Deals n’ steals await at Pacas Recycling Store.
Deals n’ steals await at Pacas Recycling Store.
Gone are the days when you raced into an op shop with your shades on for fear someone driving by might recognise you. Or, to source an outfit for Uncle John’s 60s-themed birthday, because those crochet hotpants you rocked like a boss at Splendour were a tad too, umm, Splendour-ish. Well now the pendulum has swung the other way, and scoring a bag full of thrifted loot has become a perfectly acceptable means of updating your wardrobe. In fact, it’s touted as ‘the new black’ of shopping, not just because you get epic bang for your buck and unique finds, but because it’s sustainable. Circularity is the buzz word of 2022 and no industry has embraced this monumental movement quite like far-shion. Second-hand clothing meccas like Surfers Paradise’s Pacas Recycling Store are leading the charge in this space, vowing to help save our planet one thrifted garment at a time!
Passionate about conscious consumerism and the preservation of our environment, Pacas (not to be confused with Paccers a little further up the road…) encourages us to never pay retail prices – and we oblige! Their massive haul of preloved pieces are sourced from Florida (cool) and they specialise in US designer brands like GAP, Victoria’s Secret and American Eagle. Plus, they get new drops every single Saturday so yes, a little trip to the glitter strip is set to become a weekly event. Cue the sweet vintage finds!
Their super cool range will have you popping tags and stealing Grandpa’s style (we don’t really mean that but wanted to quote Macklemore) like a pro! Also, you’ll be doing your bit to support the environment coz friends, listen up. Thanks to fast fashion, the amount of clothing ending up in landfill is harmful to our environment, and Pacas owners Liz Marie de Ycaza and Alfonso Abril have vowed to help change that.
Relocating from Guatemala and Panama in 2018 with professional careers committed to tourism, they were forced to pivot from their original plan due to, well you can guess why (starts with Covid and ends with 19). However, this (not so) little change of plans turned out to be a blessing in disguise, paving the way for Pacas, a Spanish word which translates to ‘’bale of clothing”. People in third-world countries commonly purchase a bale of clothing to resell, hence the catchy name.
Drawing inspo from the second-hand shops they have visited abroad, and especially in Guatemala where competition in the thrifted clothing space is fierce, they developed the green print for their very own preloved empire. Offering low-cost, high-quality apparel, their goal is to encourage Gold Coasters to embrace the slow fashion phenomenon, rather than buying new. In fact, this savvy duo have more than just our humble town in their sites, dreaming big and aiming to launch 100 second-hand stores across the country in the future. Mic drop.
So next time you decide your wardrobe is in need of a little pick-me-up, head to Pacas for some guilt-free awesome new old finds (or old new finds, and we’re just confusing ourselves now but you get the gist). Paying full price is so 2021 and the treasures you can unearth here put Pacas at the top of the thrift store food chain. To once again quote our mate Macklemore, even if only have $20 in your pocket, this (place) is ** awesome.
Where: 3298 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
When: 10am – 6pm Monday – Saturday. 12pm – 4pm Sunday.
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY PACAS RECYCLING STORE
It’s an experience that gets all your senses going, from that distinctive op shop scent to the rush of excitement you get when you find a pre-loved treasure you know you’ll be calling vintage!
In honour of all the people who do good by donating to op shops or volunteer their time, we bring forth an epic list of the crème de la crème of op shops on the Coast.
Thrifters, get excited, gather your besties and get ready to hunt down some bargains!
Salvos Store, Nerang
So our friends in the outer ‘burbs don’t have to miss out on the bargain hunt we bring to you Nerang’s Salvos Store just off the Pacific Motorway on Station Street. Friendly service and a great range of pre-loved items make this op shop a place to return!
Where: 23-25 Station St, Nerang
Lifeline Molendinar
Bargain hunters, this one will give you all the heart eyes. It is a literal warehouse. You’re guaranteed to walk away from this place with some bargains.
Where: 28 Industrial Ave, Molendinar
Lifeline, Southport
Southport’s Lifeline is the perfect spot when you’re in the mood to dress to impress. They have lots of retro and vintage clothing plus books, shoes, toys and manchester.
Where: 14 Railway St, Southport
Vinnies, Mudgeeraba
Vinnies, another familiar face in the world of op-shopsis a must for affordable and pre-loved items including clothing, furniture, books, music and bric-a-brac. Everything you buy inspires change in your local community, feel good shopping at its best!
