Beach bums and baby mamas rejoice, there’s a new spot in Cooly to grab your post-surf, post-walk latte and it ticks all the right boxes.

That Blue House, literally a big blue house on Dutton Street, opened a mere two weeks ago and already has locals flocking to sample the wholesome dishes and tasty raw treats.

Coolangatta’s latest is just a 200 metre walk from the beach making it the perfect place for your first turmeric latte of the day or lunch after a morning soaking up the sunshine.

It’s open and airy with a fresh sea breeze wafting through the deck for those who prefer to dine outdoors on those balmy Gold Coast days (read: every day).

Dishes are wholesome and fresh, with a few cheeky sweet ones thrown in for good measure eg. French Toast like you’ve never seen topped with honey cinnamon mascarpone, grilled banana and edible flowers.

Add a little bit of Mexico to your morning with a Breakfast Tostada. It’s a soft tortilla with fresh tomato salsa, bacon, chorizo, avocado smash and cheese topped with a free-range friend egg, lime and hot sauce. Hola!

Corn fritters with a chilli twist are the third standout dish served with avocado, spinach, house-made chipotle mayonnaise and a balsamic glaze.

What are you waiting for, walk those sandy feet over to your new Cooly favourite quick smart. It’s the one with all the good vibes flowing out.

HOURS: 6.30am to 4pm.

LOCATION: 5 Dutton Street, Coolangatta.

Words and photos by Kirra Smith.

Coolangatta is our southernmost suburb and it’s almost like stepping back in time for a taste of the good old Gold Coast, a little slower and sleepier (the way we like it) but with a sprinkle of some seriously epic eats for good measure – dreamy.

If you’re a fan of chill coastal vibes and pumping surf, where you can soak up the sunshine all-day long and hop from beach to bar as your heart desires then Cooly’s got your name written all over it. The laidback lifestyle is just one of the reasons why locals love this little beachside suburb, but we’ve found another 16 for when you want to go exploring.

Franc Jr’s
I’ts called the famous pizzeria for a reason, Franc Jr’s have gotten a rep for dishing up the best pizzas on the Gold Coast – maybe even Queensland. Big call, I know but IYKYK. Home of their signature Sicilian square pizza, pop down for takeaway or dine in with a bottle of pinot to wash down your pizza. Our pick is the red strip with a pickled grape salad on the side (sounds weird but trust the process) and a frozen marg if you fancy a tipple.
Where: 2/102 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Pipi’s Restaurant
Cooly brought in the big guns with Brisbane hospitality mavens, the Gambaro Group bringing Pipi’s to life and it’s something Southern Gold Coasters have been waiting for. Pipi’s is the newest seaside sensation to call Cooly home and you best believe our tastebuds can’t get enough of it. Nothing to be crabby about with a Mediterranean-inspired menu – Chargrilled Mooloolaba King Prawns and Freemantle Octopus Carpaccio just a couple of the stars of the show. If you’re feeling boujee then treat yourself to a Kaviari Caviar Bump – served with a shot of Belvedere or glass of Tattinger.

Special mention to the cafe-style sequel to this suave new seafood nosher, Awaken Cafe. Situated underneath Pipi’s Awaken thos caffeine-slinging counterpart is giving girl-next-door (but, y’know, downstairs) in the very best way.
Where: Level 1/275 Boundary Street, Coolangatta

