Events to attend with your girl gang.
Events to attend with your girl gang.
If there was ever a day to gather the girls and get excited for a day of celebrating how excellent you all are, it is International Women’s Day. Of course, we’re all for doing that every single day of the year but since there are parties, we may as well get involved.
In honour of that, and so you know exactly where you can maximize the one day of the year dedicated to women, we’ve made a list.
Here are five events at which you can celebrate International Women’s Day, which falls on Sunday 8th March.
Official International Women’s Day 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner
If you’re keen to get the celebrations started early, here’s how. HOTA is hosting the Official International Women’s Day 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner on Friday 28th February and you’re invited. The event recognises the dedication and leadership of youth and women in our region and attendees get to indulge in sparkling wine on arrival, a mini expo, a delicious three-course menu and live music to which you can dance the night away. The theme is An Equal World is an Enabled World and tickets are $145 per person. The dinner is part of a wider festival at HOTA running until 3rd March so there’s plenty to get involved in.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Bundall
International Women’s Day Breakfast Event
The business networking group Women of Influence will host a breakfast at RACV Royal Pines on Thursday 5th March. Come together with like-minded women for an early morning celebration and meet a few new lady loves to take with you into 2020.
Where: RACV Royal Pines, Ross St, Benowa
Gold Coast International Women’s Day City Celebration Breakfast
On Friday 6th March join the Early Risers Women in Business gals for a breakfast event to celebrate all the legendary ladies on the Gold Coast. Plus you’ll meet some of the women who are shaping the face of female leadership across Australia and the world. Breakfast is included and you can book a single ticket for $60 or a table of 10 if you’re bringing the crew.
Where: QT Gold Coast Ballroom, 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
Long Lunch at The Tropic
Overlooking the ocean at Burleigh Pavilion, The Tropic will celebrate International Women’s Day with a long lunch including an inspiring list of surprise guest speakers. Enjoy a cocktail on arrival, before indulging in a shared feast with either a Chandon or Veuve Clicquot drinks package. After lunch, resident DJs will spin tunes late into the evening. Tickets start from $80pp with 10% of all ticket sales donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The event starts at 11.30am on Sunday 8th March.
Where: Burleigh Pavilion, Goodwin Tce, Burleigh Heads
Afends for Equality
Okay this one is happening in Byron Bay but it’s for a very good cause and who doesn’t love a little Sunday roadie. Local brand Afends are teaming up for equality with the team at Byron Bay Brewery for an evening of live music, raffles, drinks and more. 100% of ticket sales will be donated to the Women’s Resource Service, a local not-for-profit aiming to empower and assist women affected by family and domestic violence. There’ll be a karma keg so you can donate what you like and no doubt plenty of good vibes. Tickets are $15 and the event kicks off at 3pm on Sunday 8th March.
Where: Byron Bay Brewery, 1 Skinners Shoot Rd, Byron Bay
Get out there and get involved ladies.
Words by Kirra Smith
The time has finally come friends, Burleigh Pavilion will open it’s doors this weekend – Saturday the 22nd of December to be precise and it’s set to change the local dining scene in a BIG way.
In case you’ve been hiding under a rock and missed the news, the gist is this: the beachfront space has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation and it’s going to bring the good people of the Gold Coast a beachside venue the likes of which we’ve never seen before.
Sydneysiders Ben May and Robert Magid are the duo behind the build, not to mention famed Sydney venues Manly Wharf Hotel and Mrs Sippy (love) plus Seminyak Beach Club in Bali. So you know it’s gonna be the absolute goods.
Once home to Oskars up top and still home to Rick Shores down below, the new addition to the ocean front building will boast both a full-service 235-seat restaurant called The Tropic, and a larger more casual fixture named The Terrace.
The Tropic is said to be a more casual style of sit down dining with all your fave fresh seafood, pizza and burger options while The Terrace will offer more of a bar snack dining situation.
The space will be a whitewashed style of fitout with a breeze block bar and a rooftop-style area filled with beach umbrellas and absolutely perfect for sipping cocktails in the sunshine all summer long.
There are showers and surfboard racks just outside so you can actually walk right off the beach and into the bar. Which is just too good.
With 180 degree views of the ocean and a constant salty breeze blowing in, you’ll have the pleasure of watching the surf roll in (and the surfers) while counting your lucky stars you’re a Gold Coaster.
What a time to be alive.
See you there this weekend and probably every weekend after that to be honest.
LOCATION: Goodwin Tce, Burleigh Heads
Words by Kirra Smith
Catch-ups with your dear friends are one of life’s greatest pleasures. Getting together with your mates easily surpasses date nights (sorry), Tinder dates (not sorry) and Netflix dates with your furry friends (only just).
