Much to the delight of everyone (especially us), brunches have increased in popularity on the Coast over the last little while with venues from across the Gold Coast offering the delightful time.

Not familiar with the concept of a brunch? It is indeed what you’d imagine it to be. The best meal of the day held during a time where you can also consume beverages.

One of our absolute favourite northern bars Aviary Rooftop Bar at Mantra at Sharks within the Southport Sharks precinct, has recently jumped on the brunch bandwagon bringing skyline views and all the goodies you can fit into your Saturday mornings.

The very best part about Aviary Rooftop Bars’ Brunch is the chance to get creative and customise your own spritz with a selection of 21 different Mount Tambourine Distillery liqueurs and fruity garnishes.

What a time.

Aviary’s brunch menu is based around their much-loved pizzas including the Loaded Brekky pizza with chorizo, mushrooms, egg and maple bacon and the Wild Mushroom & Fennel Sausage with roast mushrooms, onion, Heirloom tomatoes, fresh Ricotta and truffle tapenade.

There’s also a brunch grazing station with brekky sliders, yoghurt jars, Bircher muesli pots, Belgian waffles and fresh fruit in case you need a little something extra after all of the pizzas.

The next event kicks off at 11am on Saturday July 13th and it’s the perfect Saturday soiree if you’re in the market for a decadent day out with the girls.

You’ll also enjoy the soothing acoustic sounds of Emily Brieger on the day.

Tickets are $49 each and so far the event has been a sellout so we suggest grabbing yours as quickly as you are able to click.

What a treat Gold Coasters.

LOCATION: Mantra at Sharks, 4 Melia Court, Southport

WHEN: Saturday July 13th from 11am until 1pm

Words by Kirra Smith.

If Queensland weather doesn’t shout rooftop bars at you in a high-pitched squeal, we don’t know what will. Our climate, coupled with the amazing hospitality scene here in our city, means these open-air meccas of good times and delicious libations are the prime place to find yourself — any time of the year! It’s all about drinks in the sunshine and snapping selfies with picturesque backgrounds for Insta-bragging purposes.

So, in honour of bars in high places, here are 14 next-level rooftop bars (listed north to south) you should prioritise visiting this weekend, next weekend, and the weekend after…

Aviary Rooftop Bar
Perched atop Mantra on Sharks, Aviary Rooftop Bar’s views are as stunning as their extensive drinks list. With 180 degree views over the Surfers Paradise skyline and the ocean, it’s the perfect place for an after work beverage or Sunday arvo session with the crew. Ohh and don’t even get us started on their authentic Italian pizzas, and tapas… if you know, you know.
Where: Mantra at Sharks, Melia Ct, Southport (next to Southport Sharks)

Mr PP’s Deli & Rooftop Bar
A game-changer in Southport’s food and beverage scene, Mr PP’s is a multi level pizzeria and rooftop bar boasting city views and plenty of good vibes in the century-old postal building. There is a generous menu full of pizzas, tapas and charcuterie boards, the ideal scenario. Plus cocktails and local tipples, of which there are many. Live music on Sundays too.
Where: 43 Nerang St, Southport

Last Night on Earth
Pretty sure that if it were, in fact, your last night on Earth, you would want to spend it at a sweet rooftop bar with bulk cocktails at the ready. Which maybe isn’t the point of Southport’s Last Night on Earth but a good intro nonetheless. Last Night on Earth is the work of local legend Arran Wollams and his crew. It’s a somewhat underworld themed rooftop bar in the heart of Southport offering good times aplenty. It’s a dive bar, but not as you know it. Check it out.
Where: 50b Nerang St, Southport 

Cali Beach Club
Cali Beach Club is not just a rooftop bar, it’s Australia’s largest Beach Club! This Gold Coast classic is the ultimate beachside party destination that’s never known a dull moment. The 2L spritzer and cocktail jugs may have something to do with this… One minute, you’re lounging on your dedicated daybed by the pool. Next, you’re sipping a Cali Colada in the pool. What’s that? The DJ set has begun?! Off to the dancefloor with you!
Where: 21a Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

The Exhibitionist Bar
News flash: HOTA isn’t just for the arts and culture, people, it’s also for cocktails. Speciality cocktails- each inspired by and changed to reflect the art centre’s current major exhibitions. We feel more cultured already. Enjoy it all while absorbing the breathtaking views of the city skyline. The highly talented Tom Angel heads up the bar and cocktail list, which is a seriously good spot for a sundowner — and the ideal place to take out of towners!
Where: Level 5/135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

Lulu Rooftop & Bar
Say hello to one of GC’s newest editions- the lovely Lulu. Think Miami’s art deco scene meets laid-back tropical Gold Coast, with lush greenery, plush booth seating and marble-topped bars, it’s a vibe! Throw in the fact it’s on a rooftop and we’re sold. Okay, that’s a lie, our booths were booked when we got word of a Frosé Wall! Choose from six boozy frosé flavours (or try them all) and garnish your icy creation with an array of lollies.
Where: Level 2/4 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

The Island Rooftop
It’s the largest open-air (and much adored) rooftop on the Gold Coast, perched on top of The Island in Surfers Paradise. This spot is kind of a unicorn, being part nightclub, part bar and part live music venue. And now, they have taken things up a notch, launching Above Sundays. where killer beats meet delicious eats and craft cocktails. From 11am every Sunday, find a line-up of DJs playing, a specially curated summer cocktail menu, and indulgent share-style eats. Think of it as your new Sunday ritual.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

Nineteen at The Star
The fanciest of the bunch is undoubtedly Nineteen at The Star, complete with velvet booth-style seating, an infinity pool and ocean views for days. Found atop The Star Gold Coast’s The Darling, Nineteen is the perfect place for people-watching, dressing up and sipping on fancy tipples while dancing the night away. Be sure to take a snap on the runway stretching out into the pool!
Where: The Darling, Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach 

JuJu
The GC’s newest rooftop bar has serious “it’s a vibe” energy. JuJu in Nobby Beach delivers upscale dining with a side of cheeky fun. Split across two levels, this new venue is perfect for sunset cocktails and late-night revelry. Expect Euro-summer vibes, lush greenery, and after-hours parties that feel straight out of Mykonos. With a sleek rooftop bar featuring a retractable roof, tequila carts, and live DJ-saxophonist duos, JuJu is where you go when you’re ready to keep the night alive.
Where: 2235 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Tropic Vice
Tropic Vice is one of (if not, the) hottest bars on the Gold Coast, and for excellent reason. Go from dinner to disco, and dance the night away under the neon lights. The Nobby Beach venue is ideal for a weekend catch-up, a mid-week cheeky cocktail, or an epic bottomless brunch every Sunday. Do yourself a favour, find yourself here sipping a cocktail whilst drinking in the gorgeous hinterland view.
Where: 2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Justin Lane
A much-loved favourite among locals and visitors alike, Justin Lane is still one of the most popular rooftops on the Gold Coast and was actually the coast’s first official rooftop bar opening in 2011! Hard to imagine.  The space is intimate, with booth-style seating overlooking Burleigh and plenty of cocktails to tickle your fancy. Once you’re done slinging back bevvys with the gang, head downstairs for some fair dinkum pizza (it’s so damn good).
Where: 1708-1710 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

The Collective
Everyone’s favourite multi-restaurant establishment, The Collective in Palm Beach, boasts a sweet rooftop bar with epic cocktails for your sipping pleasure. You can also order eats from one of the five menus on offer and watch the sunset over the ocean while you’re at it. We HIGHLY recommend it.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

Burleigh Pavilion
This one is straight-up iconic and the vibe is a match. It’s as close to the ocean as you can get with a cocktail before it becomes a safety hazard. You may be closer to Earth for this one, but the view here is arguably the best on the Gold Coast. Soak in the stunning sunshine while mulling over which epic cocktail to try first.
Where: 3a/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

The Salty Fox
Made for those who are “here for a good time, not a long time”- literally. The Salty Fox can be found on the 7th floor and rooftop of Rydges Gold Coast Airport and is the perfect destination for your pre-departure or post-arrival drinks. Catch uninterrupted views of the stunning Bilinga Beach from the rooftop as you get ready for takeoff, or settle into the Gold Coast spirit with a cocktail (or a few). You may even snag some live music and DJ sets if you’re lucky.
Where: Lot 5, Terminal Drive, Bilinga

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

It’s been a year and we’re officially counting down the days and hours until the clock strikes New Year. You’ve made it, we’ve made it and what better way to celebrate that than at one of the Gold Coast’s best.

