Our sweet, sweet So-Po. There’s something we just love about Southport, maybe it’s the fact that they’ve got bulk bars and restaurants so hunger never has to enter our vocabulary again. Or maybe it’s how you can get a coffee hit and hit of golf done in half a day and then soak up those Broadwater views for the rest of it – shall we go on?

All we know is that there are so many goodies in this CBD gem we couldn’t list them all or you’d be here all day and we know you’re all about less reading and more eating (same). Here’s our round-up of local approved must-do’s!

The all-in-ones
The retailers in Southport get that you’re busy – it is the CBD after all – so time is of the essence and efficiency is the word over here. Brickworks Ferry Rd has everything from the Standard Market Co to get those dinner essentials or to make the perfect charcuterie board, ‘grammable acai bowls at Cardamom Pod and bites like Bird Royale because we’ve always got time for some cheeky chicken.

Upping the ante with a little bit of everything, Queen Street Village is just off the Smith St Motorway so you can pop in for the essentials from gourmet grocer Jones & Co IGA. No time to meal prep? Grab some Asian eats at Wu Kong with peckish plates to keep you going, or a classic pub feed from Queen’s Arms for your parmy fix. When all that eating has got you zonked, get your caffeine hit at Sens Coffee and pop into DENDY to catch the latest flicks and a moment of peace and quiet.

Now did we hear you say retail therapy? Enter: Australia Fair. With the big names in fashion all in one spot along with our biggest vice Kmart on the store list, say goodbye to your savings but hello to a fresh new look. Once you’ve shopped til you dropped it’s time to start your Tour-de-Food at Australia Fair Metro, think pho, dumplings and desserts by the dozen.

For bakery treats
With a name like Sacre Coeur Patisserie it’s no wonder these guys have mastered the art of French pastries so prepare to stock up on croissants in allll the flavours from pistachio to raspberry and everything in between.

No man is left behind at Made With Love who deliver on 100% vegan cakes, pies and pastries because you know what, a donut a day keeps the doctor away or something like that and why should our vegans not be part of the action.

Keeping with the Euro-bakery theme is FARINA & Co, pastries are made onsite daily with all the classics like lemon meringue tarts and buttery croissants but wait, it gets even better – they double as a pasta bar. Grazie!

Pumping out sensational Asian-inspired pastries, desserts and drinks, Delothor Patisserie is our kinda kryptonite!

For a coffee
Coffee addicts, Southport’s got you covered with experiences like SupermarCat Cat Café, which – you guessed it – comes with a side of kitty cuddles with your caffeine fix, it’s so good we won’t judge if you start purring along with your furry friends.

For the more traditional café vibe Humble Café might be humble by name but they’re big on variety from classic cold drips to matcha espresso.

Built on the tried-and-true premise that simple is best, everything about Herringbone Cafe is understated (in the best way) letting the true hero of the space – the food and coffee – take centre stage.

Eight Fifty Espresso boosts productivity and happiness, doling out weekday caffeine fixes from its sidewalk dwelling, sapphire green digs.

For a drink
You already know we’re partial to a cold beverage to round out the day but if you’re after a side of live music with that then Vinnies Dive is the only place to get your fix and an ice cold brew all in one. If you’re after pub vibes you can’t go past SOPO (previously known as RSL CLUB Southport).

Just across the tram line nothing says Southport more than a cocktail (or 5) on Mr PP’s rooftop, perched above Nerang Street so you can people watch til your hearts content. Keeping the rooftop vibes going strong, Aviary Rooftop at Southport Sharks have an epic cocktail menu that talks a big game and luckily for us, it doesn’t just live up to expectations – it’s even better.

Carafe Wine is an eco-conscious space offering top-notch wine from all the most renowned vino regions and zero-waste practices plus a unique menu of sharing boards.

For good eats
Hello foodies, thoughts we forgot about you? We could never! Getting the good times rolling is none other than Good Times Deli who have quickly become known as the home of sandwiches like no other – think Philly Cheesesteak and banger Bahn Mi.

Japanese eatery, KatsuCo, churns out iterations of its namesake dish – traditionally coated in crunchy panko crumb and slathered in curry sauce.

For those on-the-go looking for the ultimate grab-and-go, Shiro Gelato & Snack knows what’s up with a selection of Japanese market eats like housemade Onigiri to get your fueled up and ready to tackle the day and gelato to finish because there’s always room for a sweetie treatie.

If you’ve been having Euro summer FOMO you can find a taste of the Mediterranean at Como Kitchen & Bar or if there’s a little Italian in your stomach screaming for some arancini balls (or is it just us?) you can get a mozza at Mozza Mozza as well pasta served tableside from a cheese wheel.

Since we’re on a food journey around the world you’ll be happy to know that Southport is pretty much THE place to get your Korean BBQ fix – yep, we found and 6 smokin’ hot Korean BBQ spots on the GC and would you believe 5 of them call our humble CBD home. Yep, Southport officially has a license to grill.

