Well friends, summer is upon us, which means a couple of things, namely thrashing our favourite pluggas, sweltering days.. and the insatiable thirsts that inevitably follow. Let us all take this timely opportunity to acquaint ourselves with The Star Gold Coast’s stacked array of free, summer festivities well before the heat sets in. Bc rain, hail heatwave, or shine, they’ve got our social calendar covered more liberally than a bottle of SPF 40 on a summer’s day.

Prepare to spritz me baby one many more time(s) as we embark on a ‘Funner Summer’, the aptly named array of activations on offer for a glorious season of sun-soaked sips.

And just between you and I, we can probably all admit that no-one *quite* does summer fun like the Italians do – so it only seems fitting to kick off the festivities with a big ‘ole Cin Cin to summertime at Cucina Vivo.

For those of us personally victimised by the proliferation of euro holiday snaps across our socials, we will have the last laugh come December 1st – in the form of aperitivo afternoons at Cucina Vivo’s citrus-themed terrace bar (without the bank-breaking long haul flight).

This December and January, saunter by from 5pm Wednesday–Sunday, and bookend your day with some spritz-filled basking and bites, backdropped by the glistening pool views – aaah… tastes *almost* like holidays, no?

Now we’re sufficiently in the swing of things (nothing like a few Spritz to clear out the cobwebs) –from here, the only way is up, since summer also presents unto us the tantalising op to get up close and personal with the otherwise off-limits Isoletto Pool Club.

The luxury rooftop bar will swing open its doors to the public from 15th December – 26th January, 4pm-8pm daily (excl. 31 Dec), inviting us to perch up poolside and imbibe in sips and savour snacks as the sun sinks low – an invitation we absolutely will be accepting several times over.

The stellar sun-drenched sessions keep coming, as Garden Kitchen & Bar answers our call for fun every day ending in ‘y’.. with a resounding ‘y’ the heck not?! Our beloved alfresco gem, The Lawn, is limbering up for a lit summer, backing it up every single day with live acoustic acts and DJ’s across 14th December – 14th January.

Throughout its month-long solstice marathon, the open air fave will welcome us with open arms from 5pm daily for frosty bevs and infectious tunes for guaranteed good times galore.

Another trusty spot stepping things up come summertime will be at Atrium Bar. And as one that seldom sleeps, this vibing venue is especially equipped to awaken us from the listless haze of unrelenting 40 degree daily highs.

Hosting ‘7 nights of fun’ from 18 December–9 January, like a seductive mirage Atrium Bar will welcome our weary souls with ice-cold, irresistible sips and free themed entertainment for every night of the week. We’re talking everything from jiving to live DJ’s, comedy club supplying the lols, throwback nights delivering our nostalgia fix and ‘Rockaoke’ (like karaoke, but better).

And of course, if at any point over summer you find yourself feeling both famished and parched, swing by The Star and take your pick of any of the top tier nosheries to keep the stamina up in the most satisfying of ways.

For more information on any of The Star’s Funner Summer activations, go here.

Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: Various activations December 2023 – January 2024

Words by Kellie Leader.

STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST

The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol. Guests must be 18 years or over to enter the Casino and Atrium Bar. BET WITH YOUR HEAD, NOT OVER IT.

Broadbeach has long been regarded as one of our wining, dining and shopping. With a number of ‘stayers’ boasting staunch followers for many moons, sprinkled with a hearty helping of shiny new eats and drinks players, nothing can dull the sparkle of this burb’s A-grade entertainer status.

Here are precisely 17 reasons why locals – and Gold Coasters far and wide – love themselves a piece of our much-loved Broady.

Social Eating House + Bar
If you’re a foodie, this is your go-to. A modern Australian sensation, Social has more hats than a Milliner’s workshop. With Executive Chef Matthew Jefferson in charge, you’ll experience a carefully curated range of bar snacks, charcuterie, and small and large share plates, all featuring the finest Australian ingredients and paired to perfection. A meal here is worth.every.cent.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

The Star Gold Coast
If ever there was a reason to get a babysitter, it’s for a session at The Star. Between the live music and amazing food at the Garden Kitchen & Bar, award-winning Cantonese, Japanese and modern Australian cuisine at Uncle Su, Kiyomi, and Nineteen at The Star, authentic Italian eats at Cucina Vivo, the ultimate buffet experience at Harvest Buffet, a few bevvies at the new-look Atrium Bar and/or the Insta-fave rooftop lounge bar at Nineteen, who needs to go anywhere else?
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Broadbeach Bowls Club
Nothing says a chilled GC arvo like a game of barefoot bowls with a brew in hand. Another enduring favourite amongst the local set here on the GC, Broadbeach Bowls Club never fails to deliver a feel-good time for young and old. They serve up big portions of all your go-to pub-grub meals and do a great canape package for a laid-back birthday or celebration.
Where: 169 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
If you’re after a tried and tested, long-standing comedic cabaret, good ‘ole Dracs has been serving up frights, food and frivolity since we were all ankle-biters. Most people are sold when they hear there’s a ghost train alone, let alone the actual show (which changes every so often, so there’s always a reason to go back), banquet dinner…and shots in syringes!
Where: Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach

Aloha Bar and Dining
This tropical hidden treasure is all fun vibes, good food and cracking good times. Popular for its hospo nights, taco Thursdays, karaoke nights, live music and pumping DJs, there’s always something going on here. The tapas always deliver the feels (bao buns…I die!!), the Cucumber and Jalapeno Margi is (too) easy to drink, and we never tire of the super cute fit-out.
Where: 18 Main Place, Broadbeach

Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar
With an impressive contemporary Coastal European menu, we are completely besotted with Sofia’s…and we’re not alone. A meal here is all about enjoying and sharing simple, delicious food with your favourite people – as it should be, and truly encapsulates the famous words ‘That’s Amore’. Also, you heard it here first but Sofia’s is on the move. Watch this space!
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Elk Espresso
Have you ever seen this place anything but bulging at the seams? Aaaand of course you haven’t. Since its pre-migration days just up the road, it’s had an army of raving fans and yes, this obvs includes us. A hop, skip and a jump from the beach, the coffee is all-time, the seasonal menus are heavenly, and they even do a Boozy Bottomless Brunch. And sold.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Blues on Broadbeach
So unlike our other listings, it may not be here 24/7 but it’s that much of a Broady icon that it would be criminal not to throw it a mention. As the name suggests, it brings us world-class blues and jazz music from locals and famous acts alike, performing across multiple venues over four unforgettable days. And it’s free, and sorry but when does that ever happen?
Where: Various Broadbeach venues

CHA CHA Japanese Restaurant
Gold Coasters have been CHA CHA bound for an authentic Japanese nosh-up which won’t break the bank for years, and that’s not about to change any time soon. The banquet menu is divine and every visit you’ll experience the same level of scrumptiousness. But the soy on the dim sum…it’s BYO and it’s hard to find an already affordable yet high-quality restaurant offering our 3 favourite letters. Score.
Where: 2705 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

The Oasis
An everyday escape for locals, The Oasis is one of our numero uno shopping centres and for good reason. Not only some unique fashion boutiques live here, but the sheer number of amazing eateries is tres impressive. In addition to the ones we highlight in this article, we’re talking Mario’s, Madisons Café and Patisserie, Spice Kitchen and Bar, and The Broadbeach Tavern to name just a few. It’s a #OneStopShop.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Soho House Bar
Just look for the London-esk red phone box and you know good times await. An intimate, hidden gem-adorned in graffiti and jam-packed with peeps sipping and bopping along to the sweet sounds of live DJ’s, this joint is seriously cool. The cocktail list is l.i.t, the crew are super engaging, and they’ve even been known to host things like a Wild Flower Gin Masterclass. What’s not to love?
Where: Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach (between Queensland and Victoria Avenues)

Unicorn Seafood
You just know it’s destined for greatness with ‘Unicorn’ in the name. This Mediterranean seafood-infused newcomer has hit the ground running with its all-day menu goodness, and show-stopping cocktail menu that’s 20 options deep #hellofriend. You can’t help it but exhale as you settle into the relaxing blue and white-hued space, brimming with ocean murals and friendly smiles from the welcoming staff.
Where: Phoenician Resort, 24-26 Queensland Avenue, Broadbeach

No Name Lane
Okay, Blake Lively declared her caffeine hit from No Name Lane as “the best coffee of her life” and holy heck, if it’s good enough for Queen Blake… Better than any boujee on-trend Melbourne café, the coffee here has a cult following. The all-day breakfasts and gourmet lunches also go down a treat so if you haven’t been, remedy this immediately.
Where: The Oracle, Elizabeth Avenue, Broadbeach

Pacific Fair
Pacific Fair, oh how we love thee. Any time we want a new ensemble for, well, any occasion (retail therapy is real you know), we all beeline for Pac Fair. With every retailer you could possibly wish for, amazing food options and seriously THE most gorgeous shopping centre fit-out we’ve seen, there are luxe and lush coastal accents at every turn.
Where: Gold Coast Hwy and Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach

The Loose Moose
Specialising in “dirty food made clean”, there are always bums on seats in this Prohibition Tap and Grill House, one of the Gennari Group’s most popular establishments. The delish menu offers up the best of the best Canadian fare like ribs, wings, hot dogs and burgers, and is always ready for a crowd to #GetLooseAtTheMoose.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Broadbeach

The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub
LBR, you had us at Spiegelclub. The Pink Flamingo has become a fave for locals, visitors and critics alike, with its four spectacular resident cabaret-style shows. Custom designed with a twist of swanky art-deco décor and inspired by the original 1920’s Spiegeltent and the NYC Cabaret Club district, it’s five-star luxury and entertainment not to be missed.
Where: Corner of Surf Parade & Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Kurrawa Surf Club
Ocean views don’t come any better than this. With legit THE most prime location, Kurrawa Surf Club has everything you’d want from a Surf Club…and more. With awesome regular members specials and fresh ingredients, there’s no such thing as a bad meal here. They host a trivia night and live music, and of course there’s the obligatory gaming lounge for those who like a flutter.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach

Words by Bianca Trathen.