Cold beers, big screens and match-day vibes.
Cold beers, big screens and match-day vibes.
The World Cup has arrived, and whether you’re backing the Socceroos, cheering on your family’s homeland or just here for the epic atmosphere, there’s nothing quite like watching the beautiful game surrounded by fellow football fanatics.
And after the Socceroos kicked things off with a shock first-game win, you better believe the hype is officially real. Suddenly, every match feels like must-watch TV, preferably on a giant screen, pint in hand, surrounded by people who are just as emotionally invested as you are.
Thankfully, the Gold Coast knows a thing or two about a good sporting atmosphere. From sports bars screening matches around the clock to Irish pubs and oceanside bistros, these venues are bringing the energy, the giant screens and the cold beverages needed to see you through every nail-biting minute.
Round up your crew, dust off your team jersey and prepare to lose your voice. Here’s where to watch the World Cup on the Gold Coast.
Fig ‘n’ Fox is going big for the World Cup, with the Surfers Paradise pub securing extended alcohol trading for Australia vs USA this Saturday morning. Translation: beers will be flowing from Friday night right through until the 5am kick-off, which is exactly the kind of commitment we expect from a proper match-day venue. There’ll be a pre-drink party, free entry, the game live and loud on the big screen, plus more than 10 TVs across both levels. They’ll also be opening and serving from 10am for Brazil vs Haiti, and showing all other World Cup matches during regular trading hours from 11am until late, seven days a week.
Where: Shop 10/2 Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When it comes to watching football in a pub, Finn McCool’s knows exactly what it’s doing. The Irish favourite is showing selected World Cup fixtures live and loud on the big screens, complete with all the banter, atmosphere and hearty pub fare you’d expect. Afterall, it doesn’t get much better than football and Irish pub food. What a match!
Where: 39 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
The newly rebranded Pig ‘N’ Whistle has wasted no time establishing itself as a proper football-spectating destination. Every World Cup match will be shown live and loud across big screens and projectors, with exclusive breakfast menus for early kick-offs, ice-cold pints and all the fan-filled atmosphere you could ask for. Bonus points for the limited-edition World Cup merch available while stocks last.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
If your ideal football viewing experience includes specialty coffee alongside the action, Che Café has you covered. Screening matches live while serving delicious food, coffee, cold beers and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great option for those who prefer a slightly more relaxed match-day setting. Just get there early, seating is limited.
Where: Shop 3/1 Sunshine Boulevard, Broadbeach Waters
If you’re serious about football, The Star’s Sports Bar is your safest bet. Open 24/7 throughout the tournament, they’re screening every match live and loud from the opening whistle through to the final showdown. With massive screens, plenty of seating and the ability to catch games at all hours, this is about as close as you’ll get to stadium atmosphere without boarding a plane.
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Beer. Banter. Game on. The Beach Hotel is showing every match live and loud during trading hours, making it an ideal spot to settle in with mates and watch the action unfold. Cold beers on tap, big screens and a lively atmosphere make this Broadbeach local a no-brainer for football fans.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Looking for somewhere with serious South American energy? Flavours GC is streaming Brazil matches live and bringing all the passion that comes with them. Expect big cheers, cold beers, Brazilian hospitality and plenty of yellow and green. Matches will be shown both indoors and in the venue’s picnic area, so you can choose your own viewing adventure.
Where: Treetops Plaza, Shop 31/7 Classic Way, Burleigh Waters
Bine Beer Bar is proudly positioning itself as the unofficial headquarters for Australian, New Zealand, Brazilian, Japanese and Scottish supporters, which sounds like exactly the kind of chaotic energy we can get behind. The venue will be pouring Stella Artois throughout the tournament and showing every match that falls within trading hours. Secure your table early if you’re planning a big game-day session.
Where: 1/28 Chairlift Avenue, Mermaid Beach
As a French restaurant, La Vie takes football very seriously. The Nobby Beach favourite is transforming into a World Cup headquarters, complete with team colours, waving flags and match-day specials. If your team wins, you’ll score a free beer, while participating nations unlock $7 beers throughout their matches. Throw in French crêpes for morning games, charcuterie boards, cocktails and plenty of French flair, and you’ve got yourself a winner.
Where: 28 Chairlift Avenue, Mermaid Beach
Balter is taking a slightly different approach, hand-selecting several key World Cup fixtures to screen live in the Beer Garden. Expect a giant screen, cold beers, jug specials and plenty of atmosphere for each match. Walk-ins only, so arrive early and claim your position before kick-off.
