The northern end of the GC is a tight-knit crew, fiercely proud of their patch and ready to prove they’re just as cool as any other part of town. Paradise Point, in particular, is jam-packed with options whether you’re after a fun family day, a caffeine fix, a date night dining experience, or a cheeky liquid lunch (or a regular lunch, but let’s be real, we know which one we’d choose).

Here’s why locals can’t get enough of The Point!

Alvin’s Wine Bar
Bringing a touch of refined elegance to The Point is Alvin’s. Famous for its epic vino selection, cheese plate and delish tapas, it has everything you could ever want from your neighbourhood wine and snack bar. Note to self; order the Burrata with freshly sliced Jamon, house pesto, ripe tomato and Italian EVVO served with Burleigh Baker sourdoughs, topped off with a stunning glass of French Piot Blach. Oh and BYO pooch!
Where: 12 Falkinder Ave, Paradise Point

Tommy’s Bar and Grill
Nestled on the waterfront at the northern end of Paradise Point, Tommy’s Bar and Grill was a VERY welcome addition to the northern GC. Surrounded by beautiful boats and breathtaking sunsets, this relaxed venue serves up a delicious array of food alongside live music, trivia, and music bingo nights. With over 40 fine wines, 55 cocktails, and 14 beers on tap, there’s a perfect sip for everyone to enjoy while marinating in the uber vibrant atmosphere.
Where: 4 Marina Promenade, Salacia Waters, Paradise Point

Bridges
Promising the best night in town, the gang at Bridges never disappoints. This funky little pizza and tapas bar is always packed with bums on seats and is the first port of call for locals craving a cocktail and hand-made pizza. You simply can’t pop in for a quiet beverage because if you’re a northerner, you can betcha bottom dollar you’ll run into at least five people you know. Open for lunch and dinner, it’s basically a rite of passage for locals.
Where: 36 The Esplanade, Paradise Point

Paradise Point Parklands
Undeniably one of the GC’s most breathtaking park areas, it’s an absolute must-see. Overlooking the beautiful Broadwater, pack a picnic, throw a snag on the barbie and let the kids entertain themselves for hours in the large playground areas. There are open grassed spaces perfect for a game of cricket, and the walking trail will get your heart-rate up while you take in the multi-million-dollar views.
Where: The Esplanade, Paradise Point

Burleigh Baker
Craving freshly baked perfection? Paradise Point’s answer to the OG Burleigh Bakery in, you guessed it, Burleigh, is just as drool-worthy as its sibling. Bringing all the buttery, flaky goodness you could dream of, cure those carb cravings with everything from golden croissants to artisanal sourdough. Grab a coffee, snag a pastry (or two), and enjoy a slice of heaven right by the water. It’s an institution amongst the Paradise Point set.
Where: Shop 7/46 The Esplanade, Paradise Point

Serengeti Café
With a vibe as warm as its African inspired dishes, this joint takes dining to the next level. Starting as a little coffee shop and only serving caffeine, cakes and sangas, these days Serengeti whips up breakfast lunch and dinner, serving both Aussie classics and exotic fare. The friendly staff treat you like family, ensuring every meal is a safari for your taste buds. So, grab a drink, unwind in the outdoor space, and soak up the vibing African atmosphere.
Where: 14 Bruce Avenue, Paradise Point

Paradise Point Bowls Club
I mean, who doesn’t love a spot of barefoot bowls! You’ll get all the trimmings you’d expect from a bowls club here; live entertainment, hearty eats, and wallet-friendly drinks (don’t even get us started on their frozen daiquiris and frozen margaritas). Step up your weekend game with their famous Sunday Sessions on the first and third Sunday of every month. For just $10, you get 2 hours of barefoot bowls and a green-side host to assist with your brews and bites orders.
Where: 22 Thrush Ave, Paradise Point

Paradise Point Sushi and Robata Bar
Another one right on the beautiful Esplanade, Paradise Point Sushi and Robata Bar is where Japanese dining meets Broadwater vibes. Serving up a mouth-watering selection of share-worthy dishes, this spot offers a fresh, seasonal menu that’s always evolving. From sushi rolls that are on point to sizzling robata skewers, every bite is a taste of Japan’s finest. It’s hands down some of the best Japanese fare you’ll find on the Coast!
Where: 32 The Esplanade, Paradise Point

Jonez on Ephraim
If you’re after a waterfront dining experience with a serious flair, look no further than Jonez on Ephraim.  This spot dishes up delicious modern Australian cuisine with a French twist—perfect for those who love to indulge in a bit of the finer things (without being too fancy). Whether you’re dropping in for a relaxed lunch or treating yourself to a romantic dinner, the views are stunning, the seafood is fresh, and the service? Absolutely top-notch.
Where: 2 Ephraim Island Bridge, Paradise Point

Sweet Bambino
This hole-in-the-wall coffee, breakfast and brunch spot is a cult fave on the northern GC. With a fit-out that screams modern chic (think polished concrete floors, rustic grey walls, foliage for a pop of greenery and moody lighting for days), her it-girl vibes are only rivalled by the off-the-charts coffee and delish counter food selection.
Where: 1/46 The Esplanade, Paradise Point

Mano’s Italian
A long-standing local haunt along The Esplanade, Mano’s is eternally a sure thing. Think fresh, hearty Italian fare that’s *chef’s kiss all the way, with top-notch service and a warm, welcoming vibe to match. Menu highlights include the impressive range of pastas, steak and seafood dishes, not to mention their delish specials. They’re fully licenced because what even is pasta without wine?
Where: 40 The Esplanade, Paradise Point

Buoy oh Buoy
This nautical-themed northern gem is equal parts cute and cool, with super smiley service to boot. We’re ordering a Scram-Bowl every day of the week with scrambled eggs, charred cherry tomatoes, avocado, rocket, pesto dressing and sourdough. And adding haloumi coz, haloumi! To finish, are you treating yo-self to a freshly baked pastry for the road? Oh Buoy you are!
Where: Shop 8/27 Falkinder Ave, Paradise Point

Jabiru Island Park
Everything you need is right here including stunning water views, electric barbecues, sheltered picnic tables, large shade trees, fishing platform, sheltered swimming closure, boat ramp and toilet facilities. Take the walkway under the bridge to Phil Hill Environmental Park, or stroll along the boardwalks for a look at the natural habitat from stunning viewing vantage points. Yes please!
Where: Jabiru Island Park, Oxley Dr, Paradise Point

Words by Bianca Trathen

When you think of classic Aussie ingredients, the humble vegemite and smashed up Tim Tams may spring to mind. And if you were made in the 80s, chips without chicken salt were basically illegal. But fast-forward to 2024 and a new café and bar at Sanctuary Cove is flipping the script in the form of a GC-first; Australian fusion cuisine. Introducing Native Harvest, whose sensational menu is a love letter to ‘Straya’s native ingredients, showcasing the incredible flavours, aromas, and colours of our homeland.

Get ready to dive fork-first into its locally, sustainably, and ethically sourced native nomms, delivering familiar favourites with a unique Aussie swagger. Think pure, uniquely Australian herbs and spices with incredible flavours you won’t find anywhere else.

Born from a passion for delicious food, innovative flavour combos, and the joy of bringing people together, mark our words; this is your new café bestie. With a bright, welcoming atmosphere and indoor and alfresco dining options for up to 100 hungry peeps, Native Harvest is perfect for soaking up the marina views and enjoying some people-watching with your pals….and your pups (yes, it’s doggo-friendly!). And don’t forget to stop and smell the native plants out front – they’re not just for show, they’re for tasting too!

As the Marine Village is a melting pot of eclectic dining and shopping delights, Sanctuary Cove was a no-brainer choice of digs for seriously savvy (and spectacularly down-to-earth) founders, Brendan and Amanda Trapnell.

But here’s a fun fact; before Native Harvest bloomed into its café/bar era, it started as a successful corporate gifting and Native Australian herb and spice business, spearheaded by Amanda and sister-in-law Rachael. These lovely ladies tirelessly nurtured their biz baby from its infancy to passion-project-come-powerhouse status, during the lockdown days of 2019.

Fast forward to the end of 2023, Amanda and hubby Brendan started cooking up plans to bring Native Harvest to a wider audience in café form #genius. With an all-star team, prime location, and a mouthwatering menu, they’ve certainly hit the ground running. And fast.

Behind every great meal is an equally great team and these guys have struck staff gold. Let’s start with Head Chef Dony, who was tasked with a) cooking incredible food, and b) incorporating an entirely different cuisine (with very different flavours and preparation styles) – in just three weeks. Drawing on his 20 years’ experience as a chef in Oz and the UK and his god given gift to cook, Dony did good. Real good.

In his words, “I like experimenting with different dishes and for everyone to enjoy their meals, and Native Harvest is different. Something truly exciting to bring to the Gold Coast.”  Editor’s note: he’s being endearingly coy. The man is a gastronomic genius.

A special shoutout must also go to front-of-house fabulist and bonza barista, Nicky, and the rest of the stellar crew who all bring something truly special to the proverbial and actual table.

