Surfers just scored the coolest new bar.
Surfers just scored the coolest new bar.
Bit chilly, innit? – said absolutely no Gold Coaster in February, ever. That is, until the ‘brrrrand’ new and incredibly cool experience, IceBar Surfers swanned into town – an immersive, winter wonderland themed bar made entirely of ice!
Serving ice-cold sips and sub-zero ambience, year-round – the Gold Coast’s new glacial-inspired watering hole is quite literally set to become one of the coolest destinations this far south of the equator. Constructed with a whopping 44 tonnes of ice, the bar has forgone the furniture entirely, inviting you to rug up and chillax amongst the array of frosty, hand-carved fixtures – from the bar right down to the chairs…. A butt-clench-inducing concept indeed, if it weren’t for the toasty winter garb they kindly also include #PraiseBe.
Rivalling the higher end of Antarctica’s averages, the bar’s rather brisk -10°C ambient temps often offer an ‘ice’-watering 45 degree difference between the inside and out. Punters can choose to instantaneously cool off with their choice of shot (which come served in actual ice glasses) chilled cocktails, or mocktails… which brings a whole new meaning to drinks served ‘on ice’.
Though the interactive IceBar encounter isn’t strictly an adults-only expedition. Accompanied mini me’s are also welcome to tag along for their share of icy shenanigans, with a selection of frosty-themed fun and games – such as an air arctic hockey table – for the young and young at heart to try their hand at.
Only the second of its kind in Aus, the Surfer’s iteration is a sequel to Melbourne’s OG IceBar experience, which has been putting the the ‘nip’ in nippy for some 17 years now. Like all the best ideas, the inspiration to expand the igloo-vibing concept from down south came to the owners over a couple’a cold ones. As fate would have it, the owners saw the light spied the ‘for lease’ sign, after venturing by Surfers to wet their whistles (obviously) whilst in town for a tourism conference.
For this crew of ‘chill’ seeking entrepreneurs (that officially trade under the warm-and-fuzzy moniker of Three Polar Bears & A Penguin, might we add) the location proved too enticing an opportunity to expand their icecapades – just footsteps from the tram stop and surrounded by fellow recreation stalwarts in Surfer’s heaving heart.
And just quietly – while we will always have a soft spot for the incredible array of attractions this grand city of ours is known for – when a new contender appears combining a novel experience for all ages with one of our favourite pastimes – sipping cocktails, it’s guaranteed to earn itself anything but a frosty reception.
The unforgettable sip session lasts for 45 minutes, which begins by donning the provided arctic gear, before stepping inside to be greeted by the glacial conditions. Surrounded by 130kg slabs of wall-to-wall ice, soak in the enchanting, surf-themed ice sculptures, which took the expert carving crew almost two (frostbite-inducing, no doubt) weeks to complete.
Colour us impressed, but it’s time we addressed the woolly mammoth in the room – the sips! The drinks menu is split into a compact selection of classic and winter-themed signature cocktails – such as the espresso-infused Snowstorm and the delightful Northern Lights made with gin, peach schnapps and pea flower. Which we will happily throw down like ‘snow’ body’s business.
Surfer’s newest must-do is open 11–11 daily, meaning we can now swing by and blast-chill ourselves with the most refreshing margs in town and a few face-numbing rounds of Connect Four anytime the hankering/urge to escape the humidity hits. Which, basically sounds like paradise anytime from about October onwards, no?
Head here for a sneaky little discount code.
Where: Cavill Lane, 3113 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
When: 7 days, 11am–11pm
Website: icebaraustralia.com.au
Instagram: @icebaraus
Words by Kellie Leader.
Hoisting the kidlets into the back of the car to grab a feed can be a varied experience. And by varied, we mean #traumatic. But not at these Surfers Paradise restaurants which are tried and tested by many-a-small person, with a double thumbs-up both from kids and therefore, parentals.
Here’s our rundown on the glitter strip places to take the rug rats for a tanty/whinge-free meal.
Misono
If there’s one thing that’ll delight the kids (and the big kids), it’s teppanyaki! Situated in JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, Misono’s teppan experience brings an inescapable energy and thrill from the highly skilled teppan chef’s intricate knife work and interactive theatrics. Make sure you have your smart phones at the ready to capture every catch….or not (spillage is part of the fun). There’s also a live sushi bar to discover and psst mum and dad – there’s even a sneaky whisky bar for ‘ron!
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Wahlburgers
Designed with good times in mind, the kids will go wild for Wahlburgers! The burger chain and sports bar baby of Hollywood superstars ‘Marky’ Mark, Donny, and the wider Wahlburg clan, expect high-quality, simple, down to earth eats! In addition to burgers there’s breakfast, salads, loaded sides, wings, calamari, dessert, shakes and spiders and so much more. It’ll give the whole family Good Vibrations!
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
TGI Fridays
Tasty American Burgers, good friends and good times. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, it’s always a recipe for smiley faces. Serving up your all your fave dishes from the US of A right off the grill, we’re talking starters to share, wings, fresh mex, burgers, wraps, salads, ribs, steaks, desserts and a cracking kid’s menu. I mean, who wouldn’t want to go to a place where it’s always Friday?
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Steampunk
Kids will love the Victorian-era décor, friendly service and most importantly, wide variety of all the chow our small people dream of. The usual suspects like woodfired pizzas, loaded chips, burgers, steaks and ribs etc all make an appearance on the menu, plus there’s a kiddywinkle menu suitable for those up to 16. They’ll go loco for the supershakes and if you’re in a rush (isn’t EVERY parent), you can skip the queue and order via the app! Genius.
Where: 3113 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Longboards Laidback Eatery and Bar
If the kids are hungry, do not pass go, do not collect $200 – go to Longboards. One thing’s for sure, both you and your ankle-biters will leave choccas (no other meals required). The burgers here are legendary and dad, if you wanna impress the fam, give the 30 minute Phat Bastard Challenge a crack for your chance to win a $150 tab prize. There’s a kids menu to boot, plus $3 play packs to keep them entertained. Sold!
Where: Q1 Resort & Spa, Corner of Hamilton Avenue & Northcliffe Terrace, Surfers Paradise
El Camino Cantina
Mexican is the new Maccas in terms of universal appeal for kids, and El Camino is forever Mexcellent. Slinging tacos, nachos, loaded nachos, fajitas, wings and sombrero-filled party vibes, there’ll be no whinging whatsoever from the small folk. Head on down for $2 Taco Tuesdays, 10-cent Wing Wednesdays and half-price Fajita Thursdays. How spec-taco-ular!
Where: 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
BMD Northcliffe Surf Club
Ok, so we all know kids love surf clubs – especially award-winners like BMD Northcliffe. For a start, it’s absolute beachfront making a pre or post-meal dip super duper easy. There’s plenty of room in the spacious restaurant, filled with sunlight by day and boasting a magical outlook by night, a stunning deck, and one of the best surf club menus you’ll ever find. All Little Nipper meals come with a small soft drink and a gelato. Winning!
Where: 51 Garfield Terrace, Surfers Paradise
Vapiano
Vapiano is Italian for kid-foody-heaven and whilst that’s a fib, it still rings true. We dare you to find a kiddo (and parent for that matter…#Don’tTellThePT) who doesn’t love a meaty, hearty pasta or a palette-pleasing pizza and yeah, nah, it’s not possible. Choose from the kids’ menu or the standard menu for small people with a BIG appetite! This is no impasta friends.
Where: Soul Boardwalk, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Hogs Breath Café
The very pinnacle of family-orientated eating venues has to be the original and much-loved Hogs Breath Café. You’ll find consistently yummy and unassuming food served up in a friendly atmosphere, setting the benchmark high for other family restaurants to follow. Your little ones will be loving life with their own (sizeable) Hogster’s Kids Menu, which offers uncompromised value for money as each dish comes with its own drink and even dessert. Sorted!
Where: Soul, Building T2/9 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Crazy Cat Café
This cute setup is the purrfect place to drop by for an afternoon pit stop and, of course, to mingle with some feline friends. Apart from a mob of the friendliest cats you ever did meet, the hefty café style menu offers a host of appetising treats to boot. Worth noting is the venue’s setup which also has a separate section for those who want to witness the cats at paw’s length – a great option for the kiddies who need a slow introduction to the furry ones.
Where: 3131 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Pancakes on the Rocks
There is no mistaking; pancakes are a good time, every time, particularly when they’re being pumped out of specialty restaurant, Pancakes on the Rocks. Based in the heart of Surfers Paradise, they are a dead-set family vibe. All about family dining, you can’t go wrong with the obvs (pancakes), plus there are pizzas, salads, crepes, and the now famous beef and pork ribs. Littlies will adore this joint. Cross our hearts.
Where: 31 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Once upon a time we left holidaymakers to their own devices in arguably the GC’s most famous beachside suburb, but off the beaten path – well to be fair, some are still very much on it – locals have been keeping these gems all to themselves for a little too long if you ask us. That’s right, Surfers Paradise is more than a postcard-perfect destination, it’s a lifestyle locals love to embrace, because why should we leave all the fun to the tourists! So now we’re here to spill the beans on all the reasons locals can’t get enough of Surfers Paradise.
For all-in-one spots
Surfers Paradise does convenience like a pro with destinations where you can shop, eat, and play all in one spot. Paradise Centre is a beachside fave with a mix of fashion, food, and fun, right at your fingertips in the heart of Cavill Mall. Just a short stroll away you’ll find Soul Boardwalk where laidback vibes met beachside dining and retail therapy aplenty – because what better way to get the food digesting than with a shopping moment.
If an urban escape is more up your alley then pop on over to Chevron Renaissance for all your boutique shopping needs, whether it’s a bite to eat, to grab groceries for the week, a new fit for that special event or a pedicure pamper moment your wish is their command. The two hour free parking is also a big drawcard!
All-you-can eats
If you’re in the market for a buffet that’ll bowl you over then you’ve come to the right place because at this point buffet should be Surfers Paradise’s middle name.
Locals know that they’ve got the buffet game locked down so if you’re up for eating so much seafood you’ll need to unbutton your pants to fit in another plate then Citrique at the JW Marriott has your name all over it.
Just down the highway you’ll find a bustling international market that dreams (and hungry bellies) are made of with QT Gold Coast’s iconic Bazaar Marketplace experience.
Edging on the cusp of neighbouring Broady, Horizon Sky Dining might have pretty much everything on the menu but what about revolving panoramic views of the Gold Coast? They’ve got those two and we’ll take a plate of both thank you very much.
For your morning sips
If you’re anything like us, the day doesn’t start until coffee has been sipped. Kickstart your day with the perfect brew at ESPL Coffee. This beachside gem is great for delicious bites with a friendly vibe.
If you’re seeking people who are serious about coffee, Paradox Coffee Roasters is the destination you seek. They are committed to producing the highest quality coffee there is — just ask the locals!
Like your morning sip with a side of epic treats? Janus Bakehouse is for you… don’t mind us drooling just thinking about it.
To escape the hustle & bustle head to Bumbles. Budds Beach has long been a local secret but there’s good reason why Gold Coasters have been flocking to this hot spot for 10+ years. Get your coffee fix, some snacks and set up on the edge of Budds Beach for the ultimate start to the day.
For you harder sips
Fancy a cocktail (or five)? Well you’ve come to the right place because Surfers is a cocktail connoisseur’s dream come true. After sunset – okay maybe before too – Surfers turns into a cocktail connoisseur’s playground.
Lulu Rooftop is the newest addition to the scene, serving up a funky art deco aesthetic alongside sophisticated sips.
Sports fan? Hit up The Sporting Globe to get all the sporting action live and loud or get ready to yeehaw and let loose at Cowboys, with a bucking bull taking pride of place the Americana vibes are vibing.
Okay party people, we hear you asking where to go get Gold Coast vibes going and it’s obviously got to be Cali Beach Club – it’s giving European inspired beach party so you’re guaranteed a good time. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it we say, so it’s no wonder locals keep going back for more at The Island Rooftop, an institution for good reason you can’t beat the open air and the huge beverage list never fails us.
For drinks with a view Surfers Pavilion has nailed casual waterfront meets ‘I don’t want to leave yet’ as it overlooks the canal so you can watch the boats drift by. Hinterland your preferred view? Well, The Exhibitionist Bar’s got them aplenty, actually they’ve got panoramic sight of the whole GC so take your pick. Back over on the beachside Coast Beach Bar are home to some of the best marg’s on the GC and even better views of the suburb’s namesake beach.
For casual eats
Sometimes you just want to keep it low-key and you know what, that doesn’t have to mean that the flavours are low-key too. You go-to for authentic Thai flavours has got to be Sura Thai, dine in to make the most of the cosy and authentic feel or grab your favourites to-go. Shiraz Persian Restaurant has become known as the Coast’s best Middle Eastern bites with aromatic Persian dishes like tender kebabs gracing the menu.
Don’t sleep on Velaa’s Asian fusion fare from classic poke bowls and new flavours like their signature Thai Milk Tea Parfait (uh, YUM) just waiting for you to discover.
We like big burgers and we cannot lie so Wahlburgers is a must-try for us, plus you might even sneak a peek at Mark Wahlburg when he’s in town next if you’re lucky!
Alright, this one is definitely loved by more than just locals, HOTA’s Markets are the ultimate hangout to ring in Sunday Funday, pick up all the local farm fresh produce and flowers your heard desires and then grab a bite (we’re looking at you, Mio Wraps) and a sweet treat for the road and thank us later.
