A dreamy boutique retail precinct for Currumbin.
A dreamy boutique retail precinct for Currumbin.
If there was one thing we Gold Coasters lacked, it was a walk-in cheese room found inside a store that also sells wine and olives and next door to four more beautifully curated retail spaces that literally sell all of your (our) favourite things plus the prettiest of eateries. Okay so we lacked a few things but NOT ANYMORE friends.
Cornerstone Stores opened in Currumbin over the weekend and good luck not emptying your wallet there on a regular basis. The bold brick building has taken up residence on the corner of the Gold Coast Highway and Farrell Drive and it is the actual perfect visual representation of all our dreams come true.
It’s tough to know where to start but the beginning usually works so allow us to walk you through the space.
Quince Fromagerie – Food
First up on the left is the new love of our lives, Quince Fromagerie which, as mentioned is home to the walk in cheese room (and coldest place on the Coast right now) plus an absolute next-level selection of wines, locally produced gin, olives, crackers, meats, sauces, you name it. BRB, moving in.
Prae Store – Retail
Next door is Prae Store and it is actually a gift from the Gods. Inside you’ll find the most aesthetically pleasing activewear from the likes of PE Nation and First Base, all the best organic skincare brands, crystals, natural perfumes, cookbooks, jewellery, candles and various other things that will make your life better and also prettier.
Zanzi Hairdressing – Beauty
Moving along we’ve got Zanzi Hairdressing, which is what we’d like our house to look like please. PLUS everything used inside is eco-friendly, there are no magazines (iPads instead – hi 2018), products are organic and the space is beaming out all the super chill vibes.
Borrowed Nursery – Retail
To the right is our beloved Borrowed Nursery and a room filled with greenery. Huge ceramic pots are scattered around the dewy space, a selection of smaller plants run through the middle and shelves stacked with flowing ferns, ceramic homewares, candles and woven lampshades complete the most beautiful of pictures.
Kind Curations – Retail
Continuing on we’ve got Kind Curations, a collection of unique brands the likes of which the Coast has never seen before. And wow are they something. Floaty fashion, ceramics, glassware, candles, stunning women’s magazines, beach umbrellas and eyewear make up the perfectly put together store and if you’re after the perfect gift for your lady loves, look no further.
Little Loves Studio – Retail
Last but certainly not least in the retail department is Little Loves Studio which is definitely what we would call a children and babywear goodies store if we had any business sense whatsoever. Little Loves (so good) is filled with tiny clothing cooler than anything you or I could ever wear, as well as beautiful books and toys to keep forever. We don’t even have babies and want to buy everything.
Stable Coffee Kitchen – Food
Last but not least, on the ground floor, is Stable Coffee Kitchen and you may as well move to Currumbin so this place can be your new local because it is gooooooood.
It’s made up of concrete benches offset by rustic red brick walls, blonde timber seating, an artistic masterpiece by local legend Claudio Kirac and a blush coloured marble table in the centre which was quite obviously put there for Insta-snap opportunities. Everything from the pink and navy takeaway cups to the Stable branded ceramics are pure perfection and the best part is, as a café, they serve food too. Shocking.
Open for breakfast and lunch, the emphasis is on real, good-for-you foods with plenty of love thrown in for good measure. We sampled the Folded Buckwheat Crepe with lemon ricotta, fermented rose honey, seasonal fruit and pistachio and the Sourdough of Valley Tomatoes and Avocado. They obviously looked and tasted as delightful as they sound. You can also pop in for a takeaway salad, of which there are five choices, made fresh daily. Good luck eating anywhere else ever again.
So who dreamed up this magical space? A local family who have lived in the Currumbin area for three generations that’s who. Renee Honey and her husband Ben run Stable, Renee’s mum Kath is the angel behind the fromagerie and brother Luke and his partner Bec created Prae Store.
The delightful family who are extremely passionate about the place we all call home, dreamed up Cornerstones after visiting cities and exploring cool laneways and boutiques and wishing there was something more cultural, intimate and with real substance closer to the Coast.
And after reading that story you can tell we’re very happy they did.
As will you be the minute you set foot inside the bustling little hub that has transformed Currumbin in only a matter of days.
Oh and forgot to mention there’s a big old grassy area where the kiddies (or adults if it’s that kind of day) can run around and have a play.
We’re in love and you will be too.
The end.
LOCATION: 570 Gold Coast Hwy, Currumbin
HOURS: Stores open 9am to 4pm daily and Stable Coffee Kitchen opens from 7am to 4pm daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith.
Currumbin is the gift that keeps on giving, and locals just can’t get enough! From lush wildlife sanctuaries and delectable dining spots to vibrant cultural hubs and scenic coastal views, this coastal gem truly has it all.
