Paint and sip. Sip and paint. Whichever order you do it, you’re guaranteed a bloody good time. Many GC class providers have branched out from the OG canvas art, meaning you can cut your teeth on all sorts of other arty farty goodness, like clay, pots, and more. With a free-poured wine in hand of course and no side eyes please, because Dutch courage is still courage.

Whether you’re arranging a hen’s night, birthday, celebration or just want to get boozy with your squad (understandable), pick your class, whack a cheese platter and some sav in the esky, and get your creative on!

The Sweet Fine Artist Studio X The Henchman Miami
Make your way to The Henchman on the first Friday evening of every month to end the week sipping (standard), painting, and creating with Sip & Paint ($55 per person). For extra imagination and inspo, check out the carefully curated cocktail menu, and don’t forget to order a famous ‘Henchy Burger’ while you’re at it. Or, if pottery is more your jam (us!), have a crack at Sip & Clay on the second Sunday morning of each month ($49 per person). Dig your hands into premium air-drying earthy coloured clay whilst enjoying a coffee or cocktail and nibbling on a decadent croissant!
Where: 2/3 Karen Avenue, Mermaid Beach

Brushed n Boozee Sip Studio
Grab your brush, bring your booze, and head for the Sip Studio to paint fave rap and hip hop legends! Brushed n Boozee are bringin’ it back to the old school with their brand new ultra-modern crib, where experienced local artists – and the odd random guest appearance by the elusive Masked n Mute Mystery artist – will guide you. Then, dance the night away to 90s and 2000s bangers, set amongst a wall of murals and neon lights. Sicker than your average paint and sip, prices from $69 per person.
Where: 76 Kortum Drive, Burleigh Heads

The Craft Parlour
Leaders in the pack of all things creative, The Craft Parlour shares our obsession with textured art and colour us happy, is hosting a textured art class morning tea on 26^th March. For $120 per person including morning tea, they’ll walk you through how to apply textured medium, create different layered looks, smoothing, texturing, colouring, and how to use the different textured tools.

Everyone will leave with one large 16 x 20-inch framed artwork which bonus, now we don’t need to go buy one for twice the price. We’ll paint to that!
Where: Lemana Lane, Miami

Pinot & Picasso
Offering classes in both Broadbeach and Palm Beach, try your hand at painting on canvas or painting on pots with your fave gal (or guy) gang, BYO snacks (cheeseboard anyone?!) and BYO bevs. Upcoming themes include waratah, monstera deliciosa, evil eye, Lake Tepako, an Amalfi morning, paint your pet, and Havana nights to name just a few. Classes take place both on weekdays and weekends with prices ranging from $50 – $80.
Where: 2723 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach & 1168 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Paint Juicy
If you’re planning a hen’s party, girls’ night out, or just want an excuse to share a wine with your posse, Paint Juicy’s nude male paint and sip classes are a ‘boner’ fide hit. Featuring a nude male in a safe and respectful environment (no scary weird dudes in sight), get all giggly as your muse de-robes on stage, and sip, paint, and boogie the night away. Bring your cheeky side, snacks (or pre-order a charcuterie), and of course drinks, and start planning where you’ll hang your well-hung work of art. $109 per person.
Where: 18/3 Flagstone Drive, Burleigh Heads

The Art Exchange
Hosting creative events for public and private functions from sip and paint to therapeutic painting, corporate events and hens’ nights, The Art Exchange has you covered. Choose from one of their creative concepts like the upcoming native botanicals paint and sip session at Burleigh’s Dirty Hands art space this Saturday 25^th February ($55 per head). Maybe you’d prefer to paint your date (#SwipeLeftNextTime) or have a natter to The Art Exchange team about tailoring something specifically for you. In any case, pack your drinks and nibbles and your get arty farty on!
Where: 19/21 Park Ave, Burleigh Heads & Corner Via Roma & Verona Avenue, Isle of Capri

Mesi Studio
Mesi Studio is the Coast’s newest craft, paint and sip events venue, with textured art classes taking centre stage #yippee. Sign up for the new Textured Mirror Paint & Sip for $89 per person and up the cool factor of your abode. Make your very own wonky (but funky wonky) textured frame mirror whilst devouring BYO nibbles and drinks. Or if you’re a sucker for seltzer, a monthly Textured Art Workshop at Hard Fizz Headquarters may be more up your alley. Included in the $70 per person ticket is 1 x Fizz Seltzer Tasting Paddle and 1 x Fizz Can, with $3 feeds and $5 Fizz cocktails available to order on the night. #Let’sGetMesi!
Where: 90 Kortum Drive, Burleigh Heads (Studio) & 16 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Waters (Hard Fizz Headquarters).

Words by Bianca Trathen.

With a name like Franquette (pronounced Fraen-ket), our minds conjure up images of all kinds of French inspired splendour.

And well done us, because this is precisely what Franquette Bakery on Tamborine Mountain is all about.

Meaning ‘without any fuss’, the name is reflective of the food; simple, unpretentious, and made on the premises using sustainable flours and Australian ingredients when possible.

The result is crust what the doctor ordered, with THE most delicious artisan French carby goodness, making Franquette a legend in the baking.

Founder and Head Baker Jérôme Favier has the perfect ‘blend’ of skills, with a resume any baker would be proud of.

Being somewhat of the Doogie Howser of the bakery world, Jérôme graduated from the typically two-year professional Baker Diploma course in just six months, yeah, as you do.

He then returned to Europe to master traditional artisan methods to produce quality, crafted baked goods, with the intention to come back down under to wow us with his skillz.

Baking for several big names, he spent two years in France, one in Switzerland, plus one in Germany, and this reads like our Contiki tour itinerary circa 2001.

Moving on to the Gold Coast, he enjoyed an eight year stint at Burleigh Baker, where he held the prestigious ‘Master Baker’ post and played a key role – both front and back of house – in the GC institution’s success story.

Jérôme chose the beautiful Tambo location as the village size is similar to his French hometown in Bourgogne.

It also has that unmistakable mountain atmosphere, a relaxed and peaceful lifestyle, and of course, it’s a mecca for locals and tourists alike.

Engaging Shopfit Co for the design, we’re pleased to confirm that from bread to dough, Franquette rocks a French style bakery and bistrot (small café) look and feel.

Everything about this gem is warm and inviting, starting with the striking green and white logo, reminding us that it’s ‘without any fuss’.

The roof forms an eye-catching peak, featuring dark wooden panelling and matching weatherboard, contrasting white bifold doors, bare bulb pendant lights, and lots of on-brand green accents.

The large windows allow people to see the bakers in action #NoSecretsHere, and although it’s geared primarily to the takeaway market at this stage, patrons are invited to sit and relax under the terrace and on the deck.

Around the back is where you’ll find the cute deck space with an outdoor seating area accommodating 40+ people, plus a green area for kids and doggos to hang.

So what sort of bakery wizardry can we expect to unearth?

Firstly, we’re talking more loaf varieties than you can poke a bread stick at, including white, multi, olive, fruit, sandwich, ciabatta, napoleon, spelt, Josephine, miche, and the French bakery staple, baguettes.

Or, if you’re not interested in DYI-ing your sanga or baguette at home, hook yourself up with one of Franquette’s freshly prepared sandwiches, toasted sandwiches or baguettes.

Overflowing with THE most scrumptious fillings (think European influenced deli meats, cheeses, and other quintessentially Euro ingredients), the photos alone induce a drool reflex.

There’s also an assortment of rolls, scrolls, and pasty-infused deliciousness.

Oh and if you’re partial to a croissant and duh, who isn’t, there are melt-in-your-mouth good almond croissants, savoury croissants, or you can order them a-la-natural.

The signature item here is called The Mountain Top which is both intriguing by name, and totes fitting for obvious reasons.

And the signature beverages are their Blackboard coffee bean-based brews, straight outta Burleigh #LocalsSupportingLocals.

Plus there is a range of Blackboard products stocked in the bakery so you can buy some for ‘ron.

Our advice?

Just dough it!

Jump in your car and head for the hills (mountain hills, potato potahto) to experience the best bakery goods since sliced bread.

Where: 155 Long Road, Tamborine Mountain
When: 7am – 3pm Thursday to Monday. Closed Tuesday & Wednesday

Words by Bianca Trathen.

Sundays are reserved for one of three purposes; chilling with the fam and getting prepped for the week ahead, sneaking in a little Sunday sesh to delay Monday as long as humanly possible, and our fave, a spot of road trippin!

We’re lucky on the GC as we’re inundated with scenic drive options, and only need to travel an hour or two to find lots of beautiful, unique sights and activities.

We’ve broken it down to five destinations and provided a small snapshot of what you can find at each.

Toot toot!

Mt Tamborine

Gallery Walk
A trip up the mountain isn’t complete without a stroll along Gallery Walk. It’s a melting pot of eclectic finds, with over 70 shops in the one block. You’ll find everything from fashion, jewellery, arts and crafts, cellar door outlets, chocolate, fudge, food outlets, cafes…and even a cuckoo clock shop. If you’re looking for something unique or need to buy that friend who has everything a gift, chances are you’ll find something here.
Where: Long Road, Tamborine Mountain

Curtis Falls
Enjoy a beautiful walk through the rain-drenched Eucalyptus forest to the magical Curtis Falls. Wander past towering trees and through a canopy of ferns, down to this miniature and photogenic waterfall. The 1.1km walk should only talk half an hour or less to get down to the falls, but you will likely want to stay awhile and soak up the peacefulness. Top it off with a spot of morning tea at the Curtis Falls Cafe. Lovely!
Where: 16 Eagle Heights Road, North Tamborine – Get there via Eagle Heights Road and park right at the entrance to the walk.

Cauldron Distillery
This 18-acre working distillery is the darling of the Scenic Rim. A Prohibition-style space with an established vineyard, lush rolling meadows and of course, a generous gin and cocktail bar, there’s a lot to love. Settle in for a bev or a feed, or BYO picnic rug and chill amongst the vineyards. You can partake in complimentary lawn games if you so desire, and they’re pro pop here so Fido can come too!
Where: 89-123 Hartley Road, Tamborine Mountain

The Glow Worm Caves
Take a guided half-hour walk through lush rainforest to a purpose-built cave, filled with thousands of shimmery glow worms! Everyone can get up close and personal with a glow worm here without damaging delicate wild habitats #CueApplause. And the best part? It’s conveniently located in the Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery, you can enjoy a tipple pre or post tour…or pre and post tour!
Where: Cedar Creek Estate, 104-144 Hartley Road, North Tamborine

Canungra

Mountview Alpaca Farm
Located in O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard, you can meet alpacas and drink wine and srsly, life made. Choose between 15 and 60 minute alpaca experiences where you can walk and feed these cute creatures, or go all out with an alpaca picnic, alpaca devonshire tea, or a wine, cheese and alpaca package (#us). Set in a boutique vineyard and historic Queenslander homestead, it’s as picturesque as it is fun.
Where: 852 Lamington National Park Road, Canungra

Cudgen

Farm & Co.
No doubt Instagram has informed you there is a field of sunflowers just a short 25 minute drive away where you can frolic, take selfies, pick said sunflowers and generally pretend you don’t have a care in the world. There’s also a coffee shop where you can sink into an oversized lounge chair while gazing at the sunflowers and contemplating a new career in farming, live music of a weekend, a tasty array of brunch eats and fresh veggies you can take home too.
Where: 529 Cudgen Road, Cudgen 

The Chindy
Check out restful riverside town Chinderah, stopping in for a refreshment and snack at The Chindy. Also known as Chinderah Tavern, The Chindy boasts a big old deck overlooking the widest river in the world (not a fact) and supplies all the cold beer, wine and tasty eats you could wish for on a Sunday afternoon. There’s live music, sunsets if you time it right, and just general non-city good times. Right next door is Cubby Bakehouse you can get yourself some dessert for the drive home.
Where: 156 Chinderah Bay Drive, Chinderah

Byron Region

The Farm Byron Bay
A must visit for everyone (especially anyone with a little person in tow), The Farm is a destination in itself. See how the farm operates and say hi to the animals, and meet the infamous mascots Braveheart the Scottish Highland cow and Bobby the rooster. Collect macadamia nuts from the macadamia trees, have a meal at Three Blue Ducks restaurant, or grab a little something from The Bread Social to eat outside on a picnic rug. There’s a playground for the anklebiters and plenty of beautiful open space to explore.
Where: 11 Ewingsdale Road, Ewingsdale

The Crystal Castle in Mullumbimby
Instagood alert! Sit in an ancient amethyst cave, pose with rare and amazing giant crystals, and wander five hectares of subtropical, crystal-filled Shambhala Gardens and rainforest. You can even touch the World Peace Stupa, a project blessed by the Dalai Lama and join in Crystal Sound Healings at 12pm and 3pm! Grab a bite with a stunning hinterland view at Lotus Café and let the kids run amok in the playground.
Where: 81 Monet Drive, Montecollum

Hotel Brunswick
The heart of beautiful Brunswick Heads, swing in for a drink or a feed at this classic Aussie pub. Somewhat of an institution and a fave far and wide, relax under the beautiful Poinciana trees in the beer garden and soak up the ambience. Always busy on Sundays, if you can push the friendship and stay on till the early evening, you’ll generally be rewarded with live music and an even more awesome vibe. Pub grub at its best.
Where: Mullumbimbi Street, Brunswick Heads

Newrybar Merchants
A collective of creative local artisans and curators of fine goods who are passionate about what they do, this is our jam! Honouring the space and the essence of the Byron Bay Hinterland, Newrybar Merchants enables customers to experience rustic charm effortlessly blended with sophistication within a beautiful and unique retail space. Shop everything from faaarshion, to homewares, to wellness products and everything in between, it’s a must.
Where: 16 Old Pacific Highway, Newrybar

The Tweed

The Ivory Waterside
Barely over the border but for the northern GC folk, it’s a Sunday drive to Tweed Heads so we’ll let this one fly. Recently undergoing a bit of a nip and tuck and overlooking the adjoining marina and picturesque Terra Creek, it’s the ultimate in casual waterside dining. The food is consistently delish and guys, you can even get your rad on with tons of vintage arcade games in Benny’s Arcade. Talk about a one-stop-good-times-shop! Add it to the list.
Where: 156 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads

Wollumbin National Park
This World Heritage-listed national treasure is well worth a look. Previously known as Mt Warning National Park, lose yourself in some of the largest and oldest tracts of sub-tropical rainforest on Earth. Wollumbin, which rises from the park to a height of 1,157 metres above sea level, is a remnant central vent of an ancient volcano and yep, that’s a drawcard right there. Note the Wollumbin (Mount Warning) summit track and the Aboriginal Place remains closed.
Where: About 12km south-west of Murwillumbah off Kyogle Road, Mount Warning

Tweed River House
This one is special! From the vantage point of the verdant riverbanks, settled at the tropical foothills of the Tweed Caldera in Murwillumbah, this century-old riverside plantation house has been lovingly restored to maintain its original character and charm. The elegant yet relaxed renovation creates a unique space that reflects the gentle pace of the Northern Rivers, oozing 1930s style with a French twist. They’ve even been nominated for a Chef Hat Award by the Australian Good Food Guide so if the aesthetics aren’t enough to get you there, the nosh will be!
Where: 131 River Street, South Murwillumbah

Baked at Ancora
Another one that’s close by when you’re a bit strapped for time is Baked at Ancora. Believers that sweet treats and waterside picnics go hand in hand, we concur and we can’t get enough of this Parisian style café bakery. From their signature croissants and traditional classics like pain-au-chocolat, to the more unique and inventive flavour combos, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in actual Paris. Well worth the waistline damage.
Where: 118 Wharf St, Tweed Heads 

Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre
There’s always something new to discover at the Tweed Regional Gallery, housed in a large, modern, architecturally award-winning building with views to Wollumbin/Mount Warning. Don’t miss the opportunity to see Claude Monet’s painting Meules, milieu du jour [Haystacks, midday] 1890, currently on loan from the National Gallery of Australia (NGA). While you’re there, a meal at the new in-house eats haunt Apex is an absolute non-negotiable. With a stunning outlook and design to reflect the vista, indulge in a unique combo of rustic French patisserie goodies and modern cafe plates with a very ‘now’ pan-Asian twist. Add a cocktail and instant happy place.
Where: 2 Mistral Road, South Murwillumbah

Husk Farm Distillery
Just a hop, skip and a jump over the border, a sneaky visit to the lush Husk grounds is certainly one of the more low effort, high reward outings Gold Coasters have at our fingertips. Our recommendation? Take your tastebuds on a very smooth sip around the signature Husk offerings with a tasting paddle to start. Not only have they mastered treats of the thirst quenching variety, the Husk Farm kitchen offers up a selection of top notch eats to rival their signature spirits selection.
Where: Dulguigan Rd, North Tumbulgum

Words by Bianca Trathen.