Where: 14 Traders Way, Currumbin Waters
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Queenslander!
It’s that time of year again folks, State of Origin is here! Watch the rivalry unfold and cheer on your team at any of these epic, perfect-for-shouting-at-the-TV Gold Coast venues.
Go Queensland!
Hope Island Tavern is bringing all the State of Origin action live and loud across every big game this series, with footy fans invited to settle in from kick-off to the final siren. Tuck into $25 footy boxes or 1kg hot honey chilli wings while you cheer on the Maroons in true Queenslander style.
Where: 93 Broadwater Ave, Hope Island
Crafty’s at Harbour Town is bringing the rivalry both on and off the field this State of Origin season, with state-versus-state beer battles, epic game-night vibes and $19 pizzas. Sip your way through brews from Blackflag, Burleigh Brewing, Stone & Wood and Byron Bay Brewery, then back your state for the chance to win prizes on every game night. Cheers to that!
Where: Harbour Town Premium Outlets, Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters
Round up your mates and catch every minute of the State of Origin action live and loud at Mackenzie’s Sports Bar at Southport Sharks. Expect huge game-night vibes, drink specials, $15 pizzas, giveaways throughout the game and all the footy action on the big screens.
Where: Corner of Musgrave and Olsen Avenue, Southport
With more than 50 screens in both Robina and Surfers Paradise, The Sporting Globe is serving up State of Origin action LIVE & LOUD. Expect huge rivalry vibes as the Blues look to bounce back against the Maroons, just be sure to lock in a booking because this place fills fast. Walk-ins are welcome too, First in best dressed!
Where: Cnr Cavill Avenue & Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise and The Promenade, Robina Town Centre, Robina
The kind of local where everyone feels right at home, and come State of Origin, this sports bar comes alive with every big hit, try and controversial call played live on the screens. Round up the crew for classic pub feeds, ice-cold drinks and the kind of game-night atmosphere that keeps fans coming back year after year.
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach
Catch every minute of the Men’s and Women’s State of Origin series live & loud at The Star Gold Coast, with all the action screening across Garden Kitchen & Bar, Sports Bar and M&G Café & Bar. Watch game nights under the stars on The Lawn, book a booth for the ultimate Sports Bar experience, or swing by for walk-ins, epic atmosphere and footy feed specials including burger-and-beer combos from $19.90.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Catch every moment of the State of Origin action live and loud at The Beach Hotel Broadbeach, where wall-to-wall screens, a massive big screen and ice-cold beers set the scene for the ultimate game-night atmosphere. With rivalry at its peak and big-screen energy from kick-off to full-time, this Broadbeach fave is a winning choice for footy fans.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Catch all the State of Origin action live and loud at Mermaid Beach Tavern, where ice-cold schooners, big game energy and plenty of footy action make for the ultimate midweek outing. Grab the crew, settle in and cheer on every try at this local fave.
Where: 2500 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Burleigh Bears Leagues Club is serving up the ultimate State of Origin game-day experience, with every match showing across multiple big screens in the Sports Bar. Round up your mates and tackle the $40 NRL Footy Feast for 2 – any two pizzas plus a mega jug of beer – while soaking up all the action, cold beers and unbeatable footy atmosphere.
Where: 80 Pacific Avenue, Miami
Burleigh Town Hotel is serving up every State of Origin game on the big screen, with chef specials, footy tossing comps and jersey giveaways across the entire series. Make any purchase during the game for the chance to win a State of Origin jersey, then settle in, cheer loud and get ready to yell QUEENSLANDER!
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads
Currumbin RSL is the perfect spot for southern Gold Coasters to catch every moment of the State of Origin series, with big screens, a buzzing Sports Bar atmosphere and plenty happening across all three games. Members can enjoy complimentary half-time snacks and score the chance to win prizes by purchasing a Beer of the Month schooner from 5pm on game nights.
Where: 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin
The Coolangatta Hotel is bringing the ultimate State of Origin atmosphere, with face painters, giveaways, doubles from 3pm and all the game-day energy you could ask for. Fuel up with the $22 Origin Special – chicken tenders, chips, house-made ranch and a schooner of Cooly Draught – before the rivalry kicks off at 8pm and the battle begins.
Where: The Strand, Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Words by Belinda Symons
Where sports fanatics unite!
Picture this: the game’s on, your crew’s assembled, the beer is icy cold, and the only thing louder than the crowd is your mate who suddenly thinks he’s the coach. Anything less than this elite setup? Unacceptable. But finding the ultimate spot to soak up the action – one with massive screens, solid feeds, and an atmosphere that screams game on – isn’t always an easy feat.
