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. Round up the crew and indulge in a lavish three or seven-course Bottomless Lunch at Broadbeach fav Miss Moneypenny’s – the spot that’s the epitome of long lunching!

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.

Tiny little bites to eat are everyone’s favourite thing, and we believe it is because you can eat extra and not feel guilty. Well, that’s the reason for us anyway!

This is why High Tea is a good time. Plus, there’s often sparkling wine and bottomless tea and or coffee involved. What more could you want?

Here’s a list of the best spots for High Tea, High Cheese, High Coffee (and frankly any sort of High feast) on the Gold Coast next time you want to eat lots of tiny little things and also feel a bit fancy at the same time.

Pearls Bar
Less High Tea and more High Cheese is what’s up at Pearls Bar located inside Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort. Ignite your senses with a delicate selection of sweet and savoury treats. Indulge in the likes of Manchego with Turkish fig, Prawn Cocktail with spiced Marie Rose sauce, and a Strawberry and Rose Trifle to finish. Including a cup of tea or coffee, this exemplary summer High Tea is available from 12pm – 4pm daily and is $47.50 per head.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Le Jardin
It’s a Couture High Tea at Le Jardin in the exquisite Palazzo Versace, bringing a fashionable culinary experience to High Tea. Featuring bright colours, bold textures and distinct out-of-the-ordinary flavour combinations, including dishes like Smoked Chicken with brioche and caramelised onion goats cheese. There are five differing high teas, each with their distinct level of decadence prices range from $28.90 – $199.90pp. Numbers are capped, so make sure to book in advance!
Where: Palazzo Versace, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

The Fireplace
Indulge in High Coffee at The Fireplace, eating your way through three tiers of sweets and savouries inspired by and infused with rich Vittoria Single Origin Blend coffee notes. Take your High Tea to the next level with a decadent cocktail – our favourite options include the Espresso Martini (for obvious reasons) and the Smoking Hot Chocolate (because torched marshmallows). High coffee is served on Saturday and Sunday from 12.30pm and is $47pp, including tea and coffee. Availability is limited, so you’ll need to book in advance.
Where: The Fireplace, Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove

Teavine House
Indulge in an irresistible selection of exquisite sweet treats, petite savoury delights, and dainty ribbon sandwiches, all freshly made in-house and served on beautiful vintage tiered trays at Tallebudgera’s Teavine House. Set amongst stunning greenery, this is one of the most beautiful High Tea’s you’ll ever experience with fine food, artisan tea and an elegant setting. Traditional High Tea is $45 per person (minimum two person booking), including all the goodies you know and love like mini croissants, sandwiches and quiches plus scones and mini sweet treats. We will see you there!
Where: 268 Tallebudgera Creek Road, Tallebudgera

Bon Appetea Teahouse
Nestled in leafy Mudgeeraba, Bon Appetea Teahouse offers a charming atmosphere along with a High Tea option you’ll absolutely love. You have multiple options to choose from, ranging from a Luxe High Tea with Scones, jam and cream, a selection of petite patisseries, organic sandwiches and savoury bites with tea or coffee for $50 per person, or perhaps the Deluxe High Tea with delectable savoury inclusions like Lobster and smoked salmon mousse priced at $60 is more your thing? There’s also an option for the kiddies if you want to take them along ($25pp) or even a completely take away Picnic High Tea, however, you must book with at least 24 hours notice!
Where: 7 Johns Road, Mudgeeraba

