If you haven’t set foot inside the pretty white cottage on the highway in Palm Beach, you’ve been missing out.

The Craft Parlour, baby of local lass Rachael Valentine, offers an array of arty workshops from macramé to mandala drawing, with the intention of bringing the community together to celebrate creativity.

We chat with Rach about the stunning studio space and her plans to make the world a little bit more sparkly.

How long have you lived on the beautiful Gold Coast?
I moved here briefly in 2001, then went overseas for three years and ended up settling back here permanently after my adventures.

What do you love most about our seaside city?
It’s relaxed vibes, the small town feels and accessibility to everything and of course the sunshine and beaches.

What’s The Craft Parlour all about?
Community vibes, connecting to yourself and others, stepping outside your comfort zone to try new things that might be on your creative wish list or to try something new that you may have never heard of before like Kokedamas (which are cute plants covered in a moss ball). It’s a place for coming together unleashing your creativity and also a place for celebrations with your girl gang at things like crafty bridal showers and baby showers.

What can people expect when they visit?
Quality workshops in an uplifting inspiring studio space with epic teachers who are leaders in their craft. Homely welcoming vibes, making new friends while sipping on herbal tea and nibbling on Tim Tams and scones! We promise you will leave smiling and feeling more passionate about life!

Where did the idea come from?
I dreamt up the idea of The Craft Parlour about five years before we opened our doors. I wanted an outlet where creatives could share their passion and skills and inspire others to find their own and of course, so I could hang out with these types of people on the daily to fuel my own creativity.

Why is it important for the Coast to have something like this?
It’s not just the Coast that needs these types of studios, I think every state and every country around the world should have creative hubs just like ours, the more people crafting and connecting to their true authentic creative self the more exciting, sparkly and humble this world will be to live in.

What were you doing before you went into the craft biz?
I had a lot more time on my hands that’s for sure. I was sewing a lot, dreaming up opening The Craft Parlour, riding my bike in the sunshine by the ocean and running my other business Hattie.

What exciting things have you got happening for the rest of the year?
We are working on a lot of new concepts and have just started offering pop up bridal and baby showers outside of the studio plus there is another overseas craft tour in the pipeline! It’s all very exciting times in our crafty world right now.

Best piece of life advice you’ve ever received?
Fill your life with good people that bring out the best version of yourself. Go on adventures and try new experiences. These are the real nuggets in life that will bring you happiness and keep you feeling young and free.

Being a Gold Coast local we have to ask your favourites…
Beach: Greenmount and Kirra
Café: Little Mali for epic take away salads and avo toast to eat by the seaside.
Restaurant: Tupe Aloha is always fun times and delicious cocktails.
Weekend hangout: The Craft Parlour all weekend, every weekend is my weekly ritual

Calling all artsy folk and creative dabblers! If you’re keen to try your hand at life drawing, weave a little macramé magic or maybe learn a thing or two about the art of photography, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of places on the Gold Coast where you can get your art on, in any form! You might discover your inner Picasso or, at the very least, have a laugh-filled time giving it a go with the gang.

The Craft Parlour
One of the Coast’s cutest and most wholesome studios. It’s home to more creative workshops than you can poke a knitting needle at, from watercolour painting (with wine) to macramé, candle or clay boobie mug making! You can even make your own ceramic citrus juicer, brunch set or pet bowl! It’s not only enjoyable with friends and family but also a perfect way to meet fellow creative and like-minded folk!
Where: 27 Lemana Lane, Miami

The HIVE Art Gallery
Whether hunting for your next (or first) stunning art piece or keen to unleash some creativity of your own, this Currumbin-located gallery is a HIVE for all art-related activities. Test your skills at Life Drawing or find botanical bliss at a Fresco Painting workshop where flora and fauna are your muse. Kids don’t miss out, with similar style painting classes. Or, choose to admire other people’s creativity at one of their many art exhibitions. We promise you’ll be impressed.
Where: Suite 23, Number 5 Coghill Drive, Currumbin Waters

Dust Temple
This beautiful building tucked away in the back of Currumbin and has just celebrated 10 years of Life Drawing sessions! So, for those keen to try their hand at capturing the human form, you know you’re in expert hands here. It’s two and a half hours (6:30-9pm) of untutored drawing with a life model for just $30- all materials and live music provided! Dinner and drinks available through Dust Temple Cafe from 6pm.
Where: 54 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin

Clean Beauty Market
Looking for some guidance on your daily makeup routine? Learn how to apply your makeup from the best in the biz with the gals at Clean Beauty Market. The lessons are also a great way to discover natural products and makeup application techniques based on your skin type, needs and concerns. How good!
Where: 1/53 James Street, Burleigh Heads

The Sweet Fine Artist Studio
If you’re looking to take your fine art skills to the next level while still keeping a wine in hand (it’s called balance), we’ve found your haven. The Sweet Fine Artist Studio is many lovely things, including a space for hire and home to many a creative workshop. They have everything from your playful Paint (or Clay) and Sip to more technical and skill-enhancing workshops, including Life Drawing, Sculpting, Texture Painting and Lino Cut & Printing! It’s the perfect place for a mid-week burst of creativity, or why not plan an event around one of their offerings? Hens party life drawing anyone? Always a good time.
Where: 2/3 Karen Avenue, Mermaid Beach

POT Studios
POT Studios is home to all things ceramics, from pottery workshops and courses to a gorgeous curation of ceramic homewares to purchase. The Tugun-based studio was created by Cindy Hamrey, who simply wanted a space to create. Nowadays, you can find a host of workshops to enjoy, including ‘Wheel + Wine’ or ‘Date Night’ classes, or ‘make your own’ just about anything, including a dinner or breakfast set, fruit bowl, vessel, vase and of course, mug! The list goes on! Why not dive right in with a 4-week ‘Intro to Pottery’ or ‘Intro to Wheel’ course!
Where: 30 Kaleena Street, Tugun

HOTA
It wouldn’t be a true Home of the Arts without plenty of creative classes to take part in. From crafting your own brushes to even more life drawing, your inner muse will surely be inspired at HOTA. There are classes for both adults and kids (hello, LEGO workshop), and new ones are added all the time, so why not get the whole family involved in something new and different. Keep up to date on what’s happening via their website.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

The Meraki Connection Creative Studio
Get ready to belly-laugh, get your hands dirty and make some memories at The Meraki Connection Creative Studio in Nerang. It’s another studio that seemingly has it all, with Paint and Sip, macramé, pottery, resin and painting workshops, as well as candle and soap making. They even have beeswax wrap workshops! The name ‘Meraki’ literally translates to ‘to do something with soul, creativity, or love’, and that’s precisely what you’ll find here.
Where: Shop 5 / 5-7 Lavelle Street, Nerang

Sip & Pearl
How does an afternoon of sipping bubbles while designing and creating unique freshwater pearl jewellery pieces sound? Amazing! Well, Sip and Pearl have done us a solid and bought two of our favourite things together (prosecco and pearls) in a workshop. You’ll be taken through each step of creating your choice of 1 or 2 pieces, like necklaces/chokers, bracelets, anklets, earrings or rings, with all creations professionally clasped by their team at the end! Workshops are held at various Gold Coast locations (usually breweries), including Lost Palms Brewing Co in Miami and Hard Fizz Taproom in Burleigh Waters.
Where: Various Gold Coast locations

Crockd Studios
Don’t even get us started on how drop-dead gorgeous these studios are….omg you got us started! Based in Kingscliff and Currumbin, Crockd Studios, formerly known as Stone Studios, offers two of the most aesthetic spaces to get your creative juices flowing, which apparently translates into the most aesthetic pottery work. Just take one look at their Insta, and you’ll know what we’re talking about. Get your Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze on (Ghost style) at their ‘Date Night Wheel Class’, or fly solo or with friends at one of their ‘Vase and Vino’ or ‘Wheel and Wine’ workshops. Either way, you’re leaving with an adorable creation- guaranteed!
Where: Unit 6/14 Nuban St, Currumbin Waters and 1/110 Marine Parade, Kingscliff

Artable Studio
Whether you prefer to paint in watercolour, oil or acrylic or favour a pencil in hand, Artable Studio has you covered. From Impressionist Landscapes to Floral Painting in Acrylic, you’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy. Classes are held at various locations across the Gold Coast in the loveliest of spaces, from The Borrowed Nursery to Burleigh Brewing. You’ll undoubtedly make a new friend or two amongst all the paint and good vibes. Lessons start from $33.
Where: Various Gold Coast locations

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

Get in loser, we’re going shopping (and eating, and brewery-hopping, and sight seeing, and exploring street art, and… you get the idea)

Now you might be wondering why we’re throwing around random movie quotes to kick off this list (in our defence there is a Mean Girls line for *every* occasion) – but if suburbs were Mean Girls characters, Miami would for sure be the one to utter this iconic line. Miami has it all, and it knows it. Take one glance at just some of the epic spots we’ve lined up and you’ll soon see why all the other suburbs wish they could be this cool.

