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.
It’s the unassuming seaside suburb quietly making itself known for the hippest coffee haunts and an industrial area that has grown into THE place to be, seemingly overnight.
Because somebody has to do it, we’ve rounded up 13 reasons why locals love Currumbin.
Fuel Bakehouse
Serving up some of the absolute best doughnuts you’ll ever have the pleasure of sampling is Currumbin’s Fuel Bakehouse. With varieties like Nutella, Passionfruit and Salted Caramel to name a few, you won’t be sad if you buy at least four of each. Not only doughnuts though, they also do epic pies, cruffins, croissants, all of the baked goodies and coffee too. 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 perhaps one of the most beloved cafes there is on the Coast. They do exceptional coffee, takeaway sandwiches packed with goodness, 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
Gather Store
Hello homewares. And plants and art and jewellery and clothing. All the things you love and all delightfully arranged in the perfectly styled space that is Gather Store. In case you haven’t been in (WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE), allow us to enlighten you. Owners Jan and Sandy Hogg have carefully curated goods from local artists and craftspeople drawing inspiration from the local creative community. It’s pure gold, go now.
Where: Shop 1, 56 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters
Consciously Clean
The newest kid on the block, 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 that with the product of your choice or purchase one there and it’s all very affordable. Not only that though, 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
Portside Coffee
The cry of “best espresso on the Coast” has been heard of Portside Coffee more than once and it’s true, this cool little joint is serving up the goods and not just in the coffee department. There’s also buttery homemade pastries on offer and intimate, friendly neighbourhood vibes galore. It’s the perfect place to get your early morning caffeine fix if you’re planning to explore Currumbin’s newly happening industrial area.
Where: 42 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters
Panya Artisan Bakery
The only thing better than the smell of freshly baked bread is the taste of freshly baked bread. Sensory dreams can come true when you visit Panya Artisan Bakery. If you haven’t heard of it, don’t be alarmed, their main jam is supplying your favourite cafes and restaurants, but they do sell limited quantities of baked goodies to the public. Set your alarm for as early as you can handle, it’s well worth the wake up call.
Where: 42 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters
Freeman’s Organic Farm
For a complete change of scenery make sure you add Freeman’s to your weekend plans. The farm was established in 1915 and in the 1920’s became the largest commercial banana farm in Australia with over 100 acres of trees. Today, the farm grows all organic produce which you can sample at the I Eight Cake Kitchen via a variety of delicious organic dishes and (more) baked treats.
Where: 618 Tomewin Mountain Road, Currumbin Valley
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 and an in-house ceramicist, leatherworker and 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
Zipang Japanese
Casual Japanese dining at its absolute finest is what you’ll find at Zipang Japanese. If you’ve not yet had the pleasure, it’s time you did yourself an absolute solid and booked in there to devour one of the best feasts you’ll ever have. They’re open Friday and Saturday nights at the moment and you’ll absolutely need to book ahead because Zipang is very, very popular. For good reason.
Where: 5/31 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
Iron & Resin Garage
Primarily a clothing store and coffee shop, Iron and Resin Garage was made for rockers and motorbike riders. The reclaimed industrial space features a famous Sunday session, #onanysunday. Every Sunday from 9am-12pm you and your crew are invited to enjoy great live music from the cream of local musicians and breakfast provided by assorted food trucks.
Where: 6 Stewart Road, Currumbin
Sanctuary Markets
Brimming with all the tasty food stalls, arts and crafts and live music, Sanctuary Markets are held every Friday night at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Oh, there’s a bar too. Whack on your stretchy pants and grab your gang, there’s fun to be had on Friday nights in Currumbin. Obviously check out Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary too for that matter, they’ve got a bird show that’s pretty fun.
Where: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin
Parker and Persia
Love all of the vintage things? Us too. Luckily newbie Parker and Persia has us covered with a shop filled with revamped vintage furniture and homewares and some of the most stunning Moroccan rugs we’ve ever seen. Owners Steph and Sam have curated goodies from all over Australia to bring the stunning space to Currumbin. We’re in love.
Where: 2a/42 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin
Words by Kirra Smith
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.