Palette
As if a remarkable and ultra-contemporary new art gallery weren’t enough for HOTA, they then decided to spoil us completely with the inclusion of a cutting-edge fine-dining restaurant: Palette. Led by superstar Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law, the restaurant not only delights with multiple course lunches and dinners but now they bring to the table a decadent high-tea — perfect refuelling after checking out all that art! Next level items include Mulled wine scones with native berry jam and Brisket pastrami sandwiches, and it’s a steal at only $60 per person with a $15 supplement for a bubbly glass of Veuve Cliquot.
Where: HOTA Gallery, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Runway Restaurant and Bar at Rydges Gold Coast Airport
Relatively new to the Gold Coast and one many people still do not even know about is the Runway Restaurant & Bar. But this is to your detriment, people! The venue provides excellent food, drinks and an opportunity for some High Tea action. And this is where it gets interesting. Because you can choose between your Traditional High Tea with delicious cakes and bite-size treats for $65 for two people, or you can select their Man T and celebrate a bromance with beef sliders, man-size cakes, and hand-cut chips, it’s $75 for two with a schooner of beer each or $75 with soft drinks instead. Who said high tea is just for the girls?
Where: Terminal Drive, Bilinga

Mecca Bah
A firm favourite on the bustling social scene in Broadbeach — and for good reason. Amongst bottomless brunches, banquets, and takeaway menus, you’re hard pushed to find a better taste of the Middle East. So, round up three of your friends (4 person minimum) and book in with 48 hours notice to taste the ultimate Middle Eastern High Tea experience, and you can enjoy the spoils of sweets like Turkish Delight and savoury temptations such as Kofte balls served with a mint yoghurt sauce. It’s $49 per person with a glass of sparkling on arrival and then unlimited tea and coffee afterwards! We are here for it!
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Village B&B
This 114-year-old Queenslander simply oozes charm and heritage with so much history and character behind every door. Book in and stay in any one of their three rooms or make your way there to enjoy yourself an old-style high tea with lashings of appeal. Available Thursday to Sunday 11am – 3pm for a lowly $39 per person; you can taste your way through homemade quiche, assorted sandwiches, homemade scones, unlimited tea and the option for a barista-made coffee or even an iced chocolate/coffee if the mood takes you. Bookings are essential, go on, head to Mudgeeraba for a high tea with history!
Where: 65 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

Chapter and Verse
Located in the luxurious JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa, Chapter and Verse is the opulent all-day bar you can enjoy even if you’re not staying at the hotel. Amazing cocktails to one side; these guys really know how to push the boat out when it comes to high tea. There are three adult versions to go for: Traditional, High Seas, and High Cheese, and not forgetting a cute mini version for the little ones, Teeny Tiny Tea. Traditional is a snip at $64 per person with a glass of Chandon Brut or opt for the High Seas which is a sea-to-table experience you won’t want to miss and costs just $74 per person. With this you can expect all your seafood favourites like: oysters, prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, smoked salmon tartine with capers & dill and spanner crab sandwich. (Yessss, we are here for this one!) Ohh but if you like your cheese, ALL of the cheese awaits you with their High Cheese which is just $64 per person.
Where: 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Greendays
When it comes to a secluded and withdrawn oasis to enjoy some alfresco dining action, then Greendays in Bundall should be very high up on your list of places to go. Renowned for the unique weddings and functions they throw, you’re also able to enjoy the space yourself seven days a week from 7am! And these guys don’t cut any corners. For just $45 per person, you can enjoy an assortment of housemade macarons, raspberry chocolate cheesecake and pork and chive sausage rolls and throw in a glass of French bubbles for an extra $10. There’s a separate vegan high tea, high cheese and junior high teas available also – so don’t stress, everyone will be looked after!
Where: 8/6 Ashmore Road, Bundall

Tea and Niceties
Found on Mt Tamborine, Tea and Niceties offers exactly that within a beautiful rainforest setting. Traditional High Tea is $49 per person and provides a selection of sandwiches and warm savouries, Scones with jam, cream and lemon curd and delicate cakes, slices and tartlets with tea from the signature collection or plunger coffee. Celebrations High Tea offers the same with endless tea or coffee and a glass of sparkling wine for $65pp, while the Wellbeing High Tea offers gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan goodies plus tea and coffee for $55pp. All High Teas are made fresh on-site, and bookings are essential. This all sounds pretty heavenly to us!
Where: 32 Eagle Heights Road, Eagle Heights

Words by Alex Mitcheson.