Where: 58 Railway St, Mudgeeraba
Pacas Recycling Store, Surfers Paradise
Passionate about conscious consumerism and the preservation of our environment, Pacas encourages us to never pay retail prices – and we oblige! Their massive haul of preloved pieces is sourced from Florida (cool) and they specialise in US designer brands like GAP, Victoria’s Secret and American Eagle. Plus, they get new drops every single Saturday so yes, a little trip to the glitter strip is set to become a weekly event.
Where: 3298 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Salvos, Mermaid Beach
Located just near Soak Bathhouse in Mermaid Beach it’s easy to see why this store has a reputation for being one of the best on the Coast. This place is huge and a veritable treasure trove for thrifters.
Where: Pacific Square, Shop 11/2532 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
AWLQ, Burleigh
This hidden treasure trove located on the lower Gold Coast Highway just around the corner from Commune Cafe is rather small but offers you a good variety of clothing, furniture and home-wares. Plus it’s always a good feeling knowing you’re helping animals in need with your new finds. Show them off in style by relaxing with a yummy coffee afterwards.
Where: Cnr & Lower Gold Coast Hwy & Elder Entrance, Burleigh Heads
Vinnies, Burleigh Waters
Nestled between Harvey Norman and Burleigh Homespace at Santa Maria Court is Vinnies Burleigh Waters. The welcoming staff play a big part of why this op-shop is a locals favourite! Besides great customer service they give you everything you expect from a thrift shop and more.
Where: 11/1 Santa Maria Ct, Burleigh Waters
RSPCA, West Burleigh
Bargain hunters beware… RSPCA’s biggest Gold Coast store is another well kept secret and features furniture, books, toys, music, clothing and even some antiques! It’s pretty easy to spend hours browsing through all the second-hand steals and collectables, but as long as you make it out with some unique fashion items and vintage finds it’s well worth it!
Where: 18 Township Dr, Burleigh Heads
Nothing quite warms our cockles like a shopping spree. When we feel sad, it cheers us up. When we feel happy, it makes us even happier. And in contrast, when we’re broke AF after buying 1,047 Christmas presents, it gives us a panic attack….or does it?!!?! No friends, it doesn’t stress us out one iota because we know the secret to guilt-free shopping. All hail the almighty factory outlet!
Here’s our round-up of some must-visits to satisfy your shopping addiction and keep your savings intact.
Harbour Town Premium Outlets
I mean, this place needs no intro. We’ve all nabbed many-a-bargain here and it would be rude not to, coz there is everything you could ever want…at insanely good prices. We’re talking 240 retailers offering up to 70% off every single day and just shut up and take our money already. The best of both designer and high street faaarshion awaits like Coach, Armani, Seed, Sass & Bide, Politix, and Sheike to name a few. Plus JB HiFi, Bonds, Adidas, Adairs, Bed Bath N’ Table, Victoria’s Secret, Billini and we could go on…and on. It’s the ultimate one-stop-shop, with a spiffy eats and sips precinct to boot.
Where: 147-189 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters
Sheridan Outlet
Nothing says luxury like Sheridan! And lucky us coz the Helensvale outlet offers quality bed linen, towels and accessories at up to 70% off original retail prices. Stop it! Shop an extensive range of pillows, quilts, towels, blankets, sheet sets, fitted sheets, pillowcases, bed shirts and mattress protectors, with new stock arriving weekly. That means regular visits are totally acceptable and we love it how we can always justify these things. You can even join the VIP club to make sure you have front row access to all the best deals. Sign us up! PS there is also a smaller outlet store at Harbour Town. Yay!
Where: Homeworld, 502 Hope Island Road, Helensvale
Ripcurl DFO
For a Gold Coaster, an endless supply of swimmers (all.the.styles), hats, rashies, towels, sunnies, cute summer threads, thongs and sandals (again – all.the.styles) is mandatory. Full stop, end of story. Thankfully, the surf gods have smiled upon us in the form of Nerang’s Ripcurl DFO (plus a smaller outlet at Harbour Town), offering all year round darn dirt-cheap Ripcurl radness. And for the surfers (i.e., every second person), this place is actual heaven. Wetsuits, surfboard covers, surf hardware – it’s all here and the quality is mint.
