Our sweet, sweet So-Po. There’s something we just love about Southport, maybe it’s the fact that they’ve got bulk bars and restaurants so hunger never has to enter our vocabulary again. Or maybe it’s how you can get a coffee hit and hit of golf done in half a day and then soak up those Broadwater views for the rest of it – shall we go on?

All we know is that there are so many goodies in this CBD gem we couldn’t list them all or you’d be here all day and we know you’re all about less reading and more eating (same). Here’s our round-up of local approved must-do’s!

The all-in-ones
The retailers in Southport get that you’re busy – it is the CBD after all – so time is of the essence and efficiency is the word over here. Brickworks Ferry Rd has everything from the Standard Market Co to get those dinner essentials or to make the perfect charcuterie board, ‘grammable acai bowls at Cardamom Pod and bites like Bird Royale because we’ve always got time for some cheeky chicken.

Upping the ante with a little bit of everything, Queen Street Village is just off the Smith St Motorway so you can pop in for the essentials from gourmet grocer Jones & Co IGA. No time to meal prep? Grab some Asian eats at Wu Kong with peckish plates to keep you going, or a classic pub feed from Queen’s Arms for your parmy fix. When all that eating has got you zonked, get your caffeine hit at Sens Coffee and pop into DENDY to catch the latest flicks and a moment of peace and quiet.

Now did we hear you say retail therapy? Enter: Australia Fair. With the big names in fashion all in one spot along with our biggest vice Kmart on the store list, say goodbye to your savings but hello to a fresh new look. Once you’ve shopped til you dropped it’s time to start your Tour-de-Food at Australia Fair Metro, think pho, dumplings and desserts by the dozen.

For bakery treats
With a name like Sacre Coeur Patisserie it’s no wonder these guys have mastered the art of French pastries so prepare to stock up on croissants in allll the flavours from pistachio to raspberry and everything in between.

No man is left behind at Made With Love who deliver on 100% vegan cakes, pies and pastries because you know what, a donut a day keeps the doctor away or something like that and why should our vegans not be part of the action.

Keeping with the Euro-bakery theme is FARINA & Co, pastries are made onsite daily with all the classics like lemon meringue tarts and buttery croissants but wait, it gets even better – they double as a pasta bar. Grazie!

Pumping out sensational Asian-inspired pastries, desserts and drinks, Delothor Patisserie is our kinda kryptonite!

For a coffee
Coffee addicts, Southport’s got you covered with experiences like SupermarCat Cat Café, which – you guessed it – comes with a side of kitty cuddles with your caffeine fix, it’s so good we won’t judge if you start purring along with your furry friends.

For the more traditional café vibe Humble Café might be humble by name but they’re big on variety from classic cold drips to matcha espresso.

Built on the tried-and-true premise that simple is best, everything about Herringbone Cafe is understated (in the best way) letting the true hero of the space – the food and coffee – take centre stage.

Eight Fifty Espresso boosts productivity and happiness, doling out weekday caffeine fixes from its sidewalk dwelling, sapphire green digs.

For a drink
You already know we’re partial to a cold beverage to round out the day but if you’re after a side of live music with that then Vinnies Dive is the only place to get your fix and an ice cold brew all in one. If you’re after pub vibes you can’t go past SOPO (previously known as RSL CLUB Southport).

Just across the tram line nothing says Southport more than a cocktail (or 5) on Mr PP’s rooftop, perched above Nerang Street so you can people watch til your hearts content. Keeping the rooftop vibes going strong, Aviary Rooftop at Southport Sharks have an epic cocktail menu that talks a big game and luckily for us, it doesn’t just live up to expectations – it’s even better.

Carafe Wine is an eco-conscious space offering top-notch wine from all the most renowned vino regions and zero-waste practices plus a unique menu of sharing boards.

For good eats
Hello foodies, thoughts we forgot about you? We could never! Getting the good times rolling is none other than Good Times Deli who have quickly become known as the home of sandwiches like no other – think Philly Cheesesteak and banger Bahn Mi.

