When you live in Southeast Queensland, namely our little segment of nirvana, the Gold Coast, you have to be accustomed to living an alfresco style of life. The weather and sublime coastal geography simply demand it. And if you’re a sun worshipper or slave to the beach, we know you wouldn’t have it any other way.

In recent times we’ve had hospitality venues seriously cotton on to this, with a flurry of rooftop bars opening. However, it seems even in this pandemic stricken age we live in, a new hero of the hour has emerged: the humble (and eagerly demanded) beach club!

The premise is simple: a venue incorporating our ridiculously great weather, alongside first-class decor and styling, and a beautiful food and drinks offering. Tying these places of interest together is the chance for you to enjoy all of this whilst wearing your swimmers and sharing your time between a dip in the pool and some sunbathing — pretty idyllic, no?

Hospitality giants, the Gennari group, who are behind such establishments as Main Beach’s elegant Glass restaurant and Broadbeach’s eternally busy Loose Moose and Maggie Choo, have decided they would need to wade in on this space. La Luna Beach Club is nearing the final construction stages, and set beside Marina Mirage will be Australia’s first restaurant and beach club built upon floating pontoons.

Designers House of August and Space Cubed are the masterminds behind the fantastic new site, which hopes to transport patrons to a whole different level of Mediterranean fused luxury the moment they set foot inside the venue. The lavish yet boho styling will merge Mykonos vibes betwixt the extravagance of St. Tropez, with indoor and poolside dining, pool, daybeds, private cabanas, runway and bar.

With panoramic views of the Broadwater and nestled between superyachts, the essence of La Luna will encourage you to stay awhile. You’ll be able to graze your way through their exquisite Mediterranean and Asian fused menu; sample deftly made cocktails between DJ sets; all while immersing yourself in the divine and tranquil nature of the venue as a whole.

Sign. Us. Up!

The venue will have a dual face as both a restaurant and beach club, with the former earmarked for opening in January, whilst the latter is planned for an early 2022 grand unveiling. One thing is for sure, folks, this will be a spectacular addition to our booming hospitality scene, bringing together both locals and visitors under our endless blue skies. What a time to be alive!

When: Early next year
Where: Marina Mirage, Main Beach

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

There’s no denying that Main Beach is one of those postcodes that has everything going for it. Surrounded by million dollar surf views and sprawling green space one way and the Broadwater the other – you don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to figure out why locals are so frond of flocking to this breezy, palm-flanked suburb.

Bursting at the seams with boutique shopping, dining, luxury accom and entertainment options (heck, it even boasts its own theme park), there is never any shortage of things to do, see, or eat.

The sky – or, more accurately, your credit card – is the limit.

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
We’re not sure if it’s the salt air, but clearly something magic in the air happening here. One of the many mainstays in Main Beach’s strip – Sheraton Grand Mirage has been going strong as our go-to for all things pampering since well before we were old enough to pay for our own seafood buffet (#tear). Recently refurbed and looking more luxurious than ever, whether it’s treating ourselves to a staycay or simply perching up poolside for a few hours with the famous Pearls Bar high tea, Sheraton never misses.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

Winey Cow
Just when we thought brunch couldn’t be any more perfect – its boozier, bottomless iteration entered the chat. Regardless of your enthusiasm for Croissant chilli scramble chased with several Spritz to start your day, Winey Cow does both with pizzazz. Bursting onto our brunch late last year, Mornington Peninsula’s famed crew of brekkie moo-vers and shakers arrived with awards out the wazoo and mimosas in hand. Next time you roll out of bed craving a Bagel Benny, Lobster Bao, or Bloody Mary, Main Beach’s bright and breezy brekkie gem has got you.
Where: 5/11 Woodroffe Ave, Main Beach

Imperial Hotel
Another luxury jewel in Main Beach’s crown, the Seaworld Dr landmark formerly known as the Palazzo Versace has housed many a high roller in its time. Of course, locals are equally welcome to swing by and soak up its spoils and waterfront views for a weekend or a few hours. If you’re in the mood for the latter, Le Jardin’s signature bubble-studded Imperial High Tea is an excellent starting point, or if you’re a sucker for a buffet, the opulent surrounds of Il Barocco Restaurant never disappoint.
Where: 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Sea World
Not merely a fixture of the Main Beach skyline and our childhoods, no matter how many birthdays pass us by, a trip to Sea World will always slap. Particularly so, because locals have the added perk of knowing the strategic times to sashay by (hello off season) for maximum thrillage and spillage (also hello, Storm Coaster front carriage #IYKYK). Swing by, spend a few hours chillin’ with the ocean critters, hit up a few rollercoasters, then bail with an ice-cream in hand. Happy days.
Where: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

