If there’s one place on the Gold Coast where you can shop till you drop, eat your body weight in quality nosh, do some srsly cool stuff, and wander amongst stunning natural parklands, it’s Robina.  There’s also a hospital, a train station and a sports stadium, one of which is exciting enough to make our list (hint; it’s not the hospital or the train station).

In honour of this central GC gem, we’ve compiled a list of 14 reasons why Robina peeps love their ‘burb, and why wider GC locals travel en masse to experience all it has to offer.

Pasta Emporium
With their Euro background and extensive experience in the food industry, mum and daughter duo Natalie and Sonia have created an artisan pasta boutique store like no other. Made with a high-quality durum wheat semolina (rich in fibre, protein, vitamin B and also digestion friendly), their fresh-as pasta can be paired with a selection of nasty-free slow cooked sauces. The.Best!
Where: Easy T Centre, 514 Christine Avenue, Robina

Palmer Golf Course
Carved out of 65 hectares of native woodlands with fairways lined by towering gum trees, this uniquely designed course is in the top 30 resort courses in the country #noice. A 6078-meter, 18-hole, Par 71 championship golf course (Aust Course Rating 72) designed by the Marsh / Watson team, its rolling fairways, manicured greens, towering eucalyptus and natural water course make it a local and visitor fave.
Where: Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina

Zone Bowling / Timezone
This dual-branded entertainment venue is an uber-exciting entertainment experience, combining Zone Bowling and Timezone in one renovated super space. Perfect for a birthday of any vintage and for corporate functions, you’ll find ten pin bowling, the latest arcade games, a laser tag arena with a ‘futurism/apocalyptic robots’ theme, and super fun spin zone bumper cars (coming later this year). Just yay!!!
Where: Robina Town Centre, 1 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

My French Pastries
A venue called My French Pastries needs no introduction but since it’s amongst the cream of the crop here on the GC, we’ll give them one anyway. Jen and Antonio Marchesi have created something really spesh with French pastries made from scratch. Think key lime Chantilly, lemon meringue, blueberry and chocolate tarts, and if you’re not salivating, you must be unwell. A special shout-out must go to the scrumptious savoury goodies, providing a well-rounded experience for your tastebuds.
Where: Robina Quays Shopping Centre, 5/361 Robina Parkway, Robina

Eddy + Wolff
The trendiest of the Robina bunch, Eddy + Wolff opened in early 2019 bringing exceptional, modern Asian eats to the people. It’s a sleek, 22-seat venue serving up ten-outta-ten eats, just like it’s northern brother from the same mother, Can Tho Kitchen at Runaway Bay. The menu features BBQ-style dishes, snacks, larger plates and sides, all of which are designed to share and hail from Thao and Vien’s home country of Vietnam, China, Japan and Korea to name a few. The drinks list is tight and perfectly curated to match the food with an unmissable lemon sake. An absolute fave.
Where: 44 Commerce Drive, Robina 

The Kitchens
Fact; foodie marketplace-style situations are one of life’s greatest gifts. The Kitchens is precisely that, with an array of exceptional venues all in the one beautifully appointed area. Think tasty teppanyaki, big ‘ole burgers, a vegan foodie venue and even a craft beer bar offering delicious eats to name a few. There is more choice here than you can poke a stick at and bonus; it’s attached to one of the region’s best shopping centres #UnicornsDoExist.
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina 

El Camino Cantina
A good time Mexi-joint at Robina Town Centre, what’s not to love? Rocking one of the most colour-filled interiors you ever did see, a menu packed with family-friendly Mex-cellent eats, and frozen margaritas, it’s love at first sight/bite/sip. The legendary venue is one of seven Queensland restaurants, synonymous with funky neon signage, sweet sombreros, and an all-round winning ambience. Gather the crew and get on it.
Where: Robina Town Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

CBUS Super Stadium
Home of our beloved Titans, CBUS Super Stadium is one of the best regional stadiums in Australia and it’s ours, all ours (insert wicked snigger). Not only do Gold Coasters spend their weekends cheering on the boys here, but we’ve also been lucky enough to watch A-league and international football games, the Nitro Circus, and the Rugby 7s as part of the Commonwealth Games. High five to CBUS for being our homegrown hub of sporting joy.
Where: Centreline Place, Robina

