A 48-Hour Guide to the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast might be best known for its sunny weather, broad sandy beaches and blockbuster attractions, but there are plenty of hidden gems to discover around town. Beachside communities such as Burleigh Heads, Surfers Paradise and Mermaid Beach are home to upscale restaurants and bakeries, cracking cocktail bars and international-standard art shows.

Here’s a weekend guide to the Gold Coast – what to do and where to eat, drink and stay.

EAT

Bam Bam Bakehouse
Pastry lovers need to seek out this brilliant bakery and cafe tucked away off the Gold Coast Highway in Mermaid Beach. Its signature croissants, which take three days to make, come in plain, almond and twice-baked almond varieties. Otherwise, Bam Bam bakes a lengthy menu of cruffins, choux, tarts, bombs, eclairs, cakes and sweet pies. If you’re looking for more substantial eats, there are burgers and fries, acai bowls, sweet corn fritters and Asian-inspired dishes such as egg nasi and green tea noodle salad. Whatever you choose, be sure to take away some fresh pastries for the road.

2519 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

DO

Pop Masters exhibition at Home of the Arts
This exclusive survey of pop art at Home of the Arts draws from New York’s extensive Mugrabi Collection and features marquee names such as Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jeff Koons, Kaws, Damien Hirst and Katherine Bernhardt. Running until June 4, Pop Masters covers six decades of pop art and runs right up to present-day works. This is a rare chance to experience up close the bright, vivid and self-aware world of this enormously influential art movement.

135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

DINE

Restaurant Labart
Founded by acclaimed Sydney chef Alex Munoz Labart, this Burleigh Heads diner is an essential destination for anyone who appreciates top-shelf Australian cooking. The menu changes often, depending on the very best ingredients available, but expect a focus on local meat and seafood, and simple yet elegant desserts with set lunch and dinner menus that are ideal for experiencing either as a couple or a small group. It’s one of the most talked-about restaurants on the Gold Coast for good reason – come for a meal you won’t soon forget.

2a/8 West Street, Burleigh Heads

DRINK

Rosella’s
While you’re in Burleigh Heads, make a point of hitting up Rosella’s, a cheeky bar that turns warm and fuzzy nostalgia into fun new experiences. The playful cocktail list riffs on pavlova, Golden Gaytime, Blinky Bill and Gatorade, all while highlighting small-producer spirits and native ingredients. The beer selection mingles essential craft picks with classic Aussie tinnies, and natural wines are curated from around the country. The bar food leans into Australiana, with spag bol spring rolls and chicken parma sliders served alongside fresh oysters and speciality cheeses. Plus, the vibe is as relaxed as can be, in keeping with the sun-soaked beachside locale.

1734 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

STAY

QT Gold Coast
Perched right between the Gold Coast Highway and the beach in Surfers Paradise, this is a sun-kissed showcase for QT’s signature mix of designer spaces and imaginative eateries. Yamagen captures neon-lit Tokyo dining and Stingray Lounge is a tequila-forward bar drawing inspiration from the overlap of Californian and Mexican culture. Best of all, The Spring is a photogenic poolside precinct that serves up memorable cocktails and bites. Between those diverse options and the breezy rooms, you’ll have to remind yourself to actually venture out to explore the surrounding neighbourhood.

7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Tourism & Events Queensland.