Be shore to have your say.
Be shore to have your say.
Okay Gold Coasters, here’s the chance for you to express yourself and we’re not referring to the Madonna banger. In case you haven’t heard the word on the street, a little Beach Club trial has been underway in downtown Broadbeach that could add a whole new genre of entertainment to the Coast’s ever-growing list of attractions and activities.
We’re not just talking food. Or beverages. Or live entertainment. Or even the beach (and yes, this pretty much rounds up our fave things here at Inside GC). Oh no friends, we’re talking ALL of the above rolled into one. Yup, you picked it, we’re referring to the Kurrawa Beach Club and more specifically, the suitability for this concept to be rolled out at some of our fave local beachy haunts.
As there has been a lot of interest about the possibility of beach clubs, City of Gold Coast selected hospitality group Australian Venue Co. to host the GC beach club trial over summer. Its intentions were twofold; firstly to explore how the concept sits with us Coasty folk, and secondly, to boost our City’s visitor economy and support local employment.
Being an eternal crowd pleaser and boasting a central location, our beloved Kurrawa Beach was ‘the chosen one’, with a temporary beach club erected for locals, visitors and tourists wanting to try the idea on for size.
Now that the trial has finished, the time has come to cast your vote…which sounds a little like we’re about to decide the fate of a Big Brother housemate. So, if you want to see the beach club again for more fun times or maybe it just didn’t tickle your fancy at all, either way, your thoughts matter, so follow this link to share yours before Sunday 20th March 2022: https://survey.ysquares.com.au/ys/211138A
You never know, your feedback might be the deciding factor on whether beach clubs become the new ‘thing’ here in our own backyard or not.
Words by Bianca Trathen
It’s been talked about for a long while now, and it almost seemed like it would never happen, but if you haven’t already heard the news, the Gold Coast has now got its own on-the-sand beach club!
Now, before you go and get all overly excited, at the moment the opening is just a trial. After talks, the City of Gold Coast has awarded Australian Venue Co. the opportunity to host the Beach Club during the trial period from Saturday 4th December 2021 until Sunday 30th January 2022. But from the looks of things, if it’s a hit, it could be the beginning of more to come. Hallelujah!
Aaaaand without further ado, say hello to Kurrawa Beach Club!
Australian Venue Co. is no stranger to our city and operates a number of the Gold Coast’s most loved pubs, including The Wallaby Hotel in Mudgeeraba, which recently underwent a $2.3 million renovation. The group also runs the famous Exchange Beach Club in Melbourne. So these guys certainly know what they are doing!
So, what can one expect?
The temporary Beach Club will be the perfect place for locals and visitors to relax and enjoy the views of the beach’s golden sands and rolling waves, but with the extra of benefit of being catered to, right on the sand. The venue will feature daybeds, casual dining areas, bookable VIP cabanas, a kids play area and a community recreational zone complete with volleyball nets. So all in all, there will be something for anyone and everyone! *excited squeal*
The decor and vibe of the space will be neutral tones of white, beige and light blue; blending seamlessly with the surrounds of beautiful Kurrawa Beach and the leafy foreshore. The beach here is already an eye-pleaser — and they plan on letting the space speak for itself. Because why not?!
The onsite container kitchen will deliver a fresh summer-inspired menu including snacks, seafood skewers, burgers and light salads and a dedicated kids’ menu using fresh, local seasonal produce. The bar will serve up textbook summer sips, including a line-up of homegrown brands such as Black Hops Brewing, Wheel & Spoon, and everyone’s chosen drink of the summer, Hard Fizz.
As you’d expect, no summer is quite complete without an extensive line-up of entertainment. And whilst some things are still hush-hush, you can expect live music from local Gold Coast artists, a Sunday Family Day, and all-age friendly activities such as yoga beach sessions and a community beach clean-up day.
Australian Venue Co State Manager QLD Scott Brydson is enthusiastic surrounding the venue’s opening. “Gold Coast is famed for its picturesque beaches, active lifestyle and exciting hospitality offering, and we have designed the Kurrawa Beach Club concept to showcase the best this incredible city has to offer”.
The pop-up will be an excellent addition to the already bustling social scene of Broadbeach, which not only promises patrons an enjoyable experience but supporting locals through employment and business partnerships.
Open now, we suggest you block a day out and be one of the first to experience an exciting new layer to our hospitality scene – yew!
When: Saturday 4th December 2021 until Sunday 30th January 2022
Where: Kurrawa Beach, Broadbeach
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
If you’re ever in need of a giant parmi, icy cold Chardonnay and 180 degree ocean views, your best bet is most likely a surf club. The Queensland institutions have long been the destination of choice for a chill night out or a Sunday arvo session where thongs are completely acceptable.
While all this is still true of everyone’s favourite beachside venues, Kurrawa Surf Club has just changed the game in a big way. You may have noticed the (huge) sleek new building that slowly but surely made its presence known on Old Burleigh Road in Broadbeach. So fancy.
The old building (where yours truly once spent quite a bit of time behind the bar) is no more but the newly opened club is somewhat of a masterpiece. Stone steps lead into the spacious dining room past a shiny new, wine-on-tap serving bar that now also offers delicious cocktails (for only $12.95 a pop).