Luckily, we’ve done the legwork (no pre-game warm-ups required) and rounded up the best sports bars on the Gold Coast. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a casual observer, or just here for the snacks, these Gold Coast sports bars (listed north to south for your convenience) have you covered. Now, go forth and cheer responsibly – or, you know, as loudly as possible.
Hope Island Tavern
This coastal-cool tavern has had a massive glow-up, and sports fans, you’re going to love this one. The brand-new sports bar is stacked with mega screens, TAB access, and an ice-cold beer lineup that’ll keep your thirst quenched from the first whistle to the final siren.
Not just a sports haven, this revamped spot also brings next-level pub bites (hello, Prawn & Bug Rolls and Salsiccia Pizza) and a lush beer garden perfect for pre-game pints or post-match celebrations. Add in a pool table, air hockey, and weekly entertainment, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate sports, sips, and good vibes HQ.
Where: 93 Broadwater Ave, Hope Island
Crafty’s Sports Bar
Shopping and sports? An unexpected MVP combo. Smack bang in Harbour Town, Crafty’s lets you mix and match – stock up on the essentials, then settle in for some top-tier craft beers and next-level eats while you catch the action. Or, better yet, let your partner hit the stores while you lock in for the game. Win-win.
Where: Harbour Town Eats – 147/189 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters
Ashmore Tavern
If you haven’t checked out Ashmore Tavern’s $5 million glow-up, now’s the time. With a revamped sports bar (hello, sleek screens and balcony views), daily live sports, and a lineup of delicious eats, this place is serving up the action in serious style.
Where: 161 Cotlew Street, Ashmore
The Cavill Hotel
When it comes to bigger is better, The Cavill delivers – literally. With one of the biggest screens in Surfers, this is the place to park up, grab a drink, and catch every second of the action in all its larger-than-life glory. Bonus points for booking a table so you can cheer on your team in style.
Where: 46 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
The Sporting Globe x 4 Pines
This place is a game-changer – literally. Sitting pretty on the most iconic corner in Surfers, The Sporting Globe x 4 Pines is a state-of-the-art sports mecca, boasting wrap-around digital screens, a killer menu, and an on-site microbrewery. Oh, and the city’s largest circular island bar, so you’ll never be more than a few steps away from your next cold one. Game on.
Where: Cnr Cavill Avenue and Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Broadbeach Tavern
Broadbeach Tavern is a coastal icon and your go-to for catching all the live sports action. Whether you’re watching the footy, cricket, or the latest game, the Sports Bar has you covered with huge screens showing every play, goal, and try. Catch all the sports action on the big screens or relax on the spacious deck with a drink in hand, enjoying the sunshine and ocean breeze.
Where: The Oasis, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach
The Beach Hotel Broadbeach
Fat Freddy’s may be gone, but what has replaced it? A revamped, reimagined, and ridiculously good sports bar that blends beachy vibes with big screens. The Beach Hotel Broadbeach has more screens than ever, so you won’t miss a second of the action. With wall-to-wall TVs in the Public Bar, a breezy Beer Garden, and a menu that’s part pub grub, part chef-hatted magic, this spot delivers top-tier viewing, top-tier bites, and top-tier vibes. Game on.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
The Star Sports Bar
If sports bars had a podium, this one would be standing front and centre, medal gleaming. With 23 massive screens, private booths (yes, you can pre-book them like a VIP), and a huge 10.5-metre mega-screen, The Star Sports Bar is where legends are made – on and off the field. Add in the iciest beers and a smorgasbord of top-notch food options, and you’ve got yourself a championship-level experience.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Main Gaming Floor, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
The Sporting Globe Bar & Grill
When it comes to knowing what sports fans want, The Sporting Globe has it down to a fine art – and a nationwide lineup of venues to prove it. Expect wall-to-wall screens, daily food specials, and an electric atmosphere that rivals the final seconds of a tied game. Heading to a Gold Coast Titans match at Cbus Stadium? These legends will shuttle you there and back, so you can focus on celebrating (or commiserating) properly. Now that’s a game plan we can get behind.
Where: The Promenade, Robina Town Centre, Robina
Burleigh Bears Leagues Club
Can’t make it to the big game in person? No worries! Burleigh Bears Leagues Club is your ultimate sports haven on the Gold Coast. Whether you’re in the Lounge or the Sports Bar, this place has it all – big screens, a relaxed atmosphere, and the best spot to catch every moment of the game. With cold beers flowing and friendly staff making sure you’re looked after, it’s no surprise that this spot is a top pick for sports fans.
