It may be home to the Gold Coast’s bustling business district but Southport can also boast a huge array of incredible eateries, culture and general good times.

We’ve rounded up 15 things locals love about the place and we reckon you might enjoy them too.

In no particular order, enjoy.

Southport Sharks
There is many a good time to be had at Southport Sharks including dining at one of the delicious dish-packed restaurants, drinking at Aviary Rooftop Bar overlooking the city, joining in on one of their classes at the Health + Fitness Centre or getting involved in one of their many good time events. The possibilities are endless. It’s the perfect spot for a family event or take the crew for a Sunday afternoon session. Happy days no matter what.
Where: Olsen Avenue and Musgrave Avenue, Southport

Southport Yacht Club
Waterfront dining is the name of the game at Southport Yacht Club with two venues to choose from and stunning scenes from whichever you choose. You’re also welcome to just sit back and kick up your heels with a cold beverage or two while gazing lovingly at one of the many beautiful yachts in the marina. It’s one of the Coast’s best locations and you’re guaranteed to have a good time.
Where: 1 MacArthur Parade, Main Beach

Zero Latency
Zero Latency is a free-roam, virtual reality experience like no other. With up to eight players per game, you’ll have the BEST time fighting zombies, exploring mystical places and challenging your friends on space stations. All you need to do is put on the VR headset, strap into the backpack and pickup the controller. Get 10% off here. It really is so good.
Where: 34 Smith Street, Southport

Panezski Distillery
The Coast’s first vodka distillery opened in Southport a few short months ago and what a treat. The family-owned business are whipping up three types of vodka, two types of gin and even a couple of beers on the premises and you can pop in to grab a bottle to go, or you can sit down and enjoy a cocktail and a charcuterie board and spend a bit of time. Very cool. 
Where: Unit 7/55 Bailey Crescent, Southport

Vinnies Dive
Who doesn’t love a good dive bar. Particularly one that doubles as a live music venue and has a huge range of your favourite beers on offer (and some you may not have heard of). Head in there to discover some new music from both local and interstate bands and if you’re in the mood for a party, which we know you are, you can hire the space out for your next one.
Where: 44A Nerang Street, Southport 

Mr PP’s Deli & Rooftop Bar 
On the ground floor of the building you’ll find the deli section of the establishment, with an array of delicious meats and cheeses that will be brought together in platter form for your feasting pleasure. Upstairs, the rooftop bar boasts tasty cocktails, even more delicious eats and views across the city. It’s a real good time.
Where: 43 Nerang Street, Southport

Randy Wallhole
To put it bluntly, you haven’t lived until you’ve tasted a Randy Wallhole bagel. There are eight flavours to choose from which means you have multiple per day if you so choose. Go for the Pulled Bas first up, it’s got Smokey BBQ pulled beef, peri mayo and apple slaw. Wash it down with some of the best coffee on the Coast and be on your merry way.
Where: 4/21 Nind Street, Southport 

Boudoir Lounge
A newbie amongst the Southport bunch, Boudoir Lounge is the very best spot for a tasty brunch with the girls or simply a few cocktails after work. Found on Como Crescent, it quickly became the go to spot for those looking for some delicious eats, in a sweet setting and with unique sips of course. Inside there’s also a hair and beauty bar so you can get fabulous before you head out on the town. Perfect.
Where: 410/1 Como Crescent, Southport

Broadwater Parklands
Whether you’re four or 40, there’s tons of fun to be had at Broadwater Parklands. For starters, you can sit and stare out at the yachts you’ll never set foot on. Then, there’s the bouncy pillow (maybe don’t go on there without a child), a kiddies train, a water playground and weekly events from theatre shows to foodie markets. See, fun.
Where: Marine Parade, Southport

D Point Ten
Oh donuts, how we love you. D Point Ten can be found on Stevens Street and, in keeping with the general donut vibe, is a little hole in the wall space pumping out the freshest of donuts we may have ever excitedly shoved into our greedy mouths. In all the best flavours no less. Go the Ferrero Rocher for sure.
Where: 6/1 Stevens Street, Southport

Cardamon Pod
The delightful folk at Cardamon Pod are serving up delightful dishes with a focus on clean eating but of the prettiest variety. They offer vegan and gluten free options for breakfast and lunch with a side of organic coffee and vegan desserts. All very delicious and it’s very hard to stop at just one thing or not to post on your Instagram.
Where: Brickworks Centre, 3/3 Brolga Avenue, Southport

Gold Coast Aquatic Centre
Southport’s centre of swimming is something for all of us to be proud of. It’s as pretty as a collection of swimming pools can be and, as it was home to all the Commonwealth Games water activities, it’s world class. The architecture is sleek and there’s a training room featuring pits filled with foam for the divers to practice in.
Where: Marine Parade, Southport 

Escape Hunt
Imagine being wrongly accused of murder, chained to a wall and having to rely on your friends’ detective skills to free you. Who you gonna call? Welcome to Escape Hunt, Southport’s brain bending game guaranteed to test your problem solving skills like they’ve never been tested before. There’s a few scenarios you might be faced with, all of which involve solving a mystery with a set of intricate clues. It’s the most fun you can have inside a locked room. Make sure to take your smart friends. Grab 10% off here.
Where: 2/162 Scarborough Street, Southport

Brickworks Centre
Where to start. There are SO many excellent places to peruse at the Brickworks starting with Ferry Rd Market where you can nab yourself everything from beautiful flowers to the freshest breads, seafood and fruit and veggies galore. God it’s good. Within the Centre, there’s also stunning homewares, fashion and design stores and health and beauty services. Oh, there’s also always some really cool events.
Where: Ferry Road, Southport 

Words by Kirra Smith

Let’s be real – the best deals are done over a delicious meal and a glass of vino…or, ahem, a bottle…or 2, or…. (you get the gist).

Here is a list of local places we think fit the bill as must-do Friday biz lunch destinations, for you to chew the fat with your clients and colleagues, and finish the week off on the right note!

Let’s unpack this, from north to south….

Mr P.P.’s Deli and Rooftop
Anyone who works in or around Southport will tell you this little rooftop gem is a bona fide crowd-pleaser and client woo-er (we just made up a word!). A gourmet pizza from here is legendary, and their delicious drinks menu will have you asking “but do we really need to go back to the office this afternoon?”. We’ll answer that one for you, no, no you don’t….
Where: 43 Nerang Street, Southport

Glass Dining and Lounge Bar
With a no-expense-spared fit-out and a priceless view overlooking the water at Marina Mirage, Glass is a no-brainer for your Friday business pow-wow…with just the right amount of fancy. It delivers a five-star feed every time with quality produce, meats, fresh seafood, and an equally showstopping wine and cocktail list. Scoring an A+ for service, it’s another home run for The Gennari Group.
Where: Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Edgewater Dining
If you haven’t experienced an end-of-week business lunch at Edgewater Dining, drop everything and book a table! The stunning water views are good for the soul and the modern Australian cuisine menu infused with Italian goodness is off the richter. If a liquid lunch is more your jam (same) the drinks menu is lit, and we’re drinking Edgy Lychee Martinis all arvo long.
Where: Shop 3, Capri on Via Roma, Isle of Capri