Robina Pavilion
A tried and tested (regularly. Very regularly….) favourite, Robina Pav features a sleek look’n’feel, dreamy deck overlooking the water, a specialised kids area, and plenty of good vibes. Boasting a menu packed with epic eats from woodfired pizzas to stacked burgers, it would be rude not to get involved with the impressive cocktail menu #IfWeMust. It’s the perfect spot for sun-soaked afternoon sessions with you posse.
Where: 229 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina

Robina Parkway Dog Park
Obviously one for the locals with hairy mates but if you live further afield and have a furry friend in tow, we highly recommend. There are all kinds of fun things for your doggo to explore including tunnels and hurdles, and they’re bound to make a new buddy or two in the process. If you don’t have a pooch, get down there anyway and score free pats a-plenty #GoodForTheSoul.
Where: Lot 21, Robina Parkway, Robina

Parkway Coffee
Ahh Parkway Coffee how we love thee and your equally irresistible sibling Third Base in Palmy. Like its southern sister, this Robina crowd pleaser offers similar laidback community vibes, and also serves up the same level of tasty brunch eats. Their Reuban Toastie with beef pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, gherkins, and thousand island dressing on golden toasted sourdough is the perf example of Parkway’s culinary prowess. Pair your feed with some quality time in the garden…and day made.
Where: Robina Quays, 361 Robina Parkway, Robina

Cheltenham Park
If open spaces and oodles of greenery, in the middle of a city no less, is your thing (yes please), Cheltenham Park is the business. There are plenty of areas for the kids – human and fury – to run themselves ragged (#yeahmums!) bushwalking tracks, and big leafy trees to stretch out beneath with a picnic and your favourite people. Perfect for escaping the rat race without chewing through the petrol in search of a tree change.
Where: Cheltenham Drive, Robina 

The Sporting Globe
The spacious, sports-themed bar and restaurant made a big splash on Robina Town Centre when it first moved in and continues to do so in 2023. Within The Sporting Globe there are no less than 50 high definition screens including two 5m2 screens and a nine-screen video wall, so yeah nah, you’re not missing a single second of the action. They’re also serving up perfect sport-watching food, frosty bronsons galore, and an all-round cracking good atmosphere. It’s a sure thing.
Where: The Promenade, Robina Town Centre, Robina

Alpine Indoor Climbing
Robina’s state-of-the-art climbing centre is positively R.A.D if you’re somewhat of an adrenalin junkie, or someone looking for a new sporty-spice-esk challenge. Alpine Indoor Climbing is a favourite amongst both professional and beginner climbers (including those lacking in coordination, AKA us). There are varying levels of challenges and you can go across, straight up, or anyway you like really, and there are cushioned pads underneath should you lose your grip. Good times.
Where: 86 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

Words by Bianca Trathen.

Somehow Easter is quickly closing in on us for another year – and we’d flat out refuse to accept this fact if it weren’t for the rows of foil-wrapped choccies and fresh-baked HCB’s have been gracing the shelves (and our bellies) for several weeks months now. Which means it’s time to get those long weekend plans locked and loaded – and who better than the GC’s very own designer playground, QT, to ensure our Easter is choc-a-block full of the good stuff: feasting, fun and festivities. From rugrat-approved egg decorating workshops to sumptuous market-fresh sashimi feasts, there’s truly something for every-bunny going down at QT this Easter. Srsly – this is one time keeping all your eggs in one basket is just good sense.

Easter High Tea at Fixx
If you’ve been ‘hunting’ high and low for a decadent and delightful way to celebrate this chocolate season Easter, look no further than a special edition Fixx High Tea experience available across the Easter long weekend. Hosted within the funky surrounds of Fixx cafe, the whimsical spread will be treated to an especially tempting Easter-inspired twist, which teases an indulgent sugar rush inspired by magical creatures from far off lands. As always, the QT pastry wizards know the way to our hearts – switching up the usual selection of exquisitely crafted pint-sized sweet and savoury treats, to include cameos from chocolate eggs and freshly baked hot cross buns for one wonderful weekend only. Pass the butter (and stretchy pants), please and thank you!

Shake and Create Kids Workshops at Fixx
Sugar-based shenanigans are not the only festive happenings at Fixx, with an egg-xtra special, egg decorating edition of their ever-popular school holiday workshops: ‘Shake and Create Kids: Easter Unleashed’ on offer for four days only. For only $25 per child, round up the rugrats to make some most egg-cellent mems on either Easter Saturday, or Wednesday 3rd April until Friday 5th April. As always spots are limited, so get cracking if you want to snag a spot. Stealing the glory for the fun points while outsourcing the food-based craft to a place other than our own kitchen? Priceless.

