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

Dogs are man’s best friend. There’s no disputing it and we don’t want to hear a word said against it.

But in all honesty, we doubt any of you locals out there are going to argue against this ethos — as it’s rather easy to see we utterly love our dogs here on the Gold Coast.

Did you know that on Tuesday the 23^rd of March it’s National Puppy Day? An occasion to remember how much these guys bring to our lives in way of their cuteness and unconditional love. Because let’s face it — where would we be without them.

If they aren’t running at breakneck speed down the beach, pottering about in a body of water somewhere, or just drooling themselves into a comatose under the couch, there’s a good chance they can be found with their loving owner sharing a coffee and living their best life in one of our many great cafes.

Knowing which cafes are more receptive to your four-legged friend is sometimes a bit tricky. To alleviate the puzzlement, we’ve put together the finest and most convenient cafes where taking your pooch is most certainly welcomed.

Double Barrel Kitchen
Two locations mean double the doggie good times. Double Barrel Kitchen not only serves up delicious eats and plenty of good vibes, they also allow pups to join in the fun.
Where: Shop 4/64 Karbunya Street, Mermaid Waters and 1 The Concourse, Benowa

Ground N Sound
House-made cakes are one of the greatest things cafes can do. Wash that down with a cuppa, (or some wine if you like) a bit of live music, and your dog by your side and that’s pretty much the best time we reckon you can have. Do it at Ground N Sound.
Where: 6/23 Musgrave Avenue, Chirn Park

Papercup Coffee
The prettiest of spots, found in two locations Papercup Coffee has some stellar coffee and of course some delicious treats you can share with your furry mate. Perfect. Puppacino, anyone?
Where: 16 Frank Street, Labrador and 201 Ferry Road, Southport

Cafe Catalina
Cafe Catalina is located along the picturesque shores of the Broadwater Parklands and is the absolute perfect way to end a walk of your furry friend around the parklands. Sit on the deck and watch as the world passes you by both on land and sea!
Where: Broadwater Parklands, 10/11 Gold Coast Highway, Southport

Roller Door Espresso
At the heart of it, this hole-in-the-wall nook is incredibly easy on the eyes. After you’ve managed to peel your gaze off all of the incredible interior goodness, it’s down to business with fine baked treats and welcome arms for you and your doggo.
Where: 2/85 Ashmore Road, Bundall

Palm Springs
What these guys don’t know about coffee isn’t worth knowing. With the freshest looking aesthetic around, this new Burleigh Heads hangout is a great place to bring your pooch grab a coffee and just watch the day drift by. Plus, with surroundings as good as this, how could you not want to do a quick photoshoot of your pup?
Where: 1878 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Wildflower Distillery
Seems every man and his dog is making craft spirits these days, and we couldn’t be more thankful for it if we tried. Wildflower is the place to round up your crew and go sample some great gins, and now fantastic vodka. Don’t forget to take your furry friend as well because they are made most welcome!
Where: 2/486 Scottsdale Drive, Varsity Lakes

No Name Lane Espresso
No Name Lane’s sibling cafe has putdoor seating for you and your puppy. Plus there’s a side lawn with dog bowl and space to tie up your dog if you’d prefer to keep them away from your table. As an added bonus, it’s only a 5 minute walk to the Hedges Avenue off leash dog area #winning.
Where: 33 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

BSKT Cafe
BSKT Cafe makes taking your dog out for a date easy, as you won’t need to remember to pack water as they have plenty of dog bowls placed in the outside area. So you can sip on your favourite juice while your furry companion keeps hydrated too!
Where: 4 Lavarack Road, Nobby Beach

The Henchman
The big Miami beauty boasts plenty of space for all of your daily dose of tail wagging. Who knows what can happen when there are opportunities for your pooch to make new friends? Grab yourself some tasty eats and kick back in a hammock at The Henchman while the dogs have a play date.
Where: 8 Henchman Avenue, Miami

