ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE

HOTA Gallery Spotlight

HOTA (spelt H-O-T-A) is quite literally the Home Of The Arts on the Gold Coast and is the go-to destination for all things art, culture and entertainment. This expansive precinct right behind Surfers Paradise is the cultural heart of the city, showcasing a unique collaboration between nature, culture and art that inspires curiosity and creativity, and captures the imagination.

The jewel in HOTA’s crown is the $60 million art gallery and the neighbouring outdoor stage, which were completed in 2021. You won’t find any big city cultural snobbery here. This is a gallery for the people – inclusive, inspiring and creating connection with the community in a uniquely Gold Coast fashion. There’s an impressive array of spaces to explore throughout the six-level gallery including touring and permanent exhibitions, collections and indigenous art. The Children’s Gallery on Level 1 allows kiddie creators to explore a full program of interactive exhibitions in a safe and inclusive space designed just for them.

If you’re feeling peckish, drop by the Gallery Café for a caffeine fix or tasty treat, or dine in refined style at Palette, HOTA’s very own hatted restaurant. For a truly unique taste of art, pop up to the Exhibitionist, HOTA’s exquisite rooftop bar. Indulge in some ‘cultural appreciation’, as you sip on a cocktail inspired by the artworks below.

The gallery is set within the sprawling Evandale Parklands, where you can explore an outdoor sculpture walk, enjoy a picnic, or make a splash in the lovely lake. Farmers and Artisan Markets take place here each Sunday morning, featuring farm-fresh produce, global street food, boutique fashion and handcrafted gifts.

From cabaret to comedy to music, film and theatre, along with festivals, markets and exhibitions, HOTA is a place that locals are loving, and visitors are eager to explore.

Live Theatre

Live theatre enthusiasts will find plenty to applaud at a suite of live performance venues across the coast.

HOTA is one of the Gold Coast’s most alluring venues for live performance. The purpose-built outdoor stage showcases some of the best local and international talent, set beneath a backdrop of sunny or star-filled skies. The grassy amphitheatre transforms into a pumping live music experience, as world-famous bands and musicians grace the stage. It’s a very versatile space and can just as easily play host to ballet under the stars or laid-back live tunes on sunny afternoons. From leading theatrical numbers to contemporary dance, opera and circus, HOTA’s exciting line-up of live performances are sure to have you calling for encore. For a listing of upcoming events, check out the What’s On page at hota.com.au.

The Star Gold Coast is another popular venue for Gold Coast exclusive and touring productions to stop by. Home to a 1,900 seat cutting-edge Theatre, the venue continues to delight visitors with a dazzling array of musicals, concerts, performances and more.

Or if supporting local performers is more your thing, look no further than Spotlight Theatre Company. Celebrating more than 60 years on the Gold Coast, the company caters for most age groups by performing a mix of classical productions as well as new releases. With four major musicals and two plays and pantomimes every year, Spotlight Theatre is also one of the city’s most prolific companies.

If you’re looking for some laughs, there’s a host of hilarious stand-up comedy shows at clubs and bars across the Gold Coast, including some mid-week light relief with Hump Day Comedy at the Atrium Bar.

For more information about the diverse live performing arts community on the Gold Coast, check out the Gold Coast Theatre Alliance website at goldcoasttheatre.com.au.

Dinners/Drinks With A Twist

If you’re searching for a family-friendly night of action-packed entertainment complete with a three-course dinner, Australian Outback Spectacular is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Set within an expansive arena on the northern edge of the Gold Coast, this elaborate stage show features a host of talented human and animal performers, immersive technology and special effects to convey the stories and spirit of the Aussie outback like never before.

For adults seeking a more seductive soiree, the Gold Coast serves up a tantalising selection of cheeky cabaret shows that are sure to satisfy your craving.

Flirt with the thrill of excitement tinged with fear at Dracula’s on the Gold Coast. Enter the lusty lair of the Theatre of the Vampire, where a talented cast of condemned will seduce you with a performance that’s sure to leave you breathless. This potent cocktail of 18+ entertainment includes razor-sharp comedy, death-defying aerial artistry, sassy circus acts, live music and spine-chilling vocals for a killer night out on the coast. Dracula’s is a Gold Coast institution, holding a special place in the hearts of art lovers for over 30 years.

Or perhaps the burlesque-inspired cabaret on offer at Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub will tickle your fancy and your funny bone? Inspired by the original 1920’s Spiegeltent and New York City’s Cabaret Club district, this five-star entertainment venue features a titillating line-up of spectacular stage shows featuring plenty of glitter, feathers and flesh, set to a soundtrack of live music, seductive vocals and hilarious raunchy revelry.

Enter this pink-themed palace in the heart of Broadbeach and be treated to captivating live performances set amidst swanky art-deco décor. An enticing fusion of burlesque, circus, cabaret and comedy is sure to excite the senses.