Granddad Jacks

It used to be that Granddads were good for stealing our noses and sneaking us butter candy, but in Miami, Granddad Jacks is good for plying us the finest locally distilled spirits, gin making classes, distillery tours and of course and just an all-round cool haunt to sit back with a top notch bevvy and let our mullets run free. These masterful wizards didn’t amass a whopping haul of awards by getting distracted by anything other than distilling, so it’s BYO food too (and surely that means more to spend on the good stuff!). Make sure you try the 65 Miles Gin, recently crowned the Hottest Aussie Gin for a third year in a row!
Where: 45 Lemana Lane, Miami

Miami Fish Market

It would be shell-fish of us not to include Miami Fish Market, as much as we would love to keep this absolute pearl a secret. They hook the Gold Coast up with responsibly sourced, premium seafood from Australia and New Zealand (unlike heading home empty-handed from your holy grail fishing spot). Take some of their freshest and finest home to enjoy, or pull up a stool in their courtyard oyster and sashimi bar for a shuck-tastic time. Now offering a full (fancy-pants) fish and chips menu. Potato scallops and caviar, anyone?
Where: 1/54 Paradise Ave, Miami

Miami Marketta

The Coast’s OG street food night markets that put Miami on the map as a must-visit destination for foodies and live music lovers alike. The first venue of it’s kind to Miami and perhaps even the Coast, Marketta quickly grew to establish itself as a mainstay among the GC scene, bringing good vibes, live music and great food galore via the eclectic creative and cultural hotspot for over ten years now. Our beloved market brings us all our favourite tastes of the world as well as that same buzzing atmosphere that’s favoured by families especially, for rounding up their rowdy broods for an easy night out that everyone can enjoy.
Where: 23 Hillcrest Pde, Miami

Pizzey Park

We have a grand idea for ya! Why not take those freshly shucked oysters to-go and hit the picturesque Pizzey Park for a bougie picnic? It’s one of the biggest parks on the coast, a local icon, and a hub for sports, clubs, recreation, and fun times for all ages. There’s an aquatic centre, playgrounds galore, a wheely epic skate park, the Gold Coast’s first and Australia’s largest asphalt pump track and, let’s not forget, the off-leash dog area for our four-legged BFFs. In fact, paw out of five dogs agree that Pizzey is the best park for zoomies on the GC.
Where: 80 Pacific Ave, Miami

Bar Monte

One of Miami’s most recent (and appreciated) additions is Bar Monte. This Italian eatery is so good it’s saving us a trip to Rome. They’re bringing the classic trattoria to us, with a modern twist, by blending international influences with fresh, local ingredients. The result is a menu as bold as it is delizioso.

The space is stylish yet inviting, striking the perfect balance between high-end sophistication and relaxed coastal charm. Pasta lovers will swoon over the Rigatoni, Vodka Sauce, Nduja and Stracciatella, and don’t even get us started on the wine list; curated by world-renowned sommelier Andrea Martinisi.
Where: No.3 Mountain View Ave, Miami

Street Art

It’s no secret us Gold Coasters are quite partial to doing what we can to our put our best #lewks forward, and over the last few years the streets of Miami have also been undergoing somewhat of a glow up themselves (and #spoileralert – there’s no filler to be found here folks). The suburb is at the heart of a thriving GC art and cultural boom, with a bunch of incredible artists transforming the local laneways into a destination in and of themselves. There’s even the Art Roll website dedicated to mapping out the best routes for your own self-led street art tour.

And the event that started the movement, Surface Festival returns at the end of June, set to transform the local footpaths, fence lines, laneways and walls with some art-mazing fresh new works to admire and we’re here. for. it.
Where: Check the Art Roll website for locations

Miami Hill

Okay, now it just feels like Miami is showing off and 501 (no kidding) Google reviews can’t be wrong. At first glance those deceptively colourful trademark stairs might look all sunshine and rainbows, but one thing’s for sure – conquer that climb and you will be rewarded with one of the best vantages on the coast. With stunning views of the coastline from Surfers right down to Burleigh, there’s only one thing left to say: How’s. the. serenity. (and maybe a hearty dose of *heavy breathing* depending on how many times you decide to take on those stairs #cardi-no thanks)
Where: At the south end of Miami (you can’t miss it) 