In celebration of getting together with pals, eating, midday margaritas, and the good time that is a combination of all three, we’ve concocted a list of six ideas for the ultimate squad catch-ups…
Head to Burleigh Hill
Every good story involving drinking and frivolity also seems to mention our beloved Burleigh Hill. Is it just us or is Burleigh Hill a ‘choose your own adventure’ style of good time, meaning you can bring any — and all — of the food and drinks you wish? This means things could be super chilled, or you and your pals could end up swigging champagne and choreographing a Step Up dance routine for the good folks of the Gold Coast to admire. We vote for option B!
Tip: If you don’t feel like BYOing you own food, get a cheeky chook & chips from Freddy’s or pizza delivered directly to you from Justin Lane.
Have yourself a long lunch
Sure, we have fantastic weather and some incredible beaches and hinterland to enjoy. But some days (particularly the hot ones), it’s nice to simply take it easy and indulge in some damn fine food and well-deserved drinks with friends. There’s a score of places you can grab your friends to hit up, including some of our amazing surf clubs, fine dining establishments and beachside hangouts — whatever your budget or mood you’re covered. Send out the invite on your group chat and round up the gang to sit down over some tasty eats before indulging in a few cocktails and ridiculing each other with funny stories you’d rather all forget… we’ve all been there.
Tip: What’s better than a weekend Bottomless Brunch? …we’ll wait.
Do an exercise class of some sort
Across the Coast, there are MANY options for exercise classes and what could be better for inciting bulk laughs and creating delightful memories than moving your body in weird and wonderful poses, while working up a sweat and reminding yourself just how bendy you really a̶r̶e̶ aren’t anymore. From pilates, to barre, to yoga, you’re bound to find something you and the crew will all love!
Tip: Head to one of these intimate Gold Coast fitness studios or Gold Coast gyms to make sure you and your besties are looked after
Get arty
The Gold Coast has gotten very creative over the last little while, with arty workshops and classes popping up all over the place. Which is good, because we think that’s the perfect date idea for a day spent with people you haven’t seen in a while. Also, at some such classes and workshops, you are allowed to drink wine while you work, which, trust us, only enhances your creativity. As far as artsy ideas across the Goldy there’s everything from life drawing classes, finding the Gold Coast’s best street art murals, silver jewellery making, wandering through art galleries (yes we have more than one) and painting to pottery, and what could be more fun than gathering your mates, getting creative, and having something cute to show for it at the end?!
Tip: We think Pinot & Picasso is the ultimate answer to a creative night with the gang. Just try not to judge your friend’s painting skills… or lack thereof!
Chill at a day spa
Potentially the most relaxing spot of the bunch, getting facials and massages or soaking and floating with your girlfriends is a guaranteed zen time. First of all, it’s good for your body, and second of all, you can spend time together catching up over tea and not wine/beer for once (this one time only). Not to mention, day spas on the Coast usually take place in the most picturesque of locations, so you get to indulge in the beautiful scenery of the Gold Coast, relax in style, and come out feeling a million bucks too. Invite us too please, we love a good spa day!
Tip: Get 10% off a 1 hour or more treatment from Endota Spa here!
Go hiking
Wait, give us a chance to explain. While hiking may not seem like a catch-up activity, a relaxing stroll through the rainforest is also acceptable. With wine and cheese at the end if you can be bothered to carry it! The argument for hiking is this; fresh air obviously makes you feel good, as does exercise and, if you go with your mates, there’ll be others willing to complain about how hard it is and participate in discussions about how unfit you all are. Then, at the end of the hike, maybe you find yourselves at a stunning Insta-worthy location for a few snaps or with some well-earned wine and snacks in hand to celebrate your effort. Winning!
Tip: here are a few of our favourite hikes around the Gold Coast
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
Undoubtedly, one of life’s greatest pleasures is sitting in front of a multi-tiered tray, delicately filled with morish bite-size eats and paired with a cuppa. Or bubbles. Okay both.
And just when you thought high tea couldn’t get any fancier, a lot of places are now serving up seasonal theming with their tiers- think themed décor, seasonally adapted ingredients, and a twist on the classics. It’s high tea with a seasonal spin, and we’re absolutely here for it.
In all honest-tea, here are 13 of the best high tea haunts on the Coast, listed north to south. Bake a leg and get bready to tick them off your must-visit list, one by one. And go!
Following a multi-million dollar refurb, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort is looking better than ever, as is the ever-elegant High Tea menu, hosted in Cove Cafe from 1–4pm every Saturday and Sunday. Elevate your weekend with decadent morsels such as slow-cooked 12-hour Beef Cheek with a Chimmi Churri Doughnut and Milk Chocolate, Hazelnut, Disaronno Amaretto Layer Cake.
