What could be more Australian than spending a sunny Sunday afternoon with mates indulging in a slew of drinks and generally celebrating life? It’s a given right to live it up on a Sunday no matter what the week is!
Because if you’re going to that Monday morning performance review/toolbox meeting a little worse for wear, where do you go to stretch out the weekend just that little bit longer? We’ve rounded up the places that embrace Sunday frolics and are the perfect way to round out the week — or in the case of a long weekend: get things started!
Burleigh Pavilion
Very few places offer a better view and, therefore, a better Sunday session option than Burleigh Pavilion. Right on the ocean in the heart of bustling Burleigh Heads and offering both a sit down (The Tropic) and more casual menu paired with all of the lovely sips and buzzing atmosphere: there’s no way you’re not having a good time at ‘The Pav’.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Cali Beach
If you haven’t seen the news of this multi-million-dollar entertainment precinct having only just opened in Surfers Paradise, can we ask what rock you have been living under? The rooftop venue is a behemoth day and night club with a multitude of seating options around several pools, and already has a stellar line-up of DJs such as Brooke Evers and Little Fritter organised for summer. All-day Sunday Sesh, here you come!
Where: 21a Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Mermaid Beach Tavern
One of the city’s best-loved taverns is back — and what a makeover it has had. From comfortable dining options and breakaway spaces you can hire, to a fully dedicated sports bar and a perpetually sunny back deck area. Whether you’re with a lively crowd or the kids, the space caters for everyone — and all tastes — with ease.
Where: 2500 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Justin Lane Rooftop
Quite possibly the alfresco place to be, not only on a Sunday but any day of the week. The rooftop bar is the perfect spot to enjoy a sunny afternoon, lavishing your eyes with views of the Burleigh foreshore and stunning Gold Coast skyline. Oozing personality, this Burleigh Heads institution never disappoints!
Where: 1708-1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Fat Freddy’s
This venue takes care of your Sunday sessions with everything your heart could desire. Think imaginative and moreish cocktails, a delicious modernised American diner-style menu, beer towers and more than enough screens displaying every sport known to humankind. Get comfortable — you’re going nowhere.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Nineteen at The Star
After brunch comes the after-party, and that’s what’s up at the fanciest rooftop bar on the entire Gold Coast, Nineteen at The Star. Indulge in a boozy brunch on the restaurant side and then head over to the bar for kick-ons overlooking the city and the ocean. There’s a stunning drinks menu, and you get to dress up in your prettiest frock too.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
Surfers Pavilion
Arrive by boat or jet-ski and slip into an oasis of sublime food, decadent cocktail jugs and a generally all-round good time! Likely one of the most eye-catching openings of 2021, this diverse venue offers different experiences for everyone. Take things slowly with oysters and champagne on high tables or turn it up with on-tap frosé on the decking area. There’s also a regular ticketed Sunday Brunch Club — or is that too early for you?
Where: 30-34 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Fisherman’s Wharf Tavern
If you’re as old as us, you remember the good ol’ days of Fisho’s, well Sunday sessions are back. Nothing beats watching the sunset across the Broadwater, so Fisho’s is the perfect spot for a classic brew or cocktail and a nibble with friends. From 2pm-6pm there’s a live DJ on the deck with sax and bongo’s that are sure to inject some fun and entertainment into your Sunday. Of course, there’s always a tonne of sport on-screen to ensure you never miss your favourite team.
Where: Shop 40, 60-70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Bo’teku
Hidden in plain sight, Bo’teku in Coolangatta are not only serving up yummy eats and a smashing cocktail menu but live music on Sunday arvos — all whilst overlooking the ocean. Meander in after some time on the beach and settle in for an afternoon well spent.
Where: Shop 6, 110 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Garden Kitchen & Bar
Wind down the weekend at Garden Kitchen & Bar, where lazy afternoons meet steamy nights. Think live tunes on the deck, flirty banter on the lawn, frosty drinks at the bar, and tasty bites from two different menus… all the ingredients for an A-grade Sunday session in our book.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Tropic Vice
As if you needed any more encouragement to hit up Nobby Beach on a Sunday, and then this little number decided to come into our lives. This rooftop stunner has recently opened and, from the outlook, is primed to be a leading place to sip drinks and mingle in the afternoon sun. Backed by an incredible Floribbean/South American led menu and exclusive Champagne packages, Sundays have just been elevated a notch.
Where: Upstairs, 2215 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach
Surf Clubs
How could we create a list of Sunday sessions and not include our beloved surf clubs?! Look, we all have our favourites, and for the most part, they are all amazing places to grab frosty beers, tuck into some great and often modestly priced food, whilst enjoying a relaxed and uncomplicated atmosphere. And what about the views! There’s far too many to mention here, but everyone has their unique attraction and equate to being one of the best ways to spend a Sunday arvo.
