Our ‘northerners’ on the GC are a fiercely patriotic bunch, long determined for their neck of the woods to get the cool cred normally reserved for the other end of town. Paradise Point is one particularly notable spot where there is much to see and do whether you’re after a family-friendly day out, caffeine hit, an eats spot for date night or a liquid lunch (or actual lunch, although we’re partial to the former) with your gal pals.

Here are a handful of reasons why locals love Paradise Point.

Burleigh Baker
Northern GC folk who were fans of Burleigh Baker (in Burleigh – who’d have thunk it…) were high fiving each other when the Paradise Point sister popped up. With a passion for crafting artisan sourdough bread and brewing excellent Handsome brand coffee, the cafe menu is based around the bread (obvs), with freshly made dishes sourced from the best ingredients. Carbs, come at us.
Where: Shop 7/46 The Esplanade, Paradise Point

Jonez on Ephraim
Dr Jones, Jones, calling Dr Jones…. No there is no doctor but there is a Michelin Star Chef, Gary Jones. So expect a fine-dining haven offering up the finest seasonal ingredients, fresh fish and classical French cuisine. We’re ordering Duck Liver Parfait with sourdough and marinated figs, Quail Porchetta and for dessert, Scroppino; prosecco and vodka lemon sorbet (hells yeah. Can we have seconds…and thirds…and… you get the point).
Where: Ephraim Island, Paradise Point

Paradise Point Parklands
Undeniably one of the GC’s most breathtaking park areas, it’s an absolute must-see. Overlooking the beautiful Broadwater, pack a picnic, throw a snag on the barbie and let the kids entertain themselves for hours in the large playground areas. There are open grassed spaces perfect for a game of cricket, and the walking trail will get your heart-rate up while you take in the million-dollar views… quite literally with views of some Sovereign Island homes.
Where: The Esplanade, Paradise Point

Sweet Bambino
This hole-in-the-wall is a newer player on the Paradise Point eats and coffee scene, and an instant hit from day dot. With a fit-out that screams modern chic (think polished concrete floors, rustic grey walls, foliage for a pop of greenery and moody lighting for days), her it-girl vibes are only rivaled by the coffee and delish counter food selection.
Where: 1/46 The Esplanade, Paradise Point

Mano’s Italian
It’s been a winner with locals for years for a darn good reason. The fresh, hearty Italian food at Mano’s is first class, as is the service and welcoming ambience. Menu highlights include the impressive range of pastas (I die), steak and seafood dishes, not to mention their delish daily specials. They’re fully licenced because what even is pasta without wine?
Where: 40 The Esplanade, Paradise Point

Plant-Based Eatz
Formerly Plant-Based Café, there are no surprises what sort of cuisine this little pearler dishes up. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and featuring arguably the best vegan food around town (and hey, competition is fierce in this space), expect a nosh-up of vegan versions of crowd favourites like poke bowls, burgers, nachos, tacos, wraps, epic sides, juices, smoothies, coffee and more.
Where: 1/2 Grice Ave, Paradise Point

Paradise Point Bowls Club
You get all the trimmings you’d expect from a bowls club here; live entertainment, hearty eats, wallet-friendly drinks and warm, friendly smiles. Bowls, Brews & Chews kicks off every Sunday from noon where you can get a game of bowls, platter for 4, 3L beer tower or 3L cocktail tower (say what?!) from only $85! Oh and there’s a courtesy bus. Which you’ll obvs need.
Where: 22 Thrush Ave, Paradise Point

Buoy Oh Buoy
This nautical-themed northern gem is equal parts cute and cool, founded by lovely local lass Kelly Kohler. We’re ordering a Scram-Bowl every day of the week with scrambled eggs, charred cherry tomatoes, avocado, rocket, pesto dressing and sourdough. And adding haloumi coz, haloumi! To finish, are you treating yo-self to a freshly baked pastry for the road? Oh Buoy you are!
Where: Shop 8/27 Falkinder Ave, Paradise Point

Jabiru Island Park
Everything you need is right here including stunning water views, electric barbecues, sheltered picnic tables, large shade trees, fishing platform, sheltered swimming closure, boat ramp and toilet facilities. Take the walkway under the bridge to Phil Hill Environmental Park, or stroll along the boardwalks for a look at the natural habitat from stunning viewing vantage points. Yes please!
Where: Jabiru Island Park, Oxley Dr, Paradise Point

Cross + Feather
Serving up finger lickin’ good brekkies (and dinners Thursday to Saturday), this one is a must. The chow is first class, as is the friendly and attentive service you’ll get every time. And, there’s just something universally cool about the FOOD wall art piece which sets the tone from the get-go…locals, you know what we’re talking about. Don’t even get us started on the cocktails…. #bookanuber
Where: 2/2 Grice Ave, Paradise Point

Words by Bianca Trathen.

