Picture the scene: it’s your team’s game night, and you and your crew are more than keen to catch the action in a location with full coverage, the coldest of beers, and a sprinkling of outstanding food options. Anything less would be a colossal failure, right? Seeking down such establishments that are solely devoted to delivering these things is not always the most straightforward task. But at the same time, neither is it impossible! Luckily for you, we’ve done our homework and compiled a list of the best sports bars on the Gold Coast to enjoy the action while adequately showing your support for your team. Shouting at screens may or may not be included.

The Star Sports Bar
Many would say this place is in pole position as the Gold Coast’s premier sports bar venue, and we think that’s rightly deserved. If the 23 large screens, private (pre-bookable) booths and a gigantic 10.5-metre screen aren’t impressive enough, you should be swayed by the coldest beer around and a multitude of nearby food outlets for you to fuel up pre-game or celebrate your team’s victory.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Main Gaming Floor, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Crafty’s Sports Bar
Aptly positioned at the northern Gold Coast’s prime shopping outlet Harbour Town, Crafty’s gives you the option of mixing shopping with seeing whatever sporting event you might be into. Or, if it’s better suited, the chance for you or your partner to do so whilst the other takes their time with over 200 stores. Make plans to grab some essentials and then settle in with some fantastic food and craft beers. Score!
Where: Harbour Town Eats – 147/189 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters

The Sporting Globe Bar and Grill
Part of a sizeable chain of sporting bars across the country, these guys certainly know how to look after sporting fans. Apart from expansive coverage of all the action, there are food specials every day of the week, and if you’re seeing the Gold Coast Titans game at the Cbus Stadium, come in beforehand for a drink, and these guys will even take you there and back. How good is that?
Where: Robina Town Centre, 19 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

Burleigh Town Hotel
This one is a real showstopper, boasting a zhuzhed up modern bistro and the sports bar to end all sports bars. The newly renovated Burleigh Town Hotel is the ideal destination to catch all of the sports action. Featuring a state-of-the-art 11-metre mega screen… It’s the biggest pub screen in the southern hemisphere and if you think that’s impressive, have a go of the suspended cylinder screen promising perfect viewing from every vantage point #jawdrop.
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads

The Avenue
This hotspot is more renowned as the place you head to take the night up a gear with vibrant music, entertainment, and drinks specials. And that’s a fair comment. However, should you want a great place to catch the next big fight with eating options and the ever so easy decision of sticking around and partying till the small hours, it’s a slam dunk!
Where: 3-15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Coolangatta Hotel
On the southern end of the Coast, The Coolangatta Hotel is the prime location to catch any sporting activities and be assured of a buoyant and passionate atmosphere. Pair it with a splash and lounge on one of Coolangatta’s famous golden beaches, and then be sure to stick around for the post-game live music, and you are onto a hole in one.
Where: Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Fat Freddy’s
How does an American-style sports bar with a Gold Coast twist sound? Too good to be true, right? Wrong. Because you need to look no further than Fat Freddy’s on Broadbeach’s Surf Parade. Grab a highchair at the bar and enjoy unhampered views of seven screens overhead as bartenders look after you with libations galore and a polished bar snacks menu which should make getting up to leave your seat an arduous feat if you ask us!
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Ashmore Tavern
If you’ve driven past the good ‘ole Ashmore Tavern recently, you’ll have noticed it’s looking anything but ‘ole these days. Undergoing an extreme makeover, we’re not just talking a lick of paint and a few trusty Kmart prints, but an epic $5 million reno sporting some serious a la mode flex. There are sleek new indoor and outdoor dining spaces and a large sports bar with an adjoining balcony. With big screens showing sports daily you’ll never miss a moment of the biggest sporting events at the Sports Bar.
Where: 161 Cotlew Street, Ashmore

Words by Alex Mitcheson & Belinda Symons.

Just as sports fans south of the equator start to feel a little lost – in swans the global spectacle that is Super Bowl. With cool 113 million tuning in annually, it’s a tradition that transcends the typical sports fan divide – the iconic pop culture moments alone are enough to get us buzzing with the best of ‘em.

And if you’re looking for the ideal setting to get amongst some all-American football action on Monday, 12th February – Goldie’s at The Island is limbering up to throw the ultimate Super Bowl LVIII bash. Whether you’re a diehard gridiron fan or just here for the halftime hijinks – get on down to Goldie’s for an epic viewing party serving an electric atmosphere, Buffalo Wings, Burgers, icy beers and frozen slushy cocktails. With all the heart-pounding highs and lows, straight from the US… talk about game day done right.

Consider this your reminder send off those leave requests, asap – ‘cuz this mid-morning showdown is about to be the most epic Monday morning in the history of Monday mornings. For the occasion, the Goldie’s will fire up the brand-spanking-new big screens, along with merch giveaways* and USA inspired grub.

We’re talking fully kitted out LED screens, and a GIANT LED WALL in Goldie’s TAB to drink in all the action in high-def gloriousness as it’s broadcast across the globe.

And hey, it’s a perk bound to come in handy with Usher locked and loaded as this year’s half time entertainment… finally, a chance to bust out those lyrics that have been living rent-free in our heads since the noughties.

Speaking of drinking in (see what we did there), you’ll also have all the creature comforts of one of Surfer’s finest watering holes at your fingertips, which is to say, no one is about to be going thirsty, no matter enthusiastic (… shouty, lbh) the supporting becomes.

Frosty cold Valley Hops beers will be dominating the taps along with a sip-worthy selection of frozen cocktails, and #spoileralert – if you’re a fan of a zesty margaritas you can most definitely citrus with us.

Though it wouldn’t really be the Super Bowl without some American-inspired eats – and Goldies is delivering the game day goods. To really get you fired up, succulent Smoked chicken wings served with ranch and Franks Hot Sauce for your dunking pleasure (or smokey bbq, if you want to keep it tame) and St. Louis BBQ pork ribs with fried pickles available from 9am, and hey, when you’re celebrating this side of the hemisphere, hot wings and brekkie beers are not only acceptable but essential.

For those who want to keep the party going, Goldie’s will be churning out the honorary fare on demand till 3pm – with bacon-laden Loaded Dogs, Cheeseburgers and jalapeño studded Chilli beef nachos also on offer for those packin’ a Linebacker sized appetite.

Wanna secure your front row seat to all that razzle-dazzle football action? The first 50 footy fans to book a table will score themselves a limited edition Goldie’s x Valley Hops Super Bowl LVIII T-Shirt* tee to commemorate the occasion – plus, the perk of calling dibs on the best seats in the house – though same day walk-ins are also welcome should you wish to ‘wing’ it on the day.

Game on.

Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
When: 9am–3pm, Monday, 12th February

Words by Kellie Leader.

STORY SPONSORED BY THE ISLAND GOLD COAST

If it’s romance you want, it’s romance you’ll get here on the GC this Valentine’s Day. Hubba hubba!

We’ve compiled a list of what’s on and where, so that you can dial up the love-o-meter and treat yo’self and yo’partner to a Valentine’s Day (or night) experience to remember.

*Please note that unless indicated otherwise, all Valentine’s Day specials mentioned take place on Wednesday 14^th of February.

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
Citrique
Treat your valentine (and yo’self, lbh) to a decadent five-course degustation dinner date, curated by Executive Chef Paul Smart and team of culinary experts. Accompanied by a glass of Laurent Perrier Champagne, tantalise your taste buds with Kingfish and ponzu pearls, Poached Lobster and caviar, Lobster fricassee, Roasted snow fish with beurre blanc sauce and salmon pearls, Wagyu flank steak and a decadent Chocolate mousse and praline dessert to finish. Prices start at $149 per person (level up with a $59 wine pairing). Find out more here.
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Oasis Shopping Centre
Roosevelt Lounge
Love is in the air at Roosevelt Lounge, and the eternal romantics are busting out all the stops – with an indulgent, four-course menu and optional wine pairing upgrade to really woo your boo, whilst the sounds of love ballads fill the air courtesy of live tunes by Teagan Mills. All wrapped up in the kind of sultry, speakeasy ambience that makes you want to cosy up and play footsies under the table like a couple’a loved up youngun’s.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Sofia’s Restaurant and Bar
If whispering sweet nothings over wine and woodfired pizza is your love language, then look no further than Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar this V-day. If there’s one thing the Europeans know how to do it’s romance, and Sofia’s has it in spades. A sophisticated, Euro-style gem lurking right in the heart of Broadbeach bedecked with crisp white tablecloths and dripping in trailing greenery – we suggest letting them take the lead with an expertly-crafted cocktail and curated, four-course menu experience for $110pp. Find out more here.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

The Star Gold Coast
The Star Gold Coast’s stellar array of eateries are channelling their inner Cupid to sprinkle your V-day with every type of decadence imaginable. From curated, tasting menu encounters backdropped by a twinkling GC skyline, romantic Italian-style feasting to feeding your lover chocolate-dipped fruits from the chocolate fountain at Harvest Buffet. Seriously?! Surely these options have been plucked straight from the pages of a romance novel.
Go here for all the salacious deets on The Star’s Valentine’s Day food offerings.

Azure Spa & Fitness
Azure invites you and your beloved to connect and unwind with a a 45 minute Retreatment Botanic Relaxation Massage and a 45 minute Retreatment Botanic Express Nourishing Facial. Enjoy a glass of champagne post-treatment and a complimentary gift. $260 and available throughout February.

Love in Luxury
Indulge in a luxury stay at The Star Grand Hotel and The Darling, including a daily $50 dining credit, daily breakfast per guest, and a late check out until 12:00pm. You’re guaranteed 20% off the Best Available rate, leaving more in the kitty for extra cocktails. The offer is valid until 31^st May 2024.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Skypoint
Want to make your significant other’s heart skip a beat? Devouring a five-course degustation at the Gold Coast’s highest dining destination oughta do it (and if it doesn’t, we’re all out of ideas, just quietly). You’ll both be on cloud nine with an evening of live entertainment, wining and dining your way through flowing drinks, Beetroot and Ink gin cured trout and Ruby filled dark chocolate tart. Sorry, Casanovas – the Gold Package has sold out but never fear, the Silver Package is still available! At $134 per person it is the perfect place to romance your ride or die and soak up one of the best views on the Coast.
Where: SkyPoint Observation Deck, Level 77, Q1, Surfers Paradise

QT GOLD COAST
Bazaar
February 14 sees the return of the ‘Lover’s Feast’ at Bazaar Marketplace, serving up a lust-worthy twist on its decadent buffet experience. Get your aphrodisiac fix with oodles of Sydney rock oysters, trawler-fresh seafood, slow-roasted meats, tossed salads, with some love-themed sweet treats and a flowing chocolate fountain. There’s also acoustic tunes, a love potion on arrival and even personalised chocolate love notes, from $109 per person, (with optional beverage package upgrade).

Twilight Cabana Dinner Under The Stars
LBH, Valentine’s Day in a cabana under the stars is romance 101. Spoil your QTie (get it?!) and cosy up with dinner for two à la luxury poolside cabana – including a glass of Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial Champagne on arrival, followed by savouring three delicious courses under the stars. Dream date alert! $320 for one cabana per couple.

Fixx Café
Grab your lover or skip the clichés and round up your squad for a Galentine’s get-together. $75 per person including coffee or tea, or $95 per person served with a glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne or really splurge with a bottomless spritz package for $109 per person.

Yamagen
Romance is hot on the menu at Yamagen with an extravagant 8-course menu curated by Executive Chef, Adam Lane. Think Sashimi Tacos, House-Made Wagyu Gyozas, Kushiyaki lamb cutlets, Wagyu Beef Sirloin ms6+… ’nuff said. $125 per person.

Get A Room
The thought of an evening of fanciful feasting with your heart-throb got you feeling some kind of way? Oh, GET A ROOM, already! No, we mean literally ‘Get a room’, the month-long Valentine’s celebration at QT. Just spend the night in Feb and you go in the draw to win – not just your loved one’s affections, but the contents of the whole dang room… right down to the designer bed and fluffy robes. So, why not upgrade that dinner date to a pampery, poolside staycay.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Videre
For one wonderful (or should we say wine-derful) and whirlwind evening only, RACV Royal Pines pop-up restaurant, Videre, will open its doors in the name of love. The Valentine’s exclusive event, brings a set menu of Mumm Champagne dressed Oysters & Pearls and Confit Ocean Trout to the unique, sweeping vantage of Royal Pines’ 21st floor, with wine pairings and specialty cocktails also available. Nothing but the best for you, babe.
Where: RACV Royal Pines, Ross Street, Benowa

Mercure Gold Coast Resort
Mercure Resort is throwing a luxurious and love-themed feast for the occasion, with a delightful 3-course menu, served within the lush surrounds and intimate ambience of The Green – for a very respectable $75 per person. Share in some creamy, Prawn Linguini (Lady and the Tramp style, of course) or mouth-watering Beef Tenderloin served with Potato gratin, followed by a Dessert Tasting Platter – a guaranteed way to win the complete adoration of any sweet lovers.
Where: 64 Palm Meadows Drive, Carrara

