There are a great many things to get amongst on the GC, and these days, a thriving local music scene is undeniably one of them. And we can all agree, if there’s one thing that takes kicking back with a frosty refreshment to a whole new level, it’s getting your ears around some sweet tunes while you do it.

From dank, hidden indie dive bars to classic pub-style serenades for the whole fam to vibe to – whatever genre you’re in the mood for, there’s bound to be a venue to match.

Hound & Stag
The new kid on Arundel’s block has been hitting all the right notes since they slid open their enormous barn door late last year. Hound and Stag is now the GC’s largest combining craft brews and live music, and honestly, how could you go wrong with a combo like that?! The regular array of gigs, open mic nights and 90’s nights are the big old auditory cherry on top of an excellent atmosphere, brew-pub bites and endless frosty beverages here, folks.
Where: 13 Wrights Place, Arundel

Southport Sharks
One of Queenland’s largest AFL clubs, Southport Sharks is a family-friendly gem that’s more than merely a haven for footy fans to wet their whistles. With multiple venues and areas built-in, this Babushka doll vibing spot always has something going on, including live acts every weekend if you’re in the mood to groove. Every Friday and Saturday night, there’s an assortment of free gigs going down, from retro RnB shows, classic pub rock to tribute acts to get those toes tapping. Might we suggest first swinging by Mozza Mozza, apparently carb-loading is important before strenuous activity.
Where: Cnr Musgrave and Olsen Avenues, Southport

Vinnies Dive
We can always count on our local dive bar to deliver us the very dankest of gigs, and Vinnie’s Dive does exactly that. Championing our local music scene, they’re no strangers to big alt/indie names such as Dear Seattle, DZ Deathrays, Wil Wagner (The Smith Street Band) The Bennies and Regurgiator gracing their small but mighty stage – in addition to karaoke and themed tribute nights. We think this review sums it up best: “It’s dark, the floors are sticky, the toilets seats are occasionally broken, the beers are icy cold and the staff are the best people you’ll ever meet.” Get down there for great times and even better gigs (just leave the flimsy pluggas at home).
Where: Shops A & B, 44A Nerang Street, Southport

The Avenue
When it comes to finding live acts and having yourself a good time on the central Gold Coast, you’ll be hard pushed to look past The Avenue in Surfers Paradise. From comedy nights, drag shows, DJ’s, karaoke and themed evenings, there’s something going down at The Avenue each and every night of the week.

Work week got you feeling flat? We recommend Tunes on Tuesday or Feel Good Friday’s to recharge with some dance therapy and pulse-pounding beats. Those vibes will be back on track in no time.
Where: 3-15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Surfers Pavilion
Should you arrive by jet ski or by Uber, it doesn’t matter. Surfers Pavilion is your one-stop venue in the heart of Surfers Paradise for drinks, eats and catching a live DJ set or two. And not just any disc jockeys either; The Stafford Brothers and Peking Duk have both played to jubilant crowds here in recent times. Currently, the wheels of steel are spinning Thursday and Friday evenings and all through the weekend: perfect long weekend territory.
Where: 30/34 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

HOTA
The Home of the Arts is certainly doing the heavy lifting to finally elevate the arts and culture scene here in our section of Queensland. From intimate, indoor performances to the homegrown darlings and headline acts routinely taking one of Australia’s best outdoor stages – the variety of shows are as varied and vibrant as its technicolour exterior. For an impeccable way to kick off the weekend, it’s hard to go past Fridays on the Lawn. Grab a blanket, acquire a drink from their lawn bar, and relax in their sophisticated sun-kissed setting whilst being serenaded by some stellar local talent to celebrate the end of the working week.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Den Devine
Open Tuesday to Sunday for your listening pleasure, Den Devine feature jazz and blues artists from a talent pool right here in our city. This intimate, hidden venue is well-known amongst live music fans, so we definitely recommend booking in advance to nab a seat. Grab a some eats and sips from their serious selection of whisky (the perfect accompaniment to some moody blues) and the equally stacked Mediterranean menu, and vibe to a selection of the best performers on the Gold Coast six nights a week.
Where: 15 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Garden Kitchen & Bar at The Star Gold Coast
When it comes to star-studded acts and internationally recognised music performances, The Star Gold Coast is the place to grab a seat in a full-blown theatre and experience music as it was intended.

