same signature blend of unique and skilfully hand-crafted creations, all designed with parents and mini-me’s in mind.
The curation of clever local creatives and artisans brings us cute clothing, accessories, toys, décor, furnishings and more. Bop along to all-day live music, grab some bites from local food trucks and wear the kids out with a range of activities. If you love on-trend goodies, rare finds and spoiling your little loves, you won’t be disappointed.
Where: The Well, 58 Highland Way, Upper Coomera
When: Third Saturday of every month from 8am – 12pm.
Miami Marketta
There’s only one thing better than a market and that’s a vibin’ night market. The Coast’s OG laneway dining experience hosts food vendors of all nationalities in the one space, take your entrée from Spain, your main from Thailand, and sweets from France. How multicultural of you! With farshon (fashion – but we just like saying FARSHON) and accessories from local designers, these markets have cool factor for days.
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
When: Every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday, 5pm – 10pm
Broadwater Pavilion Markets
A newer in-stall-ment to the GC’s market scene, Southport’s open air market by the sea is quickly establishing itself as a fave among Northern residents with stacks of fun for the whole family. There’s plenty of entertainment for the kiddos, with face painting, henna, hair braiding, character appearances all frequenting the lineup.
While those who have aged out of face-paint demographic (#tear) can hunt for some hand-crafted wares with all manner of scented, ceramic, and sewn goodies on rotation from local stallholders. Bonus for paw-rents: they’re pet friendly (on lead), so bring your pup along for a paw-some day out.
Where: Bathing Pavilion Lawn, Marine Parade, Southport
When: The third Saturday of every second month, 8am – 2pm
Jack Evans Boat Harbour Waterfront Markets
Another one of the newer kids on the proverbial market block, the picturesque Tweed promenade snaking by the Boat Harbour waterfront was just begging for local stallholders and their crafty creations to set up shop and complement our leisurely Saturday strolls.
A stunner of a spot for the Southern GC (four-legged friends invited also!) to congregate with live music, artisan food vendors, hand crafted treasures and boutique fashion stalls a plenty. After you’ve shopped up a storm, cool off with a spot of paddle boarding as the glistening water beckons.
And if that hasn’t worn out the kiddos, the fortuitously placed new foreshore playground should do the trick.
When: Jack Evans Boat Harbour Market: first Saturday of every month, 8am – 1pm. Night Market: second & fourth Friday of every month, 4pm – 8pm
Where: Wharf St, Tweed Heads
Words by Bianca Trathen and Kellie Leader