There’s ocean views for days from EVERY corner of the club including the upstairs function room where you’re welcome to marry your beloved or celebrate hitting the big 3-0 (or any other number really) in surfy style.
Kurrawa’s food game also got a little bit more golden with the addition of a Spanish charcoal oven that pumps out all your favourite meat treats along with pant-splitting delights like Twice Cooked Pork Belly and Portuguese-style BBQ Chicken.
A burger bar is now a thing (hallelujah) with five-star options along the lines of Karaage Chicken, Crumbed Flounder and Middle Eastern Lamb. Seriously the menu is as long as your arm, better get preppin’.
Oh and there’s a hot seafood platter for two (or not) which is all the good things in the world.
Summer sure is shaping up to be a fun time gang and Broady might just be the place to be seen.
LOCATION: Beachside on Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
HOURS: 8am to 10.30pm Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday and 8am to 11.30pm Friday and Saturday
Words and photos by Kirra Smith.
Is there anything more quintessentially Queensland than finding yourself on the deck of one of our brilliant surf clubs, a cold libation within arm’s reach, a light breeze ruffling your hair, and unopposed vistas of the most golden sand and teal looking ocean before you? It sounds almost like a dream — but it’s not. It’s just what you can expect when you decide to visit any one of these outstanding and often iconic spots to take a load off your feet and enjoy some much-deserved drinks and eats.
Our coastline is dotted with surf clubs, so choosing one to stroll into off the beach shouldn’t be a hard choice. And quite frankly, it’s not. However, some simply rise to the top — the crème de la crème. Life’s too short for just good surf clubs; we insist you visit only the best surf clubs. Here’s our pick of these said fine establishments running from South to North.
Greenmount Beach Surf Club
The laidback vibes of Coolangatta are the best accompaniment to any day trip down south. Finding yourself at Greenmount Surf Club will give you unsurpassed views back along our coastline in a northerly direction taking in the splendour of cityscape blended in with pristine ocean and hinterland views. Grab a cold one, grab the famous Greenmount Seafood Basket, settle in, and don’t expect to be going anywhere anytime soon.
Where: Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Currumbin Beach Vikings SLSC
Blissful and removed Currumbin Beach is always a great spot to head to for some time on the sand. It’s also the suburb with one of the Coast’s most iconic surf clubs, which has sat alongside Elephant Rock for a little over a century and perched right above the Pacific Ocean. After a recent renovation, the venue is as welcoming as ever and invites you to take a seat and watch the tide roll in during the day — or come by of an evening to enjoy a mixed seafood taste plate and regular open mic nights.
Where: 741 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Club Talle Surf Club
As far as Palm Beach goes these days, it’s quite the happening place to be. However, if you find yourself in this vibrant neighbourhood and desire a more tranquil and down-to-earth setting, this is your ultimate go-to. There’s always meal specials (but we’re a fan of the Wagyu Beef Burger), live entertainment, and promotions happening literally all the time; and if that wasn’t reason enough, let these guys take care of getting you to and from home with their courtesy bus running seven days a week.
Where: 1505 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
Mermaid Beach AEME Surf Club
Although located on the highly sought-after millionaire’s row of Hedges Avenue, this club ensures they are for everyone — this includes the little ones, with their very own playroom and Kids Eat Free Monday specials. For the bigger ones, the venue boasts daily food specials (come at me Tuesday Steak Night) — including their much-loved Sunday International Food Night with a selection of flavours from around the globe for just $19 — big screen live sports coverage, and regular trivia nights. More than enough reasons to visit — and keep visiting!
Where: 172 Hedges Avenue, Mermaid Beach
Kurrawa Surf Club
Whether you’re a local or visitor, this multi-awarded venue is only steps off the sand, and we think it is the textbook place to grab food and drinks any time of the day. The fire-baked pizzas here are next-level with the dough even freshly made in-house! For whatever reason you find yourself in this energetic suburb, take the leisurely stroll to the beach and you’ll find there are certainly no wasted minutes when you visit Kurrawa Surf Club. Gazing out with a stupendous 230-degree ocean outlook, we think you’ll no doubt agree.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
Surfers Paradise SLSC
The recent renovation to this 100-year surf club has only added to the allure of dropping in for a bite and sip. Sitting pride opposite the beach in the heart of Surfers Paradise, this is the prime spot to escape the hustle and bustle, experience some warm Queensland hospitality, and rub shoulders with some of the friendliest locals around. Beyond some incredible food (trust us, have the Outback Parma) and drinks, which rivals nearby restaurants and cafes, you’re spoilt with exceptional panoramas of the Pacific Ocean — one of the best spots on the Coast if you’re hankering for a glimpse of a whale or two this whale watching season.
Where: Corner of Hanlan Street & The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Southport Surf Life Saving Club
When is visiting Main Beach ever a bad idea? This often-quieter end of the coast gives you a blank canvas to enjoy your own stretch of sand — and an all-round fantastic surf club to visit as well. Open seven days for breakfast (we strongly recommend the Lifesavers Breakfast!), lunch, and dinner Southport SLSC provides you the opportunity to enjoy some time in the water soaking up a little sun, before towelling off and getting into any one of their top-notch dishes. An impeccable lunch scenario by anyone’s standards!
Where: Macarthur Parade, Main Beach
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