Local attractions
So you’ve got your coffee and you’re looking to get at one with nature? Obviously, your next stop has to be Broadwater Parklands. It doesn’t matter if you’re just there for a hot girl walk or trying to find a way to keep your tribe occupied, the shared pathway makes it the ultimate for everyone whether you’re in your running era or just keen to take in the Broadwater views while you bike and play.

Fancy a bit more adventure we hear you say? We got you. Tee off for a full day of fun at Southport Golf Club so you can let your inner Tiger Woods run wild on the green. If land has got you feeling like a fish out of water then pop on over to the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre for a mermaid moment with things like group fitness classes – hello aqua aerobics – as well as Olympic length swimming pools for the pros and splash pads for the little tackers.

If a hands on approach to fun is more your vibe then entering a new dimension at Zero Latency is a must-do, the international juggernaut has given VR new life with games on games so you can immerse yourself in the madness. Sing your little lungs out without fear of judgment and enjoy yourself a lyric fuelled good time at Black8 Pool Hall. Test your relationships and put that brain to work with a prison break escape room at Escape Hunt or pick up a pistol at Southport’s very own – and the Coast’s safest – shooting range, The Shooting Centre.

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski

If you’re planning on getting hitched in the future, the Gold Coast is certainly a good place to do so. With many a delightful location on offer, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to your big day.

From the beach to the hinterland, or the hinterland with views of the beach, the Coast is your oyster.

Here’s a few we think might tickle your fancy, probably get in quite early though because they seem to tickle everyone’s fancy.

The Bower Estate
The newest of the bunch, The Bower Estate is set upon 120 acres of stunning land in the Gold Coast hinterland. Surrounded by national parks, the full-service wedding venue offers onsite catering, event coordination and accommodation and as a family-owned business, you can expect the utmost care to go into your big day. It’s a mind-blowing venue and one that would be absolutely perfect for any style of wedding.
Where: 3165 Nerang Murwillumbah Road, Natural Bridge

*Mavis’s Kitchen
There aren’t enough words in the world to describe the magic of Mavis’s Kitchen. Technically it’s in Northern NSW but that’s never stopped us before. There are mountain views for days, from the hinterland to Mt Warning and food direct from the organic garden and the perfect spot to marry your love. It’s an intimate space but if stunning outdoor scenery is your thing, this one is a must-see.
Where: 64 Mount Warning Road, Uki

Heritage Wines
Another hinterland gem, Heritage Wines is, you guessed it a wedding venue at a winery and those are the perfect combination if you ask us. The rustic style venue boasts some absolutely magical views and there’s a separate little section for the actual getting married part. Guests can mingle on the greenest lawn in the world whilst enjoying wines from their cellar door. The food is a delight there too.
Where: Bartle Road, Tamborine Mountain 

*Summergrove Estate
Greenery abounds at Summergrove Estate, making it the perfect place for a spectacular wedding day no one will ever forget. Having won many awards in the past few years, it’s no wonder this place is much-loved by everyone who has ever laid eyes on it. Found in the hinterland, they boast a little weatherboard chapel, and the option of a reception either indoors or outside under the stars.
Where: 363 Carool Road, Carool

Ancora
Found riverside in Tweed Heads, Ancora is an absolutely stunning venue offering garden ceremonies and a perfect reception space with 180 degree water views plus a balcony boasting salty breezes and the perfect viewing platform for one of the those magical Gold Coast sunsets. We’ve been to many a ceremony here and each has been more beautiful than the last. Good vibes too. Make sure you check Ancora out.
Where: 118 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads

Cowbell Creek
With three ceremony areas, Cowbell Creek will have you spoilt for choice on your big day. There’s a retracting roof pergola, giant hilltop fig tree and an creekside verandah and each offers magical views of the surrounding property including 200 acres of rolling hills, creeks, lookouts and fields along with Clydesdales, friendly dairy cows, Alpacas and cheeky chooks. How good. It’s just 15 minutes from Robina Town Centre so practically on your doorstep.
Where: 390 Austinville Road, Austinville

Boomerang Farm
Getting hitched in a 100 year old barn seems like a good time. Even better when it’s surrounded by lush green lawns, big old trees and an actual rainforest chapel. You’ll no doubt spy a local wallaby or two and with the babbling Mudgeeraba Creek running through the property, what’s not to love. We highly recommend including lawn games on the agenda and a wheelbarrow full of beverages to set the mood. Plus, its just 10 minutes from Robina Town Centre.
Where: 55 Johns Road, Mudgeeraba 

Crystal Blue Yacht Cruises
If an intimate wedding on the water is more your style, why not gather the gang and go all out on a Crystal Blue yacht. It’s quite the romantic experience to be cruising along with the sun setting in the distance, a glass of champagne in hand having just wed your beloved (or so we hear). And imagine the incredible photos you’ll get! Definitely get on board with this idea for something quite unique but also very lovely.
Where: Marina Mirage, 74 Sea World Drive, Main Beach

Words by Kirra Smith

There is always a time to gift a bunch of flowers. Whether it’s to express love, joy, affection, appreciation, sympathy, romance or to say sorry, every bloom is the chance to put a smile on somebody’s dial. Getting your hands on amazingly vibrant and fresh flowers can seriously make anyone’s day — if not week!