Holy Ship
What do you get when you take two fishing trawlers in need of some sea-rious TLC and a trio of swashbuckling restauranteurs? Main Beach’s swell new eats and sips concept, Holy Ship Bar & Restaurant… obviousea! Teaming up with co-owner Jake Ruttley, the brains behind former local gem, Tonic on Chirn, Kane and Yvette McCarthy, have certainly moved on to bigger and berther things. Launching twin floating venues earlier this year – the team has set their sights on bringing their signature grazing-style eats and sips to the sea! You even might spy the distinctive duo – decked out in cobalt blue and white – milling about the Broadwater on private function business when they’re not at home in their Marina Mirage mooring. Good times, ahoy.
Where: Birth 7&8 Marina Mirage, Marina Commercial arm, Sea World Drive, Main Beach 

Peter’s Fish Market
Can you really call yourself a Gold Coaster ‘till you’ve bookended your spit hangs (or failed fishing expedition) with a pit stop at Peter’s Fish Market? Another absolute Seaworld Drive staple, this place has been churning out the fresh seafood, fish and chippies just a stone’s throw from the Broadwater for some 30 years now. Often heaving but always worth the wait, next time you feel the Sunday scaries coming on, pack a picnic rug and head here for a feed of famously crispy chippies, fresh prawns and some of the tenderest calamari going (or, BYOB for a chip butty by the sea – bliss).
Where: 130 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach 

Marina Mirage
Another of Main Beach’s long-standing draws, Marina Mirage has long been a local haven of all things fancy and foodie. The produce-packed farmers markets every Saturday are always fave, as are the stellar array of eateries and boutiques. Home to international and local labels such as Sonia Stradiotto Couture, when we’re in need of designer threads, Marina Mirage never fails to hook us up. When it’s world-class waterfront wining and dining we’re after, the likes of La Luna Beach Club, La Luna, Glass and Omeros Bros have got you sorted.
Where: 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach 

That Beach Entrance
In addition to the more obvious allure of spectacular beaches, this saltwater blessed suburb just so happens to also be home to one of the GC’s most insta-famous beach entrances. Tucked just behind Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, you’ll find the particularly picturesque beach access path framed by its synonymous and oft-papped swaying palms. Even the most seasoned locals could never tire of being greeted by that view (or snapping just one more pic on those days when the weather is really turning it on).
Where: Head to Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort and look for the giant palms.

Rosé Gelateria
Dishing up dreamy interiors every bit as delicious as its artisanal ice-based confections, it’s little surprise this upscale ‘hood is now home to one of three boutique Rosé Gelateria locations. Joining its dusty pink-bathed big sis in Sanc Cove, head here to be greeted by swoon-worthy interiors and grab a scoop (or three) of house-made gelato or freshly brewed specialty coffee. With gourmet flavours like Passionfruit Pavlova and Fig and Mascarpone, gracing its rotation, there’s always something lush and lick-worthy with your name on it.
Where: 19/21 Tedder Ave, Main Beach 

Tedder Ave
Spanning the length of the suburb’s residential end, Main Beach’s ever-bustling Tedder Ave strip is an icon that needs no introductions. Packed with boutique shopping, dining and sipping spots galore, it is nigh on impossible to ever be bored or hungry here. If you’ve got time to kill post beach walk, perch up and people watch one of the cute cafés, or swing by Main Beach Bakery for your sweet treat fix. In the latter half of the day, must-visit foodie hotspots like Greek gem Xenia, Domanis and fine dining seafood destination, Shuck help this lively hotspot really come into its own.
Where: Tedder Ave, Main Beach

Words by Kellie Leader

Everyone loves a bit of oceany goodness on their plates, do they not? Well, at least we know you do, or we’re afraid you may have clicked on the wrong article! 

If you ARE in the market for a seafood extravaganza, here are 11 exceptional Gold Coast venues to hit up ASAP.