Broken Hearts Burger Club

If you love a good smash burger (and let’s be real, who doesn’t?), Broken Hearts Burger Club in Miami is calling your name. Born from one guy’s lockdown obsession with nailing the perfect LA-style burger, this cult-favourite joint keeps things simple – and seriously delicious. Choose between a classic or fancy burger, stack it up with one, two, or three patties, and let the molten cheese and house-made pickles do the talking. Throw in some loaded fries, a thick shake, and that retro diner aesthetic, and you’ve got yourself a one-way ticket to burger heaven. #sorrynotsorry
Where: 1934 Gold Coast Highway, Miami

The Shores Miami

Move over, high-rise hotels – motels of the Gold Coast are getting a makeover, and boy, are they impressing. Exhibit A- The Shores Miami. Nestled just 200 metres from Miami Beach, this 1970s Gold Coast gem has recently undergone a multi-million dollar transformation, blending retro vibes with modern comfort to create its perfect nostalgic charm.

Inside, find bright, modern rooms, orange sun lounges with overhead striped cabanas, a gorgeous pool, lush greenery, and soothing pastel colours. Outside; endless adventure, starting with this list! Staycation, anyone?
Where: 2016 Gold Coast Highway, Miami

Whyld Coffee Roasters

There will always be room on the Gold Coast and in our hearts for another coffee roastery (get rid of the servos; we just need coffee). However, by no means is Whyld ‘just another’ coffee bar, channelling the strength of a triple espresso since 2021. That’s what we’re talking about! They promise ‘genuine connection fuelled by bloody good coffee’ and serve it up in a warehouse space/micro-roastery cuter than your grandma’s knitted blankets. Take your organic specialty coffee to go, or take a seat on one of their vintage couches and soak up the good vibes (the recommended take).
Where: 8/43 Hillcrest Parade, Miami

Well Bread & Pastry

You can’t beat having a neighbourhood bakery (a carb-load close to home), particularly a European-inspired one. An ideal day on a plate for us would look like a warm, buttery fruit Danish for breakfast (washed down with a mighty good coffee), a ham, cheese and pickle baguette sandwich for lunch, followed by a basket full of buttery, flaky pastries for dessert. No veggie in sight! He he.
Where: Shop 5/1934 Gold Coast Highway, Miami

Roji Cat

Japanese beer + Japanese street eats = heaven. Therefore, heaven can be found in Miami at the suburbs’ very own Japanese beer bar, Roji Cat. Here, you’ll be transported (at Shinkansen speed) to the neon-lit districts of Tokyo and Osaka, with an interior decorated to resemble their authentic alleyways, down to the signage and lanterns.

What else will you find? Twelve Japanese brews on tap and twenty-four types of sake, for starters! Then there’s the nosh, a curation of elevated Japanese street food that’ll have you sighing ‘oishii’, with every bite. Think Robata Skewers, sweet and spicy Roji Cat Karaage, Gyoza, Sashimi, Miso Corn (love you) and burgers including a Bug Burger with a tempura Moreton Bay Bug, spicy Japanese coleslaw and Kewpie mayo. We’ll take all of that, thank you so much.
Where: 47 Lemana Lane, Miami

UGG Since 1974

It’s almost time to pack away the budgie smugglers and slip into something a little more cosy as we edge closer to the cooler months. Enter UGG Since 1974 – churning out wearable warm hugs for your feet since, well, 1974. Don’t be feeling sheepish if you didn’t know they’ve expanded their range to include a huge selection of colours, styles and options to customise including monogramming (cute!), as well as paw-dorable pet accessories (even cuter!) With factory tours running right out of Miami, the only thing better than supporting locals is treating your tootsies to a cloud-nine experience in the process.
Where: 23 Christine Ave, Miami

Precinct Brewing Co

Have you worked up a thirst reading this list? Thankfully, we’ve saved everyone’s favourite brewery (yep, we called it) for last- Precinct Brewing Co. Step through their doors and you’ll be welcomed into one sleek space; all white with high ceilings, wooden beams, a couple more murals and some massive brew kettles in the background of it all. You can see why people say it’s the place to beer! Don’t forget to grab one of the tasty pizzas coming from the onsite kitchen, too…
Where: 17 Christine Ave, Miami

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

In what may just be the happiest news of 2018, a gin and whiskey distillery will roll open its doors in a few short weeks and we could not be more into it.

Granddad Jacks Distillery has been in the works for what feels like four years to those of us who love both gin and whiskey a little too much. In reality it’s only been four months but the wait is almost over.

On August 24^th, the industrial-style Miami distillery will open for the good folks of the Gold Coast and, it’s certainly a cause to celebrate. Found on Lemana Lane, the distillery has taken up in what used to be a mechanics workshop and the transformation is pure magic.

Father/son team and owners Dave and Luke Ridden (along with the lovely Jess) scoured the Gold Coast in search of iron beams and the like to build a space that fits perfectly in Miami’s backstreets. Steel-inspired high tables with copper stools stretch down the centre of the room and two of the coolest leather couches we’ve ever seen make for a little chill spot at one end (if they go missing forget you read this). A day bed along one wall is lined with colourful cushions and underneath a mural proclaiming ‘too busy for bullshit, too tipsy to care’ and that, friends, is our new life motto.

Above the bar, an exposed brick wall boasts a painted portrait of the man himself, Granddad Jack, whose face peers out over the whole space, keeping an eye on you and your whiskey-fuelled shenanigans. There are wine barrels placed artfully about and the cruisiest of cruisers, decked out in Granddad Jack’s signage, is parked up the back. Oh and the main affair, a huge copper still sits at the back pumping out all the tasty booze. Love you.

So who is this Granddad Jack your new favourite watering hole is named after? Well, he’s a New Zealand born lad whose hard work and sharp mind allowed him to pay a huge family debt singlehandedly at the ripe old age of 14, that’s who. Luke, his great grandson, adopted the same hard working, ‘too busy for bullshit’ attitude and here we are, just a humble beachside city with our very own distillery. What a time.

Granddad Jack’s will sell only their own styles of both gin and whiskey and they’ll have a few varieties of each including what they call a ‘navy strength’ gin that’s 58%. Gimme.

There’ll be no food available on site but, hooray, you can BYO whatever you like so it’ll be a cheese platter and gin party for us thank you very much.

The epic space is also available for events including birthdays, engagement parties and wedding receptions and there was even a secret Sofar Sounds gig there recently. So much room for activities.

Okay we’re done and so very excited. Keep August 24^th free, you won’t want to miss this one.

LOCATION: 43 Lemana Lane, Miami
HOURS: 10am until midnight Wednesday to Sunday

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

How good is making new friends in a sweet, good time space while pretending to work but really just watching animal docos? So good, gang.

In an (un)surprising turn of events, you can now do all of those things at the Coast’s sweet new co-working and events space in the suburb that may just be our new fave – Miami.

The gist is this. Lemana Lane is a kind of urban, cool kids paradise that was once only home to mechanics and warehouses hording who knows what. Now though, it’s a place you definitely want to be, what with the recent opening of Hotel Miami and a coming soon gin distillery.

Hotel Miami’s creators realised the areas potential far before the rest of us, nabbed themselves a warehouse space and filled it with all kinds of goodies. There’s velvet couches, handmade desks (ask ‘em how that went down) perfect for Insta-snaps, a dartboard and best of all, a Yamaha parked right in front of a neon sign that reads “fuck yeah”.

Oh and there’s a photo studio too. See, good times.

The idea was to open a space that would allow co-owner Nick to escape from the confines of his bedroom and a cat whose actual name is Winston Smushface.

Jokes. It was so Nick, along with his fiancé Jessie (the boss) and mate Darran, could create a place to hang out with other creatives, “work” on their various other businesses and create a fun little Miami community. They adapted a community event they used to attend in Venice Beach where local businesses would come together and showcase their goods while also making rad new friends.

The point is, you can rent one of those handmade desks for a day or on a fulltime basis (recommended for bulk good times) and there are upstairs offices up for grabs too.

The photo studio can also be hired for any fun projects you’ve got going on and there’s super speedy Internet and everyone’s other favourite thing – air conditioning.

As of April 6^th there’ll be an event on the first Friday of every month (dubbed First Friday to make writing about it easier) that’ll showcase local artists and finally bring Gold Coasters the live music we need and deserve.

Whether you’re in the market for a new workspace or not, get down there and check it out, the crew are keen to meet all the like-minded creatives they can muster.

And they’re not bad at hilarious banter either.

LOCATION: 1/49 Lemana Lane, Miami

Words and photos by Kirra Smith