In case those gloriously clear blue skies daily didn’t already give you the heads up (or, a calendar for that matter) it’s officially time to throw those cardi’s and jumpers over our old faithful summer wardrobe because winter is upon us. Well, as close as we get to ‘winter’ here on the GC, anyway.

By no means does that mean you have to hibernate though. We would actually argue this is the superior time of the year to be getting out and about without our old foe humidity ruining our hair and the all round comfort levels.

As luck would have it, our friends at The Star have been cooking up a veritable feast of options to keep our spirits high (choose to take that literally or figuratively). They’re stoking up the fire pits to keep us warm and toasty on the outside, and the seasonal winter menu will act as a cosy hug for your insides. Oh, and a few lashings of whiskey (the OG #winterwarmer) certainly never hurt either.

Winter at Garden Kitchen & Bar
Once it officially cools down enough to bust out the heaters and fire pits to keep us cosy, Garden Kitchen & Bar has got that same chilled out, camping under the stars feel with zero of the fuss or leaky tents (we’d say BYO marshmallows but we’ve taken a peek at the winter menu and can safely say that won’t be necessary).

When it comes to the winter menu specials, the phrase ‘winter warmers’ springs to mind but it feels like a huge understatement as far as we’re concerned. For $65, feast upon three expertly paired courses starting with the Parsnip and leek soup with flaked salmon (and of course toasted sourdough, obvs) Because we’ve officially filed ‘serving soup without crusty bread’ under ‘things that feel like they should be illegal but aren’t’. And the sound of the slow-cooked beef cheeks with fried garlic chats, broccolini, roasted baby carrots and red wine jus alone have us ready to hop The G mid-sentence #berightover. And to finish, it’s everyone’s fave pud Sticky date pudding, pineapple, caramel and vanilla ice cream (sorry Christmas pud, but caramel wins every time).

Now if the thought of that doesn’t already have you done like a dinner, the hearty (and boozy) seasonal specials will be hard to go past. Choose from likes of the Lamb chops with a CC whiskey gravy or perhaps Baked oysters with smoked CC whisky butter and bacon for the sea-foodies. But really, we camembert the thought of missing out on the Baked Brie with CC whiskey honey and toasted pecans with warm toast.

And because who doesn’t love kicking back and soaking up those open air alfresco vibes on a crisp winters evening, there’s also DJ’s every Friday and Saturday night on The Lawn. Drop it like it’s… a lovely 12°C GC evening (doesn’t quite have the same ring to it tho).

Gifts from The Garden
The Garden really is the gift that just keeps giving this winter. And it’s good news if you’re overdue to get the crew together (or just feeling really really hungry #jks #technically).

Receive a bottle of 750ml Whispering Angel Rosé when you order 4 or more main meals, or upgrade to the 1.5L bottle of Magnum Whispering Angel Rosé when you order 8 or more. Word to the wise? The wine may be dry, but an offer this sweet needs to be booked in advance.

What’s on
You didn’t think The Star would be leaving us marooned when it comes to winter sports, did you?

This Origin season, they’re hosting all three nail-biting QLD v NSW clashes from two of their incredible venues, choose to watch the game under the stars on The Lawn at Garden Kitchen & Bar, or get the stadium experience in the Sports Bar live, large & loud. Because we all know the electric atmosphere is as integral to the Origin experience as the ice cold beers and ribbing of our mates that insist on sporting a blue jersey #booooo.

Here’s a tip for the die-hard footy fans among us: make sure your Origin night’s a winner by pre-booking a bougie booth package at either venue to secure the best seats in the house, with some unbeatable food and bev inclusions to boot.

Kick off game night with MC’s to bring the hype, giveaways and footy themed fare. Catch the Qld Burger throughout June, with fried chicken burger, sriracha mayo, coleslaw, pineapple with XXXX. Because when it comes to pineapple on burgs – and pizza – you can either be #teampineapple, or wrong.

If it’s the biff you wanna bring back, come watch Tim Tszyu Fight live on the big screens in the Sports Bar on the 18th June.