Easter at Bazaar
If you’re chasing a festive feast fit for the whole fam, Easter at Bazaar is where it’s at. The spectacular Bazaar spread and its curation of global flavours already has us in its clutches, so we are in awe that Executive Chef, Greg Benney and his kitchen brigade still manage to pull a rabbit or two out of their hats for occasions like these. Serving up an extra lush Easter Sunday brunch and Easter dinner from Good Friday through to Easter Monday, the superb spread comes complete with slow-cooked meats and perfectly-spiced fresh seafood along with oodles of otherworldly chocolate confections for the occasion. In addition to the famous, flowing chocolate fountain – fully stocked with all the dunkable and drizzle-worthy trimmings, of course – there’d be riots if not. Sugar rush, come at us!

Easter at Yamagen
Easter and overindulging is frankly, a foregone conclusion… *handshake emoji*. So, if you want to make each and every mouthful truly count, surrender yourself to the succulent Easter at Yamagen experience – for a fine dining style celebration where fresh seafood will steal the show. Set within the soft glow of neon lights at QT’s cosy, AGFG chef hat awarded dining destination, bask in elevated Japanese eats with a selection of the finest à la carte fare alongside a degustation style, fish-only omakase menu – handpicked by Executive Chef Adam Lane and his team of kitchen wizards. Don’t forget to check out the top shelf whisky selection while you’re there… special occasions are made for indulging, no?

Find out more on all of QT Gold Coast’s epic Easter happenings here.

Where: 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: Various dates/times across the Easter long weekend

Words by Kellie Leader.

STORY SPONSORED BY QT GOLD COAST

Ahhh school holidays. That special time when we get to do fun things with our mini-me’s …only to run out of entertainment inspo three days in and panic #RocksInCornerWithGlassOfSav.

Never fear Gold Coast mums and dads, as we have a list of to-do’s to keep your kiddos occupied (and you sane) across the whole Easter school holidays. And wanna know the best part? The majority are free, or super cheap and cheerful!

Here we go…

Pacific Fair
Wondering what’s poppin’ at Pac Fair this school hols? Why, a Hip Hoppin’ Easter Dance Party, of course. Mark Saturday 23 March in your calendar, for a huge, all day egg-xtravaganza. The fun and free festivities include an Easter egg hunt, Easter bunny meet and greets, workshops, stacks of free chocolate, and of course, an epic groove-off with all the catchiest kid-approved tunes. Dab, no wait, Floss, erm… whatever the heck the kids are doing these days… like nobody’s watching.
Where: 2/32 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach Waters

Robina Town Centre
Candy House
Step into the enchanting Candy House at Robina Town Centre, where the air is filled with the sweet scent of adventure. Your little ones will be captivated by interactive games and shows designed to ignite their imagination and tickle their taste buds.

Marvel at the creativity of the Candy House lolly creator as they bring sugary concoctions to life, from candy-coloured creations to inflating blueberries and dancing popcorn! Don’t miss out on the fun from Tuesday, April 2nd to Sunday, April 14th. Doors open from 10am to 2pm daily and shows scheduled every half hour. Best of all, admission is free, and no bookings are required.

Kids Night Out
Treat the whipper snappers to a parent-free arvo of living it up at the movies, and your frazzled eardrums to several hours of serenity in the process… it’s #winwin for all involved. Hosted by Robina Town Centre on the reg, this month Kids Night Out falls on Saturday 6 April, with a screening of Kung Fu Panda 4 they’re sure to be razzed about. It’ll only run you $18 per child (plus candy bar spending money, if you’re feeling generous) which includes their ticket, kids meal and 3 hours of babysitting service. Skadoosh those school hols, y’all!
Where: Event Cinemas Robina, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

Beachfront Surfers Markets
Who doesn’t love a night market? The vibes are high, the tunes are flowing, the intoxicating aroma of salt air, artisan candles and fried goods fills the air. This Easter weekend, Surfers Paradise Beachfront Market is summoning every-bunny for a massive, Easter edition market-fest, held across three afternoons. Friday 29th, Saturday 30th, and Sunday 31st from 4 pm to 9 pm, round up the fam for a twilight meander through stalls upon stalls of handmade gifts, desserts and a myriad of family-friendly activities. Entry is free, with a visit from the Easter Bunny to boot. Hop to it!
Where: The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Naturally GC
NaturallyGC holiday programs are FREE and specifically designed to connect kids with nature and encourage outdoor play and learning. The Totally Wild vibing workshops cater to all interests and ages with a range of nature-based activities on offer across the holidays. There’s Scaly Reptiles or Bugs Gone Wild for the creepy crawly fans to slither in to, Creatures of the Sea to captivate the budding marine biologists, immersive Indigenous Art and Culture sessions, and more. Register online here.
Where: Various Gold Coast locations