The Fireplace
Craving a rom-com vibing Valentine’s spent canoodling by the fire, but, y’know – in a Southern hemisphere friendly way? Enchant your valentine with an exquisite culinary showcase at The Fireplace, Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove. For $149pp, toast to your true love with a welcome glass of Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial Champagne, and delight in a degustation style evening featuring The Fireplace’s finest – such as Citrus cured kingfish and melt-in-your-mouth beef served three ways, surrounded by charred figs, roasted fennel, grilled zucchini and lemon myrtle jus. Be still, our beating hearts.
Where: Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove

eforea spa
Indulge in the language of love this February at eforea spa Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences. Choose a romantic couples’ escape or indulge in solo pampering with personalised spa packages. As an extra touch of luxury, relish a complimentary glass of sparkling wine post-treatment. Save 10-15% off couples and singles packages.
Where: Level 2, Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences, 6 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise

voco
Craving some relaxed romance with your honey, this Valentine’s? Make a (dinner) date with Clifford’s Grill and Lounge, because love is in the air, baby! Opt to leave the choice in expert hands of Clifford’s cupid crew – cooking up an unforgettable, three-course feast, plus a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine for just $89pp. Or, see where your cravings take you (straight to the dessert menu, LBH) with la carte menu also available on the night. For extra cute-points, finish it off with a moonlit saunter by the Surfer’s beachfront.. but hey, take our love advice at your peril.
Where: 31 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise

Sofitel Room81
Let there be a thousand blossoms bloom, as far as Sofitel Broadbeach’s resident French darling, Room81 is concerned this La Saint Valentin.  Sweep your ma chérie’s and chéri’s off their feet with a swoon-worthy, degustation dinner-date rendezvous – city of love style. Featuring five sumptuous courses of romantic French fare, including escargot, sabayon and spatchcock, whilst savouring a crisp bottle of Minuty M Rosé together. Not to mention, there’s also the luxuriously-appointed Superior Ocean View Rooms and Suites right upstairs, if after all that you’re in the mood… to make a night of it.
Where: 81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

The Imperial Hotel
Imperial Hotel (formerly Palazzo Versace, in case it’s been a while between rendezvous) has put together the pièce de résistance of staycay’s to share with your sweetheart. For the month of Feb, soak up some R&R in complete luxury, with complimentary welcome cocktails in the hotel bar (to kick start you into mini-holiday mode) combined with a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and decadent chocolates, buffet breakfast – and copious amounts of lagoon pool lazing – for you and your boo daily. They really have thought of everything – including an exotic, lychee-spiked Bath Bliss experience (and accompanying lychee martinis) to be enjoyed in the couples spa. Oooh-la-la.
Where: 94 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

Soak Bathhouse
Come one, come all, for a heaven-sent celebration of love and luxury at Soak Bathhouse this Valentine’s. For a day where romance and relaxation intertwine, both locations in Mermaid Beach and West End will be dialling up the ambience with soothing live tune serenades (we’re imaging angels softly strumming harps) romantic decor, and candle-lit surrounds to bask in. Along with serenity on steroids, Soak Bathhouse is all about that equal opportunity indulgence – with a range of amenities and packages so everyone from the lovebirds to those flying solo can partake in a spot of self-care… so, assemble the Galentines, y’all.
Where: Shop 20, 2532/2540 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Dracula’s
If you’re looking for a saucy and scintillating way to spend your V-day with bae, why not shake things up with an extra spicy, Valentine’s edition of cabaret at Draculas. A night out that’s already known for its racy and raucous ways, the kinky Drac’s crew will no doubt be descending into all-out debauchery – promising an evening that will make hearts stop and panties drop, plus a complimentary G-string rose… to do with what you will *blushing intensifies*
Where: 1 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach

Elements of Byron
When it comes to Valentine’s, there’s nothing like spending a few satisfying hours with your one-and-only, luxuriating in course after course of mind-blowing morsels to dial the romance-o-meter up to max. And one recreation haven that’s no stranger to those adjectives, Elements of Byron is throwing an exquisite nine-course degustation dinner for the pinnacle of Valentine’s Day decadence. From $195, savour Carpaccio, Ceviche, Spring Vegetable Gnocchi with your significant other, and share in some Raspberry, Macadamia & White Chocolate and choc-dipped Strawberries to finish.
Where: 144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay