Grab the gang and get rollin'.
Grab the gang and get rollin'.
Being a Gold Coaster, you’re no doubt aware that a bike crawl is the perfect mix of a bike ride and a pub crawl complete with a personally curated crew and hopefully a whole lotta laughs.
Plus, you get to drink beer while also exercising and that, friends, is the Aussie way. Grab the gang and get on board our route from Palm Beach to Broadbeach, with stops at all the very best spots along the way. Let’s just call just go ahead and call it the Tour de Gold Coast.
Palm Beach
To start the day off and to build a proper exercising foundation, meet at one of Palm Beach’s delightful brunch joints. We love Sisterhood Coffee, Barefoot Barista and Custard Canteen, all of whom offer quite unique and super yummy breakfast options – start your crawl the right way with a mean feed to get you going.
Once you’ve fuelled up and consumed a coffee or two, it’s time to saddle up and spin those wheels along Jefferson Lane, en route to Burleigh admiring all the fancy pants beach houses along the way.
Definitely stop in for a dip at Talle Creek once you’ve set yourself up with some of your Custard goodies (can confirm the Portugese Tarts slay), maybe check out some cute pups at the dog beach, snap an Insta pic (because if you don’t, were you even there) and off you go.
Burleigh Heads
After cruising around Burleigh Hill you’ll find yourself in beautiful Burleigh Heads and here your options are endless.
If you’re lucky, The Village Markets will be in full swing (they’re on the first and third Sunday of the month), so why not check out some local designers and shop up a little storm before drink time.
Once you’re done there, grab a baked treat at Tarte Bakery & Cafe, a bangin’ bacon & egg roll from Two Yolks, or head straight to Burleigh Pavilion for some pizza, cocktails and a balmy ocean breeze.
Feeling like some good ol’ pub grub? Head to Local or Apres Surf. If you’re after something a little bit different Mr Hizola’s and Jimmy Wah’s have your upmarket Asian cravings covered. On a budget? No problem, try Wahoos for some fish tacos or just pull up some grass on Burleigh Hill with a few takeaway pizzas from Justin Lane and watch the surf roll in.
Back on your bike and you’re off along the esplanade to Nobby’s, but don’t forget a quick stop at Palm Springs for a spicy marg – it’s one of their signature cocktails for good reason.
Nobby Beach
By now it’s probably early arvo and Nobby’s is sure to be in full swing. Park your pushies and head into The Arc for pizza and live music or Bine Bar & Dining next door for a pint or two of specialty craft beers and their cult favourite 75cent chicken wings (happy hour runs daily from 3pm to 6pm – you’re welcome).
Holliday Coffee is the next stop on the list, perfect for a caffeine hit (we’re assuming you’ll need it after all that biking) and a jaffle because carbs = life.
If you’re not up for a sneaky Sunday drink and more into the physical benefits of a bike crawl, BSKT has a huge range of healthy eats that will give you the fuel you need to push those pedals – they do also have wine and beer if you fancy a cheeky sip. If something more fancy is up your alley, try Ally Chow for delish Asian eats before heading upstairs to Tropic Vice for rooftop bar vibes and cocktails that taste like summer.
Once you’ve had your fill, it’s back on your bike and on the way to Mermaid Beach.
Mermaid Beach
Trek along Hedges Avenue through Mermaid and choose from a HUGE range of spots to stop along the way. Goccia is serving up all the very best Italian eats (carbs for energy obviously) while Poke Poke has tasty poke bowls and curries for days.
If you’re in need of another sweet treat (energy fuel of course) it would be rude not to have a pit stop at Bam Bam Bakehouse. Rumour has it an almond croissant is all you need to keep those legs moving because we’ve got another few stops on the map.
A little further along, the Mermaid Beach Surf Club has all of the icy cold beers to enjoy while overlooking the ocean and, once you’re suitably refreshed, it’s time to pedal on.