Where: Multiple locations
Burleigh Hill
Want to keep it casual and not spend the big bucks? Head to Food Works in Burleigh’s James Street, stock up on cheese and crackers, pick up a bottle of wine and make your way to Burleigh Hill for a Sunday session Burleigh style. Simples!
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
Let’s face it, keeping one’s Instagram ahead of the pack is often a full-time job. And when you live in one of the best cities, with a coastline that is nothing short of captivating (literally every day), then making sure you have the pictures that will make everyone envious is a priority. Whether your Instagram account has masses of die-hard fans eyeing up everything you do, or you simply like taking photos just for the sake of taking photos, what’s important here, is that you get THE shot!
Seeing as we are blessed with awesome places to eat and while away our best lives, then taking pictures whilst out and about is a smart move. We’re talking cafes, restaurants and bars where the aesthetics — and you combined — are a match made in heaven. So many to choose from though, right? Our research has taken the load off your shoulders as we have the most Insta-worthy brunch spots on the Gold Coast for you. Happy snapping!
Nineteen at The Star
Who hasn’t seen the pictures doing the rounds of people looking absolutely fabulous at Nineteen at The Star? If you haven’t, we suggest you Google some: stat! Besides the amazing views across Broadbeach at over 200 feet with unrestricted panoramas, the sophisticated setting both in the restaurant and bar provides ample opportunity to capture yourself with a sprinkling of luxury. While you’re at it, treat yo self ever to something decadent from Executive Chef Uday Huja‘s Sunday Brunch menu. May we suggest the Eggs Benedict with Dill Ocean Trout or Ham, Poached Eggs and Brown Butter Hollandaise matched with a Champagne Brunch 2 hour beverage package? Insta-game officially leveled up.
Where: The Darling at The Star, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
The Tropic
With arguably one of the best views of the Gold Coast coastline, The Tropic was a no-brainer for this list. But it’s not all about those unbelievable pastel hue sunsets, oh no. Inside, the restaurant gives off a luxe Miami yacht club vibe with an overall neutral theme vibrantly juxtaposed with colour from plants, chairs, and even the plates. Did we mention the food is next level? We suggest it’s time to round up the girls and clear your calendar for the last Saturday of every month for The Tropic’s Brunch – it’s one you won’t regret! (Not that anyone has ever regretted a Brunch!)
Where: 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Mavis’s Kitchen
The drive out here alone will have you pulling over several times to snap away. However, upon arrival you’ll be treated to one of the Northern River’s most scenic and tucked away dining gems. The cute whitewash colonial-style building is just adorable with grassy paddocks and a gurgling stream that lead your eyes to escarpments around Mount Warning. Do brunch your way when you pre order Mavis’s Kitchen Picnic Hamper filled with cheeses, a charcuterie selection, seasonal dips, cake of the day, freshly baked vegetable frittata and more. If you stay onsite, they’ll even throw in the picnic rug so you can cozy up by the nearby dam and enjoy the simple sound of nature…. Bliss!
Where: 64 Mount Warning Road, Mount Warning, NSW
Saltwater at Currumbin
Our creeks and waterways around the Gold Coast are often overlooked or even worse, completely forgotten as we go about our everyday lives. One stretch of water that deserves your attention any day of the week is Currumbin Creek. Saltwater at Currumbin entirely takes advantage of its waterside location and gives you endless dabbled light and beautiful colours of blue to play around with. It’s impossible to take a bad photo here. Couple that backdrop with a lazy Sunday spent enjoying a Berry Bircher Museli or Eggs Benedict and you’re onto a winner!
Where:2/4 Thrower Drive, Currumbin
Palm Springs
If clean white lines, cacti and Cali-vibes raise your heart rate, then we suggest you schedule a post with a pic from this North Burleigh newbie. Based on a unique southern Californian aesthetic mashed with our very own sub-tropical climate, the interior (and exterior) are full of epic chances for you to strike a pose. Also, doggos are most welcome to join you! So get a snap with your floof, grab your Salsa Scrambled Eggs and a margarita too (because yes they serve morning margis!).
Where: 1878 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
South East Espresso
Way down in Coolangatta, this under-the-radar backstreet café is the perfect location after a beach swim or your ritual easy-Sunday-morning Ham Hock Smashed Avo. The warm saffron rendered walls are the perfect backdrop for your best linen attire with contrast minimalistic shades of grey. If you take a seat on their pavement side leather cushioned bench, prepare to make friends with a legion of four-legged friends. Don’t worry; they shouldn’t mind one bit making a guest appearance on your story.