Where: 2 Pappas Way, Nerang
Ashmore Factory Outlets
Just look for the ginormous Aussie flag and pull in immediately for discounted goodies galore #truedat. There are plenty of household names waiting for you here, including Billabong, Quicksilver, Unit, and Surf, Dive N Ski. There’s also Skate Connection, a Good Price Pharmacy, Sunglass Clearance Warehouse, Nutrition Warehouse, and the Mega Footy Store. Plus you can update your ‘do at Cali Hair and work on your rig at Strong Pilates, so that you look as bangin’ as your bank balance. Sugar lovers will be spoilt for choice at Captains’ Candy!
Where: 12 Central Park Avenue, Ashmore
Sideways Surf Outlet
Ok so Sideways currently have not one but three locations on the Gold Coast alone, so it’s pretty safe to say it’s a crowd fave. Clothing wise, we’re talking up to 60% off all the big brand surf and street labels for the whole fam. Plus there’s A1 quality surfboards made from PSI Formula One and glassed with quality Aussie FGI resin, board bags and covers, and reliable leashes and tailpads from brands like Sideways (obvs), Gorilla, Wander and Modom. So if you’re partial to a surf, ‘seas’ the day and stock up on all your gear here!
Where: 16 Central Park Avenue, Ashmore, 1 Santa Maria Court, Burleigh Waters, & 28-30 Greenway Drive, Tweed Heads South
UGG Since 1974
Nothing says Australia like the quintessential UGG boot. A national icon which has been replicated time and time again, no imposter – many even using the UGG name #cheeky – have ever come close to the original. And colour us happy, there’s an UGG Since 1974 factory outlet right here on the Goldie! Shop everything from the snuggliest of boots to UGG slides, clutches, handbags, rugs and gloves. Choose from a ready-made pair or, insert drumroll, customise and design your own. Yes, this is a thing and what a time to be alive!
Where: 23 Christine Avenue, Miami
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Once upon a time we left holidaymakers to their own devices in arguably the GC’s most famous beachside suburb, but off the beaten path – well to be fair, some are still very much on it – locals have been keeping these gems all to themselves for a little too long if you ask us. That’s right, Surfers Paradise is more than a postcard-perfect destination, it’s a lifestyle locals love to embrace, because why should we leave all the fun to the tourists! So now we’re here to spill the beans on all the reasons locals can’t get enough of Surfers Paradise.
For all-in-one spots
Surfers Paradise does convenience like a pro with destinations where you can shop, eat, and play all in one spot. Paradise Centre is a beachside fave with a mix of fashion, food, and fun, right at your fingertips in the heart of Cavill Mall. Just a short stroll away you’ll find Soul Boardwalk where laidback vibes met beachside dining and retail therapy aplenty – because what better way to get the food digesting than with a shopping moment.
If an urban escape is more up your alley then pop on over to Chevron Renaissance for all your boutique shopping needs, whether it’s a bite to eat, to grab groceries for the week, a new fit for that special event or a pedicure pamper moment your wish is their command. The two hour free parking is also a big drawcard!
All-you-can eats
If you’re in the market for a buffet that’ll bowl you over then you’ve come to the right place because at this point buffet should be Surfers Paradise’s middle name.
Locals know that they’ve got the buffet game locked down so if you’re up for eating so much seafood you’ll need to unbutton your pants to fit in another plate then Citrique at the JW Marriott has your name all over it.
Just down the highway you’ll find a bustling international market that dreams (and hungry bellies) are made of with QT Gold Coast’s iconic Bazaar Marketplace experience.
Edging on the cusp of neighbouring Broady, Horizon Sky Dining might have pretty much everything on the menu but what about revolving panoramic views of the Gold Coast? They’ve got those two and we’ll take a plate of both thank you very much.
For your morning sips
If you’re anything like us, the day doesn’t start until coffee has been sipped. Kickstart your day with the perfect brew at ESPL Coffee. This beachside gem is great for delicious bites with a friendly vibe.
If you’re seeking people who are serious about coffee, Paradox Coffee Roasters is the destination you seek. They are committed to producing the highest quality coffee there is — just ask the locals!
Like your morning sip with a side of epic treats? Janus Bakehouse is for you… don’t mind us drooling just thinking about it.
To escape the hustle & bustle head to Bumbles. Budds Beach has long been a local secret but there’s good reason why Gold Coasters have been flocking to this hot spot for 10+ years. Get your coffee fix, some snacks and set up on the edge of Budds Beach for the ultimate start to the day.