Whether you’ve had a blast or it’s been a bit of a bust, either way it’s time to celebrate the year that was and say ciao to 2023 in style. So, bottoms up because we’ve found the Gold Coast’s best banquets, bottomless beverage packages and so much more to keep you going until the clock strikes midnight.

The Island
Welcome to the ultimate New Year’s Eve soiree at The Island Gold Coast! This glamour-packed event promises a night of glitz, glam, and grandeur. Toast to 2023 and immerse yourself in the fun at one of the Coast’s most iconic parties. Whether you’re wanting to party poolside or penthouse style, they’ve got three epic parties to pick from. We’ve got all the solid gold here.
Where: The Island, 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

The Star Gold Coast
The Star Gold Coast is pulling out all the stops for an appropriately sparkly New Year’s celebration. With multiple venues and events (hello party on The Star Grand Pool Lawn), including rooftop festivities and exclusive dining experiences, The Star is to be the centre of allll the New Year’s activity so if you’re keen to know more, we’ve got you covered – check our ultimate guide to The Star’s New Year’s Eve celebrations here so you don’t miss out.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach

JW Marriott
JW Marriott is turning up the luxury for New Year’s Eve!

Dive into a feast for the senses with the ultimate seafood buffet at Citrique – decadent dining is the only way to say goodbye to 2023 and what better way than with a seafood spread. If cocktails and soaking up that sweet summer air is more your style, then Chapter & Verse will be delivering with a signature Cocktail Party so you can sip and celebrate in style.
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise

The Langham Gold Coast
We say that ringing in the New Year is pretty much the perfect time to be a little boujee and where better to do that than The Langham Gold Coast. Think four course feeds and live entertainment at your favourite hotel hotspots, but if you’re not here to make friends with food then why not pop into The Lobby Lounge or The Tap Room for a nibbles and a champagne toast – there’s something for everyone.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise.

QT Stingray
Get ready to groove and dance at Stingray’s NYE Party 2023 at QT Gold Coast. Stingray have pulled out all of the best parts it’s known for like live entertainment, ripper cocktails and good vibes all round – plus, there’s a 4.5 hour beverage package AND food stations that you just know are going to be irresistible. Say less.
Where: QT Hotel, Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove
In a first for the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove, The Fireplace will open its doors on NYE for six-course degustation that celebrates the iconic wood-fired flavours that have become a signature part of their dining experience. In a carefully crafted menu, enjoy the scenic surroundings, and savour every moment and bite as you bid farewell to 2023.
Where: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Lower Level, Manor Circle, Hope Island

Southport Sharks
If you’re planning on having the kids in tow, then get ready for a family-friendly fun at Southport Sharks. With a lineup of activities for all ages, including live entertainment, a petting zoo, and of course a spectacular fireworks display – because it’s not New Year’s Eve if there are no fireworks. It’s the perfect spot for a festive fiesta.
Where: Olsen Avenue and Musgrave Avenue, Southport

Dracula’s
If you’re looking to get into the spirit and have a ghouly good time, then look no further than Dracula’s! The crew will be delivering a spooky but spectacular celebration that’s complete with their signature cabaret show and food that’s to die for. If you were ever worried about making it to midnight, then being in the company of vampires is sure to make you go that extra mile – or hour.
Where: 1 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach

HOTA
Join the cultural celebration at HOTA with their New Year’s Eve events at Palette and The Exhibitionist Bar. With live performances, art installations, and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to welcome the new year in style. If you’re searching for the ultimate foodie experience then a five-course dinner at Palette is a no brainer, otherwise you can party with sweeping views of the Gold Coast at The Exhibitionist Bar – the perfect spot to see the fireworks all cross the city.

SkyPoint
Ring in the New Year with unparalleled views festivities. The SkyPoint NYE celebration promises a night of glamour and excitement, set against the glittering backdrop of the city lights and the Pacific Ocean. Revel in a premium experience featuring live entertainment, exquisite dining, and, of course, the breathtaking fireworks display that transforms the skyline. Whether you’re looking for an intimate dinner or a vibrant party atmosphere, SkyPoint offers a range of packages, ensuring a memorable start to the new year.
Where: SkyPoint Observation Deck, Level 77, Q1, Surfers Paradise

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.