Ahhh, it sure is a hard life as a sports fan. Anyone else suddenly thirsty?

When: Various activations happening all winter long
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Words by Kellie Leader.

STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST

The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol. Guests must be aged 18 years or over to enter the casino. BET WITH YOUR HEAD, NOT OVER IT.

When we say Christmas on the Gold Coast, what comes to mind? Fireplaces, hot and hearty food with mulled wine and piping hot eggnog to warm us from the inside out, and (cringe) matchy-matchy pj’s to warm us from the outside in? Sleigh whattttt? Oh soz, our bad – we left off a couple of key words: Christmas on the GC… IN JULY.

We have some seriously tree-mendous Christmas in July options here guaranteed to squelch the resting Grinch face in all of us – and we’re here to tell you all about them. So treat yo’elf and check out the following….

Bon Appetea Teahouse
Fancy a Christmas inspired high tea in a 1900s building with garden tables and a huge sprawling veranda? Yeah, us too! With Christmas carols, live music, mulled wine (eee), little pressies for guests (double eee) and loads of fairy lights, it’s pure Christmas (in July) perfection! Tickets are $80 for adults + $10 for a sneaky bubbles (treat yourself, after all Christmas only comes around.. twice.. a year) and $30 for the kidlets.
Where: 7 Johns Road, Mudgeeraba
When: Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 July

Distillery Road Markets (DRM)
DRM is transforming its outdoor entertainment precinct into a winter wonderland to host Trucks and Tunes – Christmas in July edition! Gather your gang and embark on a street food journey, devouring delicious food made onsite by the line-up of food trucks. Enjoy top notch tunes and support local makers by shopping up a storm with a great line up of local Artisan market stalls hosted by BrisStyle. With free entry and free parking, just YES!
Where: 124 Distillery Road, Eagleby
When: 4pm – 9pm Saturday 15 July

Aviary Rooftop Bar
Wrapped up neatly in another of their “Sessions” series is Aviary Rooftop Bar’s White Christmas event on Saturday 22nd July from 1pm to 3pm. Attendees will be delighted by a two hour food & bev package and some sweet live tunes. With a White Candy Cane martini on arrival, and later a heartwarming Egg Nog cocktail to tide your afternoon over, there will certainly be no issues getting into the festive spirit. Yule get to feast upon a spread fit for Santa and all his helpers, with yuletide high tea towers and a festive grazing station (suddenly the stretchy red trousers make so much sense). Elevate your experience (to rooftop level status) and also enjoy Aviary’s signature authentic Italian pizzas loaded with Chrissy-inspired toppings that are sure to be more lit than a Christmas tree. Guys, tickets are just $73.24pp… so we suggest you gift yourself a good time and book!
Where: Aviary Rooftop Bar, 5 Melia Court, Southport
When: Saturday 22nd July from 1pm to 3pm

Edgewater Dining
It would be rude-olf us to miss this waterfront gem off the list (if only Santa would bring us stunning water views this good on Christmas morning). Put a big ol’ circle around Wednesday 26 July in your calendar this faux festive season and partake in a 3-course, Christmas-themed share-style dinner for $89pp. There’s also prizes on offer, and definitely not your token pair of socks either, we’re talking proper wine and dining vouchers here folks. Bring your friends, bring your family, bring your appetite – and have a holly, jolly.. fun and festive evening.
Where: Shop 3 G7, Capri on Via Roma, Isle of Capri, Surfers Paradise
When: Wednesday 26 July

Dreamworld
We’re making this list, we’re checking it twice – and even though technically not “Christmas in July” specifically, a little taste of the wonder that is a European white Christmas still ticks the box as far as we’re concerned. Don the beanie (or don’t, because it’s the GC after all) and behold the winter wonderland that is Dreamworld’s Winterfest. Have a crack at ice skating on the full-sized rink ($15pp, or one session free for pass holders), enjoy winter themed shows and Euro inspired delights like waffles, pretzels and (most importantly) mulled wine available for purchase. If you’re the type to try a bit of everything – treat yourself to a Tasting Trail wristband (starting at $27.50pp). Sounds like a super cool day out to us!
Where: Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera
When: 10am – 5pm Mon-Sun, 24 June — 16 July