Plus, since they also have the bragging rights as the first hotel to feature globally renowned Tea Forté teas, you can rest assured you’ll be treated like royal-tea, starting with a welcome of Tea Forté-infused towel and palate-cleansing iced tea piccolo from your host. You can also upgrade your tea time to include their signature ‘Pear-tea-ni’ cocktail, NV Jansz Premium Cuvee or NV Miguel Torres ‘Santa Digna – Estelado’ Pais Sparkling Rose, with more options to choose from! Prices start at $69 per person.
Where: Cove Cafe, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove
Have you tried a Middle Eastern high tea yet, and if you’re shaking your noggin, we’re about to open up a whole new world of d-lish. Boasting exotic sweet and savoury bites a-plenty, it will become your new normal to meet your mates here. Tuck into three tiers brimming with treats such as Orange Blossom Cheesecake and Halloumi and Eggplant Skewers, with unlimited barista-made coffee and tea, and a sparkling wine or mocktail on arrival. $65 pp, minimum of four people.
Where: 18/10 Santa Barbara Road, Hope Island
This eclectic fave with warm mood lighting for days is known for its rotating seasonal high teas. From now until May 31, they invite us all to celebrate the ethereal hues of a Gold Coast sunrise with their Golden Aurora High Tea. The limited-time high tea, served daily from 12–4pm, is a tribute to our fave time of day- golden hour! The warm glow of sunrise will come to life in every dish, from the Smoked Salmon with Citrus Cream, Cucumber and Onion Pickle on Rye, the Lemon Meringue Choux Craquelin and Passionfruit & Gold Leaf Sponge.
It all gets better with a Gilded Spritz– a radiant cocktail featuring gin, Angostura bitters, lemon, honey, and organic prosecco, elegantly garnished with a golden rim and raspberries dipped in edible gold dust. $79 per adult or $39 per child (aged 5-12 years), which includes a glass one Gilded Spritz cocktail (over 18 only) and unlimited Tavalon tea and coffee.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
The Imperial Hotel, Seaworld Drive’s HQ of luxury, might be sporting a fresh new name – but thankfully, they’re serving up that same fabulous Couture High Tea experience we know and love. Bringing a fashionable culinary experience to the perennial classic – you’ll feel very high socie-tea indeed, sipping bubbles surrounded by the sparkling crystal chandelier and grand vaulted ceilings.
There are two high tea options (fancy and fancier) – depending on how boujee you’re feeling. You have the Couture High Tea with all the embellishments for $69 per person. You begin with Buttermilk Scones with English Breakfast spiked Sultanas, White chocolate and treacle, served alongside Double Thick vanilla-bean cream and House-made Preserve– just to give you an indication as to where tea is going (somewhere marvellous, that’s where). Or for a slightly less extravagant experience (that doesn’t skimp on the delish factor), there are also four curated mini-spreads to pick from (think Devonshire tea) starting from $25 per person.
Where: Imperial Hotel, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Located in the luxurious JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, high tea at Chapter & Verse is an unmissable resort tradition created by their esteemed culinary team. Using local ingredients, this team take their high tea business seriously – sharing that each homemade morsel is inspired by the echo of birds in the resort’s peaceful and tranquil surrounds. So excuse us as we channel our inner seagull and duke it out over the likes of JW lavender, honey, white chocolate chip scones with fig and peach jam and fresh cream and Lobster crumpet with citrus aioli… we kid, of course – only our best etiquette for a classy establishment like the Marriott. There’s also a cute mini-me version for the little ones, Teeny Tiny Tea for $39 per child. Prices start from $79 per adult.
Where: 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Tucked peacefully a stone’s throw from the Budds Beach waterfront, Surfers stalwart Bumbles has long been a beloved spot to meet for coffee and some grazing action (and now cocktails – thanks to neighbouring big sis sip spot, Blue House #squee).
Inside the most charming little cafe in 4217 (and perhaps, the entire coast), there’s a mix of themed private rooms that branch off the main space – so it figures that it also makes a particularly spesh spot for a fanciful high tea soiree. Acquaint yourself with the divinely appointed Library (or luxurious Hamptons room, perhaps) and tuck into a spread of smoked salmon blinis, pint-sized quiches, fruit tarts and tea sandwiches. Bookings for the “regular” high tea (a misnomer if ever we’ve heard one) come in at $50 per person, with dietary and bubbles options also available. La-de-dah indeed.