Whether you’re an avid foodie, nature enthusiast, or culture vulture, there’s something here to tickle your fancy and keep you coming back for more. Let’s dive into 18 of the endless reasons why Currumbin is the place to be.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
If there’s one place that’s been synonymous with Currumbin for as long as we can remember, it’s Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Nestled within a lush 27-hectare outdoor sanctuary, people of all ages can enjoy a variety of fun and educational shows, feed the lorikeets, cuddle a koala, visit the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, and enjoy a bite to eat at The Homestead. Enjoy 10% off adult/family general admission on us here.
Where: 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin
Tommy’s Italian
From day dot, Tommy’s stole a pizza our hearts with its incredible Italian nosh partnered with the breathtaking backdrop that is Currumbin Beach. Expect familiar favourites but served Tommy’s style (fresh, authentic, and using the finest local produce) prepared with passion. Do yourself a favour and book on the upstairs balcony – it’s the spritz to your Aperol.
Where: 818 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Chicos Taqueria
This is the fast and fresh Mexican we’ve all bean waiting for, served from a vibrant nook that radiates geniality. Serving a loud and proud curation of Mexican-Aussie faves, Chicos leans in to super fresh ingredients (delivered daily) and bold flavours. The no-risk, all-reward menu offers all the classics, namely tacos, enchiladas, burros, burritos, and nachos. It’s quac-en good.
Where: 27-31 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters
The Bread Social
Get b-ready! After baking out of The Farm in Byron for eight years, mates Sam Saulwick, Tom Scott and Paul Giddings moved the entire operation to a huge new space on Queensbury Ave. The café design invites patrons to peep on the bakers, involving us in all aspects of sourdough bread and pastry production. Think scrolls, croissants, tarts, baked cheesecake, cookies, sandwiches and more.
Where: 2 Queensbury Avenue, Currumbin Waters
Tarte Beach House
Cult flavourite alert! We were shook when our Burleigh-based numero uno Tarte Bakery launched a bigger and slightly more refined big sis lunch venue. Tarte Beach House is an elegant combo of Paris meets The Hamptons, while looking out over the crystal-clear waters of Currumbin. All items are made completely in house using the freshest ingredients possible, and the mouthwatering menu changes seasonally.
Where: 2-4 Thrower Drive, Currumbin
Kinship
Nestled underneath the Currumbin SLSC’s new Junior Activity & Community Centre is the kool-as Kinship. Rivalling all the edgy hipster haunts, its menu combines fresh and trendy takes – such as brekkie tacos and biscoff crumpets – along with your classic cafe faves. The breezy beachside spot offers sit-down service, along with plenty of equally delicious portable options for peckish passersby.
Where: 766 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Aperitivo
If a charming Italiano café full of character is your vibe, you’ll fall head over heels for Aperitivo. Tucked away in Thrower Drive, nom your way through tasty focaccias, paninis, arancini, sfogliatelle, Roman style pizza, lasagne, cannoli, tiramisù, and grazing boxes to order. Go on a weekend and you and your pooch can pull up a pew in neighbour Currumbin Dental Care’s quaint garden space next door.
Where: 8a Thrower Drive, Currumbin
Little Vine Room
We are so grapeful for this piece of paradise. Decked out in delicious deep green and apricot hues, Little Vine Room is as pleasing to the eyes as its food and sips are to the palette. Think cheese and charcuterie plates, gourmet toasties and jaffles, and a spread of sensational bites, paired perfectly with wines for days and top tier cocktails.
Where: 27-31 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters
The Bathhouse at Ground
The Bathhouse offers the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation in the stunning Currumbin Valley, forming part of the Ground community hub. Think mineral enriched hydrotherapy spas, a plunge pool, traditional cedar hot tub, therapeutic cold bath, large wood fired hot stone sauna, an outdoor infrared sauna, massage, and bespoke facials. Tranquilly personified.
Where: 2 Village Way, Currumbin Valley
Currumbin RSL
I mean, who doesn’t love an RSL and this one is the MVP. Set on the banks of picturesque Currumbin Creek, Currumbin RSL also known as ‘The Best Little Club in The World’, is a multi-award-winning boutique style show-stopper. With delish global grub, a pizzeria, hand-crafted drinks, and Soundlounge, a live music lounge with some of the best acoustic artists, everything this place touches turns to solid gold.
Where: 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin
Pasture & Co
Embracing the eco-friendly philosophy with gusto, Pasture & Co is a must-visit family-friendly café with d-lish healthy eats, a prime location, friendly service, and an environmental conscience. Committed to nurturing both people and the planet, self-sustainability, and supporting small local businesses, don’t skip this one!
Where: 6 Village Way, Currumbin Valley
Fuel Bakehouse
Serving up some of the absolute best doughnuts you’ll ever eat is Currumbin’s Fuel Bakehouse. With varieties like Nutella, custard and salted caramel to name a few, calories don’t count here so buy at least four of each. It’s not just doughnuts though, they also do epic pies, cruffins, croissants; all of the baked goodies – and cracking good coffee. Perfection the lot of it.
Where: 44 Currumbin Ck Road, Currumbin Waters
The Salt Mill
A tiny little space directly across from the beach, The Salt Mill is one of the Coat’s most beloved cafes for a reason. Several in fact. They do exceptional coffee, takeaway sandwiches, Açai bowls (arguably some of the best around), smoothies, fresh juices, smashed avo, raw treats – everything that is delicious in the world. Buy one of everything then stroll across the road and take in that unrivalled ocean view.
Where: 784 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Consciously Clean
Consciously Clean is the place to go if you need to stock up on anything and everything eco-friendly in terms of home and body cleaning goods. They have a system where you can bring in your own jar or bottle and fill it with the product of your choice (or purchase one there) – and it’s all very affordable. Not only that, but you can also grab food containers and wraps, drink bottles, pet things, and skincare too. It’s a one-stop shop. We love.
Where: 4/42 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin
Freeman’s Organic Farm
For a tree-change, make sure you add Freeman’s to your weekend rotation. The farm was established in 1915 and in the 1920’s, became the largest commercial banana farm in Australia. Today, the farm grows all organic produce which you can purchase (grocery shop – tick), plus grab a bite and an organic 3 Elements coffee at The Farm Café. Enjoy your treats and take in the sensational hinterland views.
Where: 618 Tomewin Mountain Road, Currumbin Valley
Currumbin Valley Brewing
Currumbin Valley Brewing, crafted by local brewers Pete “Smokey” Wheldon and Luke Ronalds, is the newest gem in the creekside area’s growing list of watering holes. Featuring a 10hL Rolec copper-clad brew house, this taproom and brewery took several years and community support to bring to life.
Where: 27 Traders Way, Currumbin Waters
Dust Temple
All your favourite arty aspects combine at Dust Temple, an ex-warehouse turned gallery, coffee shop, and creative community hang. Hosting local, national and international artists, musicians, poets, an in-house ceramicist, a leatherworker, and a silversmith, it’s certainly a place to go if you need to feel creatively inspired. Amp up the happy vibes with a coffee while you’re there.
Where: 54 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin
Balter Brewery
You’ve heard about it and if you’ve not yet had the chance to visit, make today the day. Balter is the brainchild of your fave local pro surfers combining two of the things we Gold Coasters love the most, beer and waves. It’s a delightfully decked out space with big old beer vats on display, a sweet mural on the wall, and plenty of outdoor spots to sit. Happy days.
Where: 14 Traders Way, Currumbin
Words by Bianca Trathen
The Gold Coast’s newest label The Undercurrent is a brand with a mission, a Gold Coast one. Created to showcase our amazing city through art on something accessible to everyone, t-shirts.
The brand’s name is both a nod to the Coast’s thriving surf culture and the side of the city locals keep hidden.
Through her extensive travels proud Gold Coaster and brand creator, Carly Snodgrass, often came across t-shirts locally designed and capturing the essence of each particular city.
She quickly realised that although the Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, drawing visitors from across the world due to its beautiful golden beaches, thriving nightlife and of course, abundant theme parks, it is also a culturally diverse city with a whole lot more to offer.
And this is the side that should be shown to the world.
Enter the artists. Carly commissioned five local artists – Claudio Kirac, Kiel Tillman, Sarah Beetson, Eric Koo and Byron Coathup – to illustrate their interpretation of the Gold Coast suburb in which they live.
Currumbin, Burleigh Heads, Coolangatta, Surfers Paradise and Mermaid Beach are the suburbs currently represented with more to be added at a later date.
The Undercurrent’s purpose is to work with those who share their passion for the city’s unique culture and offer them the opportunity to create projects on their home turf.
$2 from every purchase will be donated to Surf Lifesaving Queensland who were specifically chosen by The Undercurrent due to the huge part they play in both assisting tourists and the vital role in shaping our city’s culture.
Since 1930 Surf Life Saving Queensland’s mission has been to protect the lives of the millions of people visiting our beaches every year and The Undercurrent wishes to support them in continuing their fantastic work.
The Undercurrent will officially launch online April 1st and you can catch them at The Village Markets this Sunday the 2nd of April from 8.30am to 1pm.
Words by Kirra Smith.