Where: 229 Boundary Street, Coolangatta
Highline
When an uber-cool mid-century fit-out combines with incredible coffee art, the result is Highline in Palm Beach. A firm favourite with the locals and for good reason. All of the dishes here are put together with a strong ethos that you also eat with your eyes. Add in some polished concrete flooring and all the toasty coloured wood features, and your brunch-time snap is destined to be a crowd-pleaser. Because who wouldn’t want a 3 cheese, wild mushroom, chive Jaffle pictured in a more perfect setting?
Where: 5/10 Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach
Milkman’s Daughter
When the Gold Coast first laid eyes on this angelic Mermaid Beach all-vegetarian brunch spot, we’re sure there was a collective swoon moment. The textured white exterior walls alone would typically be enough to have our phones out and ready for a sneaky snap. However, the true treasure is inside when you lay eyes on the sweetest-looking backlit booths with arched ceilings and hanging plants. If you are lucky enough to secure the booth, do yourself a favour and cement it in the form of an insta-post accompanied with your Lemon Ricotta Fluffy Pancakes with house tumeric vanilla custard, passionfruit reduction, berries and herbs.
Where: 2/42 Alfred Street, Mermaid Beach
Paddock Bakery
We think we’re correct to state that Paddock is one of the Gold Coasts’ most tagged eats/drinks hotspots to date. Period. So, what makes it so unique? It could be the quaint English-style garden exterior, or the original vintage Queenslander converted main building, maybe it’s the iconic Dippy Eggs or their ridiculously good-looking baked goods (shout out to their Almond Croissants) which are often only just out the oven? But, you know what, we think it’s all of them!
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads
Want to see more insta-worthy spots? Follow Inside Gold Coast on Instagram here!
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
It seems life quotes and wisdoms are nearly everywhere we look these days; little pearly anecdotes come at us from almost every angle. And what better way to display them than bright and eye-catching neon signs at our favourite Gold Coast venues. You know the ones we’re talking about, oozing with funny wordplay and worthy of a selfie or five.
So, if you’re in the mood to hunt down and take in the Coast’s finest examples of neon signs and bask in all their fluorescent glory, we suggest you read on and take note. Can you be the first to get a picture with them all?
Plants and Me
Serving up an entirely plant-based innovative Japanese and Indian fusion menu right in the heart of Southport. Look no further for ultra-modern industrial chic mixed with all of the plants.
Where: 4/20 Scarborough St, Southport
Go for: Delicious vegan breakfasts.
Cruize Espresso
Colourful smoothies, juices and bowls galore await you at this northern Gold Coast stunner. And if you happen to be a late riser, don’t stress. An all-day breakfast menu is sure to make you smile.
Where: Shop 6/37 Musgrave Ave, Labrador
Go for: Fresh, vibrant juices that will have you glowing.
The Lost Kingdom
Are you feeling like letting your hair down and going a little wild? Good. This venue is the perfect spot for all you Tarzan’s and Jane’s out there. Swing into The Lost Kingdom and party the night away in one of Surfers Paradise’s premium nightclubs.
Where: The Mark, 15 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise
Go for: VIP booths for you and your crew.
Retro’s
Spinning blinding tunes from the 80s, 90s, and 00s and creating an unbeatable atmosphere is precisely what these guys do to a tee. You’ll certainly work up a thirst with all the dancing you’ll be doing, so be sure to hydrate with one of their oversized cocktails!
Where: 3/15 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise
Go for: Blue Lagoon Fishbowl Cocktail
The Pink Poodle
Spanning back over six decades, this is one of the glitter strips original neon signs — and it still stands to this day! Although the attached motel was knocked down at the turn of the millennium, the new property owners decided to keep the heritage-listed sign as a respectful nod to the iconic days of yesteryear.
Where: Corner of Fern Street and Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
Go for: a photo with a Gold Coast icon.
Taboo Tiki
Feed your inner pirate with lashings of tiki-inspired cocktails and dance off the calories long until the small hours. And it’s not just about the weekend either, with themed party nights spread out across pretty much every day of the week.
Where: D/19 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise
Go for: Hot DJ sets and regular prize giveaways.
Maggie Choo
This Broadbeach favourite carefully infuses Asian flavours with great night out vibes, and a cocktail offering any restaurant should be jealous of. Why wait until after dinner to start your night out — time is of the essence, people!
Shop 105/89 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Go for: Indonesian Fritters with a War in the West cocktail.
If you’re the type of person where a love affair with anything dairy and sweet is only a bite away, then this is the place for you. Whether it’s a mid-afternoon chocolatey bite or a late-night sweet cocktail nightcap: Cowch has your sugary desires well and truly catered for.
Where: 1 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Go for: Crispy hot and fresh churros with chocolate sauce.