Drag Queen Bingo at Miami Marketta
Secure your Christmas packages and hold on to your jingle bells ‘coz the famous Drag Queen Bingo is back at everyone’s fave night market, Miami Marketta…Christmas style. Sleigh Queen! It doesn’t matter if you’ve been naughty or nice, this enchanting winter wonderland is an all-inclusive affair serving up endless lols. Featuring a lineup with names as big as the hairstyles – Dixie Wrecked, Ivyy Monroe, Shushu Funtanna and Kathy Pacific, this night will be the gift that keeps on giving #it’sgiving. Don’t be ‘elf-ish and tell your friends! Tickets start from $35.45pp.
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
When: 6.30pm Friday 21 July

The Collective
Tis the season (well, sorta kinda) and The Collective is here for it! Transforming into a Winter wonderland, you’re invited to rug up in your cringiest Christmas jumpers and nom your way around the globe at their annual Christmas in July shindig! The Chefs from Mazi, TaLA, Umami, Luckie’s & Italian Job are putting on a 4-course feast, with three hours of all inclusive beer, wine & speciality CC Christmas cocktail jugs from just $130.50pp. It’s beginning to feel a lot like.. all our Christmases have come at once.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
When: 6.00pm Friday 28 July 

Greendays
Welcome to Christmas in July, Bali meets GC style (wow, these are really getting niche). Because who couldn’t use a little mid-year merriment and it’s scientifically impossible have a bad time situated in tropical surrounds with enough fairy lights to make the set of Mamma Mia! blush (unless of course you’re the Grinch, in which case, this may not be the list for you) #hohohoe into delicious food and drinks while local musician Saxophonist Ben Ferguson helps you settle into the swing of things with some sweet tunes. Bust out your favourite Christmas attire and get ready for a jolly good time for $106.14pp.
Where: 8/6 Ashmore Rd, Bundall
When: 6.00pm Friday 28 and Saturday 29 July

D’Arcy Arms
If one Christmas celebration isn’t enough (it’s not), get your festive on all July long at D’Arcy Arms Irish Pub! Once again transforming their digs into a festive wonderland with all the Chrissy feels, there will be a roaring fire, succulent Christmas roasts, traditional pudding with Brandy custard and Oh-HO so much more. Tuck in to a 2-course festive feed for $50 per adult and $25 per child.
Where: 2923 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
When: Throughout July

The Rooftop Lodge – Cali Beach
Ok, ok. So maybe it isn’t listed explicitly as a “Christmas in July” event either, but we really can’t resist the novelty of a wintery wonderland! And that’s exactly what Cali Beach has turned into this Winter. Treat yourself to a freshly roasted marshmallow (or three) over the fire pit, falling faux snow, over 60 snow-topped trees and an ice skating rink (if you can peel yourself away from the fire pit). We are THERE (and probs kicking back in one of the VIP igloos tbh).
Where: 21a Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: Friday – Sunday, all Winter long

Kids Weekend: Christmas in July
Don’t say we never give you anything, because our last gift to you is an entirely free line up of Christmas in July festivities set to hit Surfers Paradise this July. Okay so technically the GCCC is responsible for this gift, but we’re gonna make like Dads everywhere on Christmas morning and take the credit for this epic present. The Surfers foreshore is set to come alive with an open-air beachside ice rink (only in ‘straya), activities like cookie decoration and colouring-in and Christmas movies (please be Love Actually). Mosy through the winter markets and stop by the Igloo Lounge, where you can enjoy live local music and treat yo-ELF to a delightful winter treat.
Where: Surfers Paradise foreshore, The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
When: Friday 28 to Sunday 30 July

Words by Bianca Trathen & Kellie Leader.