Broadbeach
The final destination is in sight, Broadbeach (if you’ve made it this far), with a HUGE array of eating and drinking holes to satisfy any desire.
Who needs food if you can have beer? Skip dinner and head straight to The Broadbeach for a huge, high vibin’ Sunday session.
Up for a little after beverage sweetie? Check out what’s swirling at cult favourite fro-yo joint Yo-Chi.
If you’re after something more relaxed, Kurrawa Surf Club has big meals and lots of cold drinks again, overlooking the ocean – plus, after all the riding no doubt you’ve worked up a hefty appetite.
For dinner, try Spice Kitchen & Bar for some next level Thai or Sofia’s for a pasta fix – both at The Oasis Shopping Centre. If work’s off the menu for Monday and more drinks are in order, Marilyn’s Bar is just a short ride away and the perfect small bar vibe to round out the night.
And you’re done! What a time. Make sure you’ve locked up your bikes, share an Uber home and pick up your loyal companion Monday arvo.
*Bicycles are considered vehicles under QLD Law, so are subject to alcohol laws. Make sure to check out the QLD Laws here before undertaking a Bike Crawl.
Words by Kirra Smith and Jacqueline Bojanowski.
Summer’s here which means the days are longer, the nights are balmy and there’s no place you’d rather be eating than alfresco. Enter: the only dining destination you need to know about whether you’re looking for your coffee fix or something a little more fancy, we’ve found your Oasis for all things summer dining in Broadbeach.
Caffeine Hit
But first, coffee. A fan fave, Elk Espresso’s menu changes seasonally, but we inevitably choose their Panna Cotta served with seasonal produce. It’s always as delicious as it is ‘grammable. Paired with their speciality coffee it’s a combo that will have you wondering it’s bean all your life.
For a brew-tiful start to the day, Base Broadbeach have nailed the art of Cold Drip – served over ice and prepared for five hours for that sweetness and clarity you know and love. Our go-to all year round, you could say we love it a latte.
The Institutions
They’ve been around longer than you remember, or maybe even long than you’ve been alive (hi Gen Z). We can’t say no to The Broadbeach’s classic Chicken Parmigiana – family argument over whether it’s a parmi or parma optional.
It’s the classic Italian you know and love for good reason, Mario’s knows pizza and pasta like no other. Dine in alfresco or get your pizza to go for a cheeky picnic on the beach.
If you need a sweetie treatie, donut worry Madison’s have the ultimate line up of pastries and baked goods for when those cookie cravings kick in – did someone say Biscoff cheesecake?
Sharing Is Caring
They put the ‘yum’ in Yum Cha, Grand Dynasty is the place to feast with the fam or friends. They’ve got all the classics you know and love like steamed prawn dim sims and bbq pork buns, so we know you’ll be crazy a-bao it.
In the mood to spice up your life? Satay no more. If you haven’t Thai’d the Crispy Pork Belly with kaffir lime sauce (our flavour of choice) from Spice Kitchen & Bar then seriously, what have you been waiting for?
Appetite as big Godzilla’s? Well we’ve got the spot for you. Harajuku Gyoza say you’ll leave feeling like a sumo wrestler and they mean it because you’ll be wanting to taste each and every delicious dumpling. Their Cheeseburger Gyoza with ketchup, mustard and pickles is a must-try.
Chill Eats
Get the So-Cal vibes at California Taco and let’s taco bout how fish tacos > all other flavours. There. We said it. Grab a couple of the classic OG Fish Taco with crumbed white fish, mango & pineapple salsa, white cabbage, baja aioli and salsa fresca on a corn tortilla. Yes. Please.
There’s no better place to perch up with a pint and people watch than The Loose Moose. The Jalapeno Poppers are morsels of spicy goodness, balanced with your brew of choice of course.