Bonita Bonita
One of Mermaid Beach’s best mid-week go-to’s and weekend places of wonder; Bonita Bonita packs a tasty punch for a small-sized venue. Round up your hungry friends and get our lime squeezing fingers at the ready for endless tasty Mexicana eats.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Go for: The most addictive Chile Con Queso known to man.
Etsu
Looking more at home in a back alley in Osaka, this Mermaid Beach Japanese eatery is one of the best odes to the orient we have on our coastline. Edgy fun and always pumping out the freshest and most interesting of specials, Etsu is a consistent winner in the war of deliciousness.
Where: 2440 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Go for: Expertly made cocktails and delectable specials plates.
Poke Poke
When poke bowls came into our lives, we all knew things would never be the same. And riding along on that sentiment with only the best bowls around, Poke Poke makes choosing the most scrumptious and well-crafted bowls easy work. Slip in for a tropical atmosphere and the healthiest of lunches — should make up for all the tequila you had last night then.
Where: 2375 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Go for: The Snap Her Up Bowl with fresh coconut cooked Snapper.
Little Mermaid
Quite possibly one of the best catch up spots for breakfast and lunch on the Gold Coast. Grab a table (strolling distance from the beach), then watch the world go by over delicious food and regular live music.
Where: 1a/2557 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Go for: Book the entire venue after hours for your own private party.
Nightcap
Rock and roll has a firm home in Nobby Beach within the walls of Nightcap. Live music acts, naughty behaviour, and themed party nights are just the tip of the iceberg. Should you need a cure for post-weekend blues, their Hospo Mondays have something of legendary status and will fix you right up.
Where: 2245 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach
Go for: Drink spilling fun with foot-stomping live music.
Mexicali
Dreamy afternoons spent over margaritas and zesty Mexican food is something we can all agree on as nothing short of nirvana. Now throw in a sun-splashed balcony, drinks specials, and some mighty good Sunday session feels: Mexicali in a nutshell.
Where: Level 1/2223 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach
Go for: Sun-soaked Sunday sessions with jugs of cocktails.
Hotel Miami
Your one-stop shop for all your creative needs. The fun-loving crew runs a photography/content/design studio and are the biggest advocators for anything Gold Coast. Make use of their co-working facilities and rub shoulders with some other like-minded freelancers, oh and they know how to throw a party!
Where: 1/49 Lemana Ln, Miami
Go for: A productive co-working day.
Eddy + Wolff
Polished concrete and uber-cool minimalistic surrounds welcome as you dine at this Robina haven of flavour. Enjoy a polished Asian fusion menu with heart and soul — oh, and one of the best-looking drinks lists around.
Where: 44 Commerce Dr, Robina
Go for: The Groove Thang cocktail.
RaRa Ramen
Not just happy with being the best ramen bars in Sydney, RaRa Ramen joined the Burleigh eating scene a short while ago. Enjoy yourself the most down to earth and genuine ramen experience — with all the handmade noodles — this side of Tokyo and in the back lanes of the Gold Coast, no less!
Where: 21a/50 James St, Burleigh Heads
Go for: Next level Chicken Karaage .
Justin Lane
The original on-trend place to load up on guilt-free pizza and pasta. Head here for on-point Italian flavours with friends and end up staying for the late-night shenanigans accompanied by regular DJ sets.
Where: 1708-1710 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Go for: Sunday afternoons on their rooftop.
Hail Mary
If jugs of colourful sangria with drool-worthy Mexican inspired share plates sounds like your idea of a good time, then we suggest you look no further. And with mid-week specials, there’s really no need to wait until the weekend for your margarita and burrito fix.
Where: 6/26 James St, Burleigh Heads
Go for: Weekday couples specials.
Nightjar
When you’re feeling like a good night out in Burleigh Heads, where are you gonna go? Nightjar! When this rock and roll dive bar peeled back its metal shutter four years ago, the back lanes of Burleigh would change forever. Hosting live music and catering for all your late-night needs, this is the place to find yourself if dancing with a drink in hand is your jam.
Where: 7a/1730 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Go for: The wildest themed party nights.
Burleigh Bar and Bites
Do yourself a favour next time you find yourself pounding the pavement on James Street, drop into Burleigh Bar and Bites, pull up a chair and spoil yourself. Whether it’s freshly shucked oysters and a glass of bubbles or an Espresso Martini with Arancini Balls, this hole in the wall venue will make you not want to leave.
Where: 12 James St, Burleigh Heads
Go for: Cocktails and karaoke.
Mysa Motel
For a luxe vacation like no other on the southern Gold Coast, the fun-spirited Mysa Motel is the place to head. With gorgeous ethical styling throughout — and a magnesium pool you can’t not plunge into — these nostalgia-driven lodgings are the perfect place to rest your head and unwind.
Where: 1100 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
Go for: The most Haute couture stay on the southern Gold Coast.
