When was the last time you visited the Gold Coast? For many, the answer is a childhood holiday to Surfers Paradise and days spent exploring theme parks. We’ve grown up since then – and, luckily for us, the Gold Coast has, too.
Aside from a long list of topnotch restaurant and bar openings, there’s rainforest, waterfalls and swimming holes that are left unchecked by most travellers.
We think it’s time to revisit the Gold Coast and cover more ground. And while you can read all about other people’s favourite spots, moments and activities on the Gold Coast Experience Exchange – and share your own anecdotes there, too – here are some tips from the Broadsheet team to get you started.
“A trip to the Gold Coast can take in so much more than Surfers Paradise. Few tourists visit the surrounding hinterland, which is home to both Tamborine Mountain and Lamington National Park. These parks offer subtropical rainforest, unforgettable hikes and cascading waterfalls. It’s also surprising how many little villages and beachside communities there are nearby – all boasting a laid-back vibe and top-notch food and wineries. Closer to shore, Burleigh Heads is perfect for a workout at Pilates & Co or to get a treatment from Greenhouse the Bathhouse.” – Sasha Murray, Broadsheet contributor
“The Gold Coast holds a very special place in my heart – I think I have more memories of summers spent in Surfers Paradise than any other place. As an adult, I rush back there as often as I can, because to me it truly is the happiest place on Earth. And, beyond the wilderness escapes, the charm is found in unexpected places. It’s in Miami Rice, the Chinese and Malaysian restaurant on the highway (everything is on the highway) serving up some of the best ho fun I’ve ever had in Australia. It’s in Commune Espresso in Burleigh, a cafe that holds its weight against some of the very best in Melbourne. And it’s in Animoto, the tiny Japanese spot down an unassuming alley where my husband desperately tries to get a nod of approval from the sushi chef each time we go (he claims to have received it once).”
– Ruby Harris, Broadsheet contributor
“I think it’s best to linger on the southern end – anywhere between Burleigh and Coolangatta. One of the simplest pleasures is heading to a local e-bike joint and cycling between Kirra and Point Danger. The whole area is beautiful but Snapper Rocks is a postcard-perfect spot to watch surfers backdropped by the whole coastline. And Currumbin Alley is a pretty great spot give surfing a go – my first ever lesson was at Currumbin Alley Surf School. The more chilled option is to hire a stand-up paddleboard at Tallebudgera. And while the GC isn’t short on good food these days, I really think the surf clubs reign supreme in terms of relaxed dining with a view. I’ll toss a coin between the old-school vibes of Rainbow Bay Surf Club and Currumbin Beach SLSC (it’s always fun to climb Elephant Rock). I also went to Palomino’s Deli the other day and had a great mortadella sandwich.”
– James Williams, creative solutions manager
“There’s a lot to do on the Gold Coast these days. Hanks in Kirra is awesome. The food is delish and there are big bougie vibes. It’s a few blocks away from Native State, a beautiful new bathhouse. I recently went to Pipis in Coolangatta, which was really lovely. My faves were the steak tartare and swordfish skewers – and there are some (very) spicy Margs. As for a swimming spot, Greenmount Beach at Coolangatta is my favourite. It has the perfect balance of waves if you’re into that, but along the shore it’s shallow and flat – perfect for families (or floating with a drink). It’s also home to the Coolangatta Surf Club, which has the most epic views. The famous Snapper Rocks surf break just next door is beautiful, too.”
– Rachel Falco, Scout sales manager
“Head chef Kevin Fredes’s (now closed) Brisbane restaurant Paella Y Pa’ Mi was a favourite in my neighbourhood. While Big Papi’s Cocina at Coolangatta isn’t nearly as convenient for me, it’s still an essential visit on the Gold Coast. The menu takes inspiration from across Latin America, with comfort classics like empanadas, roast chicken and Wagyu picanha with chips and chimichurri. Luckily, the heaving seafood paella from Fredes’s previous spot made it onto the menu here too. Don’t leave without trying the deliciously silly bananarellena for dessert: chopped banana topped with dulce de leche and unbaked meringue, served in half a banana peel.”
– Kit Kriewaldt, subeditor
“For my picks, the refined cuisine and beachfront location of Rick Shores is perfect for a special occasion. Little Itoshin offers affordable omakase. Moustache wine bar is the ideal spot to soak up some sun with wines and small plates. Euro bistro Restaurant Labart was described by one Brisbane restaurateur as ‘legitimately one of the best restaurants in the country’ – and it isn’t hard to understand the hype, with dishes like kingfish, buttermilk and native celery; saffron risotto and zucchini flowers; and big cuts of meat with rich sauces and sides of rich dauphinoise potatoes.”
– Lucy Bell Bird, national assistant editor
This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Experience Gold Coast. Explore even more of the region’s hidden gems with the Gold Coast Experience Exchange: a place for people to share their Gold Coast moments, connect with others and discover new experiences.