Where: 80 Pacific Avenue, Miami
Burleigh Town Hotel
Burleigh Town Hotel isn’t just playing the game – it’s winning it. Home to an 11-metre mega-screen (the biggest pub screen in the southern hemisphere, no less), this place is an absolute showstopper. Add in a suspended cylinder screen so you can see the action from every angle, plus a sleek new bistro for pre-game feasting, and you’ve got yourself a spectator’s paradise.
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads
Coolangatta Hotel
On the southern end of the Coast, The Coolangatta Hotel is the prime location to catch any sporting activities and be assured of a buoyant and passionate atmosphere. Pair it with a splash and lounge on one of Coolangatta’s famous golden beaches, and then be sure to stick around for the post-game live music, and you are onto a hole in one.
Where: Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Words by Belinda Symons
Hicksville is firing up brisket, ribs, beers and big smokehouse energy in Southport.
Do you smell that? That rich, smoky aroma… sweet barbecue glaze, charred spices and a hint of woodfire? If you’ve found yourself following your nose through Southport lately, like us, chances are it’s led you straight to Hicksville Smokehouse & Backyard Bar. Turns out, that decadent scent is 16-hour slow-smoked brisket, and it’s the calling card of the newest addition to the growing Hicksville precinct.
From the team behind Fire Baby, Ember and Hicksy’s comes Hicksville Smokehouse & Backyard Bar, a laid-back new venue tucked behind Hicksy’s on Hicks Street. Combining low-and-slow barbecue, cold drinks, big-screen sport and a lively backyard atmosphere, the latest addition to the growing Hicksville precinct is already shaping up as a go-to spot for after-work drinks, weekend catch-ups and curing smoked meat cravings.
By day, it’s your trusty café hangout. By night, Hicksville flips the switch and fires up into a full-blown barbecue playground, complete with smoky feasts, flowing drinks and backyard bar energy in spades. It’s all the glory of an Aussie BBQ without having to hover over the grill, argue about whether the snags are done, or leave smelling like you’ve been slow-cooked yourself. And honestly, even BBQ King Barry deserves to clock off every now and then.
The good vibes roll right through the fit-out too, with the precinct’s signature exposed brick, glowing neon, striped awnings and a sprawling outdoor courtyard twinkling under festoon lights. There are high tables made for after-work knock-offs, communal dining spots for rolling deep, and plenty of screens dotted around the backyard bar so you can catch the game while making your way through a tray of brisket and ribs. Now that’s what we call a solid game plan.
As expected, the menu is all about smoke, fire and slow-cooked goodness. Remember that 16-hour brisket we mentioned earlier? How could you forget? That beauty is rubbed with Hicksville’s signature seasoning and cooked low and slow until it reaches that melt-in-your-mouth sweet spot. Texas bourbon-glazed pork ribs deliver sticky, smoky goodness, while smoked chorizo and southern fried chicken round out the stellar barbecue lineup.
If sandwiches are more your speed, there’s plenty to get excited about. The Hicksville Brisket Bun pairs slow-smoked brisket with pickled charred cabbage, smoked onion and mustard mayo, while The Hick Rib Sub loads up smoked onion, rocket and bread-and-butter pickles alongside tender pork. The Choripán Sub adds Fire Baby chimichurri to smoked chorizo, tomato and onion salsa for a smoky take on the South American classic.
Can’t decide? The Pitmaster’s Plate does the hard work for you, piling smoked brisket, pork ribs, coleslaw, sweet corn, pickles and house-made condiments onto one seriously satisfying platter. Think of it as a charcuterie board for BBQ lovers. Ideal for that ‘can’t decide’ dilemma or those who simply want a taste of everything.
The drinks offering leans heavily into the smokehouse theme, too. There’s a solid lineup of bourbon, whiskey, rum, and tequila, alongside local craft beers, Hicksville Lager on tap, wines, ciders, and a selection of easy-drinking premixed options.
With hard-to-resist smoky aromas, sports on the screens, drinks flowing from the bar and a menu built for sharing, Hicksville has all the ingredients of a neighbourhood favourite. Whether you’re dropping in for a schooner and the footy, gathering the crew for a barbecue feast or simply following the smell of smoked brisket, Hicksville Smokehouse & Backyard Bar is giving Southport another reason to brag
Where: 11 Hicks Street, Southport
When: Thursday from 5pm until late, Friday and Saturday from 12pm–3pm and 5pm until late, and Sunday from 12pm–3pm.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
