Get in loser, we’re going shopping (and eating, and brewery-hopping, and sight seeing, and exploring street art, and… you get the idea)

Now you might be wondering why we’re throwing around random movie quotes to kick off this list (in our defence there is a Mean Girls line for *every* occasion) – but if suburbs were Mean Girls characters, Miami would for sure be the one to utter this iconic line. Miami has it all, and it knows it. Take one glance at just some of the epic spots we’ve lined up and you’ll soon see why all the other suburbs wish they could be this cool.

Paddock Bakery
One thing locals know, is the only thing loose in this (top) paddock is only the most scrumptious, buttery baked goods in 4220. Ever since Paddock opened it’s charmingly renovated doors in 2014, locals have been flocking there daily for their much-kneaded Paddock fix.

Reigning supreme as our baked-goods, brunch and lunch hookup ever since, the ex-Queenslander-turned-treehouse-of-our-childhood-dreams has expanded to welcome us and our relentless sweet tooth’s with open arms. With the lush gardens, cottage, loft, rooftop and barn to retreat to, the only thing more extensive than the dining space options is the menu to indulge from.
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Miami

Granddad Jacks
It used to be that Granddads were good for stealing our noses and sneaking us butter candy, but in Miami, Granddad Jacks is good for plying us the finest locally distilled spirits, gin making classes, distillery tours and of course and just an all-round cool haunt to sit back with a top notch bevvy and let our mullets run free. These masterful wizards didn’t amass a whopping 70+ awards by getting distracted by anything other than distilling, so it’s BYO food too (and surely that means more to spend on the good stuff!)
Where: 45 Lemana Lane, Miami

Miami Fish Market
It would be shell-fish of us not to include the absolute pearl that is Miami Fish Market, and we have two words for you: Sashimi box. Soy-n us up, pls! Fin-ally, we have a hook up for the finest and freshest seafood that’s a sure thing (unlike heading home empty handed from your holy grail fishing spot). Also unlike a day on the water, the pros will handle all the dirty work so you can do as much or as little as you like – oysters shucked to order, anyone?!
Where: 1/54 Paradise Ave, Miami

Pizzey Park
Wine not take those fresh sucked oysters to-go and mosey right on over for a bougie picnic at the picturesque Pizzey park. As one of the biggest parks on the GC, Pizzey is a local icon and hub for sports, clubs, recreation and all round fun times for all ages. There’s an aquatic centre, playgrounds galore, a wheely epic skate park and let’s not forget the off-leash dog area for our four legged BFFs (paw out of five dogs agree Pizzey is the best park for zoomies on the GC)
Where: 80 Pacific Ave, Miami

Miami Marketta
The Coast’s OG street food night markets that put Miami on the map as a must-visit destination for foodies and live music lovers alike. The first venue of it’s kind to Miami and perhaps even the Coast, Marketta quickly grew to establish itself as a mainstay among the GC scene, bringing good vibes, live music and great food galore via the eclectic creative and cultural hotspot for over ten years now. Our beloved market brings us all our favourite tastes of the world as well as that same buzzing atmosphere that’s favoured by families especially, for rounding up their rowdy broods for an easy night out that everyone can enjoy.
Where: 23 Hillcrest Pde, Miami

UGG Since 1974
With the hotter weather officially taking some mercy on us now we’ve packed away the budgie smugglers and it’s the perfect time to slip into something a little more cosy. Enter, Ugg Since 1974 – churning out wearable warm hugs for your feet since, well, 1974. Don’t be feeling sheepish if you didn’t know they’ve expanded their range to include a huge selection of colours, styles and options to customise – including monogramming (cute!) through to paw-dorable pet accessories (even cuter!) With factory tours running right out of Miami, the only thing better than supporting local, is treating your tootsies to a cloud-nine experience in the process.
Where: 23 Christine Ave, Miami

Lumber Punks
Ever find yourself struck by the sudden and insatiable urge to don your flanno’s and yeet sharp objects at the wall? Okay so perhaps not, but when your usual rotation of outings is just not cutting it anymore – it might be time to hit up Lumber Punks because you really can’t axe for a better way to get the crew together for some laughs or some fun date night axe-ction. If you haven’t yet tried your hand at the phenomenon that is axe throwing, chop chop – because this is one adventure that brings the axe-mosphere in blades (er, spades, rather). If it’s good enough for Jason Momoa, it’s obvs good enough for us.
Where: 19 Ozone Pde, Miami

Miami Hill
Okay, now it just feels like Miami is showing off and 469 (no kidding) google reviews can’t be wrong. At first glance those deceptively colourful trademark stairs might look all sunshine and rainbows, but one thing’s for sure – conquer that climb and you will be rewarded with one of the best vantages on the coast. With stunning views of the coastline from Surfers right down to Burleigh, there’s only one thing left to say: How’s. the. serenity. (and maybe a hearty dose of *heavy breathing* depending on how many times you decide to take on those stairs #cardi-no thanks)
Where: At the south end of Miami (you can’t miss it) 

Trader Trove
Trader Trove, more like treasure trove. Welcome to Miami’s own worldly homewares haven for those who prefer their interiors on the luxe side – and their swoon-worthy assortment of bohemian inspired home decor, that’s more expertly curated than an influencers insta feed.

We love: a family run local biz with a dreamy selection of ethically minded homewares. We don’t love: that all self control seems to exit our body when we visit.
Where: 22 Christine Ave, Miami

Ferg’s
You no longer need a certified 90’s banger to be proclaiming ‘fergalicious (so delicious)’ because ever since Fergs moved to town we’ve had an excuse to be saying it daily. For the unacquainted – f.e.r.g.s aka Fresh Eats Really Good Sh*t – has been dishing up breakfast and brunch much to the delight of southern GC, with all the staple brunch suspects you’d expect, but also the likes of Lemon Meringue Crumpets and really, need we say more?
Where: 2/43 Hillcrest Parade, Miami

Street art
It’s no secret us Gold Coasters are quite partial to doing what we can to our put our best #lewks forward, and over the last few years the streets of Miami have also been undergoing somewhat of a glow up themselves (and #spoileralert – there’s no filler to be found here folks). If it’s been a while between visits, it might surprise you to learn the suburb is at the heart of a thriving GC art and cultural boom, with a bunch of incredible artists transforming the local laneways into a destination in and of themselves. There’s even the Art Roll website dedicated to mapping out the best routes for your own self-led street art tour.

And the event that started the movement, Surface Festival returns for it’s third year this July, set to transform the local footpaths, fence lines, laneways and walls with some art-mazing fresh new works to admire and we’re here. for. it.
Where: Check the Art Roll website for locations

Precinct Brewing Co
If you’ve worked up a thirst just reading this list – last but by no means least is everyone’s (yep, we called it) favourite brewery, Precinct Brewing Co. Once you’ve stepped through the doors you’ll be welcomed into a sleek, all-white space with greenery dripping from up high, and an absolute slew of tanks brewing up some tasty treats. You can see why people say, it’s the place to beer! Don’t forget to grab one of the tasty pizzas coming from the onsite kitchen too…
Where: 17 Christine Ave, Miami

Everybody loves plants. There’s something comforting about being surrounded by them in your home, plus they look so very pretty and you can never have too many #crazyplanylady.

Whether it be the Fiddle Leaf Fig, the Monstera or the Chinese Money Plant there’s always a trendy new ‘it’ plant we need to add to our growing indoor nurseries. Please tell us we’re not the only ones?

Thankfully the Gold Coast is home to plenty of amazing spots to buy plants and because you probably (definitely) need a few more, here’s our pick of the bunch.

Greenfolk
This little Burleigh Heads beauty is tucked away and filled with the most magical array of plants there are. From cacti to succulents, all of the indoor plants and a stunning range of pots, this veritable urban jungle has absolutely everything you need. We want it all.
Where: 5/2 West St, Burleigh Heads, Burleigh Heads 

Spectrum Plants
Found at Wongawallan and Coomera, Spectrum Plants is a wholesale, family-run nursery that sells everything from succulents, cacti and houseplants to trees. It’s open to the public and very popular, get in there to find some gems.
Where: 69 Currey Road, Wongawallan and 161 Kriedeman Road, Upper Coomera

Paul’s Plants
Found at Carrara Markets, Paul’s Plants are open seven days and stock a huge range of indoor and outdoor plants at epic prices. Pop in to pick up some goodies and have a cruise around the rest of the markets while you’re there.
Where: Cnr Manchester Road and Gooding Drive, Carrara

Instant Jungle Palms Nursery
Instant Jungle is a plant nursery based in Labrador with over two acres of palms, shrubs and exotic plants. They also specialise in water features, Bali huts, ceramic pots and statues. Wander up there for a magical experience.
Where: 111 Olsen Avenue, Labrador

Ross Evans Garden Centre
Found on a six acre site in Runaway Bay and established over 40 years ago, Ross Evans Garden Centre has it all. They grow over half of their own plants and import a huge range of pots and planters, so you can kit our your entire garden from the one spot. Quite relaxing to wander around in there too.
Where: 296 to 300 Oxley Drive, Runaway Bay

The Borrowed Nursery
Behind the lavender roller door Mermaid’s beloved nursery is absolutely packed with goodies, every type of plant you could want, beautiful pots, dried flowers, art and books, all the best things. You can hire plants for events and the space itself can be hired too. Big fans.
Where: 42-44 Cronulla Avenue, Mermaid Beach

Tree Select Australia
A wholesale palm tree farm with over 7 acres of feature trees and potted plants, Tree Select Australia is where it’s at if you’re in need of a few large-scale backyard palms. From residential to commercial, they’ve got you covered for everything you might need and there’s a variety of species to choose from.
Where: 2 Gerara Ct, Clagiraba

If you ask us (and also every single scientist), there can never be enough plants. As if it wasn’t enough that they create the oxygen we need to breathe, they’re also very pretty and make your house all cosy and natural looking.

With this in mind, we bring you exciting news. Burleigh’s favourite/only back alley, Justin Lane, is getting a new store filled with all the loveliest indoor plants imaginable, because of course it is.

Green Folk Botany Shop is said to be an urban jungle atelier (which is a fancy French word we had to look up, meaning workshop) stocked with lush foliage, plants, designer pots and hand crafted vessels. Who doesn’t love a good vessel?

It will be a modern boutique akin to the plant nurseries your mum used to drag you to as a kid except beautiful and with art and books and all our favourite things really.

Green Folk’s founder Emily Cloke is a Horticulturalist and Landscape Designer and if we ask nicely maybe she’ll come and transform our entire house into a jungle style scenario.

Her adventure began with creating a bespoke range of Kokedamas and handmade concrete pots filled with unusual succulents and interior plants before opening a collaborative pop up shop in Palm Beach.

Now, she is bringing the plants to the people and the people should not be sad about it.

Emily chose Burleigh for her venture because obviously Burleigh is epic but in her words, it’s the heart of the Gold Coast, and with a cool little community vibe unlike anything else around, we are pretty sure Green Folk is going to be a hit.

Green Folk Botany Shop is due to open mid April so you’ve got a bit of time to get your life in order before you blow all your money on indoor plants.

LOCATION: Justin Lane (next door to Lockwood Bar), Burleigh Heads

Words by Kirra Smith