Where: 19 River Drive, Surfers Paradise
This is no ordinary high tea! … well, okay, technically speaking, they do offer an ‘Ordinary’ High Tea option, but since you know QT Gold Coast is all about infusing the unexpected into everything they do – trust us when we say it’s anything but. The variety of pinky-popping menus also includes a champas-studded Extraordinary High Tea experience, a Man Tea for a more savoury take and a mini spread for your little Q’Ties for $39 per child.
Here, the typical savoury tea fare has been treated to a tapas-style twist, such as Spiced Tempura Cauliflower and Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Poppers to excite the taste buds – so, move over cucumber sandwich, you culinary snooze-fest you (there, we said it). And don’t get us started on the Caramello chiffon and Mini Pavlova. Prices start at $69 per adult with a variety of boozy upgrade options, such as jugs of Aperol Spritz and Pink Gin Spritz to really enhance your experience.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
A pretty little gem nestled just inside the lobby of Hilton Surfers Paradise, Ms Margot’s certainly knows a thing or two about being boujee. Along with serving up superb sips and all-day bites, the signature High Tea spread is available from 11:30–3:00 daily for whenever the urge for a lavish light lunch hits. Gather your gal and/or guy pals for a glam #SATC style rendezvous, and spill the tea over Roast Duck Bao Bun with Hoisin, Slaw and Kewpie mayo, Gelato Bon Bon, and, of course, Freshly Baked Scones with Dollop Cream, Blackberry Jam and Berries (plus more). The Signature High Tea comes in at $49pp with an optional upgrade to bottomless Mimosas or Sparkling Wine for an extra $25pp- very Carrie approved!
Where: Hilton Surfers Paradise, 6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Every Sunday, locals and visitors alike flock to HOTA not just for their arty fix or a spot of market browsing, but to tuck into a delightful High Tea. Served in the critically acclaimed and ever-popular Palette restaurant, superstar Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law has curated the ultimate high tea experience. A couple of highlights are the Glazed ham with wattle mustard, smoked cheddar and pickle, the Coronation chicken and the Caramel pecan millionaires shortbread. Divine! Prices start at $70 per adult with bubbly upgrades available.
Where: HOTA Gallery, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
With its pavilion backdrop, lush gardens, and tranquil setting, this centrally located secluded oasis is the home of high tea. Not only high tea, though! They also have High Cheese! What’s High Cheese, you ask? It’s basically a tour through cheese land with 8 decadent dishes and a wine in hand. Say less! Stop one- champagne poached pear with gorgonzola. Stop two- house specialty carrot cake with cream cheese, and so on. That dairy dream boat is $85pp.
They also have a French Inspired high Tea- think Spinach Choux with Creamed Eggs and French Apple Tart Tatin for $68pp. Also, a Vegan High Tea for $78pp, a Gluten Free High Tea for $78pp and a Junior High Tea (babycinos included!) for $39 per child. No one misses out!
Where: 8/6 Ashmore Road, Bundall
Okay, so technically this one is officially called an Afternoon Tea, but when it comes to sumptuously snacking our way through bite-sized helpings of Opera cake made with coffee, almond and 54% dark chocolate Callebaut and tarts of crispy prosciutto, mushroom, truffle mousse, and fried quail egg.
In a British nod to its namesake at The Langham, London, where traditional English afternoon tea was served over 150 years ago, the stunning Palm Court restaurant inside the hotel pays tribute to its heritage. Serving a bespoke offering of the traditional Afternoon Tea crafted by culinary experts, it’s time to start practising your tea drinking etiquette (no pinky!). Prices start from $95 per person.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
Nestled in leafy Mudgeeraba, the stunningly decorated and truly breathtaking Bon Appetea Teahouse exudes French charm and traditional elegance. Popular for bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays and basically any event you can think of, their Luxe High Tea is the definition of decadence. Think buttermilk scones with homemade jam and cream and a selection of petite patisseries, organic sandwiches and savoury bites. Oh and if you’re on the hunt for a truly beautiful, quaint, spot to tie the knot, this one’s a keeper. $55 per adult.
Where: 7 Johns Road, Mudgeeraba
It was only a matter of time before the Gold Coast’s fav boujee bakery and brunch spot threw their hat into the High Tea ring. Thank god they did, because now we have a gorgeous tea garden to drink tea and coffee and nibble on cakes, scones, and sweet treats amongst greenery. Could we ask for more? No, but they delivered more. Starting with Tiramisu Coffee, Traditional French Hot Chocolate (AKA a teapot of liquid chocolate), fresh-baked scones, mini pastries, ceremonial-grade matcha, batch-brew coffee and cloud drinks. My goodness! Walk-ins welcome or book ahead.
Where: 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin
Words by Kellie Leader and Chelsea Ipsen
