Have your cake and eat it too.
Have your cake and eat it too.
Like a fine wine, some venues only improve with age. Such is the story of Madison’s Café, a Broadbeach institution boasting some of the most beautiful baked creations the Coast has ever seen.
Founded in 1984* (which was a year many great things were founded as it turns out), Madison’s has occupied a corner space in the Oasis Shopping Centre, overlooking the mall and drawing in huge crowds every day of the week. If you’ve ever sauntered past the display cabinet, you’ll understand why. Filled with a myriad of colourful cakes, slices and pastries that are more akin to art than food, it’s no wonder the place has been adored for so long.
First and foremost, lets discuss the cakes. Although cakes doesn’t seem like a fitting word, let’s say masterpieces. So the masterpieces come in many a delightful form and for any possible occasion you might need such a thing. Think multi-layered, with edible adornments, fresh flowers, topped with fruit, handmade shapes made entirely of sugar and even the most incredible of gingerbread houses. You name it, they can make it and you can be sure it’ll be the epitome of next-level.
Next up are the custard slash fruit tarts, which are made on a shortbread base with the creamiest of custard, glazed fruit and in the most vibrant of colours. Almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
Madison’s also create everyone’s latest favourite, the cruffin plus an absolutely mouthwatering array of slices, muffins and cronuts. Everything is made on site and of course, the crew caters for both small and large events.
Besides all the sweet things though, you are also able to indulge in the yummiest of breaky, lunch and dinner menus.
Go for the Avo on Toast for breakfast, which is smashed avo mixed with feta and drizzled with balsamic vinegar and a poached egg on top. SO MUCH AVO!
For lunch the Moroccan Chicken Salad is something else with olives, chickpeas, a magical dressing and made up of all the Insta-worthy colours.
The place is pretty much a one-stop shop for all things delicious and beautiful.
We highly recommend getting in there ASAP to sample one of everything.
LOCATION: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Surf Pde, Broadbeach
HOURS: 5am to 9pm daily.
Words and photos by Kirra Smith* (founded in 1984).
Whoever invented doughnuts did the world a favour so big it can never be repaid.
Imagine someone just baking up a storm with their Nanna in the kitchen one morning, rolling leftover dough into shapes, dropping it into a pan and coating it in all of the sugar only to be rewarded with one of the tastiest flavour combinations ever known to man. Accidental genius (maybe).
A little while later (we did not research the timeline), icing was added, then SPRINKLES and recently, entire chocolate bars, flavour infusions, custard centres. It’s head spinning stuff.
Obviously we’re of the belief that the more doughnuts there are the better and so it brings us much happiness to report that Southport doughnut extraordinaires D Point 10 have opened up a second space in Broadbeach bringing their tasty creations to more lucky folks.
D Point 10 2.0 (that’s fun) can be found on the highway in the little precinct where Sushi Train also lives so you can grab some lunch and then some dessert and call it a very good day.
It’s a sweet little space with lots of natural light and pops of colour where you can sip Social Espresso brews while nibbling on many a variety of exceptional doughnut, which are baked fresh daily on site.
There are SO many amazing flavours to choose from starting with cinnamon and vanilla and moving on up to Nutella, jam and custard filled varieties.
Then there are flavours like Gaytime, Oreo, Ferrero and Red Velvet and they are the EXACT taste you would expect from such names and they are fluffy and perfect and we love them so much.
Oh Crème Brulee and Strawberries and Cream are winners too.
Honestly, they’re all so very good and we don’t know how they do it but the boys are slinging some of the best doughnuts on the Coast.
Do yourself a favour and get u to D Point 10 today, your tastebuds deserve a doughnut party do they not?
LOCATION: 2791 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
HOURS: Open daily from 7am until 3pm
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
It’s that time again, Gold Coasters, The Groundwater Country Music Festival is back — and it’s still free! Bringing over 40 world-renowned country acts to beautiful Broadbeach with three full days of musical good times — this is one not to be missed.
Here’s a list of places you can enjoy the action throughout the entire weekend whilst savouring some fine food and delicious drinks.