Feelin’ Fancy
In case you needed a reason to pull out your favourite fancy ‘fit, these guys are bringing boujee to Broadbeach. Sofia’s classic Cacio e Pepe has hit cult status quickly for the flavour and theatrics, with linguine, cream, cracked pepper served at the table and tossed in their 40kg parmesan wheel – yes, you read that right. The parmesan might not be the only thing needing to be wheeled out.
One of the newer kids on the block, Luna’s Gnocchi al Pomodoro is a game-changer. With hand-made gnocchi, tomato sauce, parmesan and fresh basil – sometimes less is so much more.
Where: The Oasis, 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
When: Various opening hours
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE OASIS SHOPPING CENTRE
Another week, another new coffee haunt. Awww, you shouldn’t have (srsly, you shouldn’t have, our raging caffeine addiction does not need any encouragement). And when it comes to new cafes, our self-control is nowhere to be found. Yes, the first half of that sentence was also entirely unnecessary #whereforeartthouselfcontrol.
And speaking of a total lack of self-control, we love any and every excuse to drop by Nobby’s, so the chance to sample a cute new coffee spot is reason enough for us. and we’ve been peachy-keen to check out newbies The Holliday Coffee ever since we heard whispers of their arrival on the scene.
Owners Marcus Wilkins and Olivia Ayres are two cool beans who know a whole latte about serving up our favourite nectar. Marcus co-owns Nook Espresso in Burleigh Heads, and Olivia has worked in the industry for 10 years. And when a certified GC hospo mastermind like Scott Imlach (behind names like Bine Bar and Dining, Tank Bar and Dining, Hideaway) offers up the opportunity to #sharesies some space backing onto his latest conquest, well, that’s an offer that’s pretty hard to refuse. Adjoining Nobby’s darling newcomer Okawari House, we get a twofer with The Holliday Coffee setting up a hole-in-the-wall coffee house round the corner/out the back – aaand would you look at that, we’re already lost.
Like little ferrets sniffing out our prize, we’ll just follow our noses and that unmistakable aroma wafting down the street from 5.30am daily. Delivering the morning glow in more ways than one, once you spot the trademark cheerful, peachy pops you’ll know you’re in the right spot.
Providing the perfect spot to catch the morning sun only sealed the deal for Marcus and Olivia, and finally, someone who gets the importance of soaking up some morning rays (after we get our coffee, that is #priorities)
Benny Young of Young Built designs helped them bring their small but mighty fit out to life, with a modern palette of white and dark timber finishes to let those warm pops of colour shine. If you’d prefer to linger a little longer, sidle up to one of the street tables under one of those cute af umbrellas that we’re definitely not trying to work out how to smuggle in to our beach bags.
But The Holliday is so much more than just a pretty face, coz they’re also dishing up light bites of happiness on a plate – think casual cafe fare like coffee (obvs), jaffles, croissants and crumpets. Imagine breaking open a crispy, lava-filled Spaghetti and cheese jaffle on a crisp winter’s morning… or perhaps a freshly buttered (macadamia & honeycomb butter – no less!), crumpet drizzled in honey aaand hello? Is anyone still here or are we all officially stampeding The Holliday to get a toast of that action?
… We’ll see you there, coz #same.
You can officially forward all our mail care of The Holliday Coffee, because like the rest of the GC we’ll be wanting a peach of that goodness daily, thank you very much.
(Don’t actually do that tho, jaffle grease on our important docs is never a good look)
Where: 2251 Gold Coast Highway (corner of Wave St), Nobby Beach
When: 5.30-1.30 weekdays, 5.30-12 weekends
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Belinda Symons.
There have been about 53 public holidays of late, meaning more time for activities and more money going out of your wallet. Meanwhile, the sun is shining (most of the time) and it’s almost summer, so there are still plenty of good times to be had.
Thankfully we have the answer, FREE THINGS TO DO on the Gold Coast. They do say the best things in life are free!
Bike crawl to Burleigh
There are many sweet spots to cruise along on the Gold Coast. Start at Kurrawa Park in Broadbeach and head south to the hill at Burleigh Heads. You’ll mostly be on the Esplanades but there are bike lanes on the roads for max safety. Wear your helmet.