For something a little bit fancy
Now’s the time to bust out your best fancy fit because Surfers has some pretty boujee spots up their sleeves.
Nestled beneath the HOTA Gallery, Palette proves that fine dining is back, baby! Treat yourself to the degustation for the full experience, with dishes and cocktails inspired by the each gallery exhibition you need to see it – or taste it – to believe it.
The buffet is always a winner at Citrique, but have you tried their a la carte? Take this as your sign to snag a seat and let the food come to you while you spoil yourself with the Chef’s Signature Bay Bug Dumplings (life-changing) or some chargrilled Australian Wagyu.
Elevated Thai is the word at Nahm Talay Thai, all your regular favourites but even better and cocktails that are just begging to be instagrammed – bonus point for the beach front views.
Let the good times roll
Surfers Paradise isn’t short on adrenaline or intrigue and it doesn’t matter if it’s your first or 50th time visiting, they still pack the same punch in our humble opinion.
Scale SkyPoint for unbeatable views atop the Q1, chill out (literally) at the IceBar and get a moment to reflect at the Mirror Bar – see what we did there.
If you’d rather enter another dimension for a little while then Infinity is begging for you to explore their mysterious maze or drop into Other World HQ and escape the ordinary with mind-bending interactive games and escape rooms. Test your team work (and maybe patience) at Eclipse Escape Rooms and Fox in a Box, go on – put that big ol’ brain to work.
We’re partial to a trip down nostalgia lane so we’re always down to battle it out at Timezone, and when there’s fun for all ages on the menu how could you not! Feeling flighty? Take a literal leap of faith at iFly and get a taste of indoor skydiving before you brave the great outdoors.
Gosh all that exploring calls with some pampering to finish the day, but not without its quirks! Barefoot Fish have tanks full of fish – yep, real live fish – just waiting for you to dip in for a soak so they can get rid of any dry or dead skin and leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed.
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski
Ah, Saturday afternoons – that magical sweet spot where we’ve clocked off from the week, dealt with the most pressing commitments and chill mode can officially begin… ideally with an ice-cold spritz in hand.
While we’re compiling our wish lists throw in a grazing platter with all the trimmings, and some million dollar views. To this, The Star Gold Coast crew says ‘say no more’ and hands us Spritz Saturdays at Nineteen At The Star. Daydream no longer, friends – the ultimate way to get into the swing of this weekend business really does exist and it’s tantalisingly within reach.
For a surefire way to blitz your Saturday simply assemble one (or more) of your partners in dine and saunter over to one of the best rooftops on the Gold Coast to sip and graze the afternoon away. Did we mention it’s only $79pp from 4.00pm to 7:00pm? And it’s on every Saturday. Time to fire up the group chat.
As if we needed convincing to bust out our resort-vibing frocks and breeziest linen ensembles add in the prospect of balmy afternoons spent slurping back oysters and charcuterie and we have the sudden urge to skedaddle on over faster than you can say ‘one Elderflower & Mint Spritz, please’.
Of course, if you like to keep it classic, there’s also Aperol Spritz and a summery Strawberry Spritz equally poised for sipping as the sun sinks low. With drinks sorted, all that stands between you and zero cares in the world is… well, not a whole lot, because the share menu is yet to enter the equation and it comes bearing cheese #sold.
Along with a stellar Cheese and House cured olives selection, the fully stacked share spread includes two mushroom and gruyère cheese stuffed Arancini balls and freshly shucked oysters each. The Arancini balls certainly won’t be the only thing stuffed once this feast is through because there’s still the Charcuterie plate with toasted sourdough and French Fries w Garlic Aioli coming in hot.
All of which is enjoyed whilst kicking back poolside, surrounded by the sweeping views and supreme luxury of Level 19 of The Darling…. yep – put a fork in us, we’re done. If that’s not peak ‘weekend done right’ material, we don’t know what is.
Going down each and every Saturday, the one and only catch is that bookings are essential, so gather your crew and plan accordingly, y’all.
Whether you’re due for a catch up with a bestie, a spectacular sundowner sesh with the whole gang, or a romantic rooftop rendezvous with your other half – plan ahead and reap the rewards of a Saturday very well spent. We can smell the chill vibes already.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: 4.00pm to 7:00pm, every Saturday
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST
The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol. Guests must be 18 years or over to enter the casino. BET WITH YOUR HEAD, NOT OVER IT. Gambling Helpline 1800 858 858.
