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.

Without a doubt one of life’s greatest pleasures is sitting down in front of a multi-tiered tray, delicately filled with morish bite-size eats and paired with a cuppa. Or bubbles. Okay both.

In all honest-tea, here are 14 of the best high tea haunts here on the Coast. Bake a leg and get bready to tick them off your must-visit list, one by one. And go!

The Langham
Okay so technically this one is called an Afternoon Tea but same same. 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 practicing your tea drinking etiquette (no pinky!). Prices start from $79 per person.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise

Pearls Bar
This eclectic fave with warm mood lighting for days invites us all to celebrate Spring with a decadent high tea! Infused with flavours inspired by the new season, we’re drooling in anticipation. From House-Baked Lavender Friands with lemon cream cheese to Pineapple Curd Tarts, you certainly won’t leave underwhelmed…or hungry. Complemented by the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and tropical palms, it looks as decadent as it tastes. $64 per person.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Le Jardin
Palazzo Versace’s Couture High Tea brings a fashionable culinary experience to the perennial classic. Paired with your choice of freshly brewed coffee and tea, it’s served on timeless Versace China, alongside a glass of the sparkliest bubbles. There are two options to choose from (fancy and fancier) – depending on how bougee you’re feeling – starting from $99.90 per person. Or for a slightly less opulent experience, there are four Devonshire tea options for around $30 per person.
Where: Palazzo Versace, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

The Fireplace
Located at the suave InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, the elegant High Tea Immersion menu at The Fireplace features the likes of Spanner Crab with saffron mayonnaise and tobiko, and Salted Caramel Choux with orchid vanilla tea cream and caramel sauce. The first hotel to feature globally renowned Tea Forté teas, your host will greet you with a Tea Forté infused towel and palate-cleansing iced tea piccolo. Upgrade to bottomless rosé or the signature ‘Pear-tea-ni’ cocktail. Yes please! Prices start at $57 per person.
Where: The Fireplace, Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove

Videre
Local fave Videre does a high tea with panache. Including freshly baked scones, gourmet sandwiches and quiche plus an array of specialty sweets crafted by their in-house Chef de Patisserie, the quality here is unparalleled. Don’t forget the unlimited French press coffee and ‘Tea Drop’ tea and breathtaking panoramic views from the 21st floor. Prices start at $49 per person, with sparkling or champagne upgrades available.
Where: RACV Royal Pines, Ross Street, Benowa

QT Gold Coast
This is no ordinary high tea! The QT Gold Coast brings its signature quirkiness to its “very GC” High Tea. Traditional afternoon tea fare like cucumber sandwiches are replaced with Bacon Mozzarella Donuts and and Vodka & Beetroot Cured Salmon Blini’s. And don’t get us started on the sweets like Gold Leaf Almond Rochers and Raspberry Towers. Prices start at $55 per person with options to add Champagne or even jugs of Aperol Spritz to your experience. For something entirely different QT also offers the only Man Tea in Australia (no ‘tea’ involved). Think beer and bug rolls.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Teavine House
Set amidst lush rural surrounds with a motto “life is short, eat cake”, you can see why this is a local fave. Pretty as a picture, they serve European-inspired traditional high tea on an eclectic array of fine china lovingly sourced from around the globe. Indulge in a tantalising selection of exquisite sweet treats, petite savoury delights, and dainty ribbon sandwiches, all presented on beautiful vintage tiered trays. The perfect spot for your next girly catch up. $47 per person.
Where: 268 Tallebudgera Creek Road, Tallebudgera

Bon Appetea Teahouse
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 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

Palette
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 Prawn Toast with fermented chilli mayo and sesame and for the sweet tooths, Davidson Plum and Marshmallow Pinwheel. Prices start at $65 per adult.
Where: HOTA Gallery, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Mecca Bah
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. Think Kataifi Kanafeh served with cream cheese and pistachios, and Halloumi and Eggplant Skewers, with unlimited barista made coffee and tea, and a sparking wine or mocktail on arrival. $69 per person and bookings are for a minimum of four people.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach & 18/10 Santa Barbara Road, Hope Island

Village B&B
If you’re a sucker for a 112-year-old heritage-listed Queenslander (same), you cannot go past high tea at Village B&B. A Mudgeeraba institution, it oozes history and character and side note; is the perfect spot for a charming stay-cay. Enjoy their traditional high tea in the Heritage dining room or on the balcony with views to the hinterland, with mixed sandwiches and wraps, homemade quiche, and a delectable mini cake selection to name a few. Paired with unlimited premium teas and a barista made coffee or iced chocolate/coffee, and #lifemade. $44 per adult.
Where: 65 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

Chapter and Verse
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, each homemade morsel is inspired by the echo of birds in the peaceful and tranquil environment surroundings. There are three adult versions to choose from: Traditional, High Seas, and High Cheese, plus a cute mini-me version for the little ones, Teeny Tiny Tea. Prices start from $39 per person.
Where: 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Tea and Niceties
The name of this gorgeous space reminiscent of a bygone era speaks volumes. Boasting a vintage inspired tearoom surrounded by enchanting gardens and peaceful rainforest, it’s pure grace, elegance and romance. Located on leafy Tamborine Mountain, pamper yourself with delicate petite fours like lemon meringue, mini butter cakes, brandy snap cones, freshly baked scones, sandwiches and warm savouries. Accompanied with your choice of tea from the extensive loose leaf signature collection, or barista coffee, juice, milkshake or soft drink, pop it on your ’must do’ list. Prices start from $59 per person.
Where: 32 Eagle Heights Road, Eagle Heights

Greendays
With its pavilion backdrop, lush gardens, and tranquil setting, this centrally located secluded oasis is the home of high tea. To set the scene, you’ll be treated to the likes of mouth-watering Pork and Fennel Sausage Rolls, Porcini Mushroom Arancini, and Citrus Vanilla Pannacotta with raspberry coulis. Throw in a glass of French bubbles for an extra $12 because, just because. There’s also a separate vegan high tea and junior high tea so no-one misses out. $55 per adult.
Where: 8/6 Ashmore Road, Bundall

Words by Bianca Trathen.