Featuring gadgets, industrial machinery, mechanical horses and exposed copper, all specially sourced and imported, Surfers Paradise’ latest bar and restaurant is the perfect visual representation of the genre after which it’s named.

Steampunk refers to a fantasy subgenre in which those living in the Victorian era imagined their lives to be. It’s all about mixing old and new: fusing the usability of modern technology with the design aesthetic and philosophy of the Victorian age.

Hailing from Tasmania, owner Grant Rodgers has plenty of experience working in historical venues and made the move to the Gold Coast to open Steampunk, the first restaurant of its kind in Australia, after seeing an opportunity for something unique.

The menu is unlike anything else around including share plates of Scorched Bugs with corn and chilli salsa to Crab and Corn Arancinci with smoked paprika aioli and Topped Mini Fillet Steaks (three ways).

If you’re more of a solo eater try the Chilli Salt Local Cuttlefish Thai Salad or House Gnocchi with Haloumi, spinach, tomatoes and fried sage.

The cocktail list is divided into tantalising sections, there’s Toothsome, Sourish, Perplexing, Enchanting and Mind Altering – don’t go past The Enigma made with Makers Mark bourbon, orange and salt or the Juicy Bruiser – Absolut Vodka with Passionfruit juice, lime, Prosecco and a little surprise on presentation.

Offering all day eats and an exciting cocktails menu, Steampunk is the Surfers Paradise anti-nightclub – a place to enjoy some drinks and a bite to eat without having to be involved in the frantic pace of neighboring venues.

HOURS: 11am until late daily.

LOCATION: 3113 Surfers Paradise Bvld (opposite Billabong), Surfers Paradise.

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

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 50^th 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

Surfers Paradise is the heart of the Gold Coast, loved by locals and a stark reminder of a youth well spent for locals.

If you’re short on time but still keen to experience the magic of this tourist hub, never fear; here’s a guide to spending 24 action packed hours in Surfers Paradise.

Early morning: Rise with the sun for a walk along one of Australia’s most famous beaches. It’s the quietest time of day in Surfers but the active wear will be out in full force. A magnificent sunrise will ignite you for the day ahead.

Breakfast: Sandbar on the Esplanade has long been a visitor’s favourite and with a recent renovation, it’s now a favourite with the locals too. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy your first coffee of the day, a smoothie bowl or an omelette with a side of lamb sausage (Aussie, Aussie, Aussie) while overlooking the beach.
Where: 52 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise (on the corner of Elkhorn Avenue)

Mid-morning: After letting your breakfast settle, relax with a Surfers Paradise River Cruise. The cruise travels through the waterways at a leisurely pace while the Captain points out interesting sights and celebrity homes along the way. Morning tea is served and can be enjoyed on the sunlit deck overlooking the skyline.
Where: 63 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise (next to the Tiki statue)

Lunch: You’ll be famished after a morning on the water so head down to Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co. for a mouth-watering burger and their famous concrete desserts. You’ll be hard pressed to stop eating but don’t forget you’ve got an afternoon of activities ahead!
Where: Chevron Renaissance12-14/3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

Early afternoon: Surfers Paradise has a huge variety of shops to wander through from high end to highly touristy. You could easily lose hours (and dollars) in Cavill Mall alone.

If you’re keen for more activities there’s also Timezone, Infinity – a mind-blowing maze adventure, the Wax Museum – where you’ll come face to face with Johnny Depp, Kylie Minogue and the Dalai Lama and Ripley’s Believe it or Not Odditorium – offering 16 themed galleries filled with unbelievable artefacts and interactive exhibits. Perhaps a spot of mini golf at King Tutt’s Putt Putt.

Late afternoon: Get a birds eye view of the Gold Coast from 240 metres in the air at SkyPoint Observation Deck. Relax and enjoy afternoon tea (or a sneaky cocktail) while marveling at 360 degree views of the Coast from the ocean to the hinterland. Hot tip: Head up just before sunset to see the dazzling lights of Surfers come on.
Where: Q1, 9 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise

Dinner: After a long day of activities, you’ll appreciate a relaxed dinner. Take a stroll across the bridge to the little village community of Chevron Island. Treat yourself to a takeaway pizza from Arlo’s Pizzeria and perch yourself in the park overlooking the Broadwater.
Where: Shop 2, 46-50 Thomas Drive, Chevron Island

After dinner: For a sweet treat don’t miss grabbing a gelato from local favourite Yum Gelato before you hit the hay or, if you’re a night owl and you’ve come to see the Surfers Paradise spectacle that is Orchid Avenue, dance the night away in one of the many bars located in and around Surfers Paradise.

Start at the local’s favourite Melba’s for drink in this open air bar before wandering up to the newly renovated The Avenue for a stint of live music. As every good bar crawl progresses, you can’t miss the Gold Coast’s super club Shooters. Have a bit of a jive at locally-loved  bar Elsewhere (with a colour changing disco dance floor), before settling in at late night venue The Bedroom before calling it a night (or an early morning if you gave it a good go).

Don’t forget your kebab on the way home, hold the onion.

So there you have it, one of many ways to spend 24 hours in Surfers Paradise. Keep an eye out for more plus Inside Gold Coast’s ongoing suburb spotlights.

Words by Kirra Smith.