Japanese eatery, KatsuCo, churns out iterations of its namesake dish – traditionally coated in crunchy panko crumb and slathered in curry sauce.

For those on-the-go looking for the ultimate grab-and-go, Shiro Gelato & Snack knows what’s up with a selection of Japanese market eats like housemade Onigiri to get your fueled up and ready to tackle the day and gelato to finish because there’s always room for a sweetie treatie.

If you’ve been having Euro summer FOMO you can find a taste of the Mediterranean at Como Kitchen & Bar or if there’s a little Italian in your stomach screaming for some arancini balls (or is it just us?) you can get a mozza at Mozza Mozza as well pasta served tableside from a cheese wheel.

Since we’re on a food journey around the world you’ll be happy to know that Southport is pretty much THE place to get your Korean BBQ fix – yep, we found and 6 smokin’ hot Korean BBQ spots on the GC and would you believe 5 of them call our humble CBD home. Yep, Southport officially has a license to grill.

Local attractions
So you’ve got your coffee and you’re looking to get at one with nature? Obviously, your next stop has to be Broadwater Parklands. It doesn’t matter if you’re just there for a hot girl walk or trying to find a way to keep your tribe occupied, the shared pathway makes it the ultimate for everyone whether you’re in your running era or just keen to take in the Broadwater views while you bike and play.

Fancy a bit more adventure we hear you say? We got you. Tee off for a full day of fun at Southport Golf Club so you can let your inner Tiger Woods run wild on the green. If land has got you feeling like a fish out of water then pop on over to the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre for a mermaid moment with things like group fitness classes – hello aqua aerobics – as well as Olympic length swimming pools for the pros and splash pads for the little tackers.

If a hands on approach to fun is more your vibe then entering a new dimension at Zero Latency is a must-do, the international juggernaut has given VR new life with games on games so you can immerse yourself in the madness. Sing your little lungs out without fear of judgment and enjoy yourself a lyric fuelled good time at Black8 Pool Hall. Test your relationships and put that brain to work with a prison break escape room at Escape Hunt or pick up a pistol at Southport’s very own – and the Coast’s safest – shooting range, The Shooting Centre.

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski

This is our 2023 list. Here is our list of 2024 Christmas feasts.

It’s almost that time again Gold Coasters and if you’re anything like us, whipping up a Christmas lunch or dinner is the absolute LAST thing you feel like doing after sinking a few (too many) champers and opening all those pressies.

But never fear, we’re here to round up the local faves taking the hard yakka out of the jolliest time of year, so that you enjoy your food coma sans the prep and post feast clean up.

The Star Gold Coast
Who better equipped to handle our merry munches than the veritable recreation wonderland that awaits at The Star – we mean, they literally spend 365 days a year honing their impeccable hosting skills.. and an atmosphere primed for fun and frivolity is kind of their whole schtick.

Check out the epic array of soirees on offer here for the ‘star’ on the top of a tree-mendous Chrissy Day. Pssst, there are even gourmet hampers available for stress-free hosting.. (feel free to steal all the glory, our lips are sealed).
Where:1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach

Novotel Surfers Paradise
This Dec 25, have a cracker of a (carefree) Christmas Day with all of the cheer and none of the tears, and lock in a spectacular seafood buffet lunch at Novotel Surfers Paradise.

Find all the deets here to secure your spot – and score yourself a sneaky Chrissy morning sleep in while you’re at it – aka cut out the crack-of-dawn pilgrimage to the prawn trawlers altogether.. now that’s a Merry Christmas!
Where: Novotel Surfers Paradise, Cnr Of Surfers Paradise Blvd, Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise

Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach
Assemble your nearest and dearest for a delicious ripper of a Christmas celebration at the Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach this year. The Sofitel’s stunner trio of venues are set to transform for the occasion, on offer will be three enchanting experiences: a ‘Grand Ballroom Gingerbread House’, a jolly gastronomic journey for those who fancy their Christmas with a side of French indulgence, and sumptuous seafood and hot carvery buffet. Go here for all the delicious details.
Where: 81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

JW Marriott Gold Coast
We’re more spoiled than a kid on Christmas morning with the array of delectable dining experiences on offer at JW Marriott. As experts in exquisite eats, their annual yuletide events always sell out.. so get on it like an empty parking spot in December, guys.