Paradise Centre
We can always trust Surfers’ foreshore fun purveyor to bring the school holiday action, and this Easter break, there’s some slam-dunk activities in store for your budding ballers and bakers! From Thursday 4 to Sunday 7 April, mini MVP’s will marvel as a slam dunk court magically materialises by the beachfront dining precinct – with live DJ tunes, guest appearances from big name star dunkers, and appearances from everyone’s favourite, feathery mascots from 1–4pm daily. Shoot hoops till your heart’s content with free play between 4–5pm daily, then cool off with an ice cream to finish… (and the school holiday MVP award, goes to… you!)

Also joining the all-star school holiday lineup, the ever-popular Krispy Kreme doughnut decorating workshops are back again on select dates this April. For less than a tenner per child, they’ll supply two glazed doughnuts and all the sugary necessities needed to create the dessert of their dreams. School holiday fun, eat your heart out.
Where: 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Every-bunny knows Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s school holiday programs are the bee’s knees, and this time around they’ve added a second age group for double the fun! Now little sis/bro no longer have to miss out on the BTS action, with the new Wild Adventurers Junior (5-8 year olds) half day sessions to complement the classic full day experience for kiddos aged 9–12. For $34.50 and $69.00 per child respectively, budding zoologists can walk on the wild side and get up close to some of the Sanctuary’s star inhabitants. Smashing! (90’s kids know).

Nutsy’s Nutbush Party is set to debut over the Easter long weekend. To kick off the festivities, the first 100 visitors through the gates on Easter weekend will receive a complimentary chocolate Bilby!

The Easter fun continues with various activities such as bonnet making on the Blinky Bill Stage on Easter Saturday. Hop along on Easter Sunday to take part in the exciting golden ticket hunt, with lucky winners receiving a free chocolate koala.
Where: 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin

Oasis Shopping Centre
It’s all happening these school holidays at the Oasis with sweet, sugary shenanigans galore going down between Monday 25th–Thursday 28th, plus, confirmed sightings from the fluffy fellow himself.

Meet the Easter Bunny – Grab a photo with the adorable bunny on Tuesday 26th, Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th March between 11am and 2pm.

Easter cupcake decorating – Madison’s Café & Patisserie are making Easter fun a piece of (cup)cake, with decorating workshops to delight the mini-me’s happening on 27th & 28th March. $15 per child including said cupcake and a milkshake. Sweet!

Hot cross bun decorating – Baker’s Delight: Decorate your very own HCB for free on Monday 25th & Tuesday 26th March between 10am and 12pm. ‘Rustic’ crosses, coming in hot.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Dreamworld
We wouldn’t dream of omitting the home of all things thrills, stars and superheroes this school holidays. For an explosion of taste, scent and entertainment, Dreamworld Food Festival is back this April 6th to 21st. Bringing exciting new options to your favourite outlets, refuel post adrenalin rush with everything from American-style shakes, loaded dogs and ribs; to churros and smoothies.

Plus, for one dazzling day only, watch Dreamworld’s star-studded streets come to life dance mob style, with ‘Dance in the streets!’ brought to you by TP World Tours.
On April 13th, get on down for a captivating parade of colour, music, fun and, of course, dance!
Where: Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera

ArtVo
Get a taste of Melbourne’s much-loved, immersive art experience, right here in Robina; where you and your brood can step into a world of larger than life murals that we’re permitted, nay encouraged, to interact with… (cue collective sighs of relief from parents everywhere). Strike a pose and grab happy snaps galore as you encounter magical creatures, mighty beasts and step back in time, with eight uniquely themed rooms to explore.

