Solo girls just wanna have fun.
Solo girls just wanna have fun.
So we hear you’re sans a significant other. Don’t worry, we got you – and haven’t you heard, single is the new relationship! Or maybe it’s just us saying that. Who cares, because what’s more of a vibe than knocking back an entire pack of Tim Tams for dinner while you binge watch MAFS like no one’s watching? Because no one is watching.
Soak up that glorious singledom and being responsible for no one but me, myself and I (and my dog) because it turns out there are loads of things you could be doing to fill up your cup as the Gold Coast’s most eligible Bachelor or Bachelorette.
Try all the foods
One of the best things about being single is being able to eat whatever you crave without compromise. Feel like gelato for dinner? You got it! Cooking not on the menu? Uber Eats from your favourite Thai it is. Craving Jimmy Wah’s but got no one to go with? Who cares! There’s something we love about a solo dinner date. No eating something you don’t want because the person you’re eating with is fussy/boring/not vibing the same menu as you. Our favourite spots for solo dinner dates? Try Rosella’s, Local or Cantina in Mermaid Beach for epic eats and people watching.
Get crafty
Let your inner Picasso run wild at one of the multitude of adult craft workshops on offer around the GC. Mesi Studio is one of the Coast’s newest craft, paint and sip venues, with textured art classes taking centre stage #yippee. The Craft Parlour, offers everything from floral embroidery to bead & sips and kokedama workshops. Or if you like to get your hands dirty, why not try a clay and sip experience at Stone Studio & Co in Currumbin? Come alone or come with a crew, either way you’re guaranteed a good time.
Shop ‘til You Drop
If you’re anything like us, there’s a good chance your retail therapy will cost more than your actual therapy #yolo. We’ve got some of the country’s best shopping centre’s in our backyard, so it’d be rude not to shop up a storm at Pacific Fair if you ask us. If you’re being budget-concious (or just love a good bargain) head north to Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre. They’ve got all your favourite brands for loads less with a spiffy eats and sips precinct to boot.
Self Care’s The Word
Spa days are the ultimate single gal good time. There are plenty of places to indulge on the Coast from escape-for-a-week retreats like Gwinganna to the luxe and spa-kling new embodiment of bliss, the Spa By JW. Nothing says ‘self care’ like a soak session at Soak Bathhouse. Go solo or grab your girl gang and cycle through the warm magnesium baths and cold plunge pools. If you’re wanting more – add on a luxe massage or solo infrared sauna session, listen to an audiobook while you sweat it out and we promise you’ll feel a million bucks for it. Smooth skin and super chill vibes await.
Let’s Get Physical
Hit the pavement and get your heart rate up at one of the many run clubs calling the GC home. Our personal fave? Unfit Run Club, because who doesn’t want to finish a jog with a jug of beer! A way to get fit AND meet new peeps? Sign us up.
If you’re more about the great outdoors then explore one of our incredible Hinterland hiking trails. If you’re lucky and the weather gods have been good to you, you’ll even get a solid waterfall spotting – perfect spot for a refreshing dip.
Movie Date
It might feel cliché but there’s just something so liberating about taking a solo movie date. Because when was the last time you went to the cinemas, be honest? Book yourself some tix to that rom-com you’ve been dying to see (Gold Class, because you deserve it) and treat yourself to your favourite sweetie treaties. No compromising and being forced to watch the 456th Equalizer movie. Hot tip, DENDY at Queen Street Village, often screens previews and opening night specials including a glass of sparkling wine with your ticket purchase #fancy.
Get Your Mermaid On
‘Oh naurrrr Cleo’ we hear you say, but we know deep down you’ve been dying to have your mermaid moment and there’s no better place than Currumbin Rock Pools. The ultimate sanctuary for singles, pack a bag with a book and a baguette and you’ll be set for at least a couple of hours to soak up the tranquil vibes. If saltwater is your preference, perch up at Talle Creek or one of our other incredible beachside spots and ground yourself while you become one with the ocean. Bliss.
Bingo’s Not Just for Old Ducks
Get the girls (and guys if they must) together for a night of ugly laughing with Miami Marketta’s iconic Drag Queen Bingo. Thing big costumes and even bigger personalities, it’s a fixture on the GC events calendar for a reason. There’s a DJ spinning your favourite camp tunes and bringing the vibes all night long. The best bit? You can book in tables of two, four or six so grab a bestie or five and get ready for the night of your lives.
