The ultimate triple threat has arrived In Surfers Paradise and it’s all kinds of fab, frantic and follow-worthy. Funlab, Australasia’s largest fun company provider, is giving us yet another reason to stay in our ‘hood these holidays for a dose (or three) of homegrown entertainment.

Get ready for three equally vivacious venues all under the one roof; Hijinx Hotel, Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, and Holey Moley. And BTW, the latter isn’t an expression of speech to convey our excitement, but the actual name of one of these awesome new local attractions. All we can say is heavens to betsy, we are pumped (and yes, this time we are describing our enthusiasm).

Located under the supremely popular Cali Beach, Surfers Paradise, this epic entertainment precinct is a game-changer for fun-seekers. Occupying a whopping 3,279 sqm and holding 410 people collectively across the three venues, it’s set to become quite the power player on our glitter strip #biggerisbetter.

Let’s get down to the nitty gritty and unpack the hot new venue; Queensland’s first (and Australia’s second) Hijinx Hotel. But don’t be fooled because although you check in and are welcome to enjoy a beverage in the lobby or sip cocktails at the bar, you can’t actually sleep here. Instead, you’ll be entering a series of fantastical quick play immersive game rooms, perfect for a brain teaser, lotsa laughs and most importantly, instagrammable backdrops galore.

Each room gives a nod to nostalgia and is uniquely designed for between two and six players to work together and complete challenges in a four-minute window. Combining theatre and the wonder of a quirky New York hotel, its originality is only matched by its off-the-Richter fun factor.

Also well worth a look is the old-skool-cool Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq. A playground for the young and old, lose yourself (hey Eminem!) in rad traditional arcade games. If this isn’t your bag of popcorn, there are dodgem cars (eeee!), virtual reality, ten-pin bowling, and prizes-a-plenty. For the full sensory experience, head for the bar (duh) and order one of Archie’s crazy cocktails or shakes #cocktailsforthewin.

And last but by no means least, find us a human who doesn’t love a spot of putt putt. Boasting 18 holes of the craziest minigolf, Holey Moley has taken the experience to a new dimension with the addition of a bar! And not just any bar, the Caddyshack bar, an 80s and 90s themed watering hole and Chevy Chase, you defined our childhood. Tell your opponents to eat your shorts on the Simpsons Evergreen Terrace and take on the four new holes exclusive to the Surfers Paradise Holey Moley; Skate Park, I Scream, Birdie Hunter and Street Fight #KissMyPutt.

All three venues are perfect for any sort of celebration or soiree, catering to both big kids and actual kids. Hijinx Hotel is $25 per adult, Archie Brothers is $30 per adult and Holey Moley prices start at $14 per adult.

Where: 3197 Surfer Paradise Blvd, Elkhorn & Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
When: Open 7 days til late.

 Words by Bianca Trathen.

Once upon a time we left holidaymakers to their own devices in arguably the GC’s most famous beachside suburb, but off the beaten path – well to be fair, some are still very much on it – locals have been keeping these gems all to themselves for a little too long if you ask us. That’s right, Surfers Paradise is more than a postcard-perfect destination, it’s a lifestyle locals love to embrace, because why should we leave all the fun to the tourists! So now we’re here to spill the beans on all the reasons locals can’t get enough of Surfers Paradise.

For all-in-one spots
Surfers Paradise does convenience like a pro with destinations where you can shop, eat, and play all in one spot. Paradise Centre is a beachside fave with a mix of fashion, food, and fun, right at your fingertips in the heart of Cavill Mall. Just a short stroll away you’ll find Soul Boardwalk where laidback vibes met beachside dining and retail therapy aplenty – because what better way to get the food digesting than with a shopping moment.

If an urban escape is more up your alley then pop on over to Chevron Renaissance for all your boutique shopping needs, whether it’s a bite to eat, to grab groceries for the week, a new fit for that special event or a pedicure pamper moment your wish is their command. The two hour free parking is also a big drawcard!

All-you-can eats
If you’re in the market for a buffet that’ll bowl you over then you’ve come to the right place because at this point buffet should be Surfers Paradise’s middle name.

Locals know that they’ve got the buffet game locked down so if you’re up for eating so much seafood you’ll need to unbutton your pants to fit in another plate then Citrique at the JW Marriott has your name all over it.

Just down the highway you’ll find a bustling international market that dreams (and hungry bellies) are made of with QT Gold Coast’s iconic Bazaar Marketplace experience.