George’s Paragon
Those who know seafood know George’s Paragon is where it’s at when it comes to seafood on the Gold Coast. Their huge seafood platters are legendary for a reason with fresh king prawns, smoked salmon, mixed oysters, barbequed bugs and prawns three ways – barbequed, battered and smothered in garlic. Yum! The extensive Greek-inspired menu is perfectly complemented by the restaurant’s perfectly positioned location overlooking the marina at Sanctuary Cove.
Where: 46 The Promenade, Sanctuary Cove, Hope Island

The Lazy Lobster
If you’re seeking a seafood platter that doubles as an eating competition, look no further than The Lazy Lobster. Not only do they have four epic (and we mean epic) seafood platters to choose from, but also whole and half mornay or thermidor lobster, oysters served four ways, and an extensive entree and main menu. They also go from surf to turf with a selection of succulent grass-fed Angus steaks.
Where: Shop 2/300 Marine Parade, Labrador

Omeros Bros Seafood Restaurant
A stunning space overlooking the water at Marina Mirage, Omeros Bros have been serving up the highest quality seafood for as long we can remember. If you’re a fan of all the ocean eats, grab yourself a platter and let the good times (and full bellies) roll. Next-level indeed.
Where: Shop 55/74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Glass Dining Lounge
For lovers of elegant dining and waterfront views, Glass Dining Lounge is an award-winning restaurant that has it all, with truly delectable seafood. Glass does everything with absolute finesse, from kingfish tartare and Moreton Bay bugs to prawn risotto to seafood linguine. Enjoy it all with luxury yachts in the marina as your view.
Where: 27/74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Holy Ship
Let’s not do things in halves; why not hop aboard a real-life fishing trawler (cleaned and manicured) for your next seafood dining experience? Don’t be scared, think of a gorgeous little restaurant on the water. Tuck into fresh prawns, oysters and charcuterie board feast, and wash it down with a fine glass of Moet. Come between 3-5pm daily for Holy Hour (we agree) and half prices oysters!
Where: Berth 7&8 Marina Mirage, Marina Commercial arm, Sea World Drive, Main Beach (but both vessels are available for functions at private pontoons, Gold Coast marinas and events around the Broadwater).

Shuck Restaurant
If all things opulence are on your scene, make Shuck your next reservation. Shuck is another fine dining gem that’s a must for all with a deep appreciation for seafood. Let the caviar-tasting plate set the tone for what is to come. Live music, lush settings and sumptuous seafood dishes await!
Where: 20 Tedder Ave, Main Beach 

Galaxy
It’s the busiest seafood restaurant in Southport for a reason. Thankfully, it’s also the largest. The menu doesn’t take a laser focus on just seafood (but executes what they do, to perfection), which makes it perfect for the whole family with plenty of food options. Another point for Galaxy is that whilst they never compromise on taste and quality, their price point is a little nicer for our wallets!
Where: 6/50 Marine Parade, Southport

Seascape Restaurant + Bar
It’s time to pop on those fancy pants and get up to Seascape Restaurant + Bar. Perched above the Surfers Paradise oceanfront, you’ll experience some of the most incredible seafood of your life- it’s locally sourced and downright mouth-watering. The whole lot of it! You’ll also experience some of the most incredible views of your life with wall-to-ceiling glass windows that also open for that gorgeous ocean air.
Where: 4 The Esplanade, Soul, Surfers Paradise

Blowfish Ocean Grill + Bar
If absolute world-class dining and seafood is what you want, then consider it done at Blowfish Ocean Grill + Bar. The restaurant’s ethos revolves around exquisite seafood, with salt-kissed caviar bumps and tempura Moreton Bay bugs on milk buns to show for it. The grandiose continues with architecturally sculpted ceilings and a world-class wine list. Need we say more?
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach 

Eska
If your idea of the perfect afternoon is a glass of champagne and sashimi, then say hello to Eska! They’re a sashimi and oyster bar located in Nobby’s at The Oxley where relaxed indulgence is the vibe. The entire scene just begs to be snapped and storied on Instagram. 

Treat yourself to cocktails and caviar or something with a little higher sustenance like a plate of impeccable nigiri or some cute AF finger sandwiches.
Where: The Oxley, 17 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach

Pipi’s
When this spectacular venue opened it immediately had us in its clutches. Pipi’s Restaurant is one of Coolangatta’s latest additions and is a Mediterranean dining darling. The absolute oceanfront position is one thing, the decor is another, but the faultless array of elevated seafood dishes had us speechless. Did we mention they have a dedicated oyster bar?
Where: 275 Boundary St, Coolangatta

Takeaway
Got a hankering for some good old fish and chips, to be enjoyed at home or on the beach? Hit up our list of killer Gold Coast fish + chip shops.

Buffets
Want a supersized helping of seafood? Buffets, baby! Hit up our list of the Gold Coast’s best buffets.

Words by Chelsea Ipsen