Get Your Exhibitionist On
Not like that, you weirdo. We mean to get better acquainted with the Arts at HOTA, one of Queensland’s most impressive Galleries and a very welcome addition to the Coast’s art and culture scene. The exhibits change every few months so there’s always something fresh to look at. Finish it off with a bite or beverage at HOTA’s rooftop bar, The Exhibitionist. Sounds like a pretty perfect day.
Learn to Surf
It’s pretty much a rite of passage if you’re a Gold Coaster, so if you can’t surf then what have you been doing?! Currumbin Alley is renowned for being one of the most beginner friendly spots to catch a wave, so book a spot at one of ripper surf schools and let your inner grom out. Currumbin Alley Surf School even have a 6 week surfing challenge so you can find some mates (or a mate) and put those new skills to work.
Chill out
If there’s ever been a time or a reason to focus on me, myself and I, it’s when you’re single. So what better way to dig deep and honour yourself than with the legends at Cool 2 Be Conscious. They’ve brought community breathwork, meditation and ocean dips to the masses and there’s a reason why hundreds – yes, hundreds – rock up rain, hail or shine for their sessions each and every week. As Australia’s largest breathwork movement, it’s the perfect spot to dip your toes into the concept of breathwork (pun intended). Sounds wholesome, because it is.
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
Feeling a little ho-hum over your usual sweat sesh rotation? Or maybe your rickety rig has been feeling less like a temple and more like a ‘fixer upper’ of late?
Whether you revel in any reason to get the ole’ bod moving, or the thought of exercise bores you to your very core – having some exciting new options to throw in your trusty repertoire can never be a bad thing. So without further ado, here are 10 unique exercise experiences on the GC to try your hand at. Because, y’know, variety is the spice of life, and all that.
Retro Fit
Sweatbands, sweaty bods and lairy leg warmers as far as the eye can see – no, you have not stepped back to a simpler time when Aerobics Oz Style dominated our pre-dawn tele viewing (#NostalgiaAlert). We are, in actual fact, referring to Retro Fit, an assortment of 80’s themed aerobics sessions where you get to strut your stuff to all your favourite bygone bangers… so basically, the most fun one can have while working out. Held at The Junction in Burleigh Heads, there’s different types of sessions going down several times a week, so there’s really no excuse not to get down and… get physical [gyrating intensifies].
Where: 14 Junction Rd, Burleigh Heads
Lights Out and Dance
For the rhythmically challenged among us; if the chance get your groove on under the cover of pitch black darkness sounds a dream, get on down to Lights Out and Dance and ‘dance like nobody’s watching’ (literally). Get those endorphins flowing while you lose yourself to some sweet dance beats in what is basically the most unintimidating group setting you can get. The intuitive-style sessions are held in a dark room so you can work up a sweat shaking what your mama gave you without a care in the world; and have stacks of fun in the process. Post-workout glow, incoming!
Where: Broadbeach Cultural Centre, Hooker Blvd &, Sunshine Blvd, Broadbeach Waters and Runaway Bay Youth Centre, 379 Oxley Drive, Runaway Bay
Puppy Yoga
No, we haven’t gone barking mad – Puppy Yoga is very much a thing… and yes, it’s exactly as amazing as it sounds. Picture down-dogging ’til hearts content, whilst being overrun by a sea of cute puppies! Hosted by the mindful fun and animal snuggle purveyors at Karmably, there’s various, oxytocin-boosting pop up dates held at Flow St8 throughout the year. Plus, we get to feel extra good knowing we’re helping socialise the pint-sized participants while we get our sweat on! Yep… it’s paw-ficial the perfect workout really does exist.
Where: Flow St8, 10 Fifth Ave, Palm Beach
Run Clubs
If your typical cardio rotation consists only of running away from your problems and jumping to conclusions, the various iterations of social run clubs that call the GC home will make a runner out of you yet. If you’re looking for a supportive environment where you can slide on in at snails pace without so much as a second glance, Parkrun is a perennial fave. With community events held weekly from Coomera through to Kirra, participants are welcome to walk, jog, run, or simply spectate. Or for a little extra incentive; we’d recommend checking out clubs that strategically plan their routes around our fine assortment of local watering holes, such as Unfit Run Club and Good Good Running.