Kefi
Kefi popped up on the café scene in late 2023 and their suitably summer vibe has been gracing our social channels here, there and everywhere. With coffee and food as delicious as the interiors are gorg it’s the kind of spot we could just spend all morning long at. With a Mediterranean twist on your classic brekky favourites, fuel up with a feed or pop in for the viral strawberry matcha and take a stroll on the beach because, wholesome.
Where: Corner of Griffith & McDonald Street, 2/110 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Cooly Breeze
There’s something about being beach side and on a rooftop that just hits different, throw some fine dining into the mix and that’s our kind of trifecta. Executive chef Marcondes Almeida Neto has combined gastronomy with the flavours of the Medierranean Coast for bold flavours you’ve never tasted before. A feast for your eyes and your tum, the dishes are almost too pretty to eat… almost.
Where: Level 13 of Beachcomber International Resort, 122 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Coolangatta Pie Shop
This iconic Gold Coast pie shop has been around for more than 50 years, so it’s no wonder they’re serving up some of the tastiest pies around. We’re partial to a baked good and fortunately, the Coolangatta Pie Shop have them aplenty – perfect for that post surf carb load.
Where: 50 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Maverick Hair & Art Studio
If you’ve been looking for a place to tame that mane then say less, because Maverick Hair & Art Studio’s got your back. Or hair, I guess. The award-winning salon and of course, their stylists, know their way around the locks and can we just say – they do one of the best blondes we’ve seen on the GC, and that’s no easy feat. The refined industrial feel is a pretty little paradise to sit back and relax while you’re pampered, which is exactly what you want when you’re investing hours in those tresses – t’s the crown you never take off, after all. No bad hair days here
Where: First Floor, 1/17 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Bar Evelyn
This place has been a hotspot for locals and visitors ever since it popped up on Marine Parade a couple of years ago. Cooly’s home of antipasto and pasta, you best believe we want a pizza that. Our picks? If you’re a seafood lover like us then the bug bucatini and pickled mussels with bottarga mayo, cucumber and dill are a must try. Sweeten the deal with their house-made tiramisu – do as the Italians do, we say – and one of their season sours.
Where: Shop 20/58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Clay Cantina
One thing about us is that we are always down for a Mexican moment. Now let’s taco-bout the margs, specifically the Laneway Marg – just trust us when we say their signature agave inspired bev is everything you’ve been looking for in a marg and more. Taste the flavours of all your fave Mexican fare, or if you’d rather a hands on approach to your dining experience, get the crew together for their signature cooking classes where you’ll get up close and personal with their most-loved recipes. Gracias!
Where: 2/16 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Greenmount Beach Surf Club
With unsurpassed views in a northerly direction, you can take in everything overlooking the spectacular Greenmount Beach right up to the skyline of Surfers Paradise and, on some days, beyond. If the surf’s up, watched the surfers below shred waves or wipe out with an ice cold schooner in hand.
Where: Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Cinebar
Forget that there was a ripper cinema in Cooly? How could you! It’s time you get acquainted with Cinebar, a restaurant-style movie experience where you can get the full dinner, drinks and show vibe without having to lift a finger – or leg for that matter. Because we’re all about efficiency, kick back and catch up on the freshest flicks while you’re wined and dined for the ultimate date night with your special someone or your gal pals.
Where: The Strand at Coolangatta

4 Pines
On the brew-tiful beach front you’ll find one of the vibiest beachside breweries we know, the ultimate for whether you’re escaping the surf or just looking for a spot to kick back with live tunes and a beer in hand. You’ll find all your 4 Pines favourites, like the classic Pacific Ale for a fresh and fruity finish or the Pale Ale for a more crisp and citrusy taste, on tap and calling your name. Well, what are you waiting for – hop to it!
Where: The Strand, 28/72 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Ottimo
If you want the inside scoop then here it is – if you want to be served up gelato the Italian way, Ottimo know that sticking to tradition is anything but boring. Having studied at the Gelato University of Carpigiani (yes, that’s a thing), owner Davide let’s his Italian heritage swirl through each delicious morsel whether it’s Ferrero Rocher or passionfruit flavoured. We give it an High Distinction!
Where: 18/52 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Timezone
Nothing like a bit of healthy competition to get the heart rate up, blitz your bestie with more than 200 classic arcae games to choose from. With full-sized bowling lanes, dodgem cars and laser skirmish there’s something for all ages – including the big kids at heart.
Where: Level 1, 72-80 Marine Parade, The Strand, Coolangatta

The Pink Hotel
Not a Cooly local? No problem, because one of our most aesthetic hotels just happens to call Coolangatta home! It’s impossible to miss the iconic pink glow of the Palm Springs inspired Pink Hotel, if it weren’t for the fact that you can spot the GC’s glorious skyline from it, we’d forgive you for thinking you were in the California desert. Originally a motel, the legends behind The Pink Hotel lovingly restored it to its current glory so now we gorg destination for the ultimate staycation – love that for us.
Where: 171 Griffith St, Coolangatta

Eddie’s Grub House
Rock ‘n roll meets fried chicken, burgers and whiskey: does it get any better than that? Get a mouthful of naughty but nice American classics in this soul food dive bar. They regularly have live music and karaoke nights if you’re feeling brave, it’s long been a Cooly institution for good grub and good vibes – for good reason!
Where: 171 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Cooly Rocks On
It’s got to be one of the most colourful creations that Cooly has brought us, each and every year we love seeing Cooly transform into the home of motors and music with a dedicated festival to celebrate the lifestyle of yesteryear. Think Hot Rods, Elvis Tribute Artists, Swing Dancing, Pin Up Pageants and so much more,
Where: Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.