For you harder sips
Fancy a cocktail (or five)? Well you’ve come to the right place because Surfers is a cocktail connoisseur’s dream come true. After sunset – okay maybe before too – Surfers turns into a cocktail connoisseur’s playground.
Lulu Rooftop is the newest addition to the scene, serving up a funky art deco aesthetic alongside sophisticated sips.
Sports fan? Hit up The Sporting Globe to get all the sporting action live and loud or get ready to yeehaw and let loose at Cowboys, with a bucking bull taking pride of place the Americana vibes are vibing.
Okay party people, we hear you asking where to go get Gold Coast vibes going and it’s obviously got to be Cali Beach Club – it’s giving European inspired beach party so you’re guaranteed a good time. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it we say, so it’s no wonder locals keep going back for more at The Island Rooftop, an institution for good reason you can’t beat the open air and the huge beverage list never fails us.
For drinks with a view Surfers Pavilion has nailed casual waterfront meets ‘I don’t want to leave yet’ as it overlooks the canal so you can watch the boats drift by. Hinterland your preferred view? Well, The Exhibitionist Bar’s got them aplenty, actually they’ve got panoramic sight of the whole GC so take your pick. Back over on the beachside Coast Beach Bar are home to some of the best marg’s on the GC and even better views of the suburb’s namesake beach.
For casual eats
Sometimes you just want to keep it low-key and you know what, that doesn’t have to mean that the flavours are low-key too. You go-to for authentic Thai flavours has got to be Sura Thai, dine in to make the most of the cosy and authentic feel or grab your favourites to-go. Shiraz Persian Restaurant has become known as the Coast’s best Middle Eastern bites with aromatic Persian dishes like tender kebabs gracing the menu.
Don’t sleep on Velaa’s Asian fusion fare from classic poke bowls and new flavours like their signature Thai Milk Tea Parfait (uh, YUM) just waiting for you to discover.
We like big burgers and we cannot lie so Wahlburgers is a must-try for us, plus you might even sneak a peek at Mark Wahlburg when he’s in town next if you’re lucky!
Alright, this one is definitely loved by more than just locals, HOTA’s Markets are the ultimate hangout to ring in Sunday Funday, pick up all the local farm fresh produce and flowers your heard desires and then grab a bite (we’re looking at you, Mio Wraps) and a sweet treat for the road and thank us later.
For something a little bit fancy
Now’s the time to bust out your best fancy fit because Surfers has some pretty boujee spots up their sleeves.
Nestled beneath the HOTA Gallery, Palette proves that fine dining is back, baby! Treat yourself to the degustation for the full experience, with dishes and cocktails inspired by the each gallery exhibition you need to see it – or taste it – to believe it.
The buffet is always a winner at Citrique, but have you tried their a la carte? Take this as your sign to snag a seat and let the food come to you while you spoil yourself with the Chef’s Signature Bay Bug Dumplings (life-changing) or some chargrilled Australian Wagyu.
Elevated Thai is the word at Nahm Talay Thai, all your regular favourites but even better and cocktails that are just begging to be instagrammed – bonus point for the beach front views.
Let the good times roll
Surfers Paradise isn’t short on adrenaline or intrigue and it doesn’t matter if it’s your first or 50th time visiting, they still pack the same punch in our humble opinion.
Scale SkyPoint for unbeatable views atop the Q1, chill out (literally) at the IceBar and get a moment to reflect at the Mirror Bar – see what we did there.
If you’d rather enter another dimension for a little while then Infinity is begging for you to explore their mysterious maze or drop into Other World HQ and escape the ordinary with mind-bending interactive games and escape rooms. Test your team work (and maybe patience) at Eclipse Escape Rooms and Fox in a Box, go on – put that big ol’ brain to work.
We’re partial to a trip down nostalgia lane so we’re always down to battle it out at Timezone, and when there’s fun for all ages on the menu how could you not! Feeling flighty? Take a literal leap of faith at iFly and get a taste of indoor skydiving before you brave the great outdoors.
Gosh all that exploring calls with some pampering to finish the day, but not without its quirks! Barefoot Fish have tanks full of fish – yep, real live fish – just waiting for you to dip in for a soak so they can get rid of any dry or dead skin and leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed.
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski
