Locals love Mudgeeraba and clearly, we do too. It’s easy to get swept up in the allure of our iconic coastline, but when was the last time you popped into this hinterland haven? No seriously, it’s a little over 15 minutes from Burleigh (we don’t want to hear you say it’s too far) so you can escape the hustle of the beachside burbs and take our word for it when we say it’s got some of the best eats the Gold Coast has to offer. Big claim, we know, but we stand by it.

We’ve taken the task of finding the best feeds in Mudgeeraba very seriously so you can just pop in and live like a local for the day. So, book a table and pretend you’ve gone bush for a little while, it’s the next best thing to an actual holiday.

Anekawa Japanese
This has got to be one of the Gold Coast’s best-kept secrets, nestled in the heart of Mudgeeraba’s Village, Anekawa shines a whole new light on traditional Japanese food. Created by chef Koki Anekawa (ex Rick Shores), the menu is a glorious celebration of ethically sourced Australian produce and traditional Japanese fair that we don’t so often see, set to the backdrop of one of the most intimate restaurant spaces we’ve dined in. The menu is ever changing based on the seasonality of produce and availability of specialty seafood, so you know that what they’re dishing up is fresh AF.
Where: Corner of Swan Lane & Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

The Wine Barrel
An institution among locals, there’s good reason why The Wine Barrel has stood the test of time, serving up some of the best tapas and wine (obviously) going around. The menu is loaded with an epic variety of food from Asian-inspired dishes to classic tacos. Our must-try’s? We can’t go past the pork belly, chilli caramel, coriander and mint to start, followed with the organic black mussels with Napoli, cream and nudja for a serious flavour bomb.
Where: 59 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

Pangaat Indian Restaurant & Bar
We know it might not be fair, but we low key judge a suburb’s foodie scene by their best Indian restaurant, so it’s fair to say Mudgeeraba is serving up the goods. Pangaat Indian Restaurant & Bar is not only one of our favourite Indian spots in the hinterland, but the whole of the Gold Coast. Think of the aromatic spices and bold flavours that come with authentic Indian food, they’ve got everything covered from hearty curries and succulent tandoori specialities that will keep you coming back.
Where: 3/59 Railway St, Mudgeeraba

Bon Appetea
Tucked away in the most beautiful old Queenslander, Bon Appetea brings that English whimsy charm to Mudgeeraba – made even better with the beautiful hinterland back drop. You can pop in for your favourite high tea whether it’s for breakfast, brunch or lunch with luxe options too if you’re feeling a little bit fancy. In case you needed more mo-tea-vation to book in high tea with your favourites, the iconic basque cheesecake is one of our favourite sweet treats on the menu. Heading there in winter? You’ll want to snag a spot fireside while you get cosy, sit and sip on your hot beverage of choice.
Where: 7 Johns Road, Mudgeeraba

Lenny Pizzeria
By now you’ve surely heard all the buzz about Lenny Pizzeria, the woodfired pizza hotspot has been buzzing since their iconic entrance to the Mudgeeraba dining scene. Think next level flavour combinations – we’re looking at you, Chill Kale and Fancy 4 Cheese – you’ll definitely want a pizza this. Perch up under the stars with your nearest and dearest and treat yourself to your favourite drop while you carb load.
Where: Shop 5/58 Railway St, Mudgeeraba 

Mudjira Village Eatery
Now it would be plain old rude of us to miss out on Mudgeeraba’s best breakfast spot. Embrace the laidback vibes of the hinterland at Mudjira Village Eatery, it’s got the country charm you expect from one of the town’s best eats and a full menu of epic eats. We’re all about the maple pecan French toast – try it and thank us later.
Where: 3 Swan Lane, Mudgeeraba

Junior’s Deli
For a taste of New York in the heart of Mudgeeraba you don’t need to look any further than Junior’s Deli. With classic deli sandwiches, toasties and burgers, plus barista coffee supplied by Therefore Coffee these guys have nailed the casual dining vibe. If you’re more about the grab and go life Junior’s have you sorted, you can even take home some of their signature house-made pickles to up your sandwich game and get a taste of the deli at home.
Where: 2/51 Railway St, Mudgeeraba

The Wallaby Hotel
One of the Gold Coast’s oldest pubs, The Wallaby has been serving up cold brews and great food since 1883. If you’re looking for the ultimate pint and parmy combo then you’ve come to the right place. They’ve got all the pub classics you know and love to kick those hunger pains, if you want to get a little adventurous then get around the Native Australian Wallaby Shanks – guaranteed to become your new go-to.
Where 43 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

Whisky Lounge
Whisky aficionados will feel right at home at the Whisky Lounge, but don’t stress if you’re a newbie – the legends behind the bar will find you the perfect drop to start your whisky lover journey. It doesn’t matter if your palate prefers a smoky scotch or a smooth bourbon, they’ve got pretty much everything so you can pour, savour and enjoy the flavour. Not into dark spirits? Stress less and don’t whisk yourself away, there’s a delish cocktail menu to keep you busy all night long.
Where: Shop 2A/58 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

The Sensory Boutique
In need of some retail therapy? The Sensory Boutique have the most aesthetically pleasing collection of goodies that have been perfectly curated so you can pick up home décor, scents, jewellery and more. If you’re looking for a fresh fit the team have hand selected pieces just for you. If buying brand-new is so last season for you, in the name of circular fashion, there’s a selection of pre-loved clothing and accessories (chic of course) that you can give a new life.
Where: Shop 24, Franklin Square, 60 Railway St, Mudgeeraba

Panchos
Spice up your dining experience at Panchos, this Mexican spot knows what’s up when it comes to good food, good margs and good entertainment – the holy trinity of good vibes. The colourful fit out feels like you’ve stepped straight off the streets of Mexico into an authentic taqueria with the Latin American influence coming from all ends. Did we mention on Thursday’s you can snag a burrito and beer for $25 too? You’re losing money not getting amongst it #girlmath.
Where: 581 Gold Coast Springbrook Rd, Mudgeeraba

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.

Farm life is the good life – wide open skies, fresh air and of course, tasty foods straight from the ground and into your hungry face.

Because the Gold Coast is the greatest place on Earth, we are blessed with both beautiful beaches and farmland where said foods can be grown happily and healthily.

Here are six farms where you can go and grab yourself some straight-outta-the-ground-goods.

Freeman’s Organic Farm
An entirely family owned affair, Freeman’s Organic Farm is already much-loved amongst Gold Coasters. Established in 1915, the farm became became the largest banana farm in Australia in the 20s with over 100 acres of bananas. These days you can purchase their organic goodies from the Farm Stall but make sure to check their Instagram page first because they sell out quickly.
Where: 618 Tomewin Mountain Road, Currumbin Valley

Farm & Co. Kingscliff
No doubt your Insta feed has been flooded with pretty pics from Farm & Co.’s sunflower fields at some point in the past but did you know they also have a little shop from which you can purchase fresh produce? Yep, they do. The Farm Store is stocked with organically grown produce from the working farm and they sourced other produce fresh from other suppliers. Have a wander through the farm and then stock up on goodies before you head home.
Where: 529 Cudgen Rd, Cudgen

Ground Grocer
Ground Grocer is a family-run organic grocery store with daily deliveries of lettuce, cucumber and seasonal vegetables from their farm in the Ecovillage and a team of local growers. Their bees are also working hard to keep them stocked with beautiful honey.
Where: 4 Village Way, Currumbin Valley 

Tropical Fruit World
Tropical Fruit World is175 acres of land in the Tweed Valley which it would seem is the perfect place to grow tropical fruit. You can (and should) purchase boxes of said tropical fruit plus boxes of avocados and treats like farm honey, macadamia nuts and dried fruit. Order online and opt to get it delivered if you like.
Where: 29 Duranbah Rd, Duranbah

Blueberry Fields
Blueberry Fields is a family-owned blueberry orchard nestled in the scenic Byron hinterland of northern New South Wales. About an hour’s drive from the GC, it’s the perfect spot for a fun day out. During October, swing by on Sunday mornings to pick your very own blueberry buckets and experience the joy of farm-fresh goodness firsthand. They have a small farm gate stall set up in front of the orchard. Drop by to pick up the freshest berries. They stock the stall whenever fruit is available.
Where: 769 Fernleigh Rd, Brooklet, NSW

Chambers Flat Strawberry Farm
Chambers Flat Strawberry Farm is a family-run operation spanning generations of strawberry growers. They’ve turned their passion into a full-fledged family affair. Swing by their Farm Shop any day of the week for a taste of their farm-fresh strawberries and mouthwatering strawberry ice cream, crafted from their own strawberries and vanilla ice cream, blended right before your eyes for a truly delicious real fruit treat!

During growing season (July – December) you can PYO (pick your own) strawberries amongst the fields. Located approximately an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast.
Where: 912 Chambers Flat Rd, Chambers Flat

Words by Belinda Symons.

Particularly as winter rolls around, it’s a good idea to eat as much fresh fruit and veggies as possible. It’s even better to support local growers at the same time.

Luckily, we have quite the array of options when it comes to farmers markets on the Gold Coast so you never have to travel too far to stock up.

In honour of all that, here’s a list of 10 farmers markets right here on the Gold Coast. From north to south, happy shopping.

Helensvale Farmers Markets
Supporting local farmers with organic and conventional produce, you’ll find a range of gourmet food stalls alongside carefully selected unique handcrafted creations from local micro-businesses. You’ll find seasonal fruits and vegetables, eggs, meats and seafoods, condiments, organic bread, gluten-free breads and baking, honey, flowers, herbs, kombucha, sweet treats and much more. There’s local music and puppies are welcome too. Open Saturdays from 6am until 10.30am.
Where: Helensvale State High School, 243 Discovery Drive, Helensvale

Marina Mirage Farmers Market
Fresh produce, gourmet foods, specialty items and luscious beauty products, the Marina Mirage Farmers Market is a premier market with everything you need. There’s everything from gourmet roasted coffee, freshly made take home meals and baked goodes, deli treats like stuffed olives, cold meats, pates and dips. You can also pick up some gifts while you’re there, there’s organic body scrubs, white Belgian chocolate and handmade soy candles. All the best things. They’re on the first, third and fifth Saturday of the month from 7am until 12pm.
Where: Marina Mirage, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Bundall Farmers Markets
Visiting Bundall Farmers’ Markets is an experience plenty of locals and visitors love every single week. Not only can you stock up on locally grown goodies, you can also interact with growers and producers and learn about where their food comes from. You’ll find everyting you need from fruit and veggies to fresh flowers, bread, ready-to-eat treats, tasty coffee and plenty more. They are plastic bag free to remember to take your own along with you. Pop in every Sunday from 6am to 11.30am.
Where: Home of the Arts (HOTA), 135 Bundall Road, Bundall

Markets in the Meadow
All the most delightful of goods are on offer at Markets in the Meadow including fresh fruit and vegetables, cryovac meats, specialist bakeries, international take-away eats, local seafood, healthy juices and of course, coffee to kick start the day. You can also find fresh flowers, pet treats, plants and herbs, meals for a week, jams and honey. So all of the best things. Head down for some fun in the sun on Sundays from 6am until 11.30am.
Where: Gold Coast Turf Club, Racecourse Drive, Surfers Paradise

Lavelle Street Markets
Fresh food by local farmers is what you’ll find at Lavelle Street Markets in Nerang. From meat and seafood to rice and flour, all the fruit and vegetables you could possibly imagine plus goodies like hemp seed oil, fresh juice and even treats for your pet, you won’t leave empty handed. Of course there’s fresh coffee to be sipped and plenty of spots to sit and soak up the atmosphere. Open every Sunday form 6.30am to 12pm.
Where: Corner Lavelle & Nerang Street, Nerang

Mudgeeraba Country Markets
With a mission of supporting local growers, the Mugdeeraba Country Market has been a local favourite for many moons. Bring your pooch along to peruse stalls filled with fresh produce, bread, flowers, coffee, everything you love. It’s a beautiful morning out under the trees, filling your basket with tasty eats and breathing in that fresh country air. Get to Mudgeeraba on the second and fourth Sunday of every month from 8am until 1pm.
Where: Mudgeeraba Showground, 115 Mudgeeraba Road, Mudgeeraba

Organic Gold Coast Farmers Market
All organic, everything is the name of the game at Miami’s farmers market. You’ll find an extensive and complete range of the freshest, absolutely straight from the farm, guaranteed certified organically grown seasonal (and interstate) vegetables and fruit. Grab your goodies every Sunday from 6.30am until 11am.
Where: Miami State High School, Gold Coast Highway, Miami

Burleigh Heads Farmers Market
Burleigh’s beloved market offers farm fresh produce, organic fruit and vegetables, gourmet foods, global foods, plants, fresh flowers, meat, fish, deli, antiques and collectibles, arts and crafts, plants, specialty stalls plus hot food, hot coffee and live entertainment. You’re guaranteed to have a good morning at the market then top it off with a stroll across the road to the beach. On every Saturday morning from 7am until 12pm.
Where: Burleigh Heads State School, Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Palm Beach Farmers Market
By the same good folks who bring us Bundall Farmers Market, Palm Beach offers the same five star goodness. Find all your fresh food needs plus breads, specialty stalls, hot food, flowers, gifts and so much more and once you’ve filled your basket, take a seat in the sunshine with a fresh brew and soak it all in. They’re on every Saturday from 6am until 11.30am.
Where: Palm Beach Currumbin High School, Thrower Drive, Palm Beach

Currumbin Community Market
The one and only weekday farmers market on the Coast can be found in Currumbin bearing all kinds of amazing goodies including yes, locally grown fruit and veggies plus selections of nuts and seeds, olives, cheeses, bread, fresh flowers and all set within a relaxing atmosphere. There’s also coffee and ready made breakfast delights if you want to stay awhile. It’s on Thursday mornings from 7am until 11am. Lovely.
Where: Currumbin RSL, 164 Duringan Street, Currumbin

Words by Kirra Smith