FOOD, DRINK AND RETAIL THERAPY

Top Shelf Tucker

From decadent fine dining to fish and chips on the beach, the Gold Coast serves up a tantalising smorgasbord of tasty options to please every palate.

For the most discerning diners, the Coast’s fine dining scene delivers an irresistible offering of quality cuisine paired with five-star service. Acclaimed chefs take you on a sensory journey around the world – from authentic Italian to Asian delicacies, succulent seafood and modern Australian fare. The finest and freshest ingredients are plated up for your pleasure at the Gold Coast’s sophisticated menu of over 20 hatted restaurants. Here’s a few highlights to whet your appetite.

Starting in the north, the award-winning Critique restaurant offers decadent dining options including an a la carte menu on weekdays and a succulent seafood buffet on weekends. . Just down the road, fine food is an artform at Palette, located within the cultural heart of the HOTA precinct. This modern Australian stand-out offers creative tasting menus, a la carte options, a curated wine list and a very classy Sunday high tea.

The chic coastal community of Broadbeach is a fine dining mecca. Highlights include Orzo (for authentic Italian with a modern twist), the stylish Miss Moneypenny’s (for mouth-watering Mediterranean), the Asian flavours of Mamasan Kitchen and Bar at the Oracle, and the hearty goodness of Moo Moo The Wine Bar and Grill steak restaurant.

Broadbeach’s two-hatted Social Eating House and Bar is another stand-out. Head Chef and owner Matthew Jefferson has been repeatedly recognised as the winner of the People’s Choice ‘Chef of the Year’ award for his outstanding menu of delectable share plates. The Star Gold Coast also boasts a trifecta of fine foodie favourites, including the sleek Japanese Kiyomi restaurant, the lofty luxury of Nineteen at the Star, and the celebrated Cantonese cuisine of Uncle Su.

Beachfront Dining

If you like your meal served with the sweet, salty scent of the ocean and a side of sea breeze, the Gold Coast delivers a host of dining destinations that are sure to tick all boxes. Scattered along the golden coastline, these waterfront venues cater to every taste and occasion, from urban chic to coastal casual. There’s too many to mention them all, but here’s a few highlights.

Rick Shores is a celebrated coastal icon, perfectly perched on the edge of Burleigh Beach. This drool-worthy dining destination offers a selection of delectable pan Asian a la carte or set menu options, served to a soundtrack of rolling surf.

Right next door, Burleigh Pavilion and The Tropic Restaurant offer an endless summer vibe, with a casual yet classy ambience bathed in warm sunshine and a hint of sea spray. Relax and enjoy premium drinks on the ocean-front deck of the Pavilion, or sample the Mediterranean and modern Australian menu at The Tropic restaurant.

Or soak in the energy and sunny disposition of the spiritual home of Gold Coast surfing on display at Siblings at Kirra Beach. The pastel-hued, open-plan dining room overlooks this famous stretch of sand, and serves up a delicious menu of lunch and dinner dishes (including vegan-friendly options) and a fun ‘Liquid Journey of the Senses’ (think drinks list).

Savour the quintessential Queensland experience of family-friendly ocean-front dining at a host of surf clubs scattered along the golden shores. Dust the sand off your feet and step inside to enjoy relaxed drinks with mates or a budget-friendly meal with extended family. Up the feel-good factor even further with the knowledge that your business is supporting local surf club volunteers who patrol the Gold Coast beaches and keep us safe during the summer.

Casual Eats

For those craving an even more casual approach to satisfying their appetite, the Gold Coast offers plenty of cruisy options – from bakeries and eateries to more take-out options than you can poke a paper straw at!

Feasting on crunchy, golden fish and chips beside the ocean is an iconic Aussie beach holiday experience. Relaxed dine-in and take-away seafood outlets are peppered along the coast and are popular amongst locals and visitors alike.

Or experience street food at its best at Miami Marketta. Allow your tastebuds to wander the world at this family oriented under cover dining experience each Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night from 5pm. Wash it down with boutique wines and locally brewed beers, as you listen to live entertainment by local blues, jazz and roots artists on the main stage.

If flaky pastries are more your thing, head to one of the Coast’s countless fresh bakeries and satisfy your craving with an iconic Aussie meat pie, buttery croissant or cream-filled treat. Inhale the irresistible aroma of Portuguese tarts and gooey brownies baking in the ovens at Custard Canteen on the shores of Tallebudgera Creek, or pick up some Insta-worthy pastry creations at BamBam Bakehouse in Mermaid Beach. At Sanctuary Cove Marina, visit the elegant French Rise Bakery and fall in love with their exquisite collection of delectable baked treats.

All the major shopping precincts also offer a host of relaxed food retail outlets at conveniently located eateries and food courts. International fast-food outlets sit alongside local favourites, offering a quick and easy food fix on the run.

Craft Breweries, Wineries and Distilleries

Love to sample a local drop? The Gold Coast is home to a host of highly regarded producers of craft beer, boutique spirits and award-winning wines.

A growing number of boutique breweries are serving up a unique selection of distinctive craft beers, along with some excellent pub food and behind-the-scenes tours. Much like the coast’s charisma, local brews are innovative, fresh and adventurous, with a generous dash of subtle sophistication. From ales, pilsners and lagers, to stouts, sours and limited-edition brews, there’s plenty of flavourful new coldies on the Goldie!