One of the most sought-after canal frontage suburbs on the GC, there’s more to Hope Island than golf courses and an optimistic name. Positioned north side, just far enough away from the CBD to have an outta-town vibe but not too far if you want to head into the action, it has a resorty feel entirely unique to the 4212 postcode. Umm, possibly because a huge chunk of the residential area is, in fact, an actual resort and yeah, that would make sense.

The community-minded locals are very fond of their burb, and with good reason. Here are eight of the reasons why Hope Island residents are never budging. Like, ever.

Hope Island Links Golf Club & Sanctuary Cove Country Club
Arguably the heart of the Hope Island suburb are the incredible golf courses. And if you’re partial to a spot of golf, you’ve played 18 holes many-a-time at either of these courses. Or if you’re a long-time local, you’ve been to at least 10 weddings at Hope Island Links Gold Club. Which was in fact designed by British Open champion Peter Thomson. ‘The Links’  has consistently ranked in Australia’s top ten resort courses since opening in 1993, and is also a popular choice for functions and events.
Where: Springfield Dr, Hope Island and Gleneagles Dr, Hope Island

Sanctuary Cove Marine Village
It’s a GC icon and don’t the Hope Island locals know it. Proud as punch of their high-brow home of quality eats, drinks, retail, a world-class marina, and epic people watching. There are plenty of options of where to grab a bite and a bevvy, including Destino, Rosé Gelateria, Chim Thai, Dragon Cove, George’s Paragon, The Fireplace and recent newcomers, Pablito’s, and Rise Bakery.  Live like a local and check them out!
Where: 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island

Sanctuary Cove Marine Village Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
While we’re on the topic, Sanctuary Cove also hosts the biggest boating lifestyle event in the Southern Hemisphere. Since launching in 1988, it has evolved into a multi-day extravaganza, featuring more than 300 exhibitors and 600 boats. With over 44,000 attendees, this must-see event gives you a true taste of the fancy yacht life…and locals get pretty stoked when people travel far and wide to enjoy this event on their very own home soil! #braggingrights
Where: 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island

Hope Island Marketplace
This place is definitely the local’s, well, local! A vibrant food and dining destination, it also houses a boutique health and wellness hub (hello!), Woolies, Aldi and many other speciality stores. Mid-shop, refuel with a sushi hit from Sushi Hub, a doughnut from D Point Ten, or sit in at Degani café for a caffeine hit, brekky or lunch.
Where: 99 Broadwater Avenue, Hope Island

Studio Pilates Hope Island
Channelling a summer bod in winter? Locals get it at the Hope Island branch of Studio Pilates. Expect high energy, inspiring classes, uplifting music and an uber luxe workout space. We’re so there! Along with innovative video technology and world-class instructors who’ll perfect your technique, they’ll sculpt your entire body in 40-minute workouts. *Runs to don cute Pilates gear*
Where: T6, Harbour Point, 8 Santa Barbara Road, Hope Island

Washed for Cars + LOCA Café
Why not grab a coffee while your wheels get an expert scrub-up right next door? Conveniently side-by-side, this place is always bustling with a line up out the d̶o̶o̶r̶ road! With a menu of options to choose from for your car wash and (also food and drinks at LOCA), you and your car are guaranteed to leave beaming. You can’t miss this place – just look for the gigantic inflated coffee cup.
Where: 52 Crescent Avenue, Hope Island

Hope Island Beauty & Medispa
Looking for beauty therapists with experience and passion? Look no further! Offering traditional spa services designed to relax and rejuvenate, as well as corrective aesthetic treatments to repair skin and reverse the signs of ageing (gimme gimme!), they’ve got everything from waxing and IPL facial rejuvenation, to a traditional Indian head massage. We’ll take it all thanks.
Where: 2/331 Hope Island Road, Hope Island

Mecca Bah
You may have been to the Broady venue, and the Hope Island Mecca Bah is every bit as ah-maze as it’s sibling. With a sophisticated and chic interior, you’ll be treated to a rich selection of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes made from fresh, local produce. With live music every Sunday arvo and Knock Off Hour weekdays from 3pm – 5pm, you non-locals may as well just pitch a tent in the car park for easy access.
Where: 18/10 Santa Barbara Road, Hope Island

Words by Bianca Trathen.