Night Life

As another perfect day fades into evening, night owls prepare to party Gold Coast style.

From classy cocktails at sky-high rooftop bars, to relaxed beachside beers at family-friendly Surf Clubs, the Gold Coast has a perfect party venue for every occasion.

Live it up in a world of first-class fun at The Star Entertainment Precinct in Broadbeach. Featuring a sophisticated selection of restaurants and bars and the endless buzz of a 24-hour casino, you can bet you’ll have an exciting evening out at The Star. Splash out on sophisticated poolside pleasures like champaign and oysters at Nineteen at the Star. From dining to drink options, everything is top notch! Or discover a hidden treasure at Veladora, his candle-lit Mexican-inspired speakeasy features a dreamy cocktail list, unusual bar snacks and live music with Latin-inspired beats on the weekend.

Orchid Avenue is a party-goers playground just off Cavill Avenue in central Surfers Paradise. This nightlife hotspot lights up when the sun sets, with a collection of clubs, bars and venues pumping out beats and bevvies to keep you entertained into the wee hours. Just around the corner you’ll stumble across one of the Gold Coast’s hottest venues, Cali Beach Club. During the warmer months, this day and night precinct is the place to be seen with tantalising cocktails, full-on flavours, and raucous rhythms. In the Winter, the summer hot spot transforms into an adults-only winter wonderland delivering an immersive, alpine-style experience, complete with ice-skating rink, open fire pits, interactive simulators, market food stalls, pop-up performances and live DJ sets. Or for more endless summer vibes year-round, head on up to The Island. This colourful and character-filled rooftop bar overlooks the Surfers Paradise skyline, and is an oasis for those who love the high life.

A Bevy of Bars

Beyond the glitzy neon-lit nightlife of Surfers Paradise and The Star, a bevy of unique bars and secret speakeasies beckon you to whet your whistle.

Soak in the sunset and salty sea breeze at a sumptuous selection of rooftop bars dotted along the coast, where cocktails and canapes fuel a classy start to a fun-filled evening of entertainment. For a more down-to-earth experience, call in for a sundowner and family-friendly meal at one of the iconic Aussie surf clubs dotted along the golden coastline.

Or step off the main street and venture down alleyways in search of the Gold Coast’s hidden bars. Shrouded in secret sophistication, the cleverly concealed entrance of Lockwood Bar in Burleigh Heads is well worth searching for if you’re seeking a cosy space away from the crowds to enjoy a quiet whiskey or curated cocktail.

Head down an unassuming alley in a semi-industrial area of Burleigh Heads to discover the Hidden Cherub. This warehouse-style bar serves up creative cocktails, fun tunes and a plant-based California-style menu.

For those who love to multi-task, then look no further than the YOT Club. This floating luxury yacht offers cruisy Sunday Sessions with top-shelf spirits mixed with bouncing beats. You can purchase individual tickets for themed sailings on selected weekends, or bring along up to 300 friends for a charter experience you’ll never forget.

If timeless sophistication is more your speed, then dress to impress and step back in time to the roaring 1920’s at the Roosevelt Lounge. Channel your inner Bond as you sip martinis or indulge in a fancy nightcap at this fine secret establishment, tucked away beside the Sofitel in the chic suburb of Broadbeach.

Accessibility

Most metropolitan areas of the Gold Coast are well serviced by public transport, taxi and ride-share services. For public transport journey planning and ticketing information please visit translink.com.au.

In Queensland, accredited assistance animals and their registered handlers enjoy full public access rights to all public places and public passenger vehicles. This includes shops, cinemas, cafes, restaurants, clubs, taxis, public transport and entertainment and sports venues. Please ensure you carry your handler’s identification card and any relevant accreditation paperwork with you.

Companion cards are accepted at a wide range of tourism, hospitality and event venues across the Gold Coast, offering free carer entry to people with lifelong disabilities in possession of a Companion Card issued by any state or territory within Australia. For ticketed events and venues, please contact the operator directly to make your booking and enquire about acceptance of companion cards.

HOTA is designed to be a highly accessible and inclusive space, dedicated to supporting people of all abilities to create, experience and engage in arts and culture. It can be accessed via the Hopo Ferry or local bus services, or via the footbridge linking HOTA with the retail precinct of Chevron Island. Accessible parking is available near the entrance, and accessible toilets are located onsite. Most areas throughout the precinct are accessible to wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility, including the main gallery and designated spots with good views of the outdoor stage.

HOTA has implemented a host of excellent initiatives designed to improve access for all. For blind and low vision visitors, these include artwork labels in large print format, or audio described tours available on request for small groups and individuals. To request a tour, please contact gallery@hota.com.au or call 07 5588 4000. For full details of all accessibility offerings please search ‘HOTA (that’s H-O-T-A) accessibility’.