This Christmas, we’ve got four spectacular events to choose from. Citrique is gearing up to deliver a luxurious lunch (sold out) and dinner celebration, with a festive twist on their famous seafood buffet for $279 pp + BF, children starting from $49 (under 2 free).

The signature seafood buffet experience will also be hosted in Grand Ballroom, for a luxe lunch including live cooking stations, a three hour premium beverage package with Champagne, live entertainment, face painting and a visit from Santa. Tickets $339 pp + BF, children starting from $159 (under 3 free).

Alternatively, choose to celebrate at Chapter and Verse with the ‘Festive Feast of Seafood and Sweets’ Christmas Lunch, from 12.30pm – 3.30pm – a selection of mouth-watering morsels all set to satisfy, including seafood on ice, raw bar, cheese and charcuterie, tapas and dessert. Tickets $249 pp + BF.
Where: 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise

QT Gold Coast
Families looking to converge for some magical (and mouthwatering) Christmas mems, look no further than the luxe QT luncheons – both the Ballroom and Bazaar (dinner also available) will be abuzz with 3-hour beverage packages, a sumptuous spread of roasted meats, fresh seafood and decadent desserts. Christmas cheer also comes courtesy of a festive cocktail on arrival, and for kids under 12, a gift from Mr Claus himself.

Alternatively, avid foodies can treat themselves to an exquisite gastronomic experience at the adults-only Christmas Lunch at Yamagen. Get in the spirit with a meticulously crafted 7-course menu, a masterclass in Japanese dining with a showcase of seafood dishes with a Christmas twist. Tickets from $299 pp + BF, including an arrival cocktail and curated wine pairings.

(Pssst – Santa called, he said you should go ahead and upgrade to the Premium Whisky/Wine/Sake Pairing, it is Christmas after all).

Want to bring the QT home with you this Christmas? Indulge in the epitome of festive luxury with a QT Gold Coast curated opulent hamper. Crafted to delight 4-6 people, this lavish banquet features culinary treasures like the iconic Moreton Bay bug & prawn roll, slow-roasted suckling Berkshire Porchetta with crackling, locally caught tiger prawns, Sydney Rock oysters and Tasmanian smoked salmon. From $649 per box with 20 dishes to unwrap.

Where: 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

RACV Royal Pines Resort
Another festive contender for your consideration – round up your kin and revel in the Chrissy day array at RACV Royal Pines, for an indulgent spread hosted within the impeccable surrounds of the Royal Benowa Ballroom.

Kicking off from from 12:00 pm, this years proceedings include a 3-hour beverage package along with all the traditional festive fare – delight in fresh Australian seafood, carved meats, and a selection of hot dishes, salads and desserts. Tickets start from $51.00 for children aged 2-4 (ages 0-2 free) up to $297.85 per adult (+ booking fees).
Where: Ross St, Benowa

The Langham Gold Coast
Are you and/or the fam fans of the finer things? Then look no further than The Langham for your December 25 festivities, friends. As a destination with a rep for all things luxury, our unofficial dealers of decadence are especially equipped to deliver a swanky soiree.

This year, their swoon-worthy spread includes fresh local seafood, a crudo and oyster bar, live barbeque with premium meats such as wagyu steaks (feat. sausage sizzle for the littles) salads, desserts and more. Their stellar shin-dig kicks off from 12:00 pm, with tickets ranging from $148 per child (ages 0-4 free) to $468 per adult inc. premium beverage package.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise

Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove
Offering two decadent dining experiences, spend your Christmas Day situated among Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove’s stellar surrounds and get amongst some fanciful fare to mark the occasion in the most delicious of ways.

If the thought of festive fine dining sparks a whole lot of joy for you – we present to you, option numero ono: the long, and lavish – Degustation Lunch. Secure your spot at this little advent affair for an all-inclusive experience hosted at The Fireplace, and prepare to sip and savour your way through your Christmas Day for $449pp + BF.

If you’d rather take the night off following a jam-packed day of festivities (aka keep the arvo open for a very necessary nap) the Seafood Buffet Dinner option will be enticing on every level. With two convenient seatings available at 5 pm and 8 pm, get cosy at Cove Cafe and sidle up to a mouthwatering spread of traditional Christmas fare fused with modern Australian flavours. Tickets from $209 per person, children aged 5 to 12 are priced at $89 per child (ages 0-4 free).
Where: Sanctuary Cove, Manor Cir, Hope Island

Southport Sharks
Sadly for fans of the legendary Sharks seafood buffet lunch, this event has already sold out for this year #tear – though if the thought of this leaves you languishing, tickets to the Festive Buffet Breakfast are still available. On the bright side, this means we can bring forward our scheduled smorgasbord proceedings – and frankly, feasting sooner is never a bad thing in our books.

Start your Christmas day with a classic brekkie banquet fit for a ‘Kringle’, complete with all the morning mainstays – tasty rashers of bacon, delicious eggs, juicy sausages, sides of mushrooms and tomatoes, hotcakes with warm butter or sweet syrup (both, obvs), piles of pastries and so much more. Tickets for this very merry morning start at $15 for kids (ages 0-3 free) up to $55 for adults + BF, with 90 minute seatings available from 7:30am – 10am.
Where: Corner Olsen and, Musgrave Ave, Southport

The Island
This year, Surfers’ stellar pozzy, The Island, is poised to throw not one but two tantalising Christmas day events – take your pick of the Family Buffet in the Glasshouse – or the all-inclusive Buffet & Beverage Package in the Penthouse.. either way, yule be left feeling rather jolly indeed.

From 11am – 2pm, prepare to tuck into all the traditional festive provisions and trimmings – savour hot and cold seafood, succulent roast meats, seasonal roast vegetables, wholesome summer salads and decadent desserts.

Tickets for the Family Buffet event start at $89 for kids (ages 0-3 free), through to $179 for adults (+ booking fees) – with drinks available at the bar throughout the day.  While the Penthouse Buffet & Beverage tickets are $229 pp + BF including 3-hour beverage package – which we might add, includes Christmas sangria and spritz, bc it would be rather Rudolph us to omit this very important detail.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

voco Surfers Paradise
We need not spend days toiling away in the kitchen, offload the preparations (read: stress) and let the voco pros handle your Chrissy day proceedings. Indulge in a banquet of iconic Christmas Day fare, such as fresh seafood, summer salads, succulent roast carvery, a variety of hot and cold dishes – complete with a mouthwatering dessert bar for your feasting pleasure. Plus, face painting and a sneaky cameo from the big man in red, for some extra special Christmas magic for the kiddos.

This little Chrissy extravaganza will set you back $289 per person, with children from $130 (ages 0-4 free).. and simultaneously deliver max satisfaction and zero stress in the process.
Where: 31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Words by Kellie Leader.

It’s that time again Gold Coasters (unsure how but what can you do). Christmas is here, or it may as well be, since there are decorations everywhere and you may now pop down to see the big guy for a snap.

That’s right, it’s time to book in your Santa portraits pals and here’s the lineup of where you can do exactly that around the Coast. Hip, hip hooray, the years of socially distanced snaps are but a distant memory. We’re back to sharing a big chair, the way we all remember it.

Pacific Fair
Visit Santa’s Golden Palace filled with golden treasures for all to enjoy from Saturday 2nd November until Christmas Eve. Pacific Fair hosts Santa photos for everyone including pet photos for pictures with your fur babies, and Sensitive Santa, an experience with dimmed lights and no crowds. Plus, have your Santa Photo taken at Santa’s Palace from 2 November – 8 December to automatically go in the draw to WIN a family trip to Lapland in Christmas 2025! Book here.
Where: Santa’s Golden Palace, Ground Floor outside Myer, Broadbeach

Santaland at Myer
Embark on a magical Christmas journey at Santaland! Jump on the Santaland Express, create festive art with Santa’s helpers, send wish-lists to the North Pole, and cherish the moment with Santa for an enchanting family photo. Plus, don’t forget your furry friends! Santa Paws welcomes your four-legged family members for a festive snapshot with Santa. Santaland photos are available from the 23rd November until Christmas Eve. Book here.
Where: Santaland, Myer near the Toy section, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Broadbeach

Robina Town Centre
Meet Santa in his magical Enchanted Forest from Saturday 2nd November until Christmas Eve. There’s also an option for a Sensitive Santa experience in a low-stress, sensory-friendly environment that can be enjoyed by all, without the crowds, queues and noise (on selected days from November 9 to December 15), and special Baby’s First Christmas photo packages. Auslan Santa will return to Robina Town Centre, making the magic of Christmas more inclusive and accessible to customers with hearing impaired children. Sessions will be longer than usual to allow Christmas wishes to be shared via sign language with Santa and sessions will be available on Saturday 23 November from 9am to 11am.

Santa of course won’t be forgetting his favourite furry friends, with Pet Photography returning to feature inside Robina Town Centre after trading hours this year. From 8 November until 15 December, Santa will be rewarding all well-behaved friends with a special gift.

Santa Photos are available online for bookings now and early birds who make bookings until November 30 will receive a FREE 6×8 photo and go in the running to WIN a $1,000 shopping spree—talk about Christmas coming early! Book here.
Where: Outside Myer and Kookai, Robina Town Centre, Robina

Sanctuary Cove
Mark the annual Christmas tradition with a photo with Santa at Sanctuary Cove. Meet Father Christmas with your little ones (and fur babies too) inside Santa’s igloo and capture the moment to remember for years to come. The Santa photo booth will be open from 10am-3pm on 7th, 8th, 12th, 14th & 15th December, and 6.30pm – 8.30pm on Friday 13th December. Pet sessions are available on 7th, 8th, 12th, 14th & 15th December from 2pm-3pm. No bookings required, but find more information on Santa photos and Sanctuary Cove’s other Christmas activities here.
Where: Masthead Way, Sanctuary Cove

HOTA, Home of the Arts
HOTA is going all out this festive season with a 12 day Sprinkling of Christmas. With activities to delight all ages, photos with Santa, movies and theatre shows, HOTA is your destination for family fun. Santa photo packages start at $20 and are available daily from Tuesday 10th – Sunday 21st December from 9am-1pm. Book here.
Where: 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

Stockland Burleigh Heads
Get your portraits taken at Stocklands Burleigh Heads from Saturday 2nd December until Christmas Eve. There’ll be times for Paws & Claus, Sensory Santa and even traditional Santa photos. Santa photos available from Saturday 30th November until Christmas Eve. You can book online here.
Where: Santa’s Beach Shack, outside Aldi, West Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Heads

Gold Coast Santa Beach Photos
Gold Coast Santa Photo Sessions are 5-10 minutes per shoot with Santa, your family and your pets! Depending on your session you will receive 4-10 high resolution digital images per session. Please read the full terms and conditions before booking. Available on various dates from November 9th on the beach at Main Beach, Miami and Currumbin. These photo shoots are super popular. You also have the option to Grinchify your photo package (not for the faint hearted)!  You can book your Santa Beach photo here.

Westfield Coomera
Tis’ the season to be making magical memories. Create a Christmas memory and book your photo with Santa at Westfield Coomera from Sunday 10th November until Christmas Eve. This year, Westfield is offering a range of photography sessions to suit everyone, including Sensitive Santa, My First Christmas, Pet photography and Auslan Santa. You can book online here.
Where: 103 Foxwell Rd, Coomera