Here’s a school holiday hot tip for you, visit ArtVo ANY DAY during the QLD school holidays at 10.30am to be part of a daily Easter Egg Hunt! Plus get Adults at Kid Prices these April school holidays with the code FUN. Score!
Where: Shop 5062 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina

QT Gold Coast
Every school break, without fail, QT Gold Coast rolls out the red carpet to keep our rugrats busy with some cracking children’s workshops… and for that we are eternally grateful. On select days during the April school holidays, round up the munchkins to bedazzle their own chocolate creation with the ‘Shake and Create’ kids Easter egg decorating classes. $25 per child includes a festive milkshake and everything they need to create their candy-covered masterpiece. Held on Easter Saturday, as well as Wednesday 3rd till Friday 5th April from 10am until 12pm.
Where: 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Sanctuary Cove
So, it’s Easter Sunday and you and the fam have spent the better part of breakfast sampling your spoils, but where to from here? Sanctuary Cove’s Egg-Stra Special Easter extravaganza, of course! Yep, the eggpically awesome Easter event is back again. Bringing Pony Rides, an Animal Petting Zoo, Craft Activities, Face Painting, an Egg Hunt (with a twist) and interactive Easter Shows, the Cove’s tranquil surrounds will transform into an all-out wonderland. Plus, the Easter Bunny will also be bounding in to town for the occasion… you didn’t think the fuzzy fella would miss out on all this fun, did you?
Where: 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island

Broadwater Parklands
Spotted: The busiest bunny in town, hopping high and low throughout the Broadwater Parklands this Easter with a bounty of free mini choccie eggs! From the Great Lawn to the Rockpools, keep your eyes peeled from 11 am to 3 pm on Easter Sunday.

Or if you’ve got a little craft lover on your hands, get on down to the Broadwater on Easter Saturday (30th), and let them go ham on the messy stuff someplace other than your house. Hightail it to the vicinity of the Bouncy Pillow between 9 am–12 pm, for some free and crafty Easter fun, with Easter Egg decorating, plaster painting and wood craft to pick between. Cuute!

For the young’ns (and the young at heart) bubbles are one of life’s most glee-inducing pleasures, so we suggest you back it up at the Parklands this long weekend for a Bubble-a-palooza between 9 am–12 pm, Monday April 1st. Pop by the Bouncy Pillow for a mind blowing extravaganza of the biggest, and most shimmering bubbles you’ve ever seen.
Where: Marine Parade, Southport

HOTA
From Mon 8 – Fri 12 Apr, HOTA is treating miniature creative minds to a five-day crash course on all things art and culture. With a different focus every day, the multi-day ARTCATION fest is geared to ages 8-12 years for the ultimate vacation care with an artsy twist. For $60 per day, your kiddos can take their pick of topics such as ‘Hip hop songwriting’ and ‘Acting for camera’, or hit all five days and save $20.

In one whacky and wonderful coming together, Renaissance in Bricks invites Lego lovers, young and old, to create a classical art-inspired creation of their own, using the universally beloved bricks as their medium. For $20 pp (supervising adult free if not participating) re-imagine the world of painting and sculpture by whipping up a masterpiece. Two sessions available, Sun 14 Apr. Brick on!
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Broadbeach Bricks
Haven’t got your brick fix this school holidays? The FREE, family-friendly Broadbeach Bricks Lego spectacular is back after last year’s sell-out success and promises five days of brickin’ good fun. From Tuesday April 9th to Saturday April 13th, gather the fam and create core mems with workshops, activations, and demonstrations and and building bliss. With daily Treasure Hunts, one-hour building workshops hosted by LEGO® Masters Australia (Season 2) runners-up Andrew and Damien, and a spectacular, collaborative Dragonfly build taking shape over several days, this epic event is sure to be another smash hit!
Where: Broadbeach Mall, Victoria Ave, Broadbeach

Harbour Town Premium Outlets
Hopping by Harbour Town over the Easter long weekend to indulge in a spot of shopping or noshing? Word on the street is the Easter Bunny will be in the Harbour Town haus on March 30 & 31 from 11am-2pm. Let the littlie’s in on this intel, and buy yourself some sweet time to smash out those errands while they keep a lookout for the fluffy guy. Cuteness, fuzzy cuddles and high-five’s for all!
Where: 147 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters

Beauty & The Beast
Ok, so this one’s not on the GC, but it’s so magical we recommend you take a trip up the M1. Experience the magic of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast the Musical at QPAC with added midweek matinee shows on Thursdays and Fridays during the April school holidays.

Plus, the popular 4-ticket bundle offer, which saves guests $20 per ticket, has been extended for the holiday period. This offer is valid for all midweek matinees, midweek evening, and Sunday evening performances from April 2nd to April 14th. Secure your tickets now for performances running until May 19, 2024, exclusively here.

Words by Kellie Leader.