If you’d prefer a fine wine of the local variety, follow the wine-dy road through the hinterland hills to discover sun-drenched vineyards and quaint cellar doors. O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards is a peaceful retreat tucked between rolling hills and World Heritage rainforest. Enjoy tastings in the historic homestead, or enjoy a picnic basket beside the babbling creek, with live music on weekends.

Further north, Tamborine Mountain is home to the boutique Witches Falls Winery. The serene garden setting, friendly relaxed atmosphere and exceptional five-star wines make this a magical place to sit and sip the afternoon away. Or soak in the sunshine and linger over a long lunch and wine-tasting beside the vines at Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery.

The essence of the Gold Coast is being distilled down into lovely local liquors and spirits at boutique distilleries from Miami to Tamborine Mountain. Take a tour and savour the sensory pleasure of carefully crafted artisan gins, botanical vodkas and other top shelf treats that are sure to leave you in high spirits.

Take the hassle out of tipple-tasting with a guided tour taking you to all the best spots, without the need for a designated driver. Listen to the Gold Coast’s ‘Take A Tour’ audio guide for further details.

Some Serious Shopping

For those seeking solace in retail therapy, there’s plenty of outlets that will give your credit card a solid workout.

Pacific Fair is a prominent shopping, dining and entertainment destination, with over 400 stores including an extensive collection of global luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Prada and Gucci, as well as leading Australian retailers. Making the most of the Coast’s pleasant weather, the centre features world-class shopping set amidst tropical landscapes and a relaxed outdoor ambience. Up-market restaurants through to casual food courts ensure you muster the energy for some serious splurging.

Further south, the multi-level Robina Town Centre also boasts over 400 stores, including big name leading retailers such as David Jones and Myer, H&M, Lego, Nespresso and Apple to name a few. Coles, Woolworths and a host of fresh food outlets will help stock your holiday pantry. This expansive shopping mall also incorporates a range of dining and activity precincts to keep you sustained and entertained for hours.

If you’re a savvy shopper in search of sales, head to Harbour Town Premium Outlets for some seriously impressive big brand bargains. This is Australia’s largest outdoor outlet centre, with over 220 retailers featuring international labels and iconic Australian brands. From premium apparel, sportswear, kid’s clothing and footwear to homewares, hair and beauty, and all the accessories, Harbour Town has it at a fraction of the price. The open-air, palm lined mall is also home to an impressive alfresco dining destination, Harbour Town Eats, offering cuisine from around the world plus iPlay to entertain kids of all ages.

Beyond the major shopping centres, alfresco malls, such as Cavill and Broadbeach, offer additional opportunities to shop, dine and find that must-have memento of your unforgettable Gold Coast holiday.

Markets and More

If markets are more your thing, the Gold Coast delivers a packed calendar of events.

Kick off your weekend with a morning visit to one of the weekly Farmer’s Markets. Meet local producers, and load up your hamper with the freshest, finest produce, including farm-fresh fruit and vegetables, preserves, flowers, gourmet goodies and unique hand-made items. Markets take place at Burleigh Heads State School and Palm Beach Currumbin High School on Saturday mornings, and in the grounds of HOTA (Home of The Arts) on Sundays.

For creative inspiration and unique, hand-made goods, head to one of the Coast’s colourful art and craft markets. These markets are held on selected Sundays throughout each month, and take place at a range of coastal locations including Elizabeth Park in Coolangatta, Justins Park in Burleigh or Kurrawa Park in Broadbeach.

The Village Markets is a boutique fashion and lifestyle market trading at Burleigh Heads State School, on the morning of the first and third Sunday of each month. The market plays host to over 100 incredible stalls in fashion, vintage, art and lifestyle. Shop a curated lineup of incredible unique wares, meet the makers, eat delicious street food, listen to live music and soak in the good vibes of this creative collaboration.

If mornings aren’t your forte, the Coast’s night markets offer opportunities to fossick for treasures or bargains beneath the setting sun. Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets are the most iconic, set alongside the famous ocean-front esplanade each Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evening. The markets are accompanied by a bustling entertainment program, adding a lively and colourful ambience to this must-do market experience. Or head to Dreamworld each Friday and Saturday night to experience the northern Gold Coast’s newest night markets. With stalls, food trucks, live music and family entertainment, these markets serve up good food and great times aplenty!

Accessibility

Many of the businesses we’ve mentioned can be accessed via the Gold Coast’s extensive public transport system, including local rail, tram, bus and ferry services. For public transport journey planning and ticketing information please visit translink.com.au. Taxi and ride-share services are widely available across the region, especially in coastal communities.

Pacific Fair is a short walk from the Broadbeach South G:Link station. The centre also offers a free shopping shuttle service daily between Main Beach and Burleigh Heads. For further details please check the centre’s website. Robina Town Centre is serviced by local buses and is approximately 800 metres from the Robina Train Station. Harbour Town is accessible via local bus services or free daily shopping shuttles from Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

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 venues. Please note that rare exceptions may apply, such as in commercial food preparation areas. Be sure to carry your handler’s identification card and any relevant accreditation paperwork with you.