The General Store Stage
Harajuku Gyoza
A Japanese beer stadium and gyoza bar with plenty of good vibes. Choose from lots of gyoza varieties or a more extensive meal if you’re extra hungry. Or both?!
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre Mall, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach
Spice Thai
Running around and catching all of the live acts will be an exercise in perseverance, and those who aptly fuel themselves will win the day. Step into Spice Thai and treat yourself to delectable authentic Thai treats whilst still well within earshot of the action.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre Mall, Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
Kurrawa Park Stage
Elk Espresso
One of the longest established and most revered cafes going on the Gold Coast, Elk Espresso, is your prime place to head for a much-needed break after hitting up the nearby markets over the festival weekend. It’s also in a great position to relax over lunch and still keep an eye on what’s happening at the Kurrawa Park Main Stage.
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
Kurrawa SLSC
Ah, the love of a good surf club never dies, and Kurrawa SLSC deserves all of the adoration it gets. Regardless of the festival, this beachside venue is one of our finest along the coast, with unsurpassed views and a hearty selection of great food and frosty beers. Throw in the fact they are right next to the action of the Kurrawa Park stage (the largest of the festival), and you have a legitimate contender for the best spot in the whole of Broadbeach.
Where: Kurrawa Park, Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
Tower 28 Cafe
Touted as the only beachfront cafe in Broadbeach, Tower 28 Cafe is perfectly positioned to grab yourself a late breakfast/lunch and still find yourself deep in where all the music and markets are taking place. They knock up all sorts of amazing food such as acai bowls, salads, and some perfectly poured coffee — just what you need to keep you going all day!
Where: Beneath Kurrawa SLSC, Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
The Back Road Theatre Stage
Chameleon Bar
The Gold Coast’s only LGBTQIA+ bar always has a trick or two up its sleeve when it comes to hosting themed nights and live entertainment. When Groundwater is on, you should definitely find yourself with a couple of their tasty menu items and (of course) one or two cocktails in their alfresco area. Who knows, you may just not want to move!
Where: 97 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
The Vault
Opening earlier this year, The Vault is Broadbeach’s den of decadence with an unsurpassed selection of premium spirits and an utterly impressive a la carte style menu. Make sure to drop by for a drink, but be warned, you may very well get distracted and miss your favourite country acts!
Where: 21/90 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
The Oracle Boulevard Stage
The Bavarian Broadbeach
Everyone’s favourite German beer-fused venue just so happens to have itself front row tickets to the action on Oracle Boulevard. Besides hearty style euro eats, If sipping oversized glasses of beer and stomping your foot along to uplifting country rifts sounds like a good time, then you needn’t look any further, folks.
Where: 2 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
The Cuban
You’ll find the zesty flavours of the Caribbean and creole influences aplenty at this Broadbeach hotbed of Latin delight. On any given day, you’ll be spoilt with some of the best Mojitos and share plates around, and with a prime position to all the action this time around, it really cannot be beaten.
Where: n103/1 Oracle Bvd, Broadbeach
Bonus Venue
Fat Freddy’s
There’s nothing quite like a smaller intimate setting for a big sound live act. Sure, big stages are fun, but so too are some of the smaller venues getting amongst the lineup this year. Across all three days there will be three separate performances at Fat Freddy’s, meaning get in early stock up on some finger-lickin’ eats and get ready for the action to unfold!
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Places to take it easy at
The Loose Moose
This good-times-guaranteed bar and restaurant is the perfect spot for a couple of cold ones, a burger or two and some great live music. If your feet get sore from boot-scootin’, you know where to recharge!
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Moo Moo Wine Bar + Grill
One of the Gold Coast’s best steak houses and a popular celebrity hang out is the illustrious Moo Moo Wine Bar + Grill. If you prefer your hangouts a little bit fancy, this is the perfect spot for you.
Where: 2685 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
Cardamom Pod
Veggie lovers unite; Cardamom Pod is calling you. Located right next to Moo Moo’s in Victoria Park is this yummy plant-based restaurant. Their menu features both warm and cold dishes plus amazing raw desserts you have to try! So head here if you want a little extra spring to your cowboy boot step!
Where: 2685 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