Paddock Bakery
Arguably one of the hottest breakfast spots on the Coast, Paddock Bakery is a stylish weatherboard cottage with a leafy garden that welcomes you and your four-legged friend any day of the week. Dippy eggs + doggos = good idea.
Where: 18 Hibiscus Haven, Miami

Lakeview Cafe
Lakeview Cafe is a hidden Burleigh Waters gem and an absolute favourite amongst the locals (not only humankind either). You can buy doggie treats and have your dog join you in the spacious outside area.
Where: 100 Burleigh Street, Burleigh Waters

Commune
Your favourite Burleigh local has a huge outside area with plenty of shade for you and your pup to enjoy. Weekend brekkies just got that much better!
Where: 1844 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Street Corner Espresso
The family-run lower Gold Coast Highway cafe has great food, great service and a spacious outside area that any dog will love to lie down and soak up the sun in. Sounds like paw-fection!
Where: 1/1840 Lower Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

The Salt Mill
Merely steps off the beach, this popular hole-in-the-wall has seating and will often have a congregation of dogs mingling with each other as their owners sip coffee and enjoy one of the coast’s best acai bowls. Once you’re done, slip onto the sand and take your puppy for a paddle!
Where: 785 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Le Vintage Boutique Cafe
This VERY popular little spot found in beautiful Worongary is serving up some of the best coffee around. And they’re all about the doggo’s too. It’s a unique little spot, once you’ve found it, and one you’ll want to lock in to visit again.
Where: 1 Kurilpa Street, Worongary

Barefoot Barista
This laid-back Palm Beach institution dishes up amazing food and consistent quality coffee, best of all – they’d love you to bring your dog along.
Where: 15 Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach

Awaken Cafe
This southern cafe is bringing great food and even better coffee to the beachy back streets of Coolangatta. Better yet, when you’ve come off the sand and have salty hair swing by here for the best dog-friendly vibes.
275 Boundary Street, Coolangatta

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

What do you get when you combine an English teahouse with a Parisian patisserie? Passiontree Velvet of course, home of the Gold Coast’s best macaroon and more pretty, sugar-filled treats than you can poke a fork at.

In what could well be the most delightful combination of all time, Passiontree Velvet, found at Robina Town Centre, The Strand and now Pac Fair (with a brand new brunch menu), is inspired by the aforementioned teahouses and patisseries, bringing edible luxury and high end shopping centre brunch to the people (you).

As you might expect the new addition offer a decadent High Tea which, excitingly, is a first for the hungry hordes prone to roam around Pac Fair in need of post-shopping sustenance.

It’s the perfect place to take your Mum after a day of of mother-daughter bonding (read: spending).

There are two adult options and one for the kiddies (because babes are fancy these days guys) and all will do very nicely thank you very much.

The Devonshire Cream Tea comes with two English scones, strawberry jam and cream and a choice of tea or coffee.

The second (obvious) choice is the Duchess High Tea made up of assorted finger sandwiches, English scones with all the good stuff, a selection of treats from the patisserie and of course, tea or coffee.

There are 12 varieties of tea to choose from and, since it’s a teahouse, you should probably bust out that pinky finger and get sipping.

Now, let’s talk macaroons.

If you’ve never experienced an up-to-scratch macaroon, today is the day for that dream to come true. In flavours such as Earl Grey Milk Chocolate, Salted Peanut Butter and Coconut, Passiontree Velvet’s perfectly-crispy-on-the-outside and softly-delicate-on-the-inside macaroons are the real deal.

Said macaroons can also be incorporated into a custom-made cake for special occasions or, you know, a Tuesday afternoon. If there’s anything better in the world than custom macaroon cakes we’re yet to hear about it.

So grab your favourite lady, hit the shops and then settle in for a sophisticated afternoon at Passiontree Velvet, your inner Duchess will thank you.

LOCATION: Outside Myer (ground floor), 1 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
HOURS: 9am to 6pm daily.

Words and photos by Kirra Smith.