To keep you bopping in-between headline acts, there’s also live and free tunes going down on the reg, in the open air ambience of Garden Kitchen & Bar’s Live on the Lawn series. Every weekend, the beats come courtesy of DJ’s, soloists, and if you time it just right, the likes of world-class powerhouse vocalist, Lisa Hunt on select Fridays. Goosebumps incoming.
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Nightcap
Having duly stamped its authority on the Nobby Beach bar scene as the place to go for frolic fuelled nights, these guys will have you rocking out until the wee hours with a live band or DJ every night of the week. The venue also offers new bands the chance to get themselves out there, so keep an eye out for fresh talent!
Where: 2245 Gold Coast Highway, Nobbys Beach

Miami Marketta
Build it, and they will come… though it’s not clear in this analogy if the ‘they’ should be the steady stream of stellar, live music acts, the hungry hordes, or adoring music fans. Either way, this iconic laneway has established itself as a cracking spot for many things, including one of the best places to catch a gig on the GC.

From 5pm every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights, Miami comes alive with foods from all around the world mixed with local blues, jazz and independent artists. A hotspot doing some solid heavy lifting to attract incredible national and international acts as they tour the country – Be sure to keep an eye on their gig calendar; tickets always sell out fast!
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami

Nightjar
Burleigh’s original back alley after-hours haunt is always an epic time. Nightjar is known for late-night revelry and an often stellar line-up of weekly live music. With drink specials aplenty, come and enjoy local acts as they take to the floor and keep the swinging yet sultry atmosphere going long into the night.
Where: Justin Lane, Burleigh Heads 

Mo’s Desert Clubhouse
Burleigh’s multi-use music, space hire and events hub, Mo’s Desert Clubhouse is a melting pot of goings-on and a principal meeting place for muso’s, movers and shakers and music lovers across the GC. The industrial-style venue is outfitted with a fully stocked bar and equally stacked gig guide, so refer back often and make sure you pencil in a date with Mo’s Desert Clubhouse ASAP.
Where: 6/36 Central Drive, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Town Hotel
A fresh af new look is not the only thing Burleigh Town Hotel is boasting these days, also ‘drumming up’ a very solid live entertainment schedule studded with emerging bands and popular Aussie acts to get your ears around. There’s DJ’s and acoustic artists bringing tunes to the beer garden most weekends, along with with Punk, Motown and Pop themed tribute shows – where you can hit the d-floor to the likes of Ed Sheeran, Robbie Williams and queen Kylie (gold hot pants optional).
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads

Soundlounge
This gem is a favourite among live music fans, having hosted a slew of local, national and international icons — but it also remains one of our best-kept secrets. Find your way down to Currumbin RSL, where, hidden just above, Soundlounge hosts acts from folk soloists and DJs to rock and roll bands. Listening to fantastic live music can be a hungry business, but this venue has you covered with food options, including pizza, an a la carte restaurant and bar snacks.
Where: 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin

The Coolangatta Hotel
Whether you’ve been catching world-class waves or lounging in the afternoon sun, Coolangatta — and specifically the Coolangatta Hotel — has long been known as one of the best for rounding out a perfect afternoon with live music. Being one of the Gold Coast’s largest live music venues, this OG frequently features both national and international touring bands and DJs on any given weekend. In between catching your fave big names, rock out to live, local tunes every Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun.
Where: Cnr Warner Street and Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Words by Kellie Leader.

Okay so technically it’s New South Wales but you can’t blame us for wanting to claim it as our own when you see the treasure trove of goodies we’ve found that are local approved.

If you haven’t been down there lately then we’ll let it slide this time, but Tweed Heads brings a bit of everything to the table. It’s got all you need from Coast to Creek to Hinterland, so you have myriad opportunities to commune with nature while tucking into some of their signature nosh.