Miss Moneypenny’s
I mean, who doesn’t love this joint! Miss Moneypenny’s has become quite the local fave, always filled with Gold Coasters seeking their hit of fresh seafood and creative cocktails (yes please…and yes please). Perfect for your Friday meeting-come-cocktails sesh, make it an extra loooong lunch and experience Oysters and Spritzers from 3pm, with $2.50 oysters and a refreshing seasonal spritzer!
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Mamasan Kitchen + Bar
If it’s modern Asian flavour you and the team are after, Masaman Kitchen + Bar is where it’s at. With a focus on the share food philosophy, encompassing small intimate bites and banquet-style dining, renowned Chef Ray Choi delivers! Mixed with a zesty, Asian inspired cocktail list, international beers, wines, spirits and sake (obvi), this multi-award winner is a Friday afternoon fave.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Social Eating House + Bar
It’s difficult to go past a multi-award winner like this. Sitting the benchmark (REALLY) high, Social Eating House + Bar is the logical choice for your next end-of-week wind-down treat. With an extensive international tapas and sharesies menu, all meticulously curated by Head Chef YK get stuck into the likes of Roast Quail and the mind-blowing Lamb Shoulder. Wash it down with cocktails-a-plenty and you’ve got yourself a biz lunch to remember.
Where: Shop 137-138 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Nineteen at The Star
Experience Nineteen at The Star’s stunning new menu for your next Friday business lunch (kudos from your colleagues for this one!), or sip cocktail after cocktail with a view of the glittering Gold Coast in the uber-chic lounge bar. Combining sublime sophistication with a cool coastal flair and the freshest seasonal produce, let Chef Uday Huja’s exquisite dishes from his signature a la carte and set menus wow one and all!
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach

Rick Shores
Want to impress a client? Two words; Rick Shores. A meal here will woo the pants off anyone (hopefully not literally…), as you take in the sea breeze with 180-degree ocean views in one of the GC’s most iconic locations. The Pan-Asian flavours and fresh, locally sourced produce, the share-friendly meals are always next level and sorry, we can’t even pick a fave dish to highlight because they’re all our faves. The cocktails are equally on point, as is the service. Pure magic.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

The Tropic
Friday lunches at Burleigh Pavilion’s The Tropic are something we could get used to. Surrounded by sun and sea-spray, this relaxed but premium dining experience manifests a fresh Mediterranean and Modern Australian menu and OMG, you just have to try the Goldband Snapper. Soak up the on-trend pastel interior, uninterrupted ocean views and impressive drinks menu, and enjoy the transition into weekend mode.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Siblings Kirra
The newest luxe restaurant to open on the Goldy has turned heads since it opened in January and is guaranteed to please you and those you take there. (Not only with the scenery that surrounds you but with their drool-worthy share-style menu too!) Oh, and if your client (or client-to-be) are partial to a tipple or two, you are in good hands with the Sibling’s crew. You have endless choices as part of their ‘Liquid Journey’ menu. (Yep, what a name right?!) Cheers to wheeling and dealing!
Where: 15 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Words by Bianca Trathen.

Everybody knows the best part of the working day is counting down the minutes and then snappily leaving to have after-work drinks with your friends. Ok, so this might be an exaggeration. But it has to be said; this at least happens once a week — if not more — for most people!

In honour of washing the day away with a drink, and because we live in possibly the sunniest place on earth (making it perfect for after-work drinking and drinking in general), here’s a comprehensive list of spots to frequent post 5pm.

The Island Rooftop
Another after-work tipple, another rooftop. What more could you want. The Island Rooftop is all about enjoying the good things in life; eating, drinking and having good times with friends. The fit-out is reminiscent of a laidback beach house, and it’s nearly always packed with revellers. There are eats, balmy breezes and a little bit of late-night dancing thrown in for good measure.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Mr PP’s Deli & Rooftop Bar
Rooftop drinking is the best kind of drinking, especially with views overlooking the cityscape. Combine this with cheese platters, parmesan fries and deli meats and it’s pretty much the definition of a perfect after-work time. If you haven’t visited, expect exceptional cocktails, a solid wine and beer list, and also traditional pizzas. How good?!
Where: 43 Nerang Street, Southport