Edging on the cusp of neighbouring Broady, Horizon Sky Dining might have pretty much everything on the menu but what about revolving panoramic views of the Gold Coast? They’ve got those two and we’ll take a plate of both thank you very much.

For your morning sips
If you’re anything like us, the day doesn’t start until coffee has been sipped. Kickstart your day with the perfect brew at ESPL Coffee. This beachside gem is great for delicious bites with a friendly vibe.

If you’re seeking people who are serious about coffee, Paradox Coffee Roasters is the destination you seek. They are committed to producing the highest quality coffee there is — just ask the locals!

Like your morning sip with a side of epic treats? Janus Bakehouse is for you… don’t mind us drooling just thinking about it.

To escape the hustle & bustle head to Bumbles. Budds Beach has long been a local secret but there’s good reason why Gold Coasters have been flocking to this hot spot for 10+ years. Get your coffee fix, some snacks and set up on the edge of Budds Beach for the ultimate start to the day.

For you harder sips
Fancy a cocktail (or five)? Well you’ve come to the right place because Surfers is a cocktail connoisseur’s dream come true. After sunset – okay maybe before too – Surfers turns into a cocktail connoisseur’s playground.

Lulu Rooftop is the newest addition to the scene, serving up a funky art deco aesthetic alongside sophisticated sips.

Sports fan? Hit up The Sporting Globe to get all the sporting action live and loud or get ready to yeehaw and let loose at Cowboys, with a bucking bull taking pride of place the Americana vibes are vibing.

Okay party people, we hear you asking where to go get Gold Coast vibes going and it’s obviously got to be Cali Beach Club – it’s giving European inspired beach party so you’re guaranteed a good time. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it we say, so it’s no wonder locals keep going back for more at The Island Rooftop, an institution for good reason you can’t beat the open air and the huge beverage list never fails us.

For drinks with a view Surfers Pavilion has nailed casual waterfront meets ‘I don’t want to leave yet’ as it overlooks the canal so you can watch the boats drift by. Hinterland your preferred view? Well, The Exhibitionist Bar’s got them aplenty, actually they’ve got panoramic sight of the whole GC so take your pick. Back over on the beachside Coast Beach Bar are home to some of the best marg’s on the GC and even better views of the suburb’s namesake beach.

For casual eats
Sometimes you just want to keep it low-key and you know what, that doesn’t have to mean that the flavours are low-key too. You go-to for authentic Thai flavours has got to be Sura Thai, dine in to make the most of the cosy and authentic feel or grab your favourites to-go. Shiraz Persian Restaurant has become known as the Coast’s best Middle Eastern bites with aromatic Persian dishes like tender kebabs gracing the menu.

Don’t sleep on Velaa’s Asian fusion fare from classic poke bowls and new flavours like their signature Thai Milk Tea Parfait (uh, YUM) just waiting for you to discover.

We like big burgers and we cannot lie so Wahlburgers is a must-try for us, plus you might even sneak a peek at Mark Wahlburg when he’s in town next if you’re lucky!

Alright, this one is definitely loved by more than just locals, HOTA’s Markets are the ultimate hangout to ring in Sunday Funday, pick up all the local farm fresh produce and flowers your heard desires and then grab a bite (we’re looking at you, Mio Wraps) and a sweet treat for the road and thank us later.

For something a little bit fancy
Now’s the time to bust out your best fancy fit because Surfers has some pretty boujee spots up their sleeves.

Nestled beneath the HOTA Gallery, Palette proves that fine dining is back, baby! Treat yourself to the degustation for the full experience, with dishes and cocktails inspired by the each gallery exhibition you need to see it – or taste it – to believe it.

The buffet is always a winner at Citrique, but have you tried their a la carte? Take this as your sign to snag a seat and let the food come to you while you spoil yourself with the Chef’s Signature Bay Bug Dumplings (life-changing) or some chargrilled Australian Wagyu.

Elevated Thai is the word at Nahm Talay Thai, all your regular favourites but even better and cocktails that are just begging to be instagrammed – bonus point for the beach front views.

Let the good times roll
Surfers Paradise isn’t short on adrenaline or intrigue and it doesn’t matter if it’s your first or 50^th time visiting, they still pack the same punch in our humble opinion.

Scale SkyPoint for unbeatable views atop the Q1, chill out (literally) at the IceBar and get a moment to reflect at the Mirror Bar – see what we did there.