Come south of the border with us for guaranteed good times and even better food.

Riverland Kitchen
Fresh on Tweed’s foodie scene is Riverland Kitchen, a creekside haven bringing big foodie flavours to our favourite border town. If you like big buns and you cannot lie – burger buns that is – then their dedicated burger menu has your name all over it, with 10 to work your way through. But don’t be fooled, it’s not just a ripped burger joint. They’ve got all the café classics to fill the carb-shaped hole in your tum.
Where: 45 Kennedy Dr, Tweed Heads

Still & Barrel
If you’re in the spirit for a seriously insta-worthy cocktail you’ll want to whis-key yourself away to one of the newest speakeasy style bars to hit Tweed’s nightlife scene. While the cocktails might be old fashioned by name the art deco interiors are anything but. Think luxe velvet finishing bringing the 1920’s to the 2020’s for a sultry, 007-esque vibe. We’ll take our martini shaken, not stirred in this case.
Where: Twin Towns, 2 Wharf St, Tweed Heads

Ivory Waterside
Overlooking Terranora Creek and the Ivory Marina, Ivory Waterside is the perfect spot to soak up some Vitamin D while you get ready to tuck into a hearty feed – and maybe a cocktail or two. The menu is brimming with options no matter what you’re craving, with loads of share-style options so you can treat yourself to a bit of this and a bit of that, along with pub-style classics like fish and chips for something a little heartier.
Where: 156 Wharf St, Tweed Heads

Baked at Ancora
You know, we’ve never met a baked good we didn’t love, so you can imagine how we feel about Baked at Ancora. Not only do they deliver on the best of the best pastries, but they also whip up a mean coffee. And what’s more brew-tiful than a mug of liquid gold to wash down one of their signature baguettes while you take in river views? Newsflash – nothing.
Where: 118 Wharf St, Tweed Heads

Oyster Shed
What’s better than farm fresh oysters, shucked on-demand? Knocking back a dozen farm fresh oysters with a panoramic view of the Tweed River, clearly. Don’t be shellfish with your selection because there’s plenty to go around, and we really mean it, because Oyster Shed over looks their very own oyster farm in Birds Bay. Feeling thirsty? Shuck it, a Bloody Mary oyster shot should do the trick, or wine-not pair with your favourite glass of white.
Where: Birds Bay Dr, Tweed Heads

Delightful by Deluxe
A delightful and delish take on the classic deli-style sandwich, Delightful by Deluxe have made a name for themselves with sando’s known for being loaded with not just fillings but flavour. Obviously they’ve curated an epic selection of combos for you to get ready to grab and go but if you want to let the creative juices flow then try your hand at creating your own, one of a kind flavour sensation.
Where: 25 Stuart St, Tweed Heads

Rob Roy Deli
Well, hello there to the geniuses behind Rob Roy Deli because it’s like they knew we were missing the ultimate collab between deli goods and wine, and we’ll never not be grateful for them bringing this little haven to life. How did we not realise we needed a one stop cheese, charcuterie and cocktail stop until now? It turns out it’s the best thing since sliced deli meats. Not only are the European style deli subs deli-cious, they’ve got grape wines on offer – name a more iconic duo… we’ll wait.
Where: 20 Bay St, Tweed Heads

Bread Social
In the wise words of Taylor Swift, are you bread-y for it..? Or it goes something like that anyway. Bread Social is the name and hand-crafted baked goods are the game, because a slice of sourdough a day keeps the hunger at bay. Their bread and butter is – unsurprisingly – bread, but they dough-nt stop at just that, they also nail pretty much every baked good you can think of like you know, pies, pastries and of course the humble sandwich.
Where: 12 Bay St, Tweed Heads

Whale Watching
Whale, whale, whale – we’d forgive you for thinking there’s not much more to the Tweed than seriously good food, but did you know it’s also one of the best spots to catch the Humpback Highway in action? Yep, this stretch of coastline has sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean where you can catch a glimpse of the annual whale migration up and down the East Coast. Winter is when you’ll want to pick your place to get the best view while you watch adults and their calves splash around in the sea.
Where: Point Danger

Coolangatta-Tweed Tenpin
Fancy letting your competitive side out? Then Coolangatta-Tweed Tenpin will be right up your alley. Come with a little or a lot of time to spare because they’ve got 16 full-sized bowling lanes for you to live life in the fast lane. We guarantee hours of fun for the whole fam, but bonus points for the fact they’ve got a licensed bar because a tipple always helps us up our lane game.
Where: 55 Wharf St, Tweed Heads

Gallura Italian
Say ciao to a taste of Sardinia with Gallura Italian’s authentic fare, think handmade pasta and local produce that’s big on flavour but low on fuss. If you want to see your meal come to life then take a seat at the Chef’s table so you can get in all the behind-the-kitchen action. Our picks are the local chargrilled octopus and sardo tasting plate to kick things off, with the 8 hour slow cooked wild board pappardelle a crowd favourite for good reason. Of course the wine list is graced with Italian drops and we’re partial to a bottle of Chianti if we do say so ourselves. Grazie!
Where: 1/20 Stuart St, Tweed Heads

Jack Evans Boat Harbour
Get in loser, we’re going picnic-ing! Perch up on the promenade at Jack Evans Boat Harbour for the ultimate picnic spot where the sun meets the sea. There’s loads of space to spread out and let the kids run wild, with a giant playground to keep the fun going. It’s also home to the Waterfront Markets that pop up on the 1^st Saturday of the month so you can get your hands on farm fresh produce, artisan foods, boutique fashion and handcrafted goodies.
Where: 6 Coral St, Tweed Heads

Epic Skate Rink
We can see why Epic Skate Rink got its name because it’s exactly that. Get the crew together for a free-range skate sesh or if you want to up the ante, book a learn to skate session with a master of the roller rink for a wheel-y good time. If the little ones can’t get enough of tearing up the rink why not book it in your next kids party to keep the good times rolling?
Where:  23 Enterprise Ave, Tweed Heads South

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski

Amy Shark is a born and bred Gold Coaster who has taken the music world by storm over the last few months.

After releasing her debut single Adore in 2016, Amy became a household name going on to claim second place in Triple J’s Hottest 100 and last week, announcing an Australia-wide tour.

We sat down for a chat with Amy to find out how her life has changed and what she loves most about being a Gold Coaster.

It’s been a whirlwind few months for you, how are you feeling about it all?

I’m still Amy, but I get to write and play music full time now so I’m in the clouds!

You grew up on the Gold Coast, how has the culture here shaped your musical career?

The Gold Coast music scene was obviously not as savvy as the major cities but in a way it was kind of nice, there was never any pressure and I loved being able to write a song in my bedroom, then randomly ride to the beach and back. Growing up here was all about warm summers, sleepovers, theme parks, beach hangs and pool parties.

How did you come to be where you are today? Any defining moments?

When I finally took myself seriously, focusing on my sound and perfecting what I wanted people to feel when they listen to my music.

How did it feel to hear your song on the radio for the first time?

I was super proud! I will never forget that night.

What’s it been like trying to break into the music scene?

Well I kind of gave up ‘trying’ to get noticed, and it was the best decision I ever made. I finally channeled all my energy on my music.

If I were an aspiring artist on the Gold Coast, what steps would I take to get where you are?

Be brutally honest with yourself. Do you want to be a musician to be rich and famous or do you want to be a musician because you can’t stop making music? Cause if it’s the first one you’re probs gonna crash.

What do you love most about the Gold Coast lifestyle?

It’s chilled, it’s warm and there’s avocado on every menu.

You’re not a Gold Coast local if you haven’t…. 

Thrown some tins in your bike basket and rode to Burleigh Hill.

Being a local we have to ask for your favourites…

Beach: Currumbin

Restaurant: Romanos

Pub: D’Arcy Arms

Coffee Shop: Society of Florida

Music venue: NightQuarter

Tour dates and tickets available here.