As for the best dishes, good luck trying to pick one but we’re going with the Spicy Turkish Eggs with an Australian twist for breaky; poached Turkish eggs on sourdough with feta, fresh tomato, baby spinach, spiced Greek yoghurt and Turkish toast drizzled with bush tomato chilli oil and wild basil.

Brunch buffs, have a go of the Zesty Chicken Caprese Salad with buttermilk marinated chicken tenders, fresh tomato wedges, house-made pickled red onions, bush tomato relish, grilled haloumi, and fresh greens. Or, if you’re in a lunch state of mind, tuck into a native glazed Wild Beef Burger, with an Aussie beef patty, pepperberry and native thyme, caramelised onion, and bush tomato relish on a lightly toasted milk bun.

Okay we’ve neglected something v important thus far and how remiss of us; the cocktails. To wet your whistle, Native Harvest’s Native Berry Gin Fizz is the rizz, with locally distilled lilly pilly gin, fresh lime and club soda. We’ll take two (times two) thanks.

From the vibrant atmosphere to the friendly faces behind the counter, every aspect of Native Harvest exudes warmth and hospitality. Delight in the fabulous food, stay for the vibes, and leave with an insatiable hunger (and thirst) to come back again…and again.

Where: Sanctuary Cove, 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island
When: 6am – 2pm, Monday to Sunday
Website: Nativeharvest.com.au
Instagram: @nativeharvestaustralia

Words by Bianca Trathen
Images by Mathilde Bouby

Who else is craving long brunches, waterside strolls, a leisurely wander through laneway boutiques and bubbles in their orange juice? May our appetites be our only gauge of time, and the decision between still or sparkling water be our only exertion of mental energy.

Sounds like a weekend away, but what if we told you you can capture that ‘weekend away’ feeling a little closer to home? It’s called Sanctuary Cove for a reason, and we’ve compiled the perfect itinerary…

With an atmosphere as idyllic as the location itself, Sanctuary Cove offers sensational experiences for visitors and locals alike. To your right, waterfront dining, from casual eats to indulgent a la carte menus. To your left, boutique shopping and state-of-the-art beauticians to ensure you look and feel your best.

This haven’s everyday tranquillity is pure bliss, but this cove can really turn it on when it’s called for, staging for spectacular events like the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, and more.

Needless to say, it’s a versatile slice of paradise we should dive into!

Make your first reservation of the day a faithful one with breakfast at Bistro 19. Known for having “the best coffee in the Cove”, it would be a crime not to begin here. If it’s sustenance that you seek, you’re in the right place. If a refreshing smoothie bowl topped with crunchy granola is what you’re craving, head straight to Pier B Wholefood Cafe & Smoothie Bar.

For our first act, we’re choosing our own adventure. Swing into your weekend with nine holes at one of Australia’s top 50 ranked golf courses, or set foot along the marina jetty to check out the nation’s home of the superyachts. If pampering’s more your speed you best head towards Vault Skin Lab.

You’ll find a sanctuary of your own with skin complexion-enhancing facials, brow shaping and classic Swedish massages. We’re doing the maths, and nine golf holes take two hours. So, too, does The Ultimate Vault Package, inclusive of a full body scrub, massage and facial. How incredibly convenient.

With our appetites officially restored, will it be the sun-soaked Cove Tavern for a top-notch pub feed or Red Steakhouse for a premium, modern Australian experience?

For something more casual, yet equally delicious drop into Native Harvest for a feast with an Aussie twist. If you’ve got kiddies in tow, or yearn for some post-meal sweetness (who doesn’t?), a scoop from artisan-grade Rose Gelateria for dessert is non-negotiable.

Let’s walk off that scrumptious lunch with some retail therapy, shall we? The Marina Village is a treasure trove for grown-ups! Find bespoke clothing, homewares, and gift boutiques ready for exploration.

If your summer wardrobe needs a spruce-up, check out Soho Girl for Paradiso midis and maxis, or find Calypso Resort & Swimwear for brands like Seafolly, Sunflair, and Jets. For the men, visit Latitude Men’s Collection for specialised European clothing, shoes, and styling.

Shopping is hungry (and thirsty) work. We hear a sunset aperitivo calling. As you are well and truly in holiday mode, the Mediterranean-inspired Destino Wine & Cocktail Bar will be fitting. With live DJs spinning every Friday and Saturday night and an epic cocktail menu, this spot is a must-visit for watching the sunset and capping off a day well spent. Follow that up with a banquet fit for an emperor at Dragon Cove Chinese Restaurant, or carb load on authentic Napoli eats at Ioesco.

Still not ready to say goodbye? We don’t blame you! Check in to the luxurious Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort and make a weekend of it.

Where: Sanctuary Cove, 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

STORY SPONSORED BY SANCTUARY COVE