Where: Assorted clubs/locations across the Gold Coast
Aerial yoga
If you’ve seen one tree pose, you’ve seen them all, right? Well, not necessarily… If you’re looking to shake up your usual stretch-and-breath sesh, Aerial yoga is where its at! Experience yoga from a whole new perspective, with an invigorating workout that involves performing poses gracefully suspended from a mix of hammock, silk and ring style contraptions. And the best part? You don’t even need to be a card-carrying yogi to get in on the fun! A variety of beginners classes mean people of all ages and abilities can learn the moves ‘on the fly’. Go on, why not give it a whirl!?
Where: Hapy Studio, 9/5 Traders Way, Currumbin
Therapy Fitness
When it comes to changing up the same ol’ workout grind, spin is hardly a revolutionary (geddit, heh) concept – but hear us out, because what we’re proposing is anything but your typical cycle class. At Therapy, Mermaid’s multi sensory fitness studio, the immersive ‘therapy’ sessions are all about boosting mental as well as physical wellbeing… and who doesn’t love a to-do list two-fer?! Combining music and movement, each of the fully integrated studio spaces have been optimised to get both the mind and the bod feeling fab. You’ll be glowing from the inside out in no time.
Where: Cnr Markeri St &, Southport Burleigh Rd Q Super Centre, Shop D2/D3, Mermaid Waters
Pound Fitness
Alright so remove any expectations you might have about what this entails and get excited for an extra fun time… because this workout ROCKS. Get ready to bliss out with ‘ya sticks out – fluro green drumsticks – that is, with the exhilarating full-body cardio jam session known simply as Pound. A rockstar-worthy workout that combines sweet beats with pilates inspired strength training and the sweat-dripping fun of drumming. What a time. Now this is the kind of exercise we could really ‘drum up’ some enthusiasm for! *ba dum tiss*.
Where: Various locations across the GC
Pole dancing
Does the thought of yet another yoga or pilates sesh low-key have you yawning? Why not step it up a notch and have a pole lot of fun challenging and contorting your core in ways you never even knew possible! Even if you’re not typically the flexy type; the pros behind some of our local studios promise there’s no previous experience or even coordination pre-requisites to give it a go! So really, we’ve got nothing to lose, and a whole lot of flexibility, and strength to gain. Sounds pretty badass to us.
Where: GCPOLEFIT, 87 Griffith St, Coolangatta and Rokh Fit Studio, Unit 2/19 Township Dr, Burleigh Heads
Cold Nips
What the heck is Cold Nips you ask? Well, basically, it’s a club dedicated to the art of starting your day with a nippy sunrise dip, that’s what. Promoting wellbeing and positive mental health, the national wellness initiative is all about finding joy and discomfort while connecting with like-minded peeps in nature, and how can you argue with a mood-boosting ritual like that? And to ensure they’re always keeping things fresh, each week’s mystery beach location is only revealed the Sunday night before.
Where: Locations vary weekly, check socials for deets.
NBHD HOT
If you’re in the mood to be challenged by more of a slow burn style workout – never fear GC, we gotchu… or at least, the Coast’s first infrared hot room does. Do not let the low impact movements and stretch-based routines deceive you – with German made infrared heating panels designed to heat your body from the inside out, a NBHD (or neighbourhood training) sesh will have you sculpting, strengthening and sweating like never before.
Where: 2582 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Words by Kellie Leader.
Sure, there are days we all wanna marinate in our PJ’s, binge watch crime dramas and play it extremely fast and loose with the ‘Are you still watching?’ button – but what about when we’re craving action of the outdoor variety?
If you’re looking to carve out the kind of self-care where you fill your lungs with crisp, mountain air, surround yourself with greenery and escape the grind for the day… we’re rather spoiled with some absolutely cracker spots on the GC.
From hidden water holes to World Heritage-listed walking tracks to explore, here are eight of the best in our own backyard. What are you waiting for? Get amongst it.
Burleigh Hill
Aaah, bookending our weekend by kicking back on Burleigh Hill to share a couple’a sundowners with the squad… what’s not to love? Well, middle-aged back pain would like a word, and it would like to *gently* remind us of the alternative for the mind, body and soul that lies a little further up the hill – that is, working up a sweat with a lap or two around the spectacular headland. Bask in the lush flora of Burleigh’s National Park, get the muscles moving and be rewarded with knockout birds-eye views of the coast in the process – it’s win-win. (Plus, there’s always the option for some post-workout brewski’s afterwards, if you’re so inclined.)
Where: Burleigh Hill (you probs won’t miss it)
Picnic Rock
Obviously our stunning national parks never fail to deliver when it’s serenity you’re craving, and the Picnic Rock trail is a particularly spectacular example of this. Here you can hike 3.5km of World Heritage-listed, waterfall-studded rainforest in all its glory, so rustle up some picnic provisions (as the aptly named spot implies) your ol’ faithful sneakers and set off in Canungra’s general direction (bless you, GPS). And honestly, the drive alone is pretty zen-inducing in and of itself. Once you reach the rock, perch up and reward your efforts with said packed lunch and savour a slice of paradise in our own backyard.
Where: Drive to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat (Canungra) then take the Border Track until you see the Picnic Rock turn off
Gold Coast Botanic Gardens
Often slept on by locals in our humble options – don’t discount the green space gem that is Rosser Park for your next nature hit. With 31 hectares of uninterrupted greenness to lose yourself in (not literally, pls) the Botanic Gardens are a sure fire way to give the serotonin levels a boost without having to go too far. There’s boardwalks and scenic trails to perambulate, picnic spots a plenty, plus the native Butterfly Garden and smell-and-touch Sensory Garden to frolic in. Aaaand, exhale.
Where: 230 Ashmore Road, Benowa
Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area
Whether you fancy a bush walk (or ride, or run.. apparently some people are into that kind of thing) or even a spot of birdwatching – there are some seriously stunning wetlands to the north of our delightful city just begging to be explored. With a whopping 1,200 hectares of wetlands, eucalypt forest, salt marshes and mangrove habitats to roam around, Coombabah’s Conservation Area is one of the best when you wanna connect with nature. The protected ecosystem is also home to some 274 species of animals, so channel your inner David Attenborough and keep your eyes peeled for rare birds, marsupials and more. Smashing!
Where: Shelter Road, Coombabah
The Wishing Tree Track
Aside from making us hungry for our iconic, coconut-coated snack, Lamington National Park is famously known for several walks well worth going out of your way for – and the delightful Wishing Tree Track is no exception. A leisurely yet enchanting 2.4km round trip, this pretty trek snakes through lush flora and across a suspension bridge before revealing the yawning hollows of its fabled tree. Once there, you can hang out a while, marvel at mother nature and throw a few wishes into the ether (what have we got to lose, really) – or opt to go the Glow Worm Gully side quest while you’re in the vicinity.
Where: At the Green Mountains below O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, Canungra
Currumbin Rock Pools
Currumbin’s natural swimming hole may well be one of the coast’s worst kept secrets… for very good reason. Tucked a mere ten minutes west of the Gold Coast Hwy on Currumbin Creek Rd, the idyllic pools are a natural wonderland where you can round up your crew, soak up the serenity of the cascading freshwater and cool off with a dip. If you’re visiting – or just yet to be acquainted with this soul-rejuvenating spot, we’d suggest you pack a picnic and make a day of it because once you get there, you won’t want to leave.
Where: Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Valley
Warringa Pool
A secluded little swimming hole nestled in a rainforest-flanked valley of Springbrook National Park – those who make the 3km trek there are rewarded ten-fold with a breathtaking vista and a peaceful place to take a refreshing dip in fresh mountain waters. Part of the Purling Brook Falls Circuit, the picturesque hike (which follows the river a ways downstream for a section) is open year-round and warrants checking out in and of itself even when the conditions are a little chilly for swimming. How’s the serenity!
Where: From the Settlement day-use area in Springbrook National Park, take the path to the Purling Brook Falls lookout
Hinze Dam
More than just our trusty H2O supply, Hinze Dam also has the inbuilt advantage of offering some excellent recreation options when you’re craving wide open spaces. With shades of blue and green far as the eye can see, marvel at the mammoth body of water while you cruise around and find a spot to chill that tickles your fancy, or perch up at View Cafe and soak up the picture-perfect outlook with a cuppa and tasty treat. Outdoorsy types will also appreciate roaming the multi-use trails, kayaking or perhaps a spot of (catch and release) fishing. Rex Hunt would be proud.
Where: Advancetown Road, Advancetown
Words by Kellie Leader.
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 26th 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 25th 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.