The Loose Moose
The lively, North American style bar is always a good time, after-work or otherwise. It’s low-lit and constantly filled with people having a great time. Fill up on epic burgers, loaded fries and the like while knocking back a vast array of beers and innovative cocktails that’ll tickle your after-work drinking fancy. The fun never ends at this Broadbeach fave.
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre, Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Surfers Pavilion
It doesn’t matter if you intend to stroll in here straight off your jet ski or after a long day in the office; the light-filled and airy Surfers Pavilion will make you most welcome either way. Recently launching ‘The Office Knock Off Drinks’ from 3pm on Friday’s, a cleverly crafted cocktail menu includes The Big Boss, something strong for the ‘World’s Best Boss’! with Woodford Reserve, lemon juice, a dash of maple syrup finished with a shiraz float or The Boss’ Pet for that person that does everything possible to impress the power above with Tequila, Aperol, lime and pineapple juice shaken and poured over ice.
Where: 30/34 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Justin Lane Rooftop
Burleigh’s much-loved rooftop is Justin Lane, where pizza, pasta and frivolity are the name of the game. Of course, an afternoon sip or two is always a good idea, looking out over the ocean and with the shrill call of Rainbow Lorikeets in your ears. It’s beautifully Burleigh and an absolute must-visit for after-works sips.
Where: 1708-1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

SPEC
With a beer garden to end all beer gardens, this Miami hotbed of great local tap beers and finger-licking eats cries out for afternoons lost in conversation. Arrange your fellow colleagues/friends and muster yourselves over tacos and the freshest of ales and let the failing light out over the hinterland be a distraction as you contemplate tomorrow’s monthly performance meeting.
Where: 2176 Gold Coast Highway, Miami

Garden Kitchen Bar
Choose your adventure at The Star Gold Coast’s most after-work friendly bar. Hang out inside amongst the greenery or pull up some space outside in the actual garden under the stars. It’s the perfect place to kick back and relax after-work, nibble on some tasty eats and enjoy the vibrant casino atmosphere.
Where: Casino Drive, Broadbeach Island

Granddad Jacks
This beloved gin and whisky distillery is quite obviously the perfect after-work drinks spot, with its abundant good vibes, epic cocktails, and live music on weekends. The team are a cool bunch of cats too. Head in there if you’re into making friends with absolute legends, sharing a yarn or two and sipping on some of the very best tipples on the Gold Coast.
Where: 45 Lemana Lane, Miami 

Burleigh Brewing Co.
One of the Coast’s favourite breweries, Burleigh Brewing Co., offers a sizeable outdoor seating area, entertainment and a line-up of beers to suit every taste. They host regular events, and you’re sure to find a few new like-minded pals to hang out with. Grab as many people as possible, pull up a big table and fill it with empty schooner glasses for a guaranteed good time.
Where: 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Pavilion
Obviously, oceanside drinks watching the sun go down is one of the most delightful things you can do after-work (and in general), and Burleigh Pavilion is the place to do it. On the Beach Bar side, pull up a high table and sip casual cocktails while sampling spur-of-the-moment eats or head over to The Tropic for a sit-down feast paired with more cocktails and a Prosecco or two. Perfecto.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Moxy’s Rooftop
We’re confident the sun shines that little bit brighter on the southern end, and there’s no better place to take advantage of that fact than at this Coolangatta gem. Let ocean breezes waft away any workday stresses and have yourself a knockoff or two.
Where: 2/152 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

HOTA — Fridays on the lawn
When we have world-class, year-round weather — and an arts precinct to match — it would be a shame not to put the two together over a well-earned drink. And that’s exactly what the premise of Fridays on the Lawn is all about. Head down any Friday between 4-7pm and bask in the fading afternoon sun beside their Lawn Bar whilst local live acts help you welcome in the weekend. If you find yourself enjoying the occasion and leaving doesn’t seem like a fitting thing to do, then head on up to the exciting Exhibitionist Bar at the very top level of the newly opened Gallery building. Amazing cocktails and sublime cityscape views aplenty: the epitome of sophisticated kick-ons if ever we saw them!
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Words by Alex Mitcheson.