If you’d rather enter another dimension for a little while then Infinity is begging for you to explore their mysterious maze or drop into Other World HQ and escape the ordinary with mind-bending interactive games and escape rooms. Test your team work (and maybe patience) at Eclipse Escape Rooms and Fox in a Box, go on – put that big ol’ brain to work.

We’re partial to a trip down nostalgia lane so we’re always down to battle it out at Timezone, and when there’s fun for all ages on the menu how could you not! Feeling flighty? Take a literal leap of faith at iFly and get a taste of indoor skydiving before you brave the great outdoors.

Gosh all that exploring calls with some pampering to finish the day, but not without its quirks! Barefoot Fish have tanks full of fish – yep, real live fish – just waiting for you to dip in for a soak so they can get rid of any dry or dead skin and leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski

Ocean gazing whilst eating your body weight in delicious Italian fare – that’s the dream. Unless you’re in togs with that annoying friend who documents everything on her grid, but there are apps for that so yeah, still the dream #filtersonfilters. Well, this is precisely what Surfers Paradise’s La Calabrese at Ocean is proposing and WE.DO! To place us in even higher ‘spirits’ just add a refreshing cocktail and forgive us, but sun’s out pun’s out we say.

Situated right next to the pristine beach, La Calabrese at Ocean is all about traditional Italian ingredients with a modern twist. Keen foodies and/or folk who frequent Melbourne will recognise the name (sans the ocean part) and we’re pleased to confirm that the cuisine is equally on point. After two years of success – pandemic and all – a sea-change expansion was planned and boom, we’re blessed with our very own authentic yet contemporary Italian slinging La Calabrese…with ocean views to boot #CopThatMelbourne!

Owner Ruixin Wang (Rae) worked with Savitri Gandakusumah from Dreampods Group to bring the restaurant’s aesthetic to life, offering both indoor and outdoor dining and a swoon-worthy 90 square metre ocean-view terrace. With capacity for 200 guests, can someone we know pls book a huge ‘shell-abration’ and invite us already?! There are also special VIP seatings for a more exclusive experience and this has us written all over it.

Boasting a blend of the ‘old’ and ‘new’ generations of Italian professionals, the entire kitchen and floor team hail from Calabria, Tuscany, Sicily, Milan and Brescia. Their passion for cooking and food is infectious and they’re Italians right, so #obvs. They love nothing more than talking about food culture and food education, which is fine by us coz we love nothing more than listening!

Speaking of food, Head Chef Rocco Premoli can do no wrong in our eyes, rolling out a menu brimming with ‘things that make you hmm mmm’. For antipasti, you can’t go past the Crudo Di Pesce, with marinated kingfish, citrus dressing, watermelon, chives and green oil. The pizzas in particular are food-gasmic, and if you don’t concur then soz but #weir-dough. Anything but your average pizza, a process called ‘biga’ is used to make the dough and honestly, the ‘yeast’ we can do is divulge why this technique is so special. Combining the sugar of the Italian flour with yeast to go through a pre-fermentation process, this is just the first step of dough-making and srsly, #skillz.

How about a Mortadella with fiordilatte, mortadella, Stracciatella cheese, fried squid and pistachio and if you’ve never tried pistachio on a pizza, you’re welcome. Or if you’re channelling a pasta (ALWAYS), you can’t go past the Agnolotti with homemade ravioli, beef cheek, sage butter, and parmesan fondue. Make sure you pair it with the signature Focaccia Black Garlic, a wood-fired focaccia house made black garlic butter because carbs on carbs is life.

It’s dessert o-clock and besides being one of our favourite times (besides cocktail o-clock…which is 24/7), we suggest a Panna Cotta with lavender, honey, chocolate crumble and beetroot gel. Now we’re thinking about cocktails coz we’re us, and the Tipsy Illy with Disaronoo, illy cream and fresh strawberries totally caught out eye. As did the Paradise Margarita with cazadores tequila, Chambord, blackberries, jalapeno and lime juice coz this combo srsly floats our yacht.

So for those partial to a traditional Italian chow-down with a modern glow-up, you’ll get precisely that – with a hearty side of ocean views – at La Calabrese.

Where: Level 1, 84 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
When: 5.30pm – 9.30pm Monday – Wednesday & 12pm – 10pm Thursday – Sunday

Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Brittany Kreskas.