Sunset at Burleigh Hill
Everybody’s favourite picnic spot. Roll out a blanket and kick up your heels for one of the best sunset views on the Gold Coast. People watching is at an all-time high here too if that’s your thing. Take some sport-related things to throw/kick and join in with the rest of the revelers.
Cruise through the markets
The Coast is home to lots of epic markets including beachside ones at Surfers Paradise, Coolangatta and Broadbeach, the ever-popular Village Markets at Burleigh Heads State School every second Sunday and the HOTA markets every Sunday. So many goodies.
Stroll through the national park
We are lucky enough to boast some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world (if we do say so ourselves). Take a stroll over Burleigh Hill through the national park and around to Tallebudgera Creek and then return on the Oceanview path. Make sure to keep an eye out for breaching whales.
Paddle in Tallebudgera Creek
The water in Talle Creek is all of the absolutely stunning shades of blue and green and it’s truly a sight to behold. Swim out into the middle, float around on your back and think about how lucky you are to experience it.
Check out The Spit
Main Beach is home to a spot called The Spit which is home to a dog beach and a sweet pier-style situation so you can both make lots of hairy new friends and take some sweet snaps to remember it all.
Feed the birds
Okay, so this one is almost free but well worth the gold coin donation. Head to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and feed the hundreds of lorikeets who gather there twice a day (8am and 4pm). They’re beautiful and loud and it’s an amazing experience.
Splash at Currumbin Rock Pools
Just a short drive from Currumbin are the Currumbin Rock Pools, complete with a jumping rock and little waterfalls to splash around in. It can get busy but it’s a relaxing spot to spend an afternoon.
Take a hike
Actually. There are TONS of hikes you can take around the Gold Coast from short little easy ones (yes please) to more challenging, mountainous ones and all with absolutely stunning views and lots of natural goodness to soak up.
Swim in a waterfall
Also just a short drive from Currumbin are Cougal Cascades, a collection of beautiful waterfalls you can swim under and take pretty pics of. You can also laze about in the rock pools and slide down the rocks themselves. It’s a delight. There are plenty more around too.
Slide into a playground
The Gold Coast is home to many epic playgrounds for kids. Most of them have tables and BBQ facilities, so pack an esky and make a day of it. The perennially popular Pirate Park in Palm Beach has just had an upgrade and it’s now bigger than ever. Other unmissable parks include Bim’bimba Park, Pimpama, named the 2020 Best New Park in Queensland and the new Broadwater Parklands North with a 5 storey slide!
Find the frog
Down south a little further, there’s a stunning walk around the ocean from Coolangatta to Snapper Rocks. Go in search of the big green frog on your way, he’s overlooking a secluded little beach called Froggies (for obvious reasons).
Gaze at local art
The Gold Coast is home to several art galleries showcasing our talented local artists plus, of course, some from further afield. Find 19 Karen in Mermaid Beach, Dust Temple in Currumbin and the impressive contemporary HOTA Gallery in Bundall. Grab your Nikes, a LIME bike, skateboard, scooter, or your choice of wheels and hit the trail of the Gold Coast’s best street art with Art Roll. Their easy-to-navigate maps will have you rolling to the best street art by suburb.
Frolic on the beach
We’re lucky enough to be home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From Surfers Paradise to Snapper Rocks, the options are endless and each one more beautiful than the last. Don’t forget water and sunscreen of course, that Gold Coast sun is unrelenting.
Make your way up the mountain
Mt Tamborine is only a 40 minute drive from the Coast and the views from up there are next-level. Not only that, there are more beautiful walks than you can poke a stick at, waterfalls and the main street is a sight to behold in itself. Plenty of shops to scope out if you’ve got some spare change too.
Enjoy, friends, those should keep you going for awhile.
Words by Kirra Smith