In order to help you maintain that bestest friend ever status — or help you out of the dog house — we’ve compiled a list of places with the freshest flowers and the brightest bunches!

Moss & Stone
Located in two locations in Southport, there’s no denying these guys are big players when it comes to fresh flowers — their multiple awards also cement this fact! You might get distracted from your flower mission with the exciting selection of homewares, skincare, and gifts, but remain focussed — you got this!
Where: 4/41 Musgrave Avenue, Chirn Park and Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport.

Flowers Gold Coast
We’re crushing hard on the fresh, high quality, and on-trend blooms from Flowers Gold Coast. With an amazing array of stunning fresh blooms, dried flowers and hampers, all made by locals, for locals. With an impressive variety of stunning flower options available, Flowers Gold Coast (literally) deliver the goods every day of the week. They also offer same day delivery to Brisbane and Logan for orders placed by 11am.
Where: online

Studio O’Hara
One of the newest luxury florists on the block, Bureligh’s Studio O’Hara offers a personalised flower subscription service to ensure you’ll never miss a loved-ones’ special date again. With their curated selection of locally sourced gifts and stunning fresh and dried flower bouquets this florist is indeed a game changer.
Where: 7 Taree St, Burleigh Heads

Village Flower Emporium
With free delivery for Sanctuary Cove and Hope Island residents, if there’s somebody up north who you want to spoil, then these guys are very much an option. Besides delivery, the shop caters to all tastes with a wide range of bouquets and gift packs as well as plush teddy bears — now if that doesn’t make somebody’s day, we don’t know what will!
Where: The Marine Village, 31 Masthead Way, Sanctuary Cove

Tugun Fruit and Flowers
Taking a trip to Tugun is always a great idea and a fabulous way to slow things down and enjoy a more relaxed village-style vibe to the Gold Coast. Swing by Tugun Fruit and Flowers, and not only will you find amazing juices (yum), you’ll also discover adeptly put together flower arrangements and a collection of dried flowers which are sure to brighten any room.
Where: 4/467 Golden Four Drive, Tugun 

Wilde little Bloome
This boutique Gold Coast florist’s magical blooms saw them named as a finalist in the 2022 Wedding Industry Awards. Nakita, the creative mind behind Wilde Little Bloome is passionate about creating quality, unique and super special pieces. They create dreamy, organic and rustic inspired bouquets with both fresh and dried flowers.
Where: online

Bloom Jar
Now it may be a touch off-topic, but the selection of gifts that online Gold Coast florist Bloom Jar has at your disposal is nothing short of impressive. Jazz up any flower order with the addition of candles, chocolate, body oil, and wine! Their ‘everlasting collection’ are carefully curated dried flower arrangements and vary in style and size: perfect for any situation!
Where: online

Posy Lane
Posy Lane specialises in creating unique, fresh flower arrangements delivered straight to your doorstep at an affordable price. Unlike traditional florists, Posy Lane embraces a unique concept – each day, they craft a distinctive bunch of fresh seasonal flowers for delivery. While you can reach out for specific requests, styles, colors, or varieties, the true joy of Posy Lane lies in the delightful surprise they bring to each gift, turning it into a memorable and heartfelt experience.
Where: Online

Alba Roses
While their cute as a button Nobby Beach store is no more, thankfully we can still get our hands on Alba Roses’ beautiful flowers, plants and curated range of gifts online.
Where: Online

Eden the Flower Shop
The fantastic work of these guys can be found across various different cafes across the Coast from Helensvale to Surfers Paradise, such as all four Papercup cafes, northern favourite Bear Boy, Paddock and Rosé Gelateria. But fear not, you’ll also see their extensive range of blooms online for delivery right across the Gold Coast. Specialising in weddings and flower workshops, yep, that’s right. How do you fancy learning how to make your own pressed flower frame?!
Where: Multiple Gold Coast cafes or online

Bee’s Blossoms
Belle, the genius behind Bee’s whimisical floral creations, started her business by designing flowers for her disorganised sibling! Just 8 months in she won the Gold Coast Bulletin’s Best Florist Competition for 2021. Weddings and events are skillfully catered for with sustainability front of mind. Meaning all your flowery dreams and desires will be realised with minimal impact on the environment! We love this!
Where: Online from Mudgeeraba.

Maud and Ivy Flowers
With the tagline “Bold, Unmistakable and Courageous” you just know this florist is going to stand out in the crowd. Owner Monique Rameau has a devotion to detail and focuses on creating a personalised experience for every client.
Where: online

Words by Belinda Symons.