Music royalty on the Coast, Benny D Williams has been on the scene for over 20 years.

We sat down with the living legend to chat about his first appearance at the iconic Blues on Broadbeach festival and the array of instruments in his ever-growing arsenal.

It’s almost time for Blues on Broadbeach again, what can we expect from your sets?
This is my first year playing Blues on Broadbeach so I’m really excited about the opportunity to play such a well-established and respected event alongside some legendary acts. Therefore I’ll be delivering “all killer, no filler” for my two sets over the weekend.

What do you love most about the festival?
I love the fact that punters can wander around between stages and see a wide range of great rootsy music. There’s a magnificent vibe in the air over the whole weekend. It really is something special.

Tell me about your style of music, how do you describe it to people?
My music is an eclectic combination of soulful sounds featuring rhythmic percussive grooves and drenched in psychedelic sunshine.

How many instruments are in your arsenal these days?
It varies but for this special show I’ll be packing a few guitars, Djembe drums, harmonicas, a kazoo, a recorder, my trusty cowbell and a bunch of other bells and toys which I’ll probably end up playing all at once piped through a rather large pedal board of special effects. Maybe a clarinet too.

What’s your favourite thing about performing?
That fleeting moment shared with the audience. Letting go and flowing with the music as it takes me to places I’ve never been. Improvising grooves and building a song from nothing…there’s lots of things. Performing is like meditation, I always feel like I’ve cleansed my soul somehow after a show.

How have you seen the Coast’s music scene transform over the last 20 years?
The Gold Coast and Brisbane have blossomed into a thriving creative community in so many ways. We still have a long way to go before we can match Sydney or Melbourne but I definitely think the Bjelke-Petersen hangover is wearing off.

What do you mean by the “Bjelke-Petersen hangover”?

A long time ago Queensland was a very conservative state run by a crooked bunch of National Party politicians. Joh Bjelke-Petersen was the Premier and basically drove any creative types to Sydney and Melbourne to escape from this dodgy bunch who used the police as henchmen to shut down anything they thought was outside the boundaries of good taste and often with the use of physical violence, especially towards the LGBTQ community. My parents were theatre folk who moved to Melbourne from QLD back in the day. The National Party of the 70s and 80s was an evil, nepotistic, crooked regime and they all got busted in the Fitzgerald enquiry. Queensland has regained some of its arts culture and it’s hard to catch up after 20 years or so of stunted growth but we’re getting there.

How did you come to be involved in blues music…tell us your story?
Blues is the essence of everything I write essentially. I was raised on old rock and roll and that’s stuck with me. When I was a teenager I hunted out the originals that influenced people like Elvis, Buddy Holly, Bill Haley, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones and later I drenched myself in Zeppelin and Hendrix…still do! There’s something honest and delightfully simple about the blues that resonates with me, it’s pretty much my default setting. When I wake up in the morning I make a coffee and pick up a guitar and play/learn some blues riffs. I think that’s a pretty great way to watch the sunrise.

What’s up next for you after Blues on Broadbeach?
HEAPS! I’m currently releasing a new single every month in 2017 culminating in a big album launch in December. It will have all those songs on it and a few new ones including a live track. At the same time, I’m producing lots of other local acts in the studio. From a gig perspective I’m doing a very special dinner and show on the 22nd of June upstairs at Edelweiss in their beautiful function room, which will be an audiovisual feast for the senses. It will be rock solid.

Your favourite piece of life advice…

Follow your dreams, be good to each other and don’t litter. Let everybody do what they want to do as long as it doesn’t mess with anyone else’s trip.

You’re not a Gold Coast local if you haven’t…

…watched the fireworks on the beach at NYE.

Favourites:

Beach: Not telling!! Haha.
Café: Iron and Resin Garage or anywhere that has live local music.
Music venue: To play at…at the moment I’m loving The Avenue in Surfers Paradise and Miami Marketta is great, there’s heaps! Still we need more venues that can handle live bands.
Bar: Cambus Wallace at the moment. Although I haven’t had the chance to hit any bars lately because I’ve been fairly busy. Hopefully soon!