Much to the delight of everyone (especially us), brunches have increased in popularity on the Coast over the last little while with venues from across the Gold Coast offering the delightful time.

Not familiar with the concept of a brunch? It is indeed what you’d imagine it to be. The best meal of the day held during a time where you can also consume beverages.

One of our absolute favourite northern bars Aviary Rooftop Bar at Mantra at Sharks within the Southport Sharks precinct, has recently jumped on the brunch bandwagon bringing skyline views and all the goodies you can fit into your Saturday mornings.

The very best part about Aviary Rooftop Bars’ Brunch is the chance to get creative and customise your own spritz with a selection of 21 different Mount Tambourine Distillery liqueurs and fruity garnishes.

What a time.

Aviary’s brunch menu is based around their much-loved pizzas including the Loaded Brekky pizza with chorizo, mushrooms, egg and maple bacon and the Wild Mushroom & Fennel Sausage with roast mushrooms, onion, Heirloom tomatoes, fresh Ricotta and truffle tapenade.

There’s also a brunch grazing station with brekky sliders, yoghurt jars, Bircher muesli pots, Belgian waffles and fresh fruit in case you need a little something extra after all of the pizzas.

The next event kicks off at 11am on Saturday July 13th and it’s the perfect Saturday soiree if you’re in the market for a decadent day out with the girls.

You’ll also enjoy the soothing acoustic sounds of Emily Brieger on the day.

Tickets are $49 each and so far the event has been a sellout so we suggest grabbing yours as quickly as you are able to click.

What a treat Gold Coasters.

LOCATION: Mantra at Sharks, 4 Melia Court, Southport

WHEN: Saturday July 13th from 11am until 1pm

Words by Kirra Smith.

If Queensland weather doesn’t shout rooftop bars at you in a high-pitched squeal, we don’t know what will. Our climate, coupled with the amazing hospitality scene here in our city, means these open-air meccas of good times and delicious libations are the prime place to find yourself — any time of the year! It’s all about drinks in the sunshine and snapping selfies with picturesque backgrounds for Insta-bragging purposes.

So, in honour of bars in high places, here are 14 next-level rooftop bars (listed north to south) you should prioritise visiting this weekend, next weekend, and the weekend after…

Aviary Rooftop Bar
Perched atop Mantra on Sharks, Aviary Rooftop Bar’s views are as stunning as their extensive drinks list. With 180 degree views over the Surfers Paradise skyline and the ocean, it’s the perfect place for an after work beverage or Sunday arvo session with the crew. Ohh and don’t even get us started on their authentic Italian pizzas, and tapas… if you know, you know.
Where: Mantra at Sharks, Melia Ct, Southport (next to Southport Sharks)

Mr PP’s Deli & Rooftop Bar
A game-changer in Southport’s food and beverage scene, Mr PP’s is a multi level pizzeria and rooftop bar boasting city views and plenty of good vibes in the century-old postal building. There is a generous menu full of pizzas, tapas and charcuterie boards, the ideal scenario. Plus cocktails and local tipples, of which there are many. Live music on Sundays too.
Where: 43 Nerang St, Southport

Last Night on Earth
Pretty sure that if it were, in fact, your last night on Earth, you would want to spend it at a sweet rooftop bar with bulk cocktails at the ready. Which maybe isn’t the point of Southport’s Last Night on Earth but a good intro nonetheless. Last Night on Earth is the work of local legend Arran Wollams and his crew. It’s a somewhat underworld themed rooftop bar in the heart of Southport offering good times aplenty. It’s a dive bar, but not as you know it. Check it out.
Where: 50b Nerang St, Southport 

Cali Beach Club
Cali Beach Club is not just a rooftop bar, it’s Australia’s largest Beach Club! This Gold Coast classic is the ultimate beachside party destination that’s never known a dull moment. The 2L spritzer and cocktail jugs may have something to do with this… One minute, you’re lounging on your dedicated daybed by the pool. Next, you’re sipping a Cali Colada in the pool. What’s that? The DJ set has begun?! Off to the dancefloor with you!
Where: 21a Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

The Exhibitionist Bar
News flash: HOTA isn’t just for the arts and culture, people, it’s also for cocktails. Speciality cocktails- each inspired by and changed to reflect the art centre’s current major exhibitions. We feel more cultured already. Enjoy it all while absorbing the breathtaking views of the city skyline. The highly talented Tom Angel heads up the bar and cocktail list, which is a seriously good spot for a sundowner — and the ideal place to take out of towners!
Where: Level 5/135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

Lulu Rooftop & Bar
Say hello to one of GC’s newest editions- the lovely Lulu. Think Miami’s art deco scene meets laid-back tropical Gold Coast, with lush greenery, plush booth seating and marble-topped bars, it’s a vibe! Throw in the fact it’s on a rooftop and we’re sold. Okay, that’s a lie, our booths were booked when we got word of a Frosé Wall! Choose from six boozy frosé flavours (or try them all) and garnish your icy creation with an array of lollies.
Where: Level 2/4 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

The Island Rooftop
It’s the largest open-air (and much adored) rooftop on the Gold Coast, perched on top of The Island in Surfers Paradise. This spot is kind of a unicorn, being part nightclub, part bar and part live music venue. And now, they have taken things up a notch, launching Above Sundays. where killer beats meet delicious eats and craft cocktails. From 11am every Sunday, find a line-up of DJs playing, a specially curated summer cocktail menu, and indulgent share-style eats. Think of it as your new Sunday ritual.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

Nineteen at The Star
The fanciest of the bunch is undoubtedly Nineteen at The Star, complete with velvet booth-style seating, an infinity pool and ocean views for days. Found atop The Star Gold Coast’s The Darling, Nineteen is the perfect place for people-watching, dressing up and sipping on fancy tipples while dancing the night away. Be sure to take a snap on the runway stretching out into the pool!
Where: The Darling, Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach 

JuJu
The GC’s newest rooftop bar has serious “it’s a vibe” energy. JuJu in Nobby Beach delivers upscale dining with a side of cheeky fun. Split across two levels, this new venue is perfect for sunset cocktails and late-night revelry. Expect Euro-summer vibes, lush greenery, and after-hours parties that feel straight out of Mykonos. With a sleek rooftop bar featuring a retractable roof, tequila carts, and live DJ-saxophonist duos, JuJu is where you go when you’re ready to keep the night alive.
Where: 2235 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Tropic Vice
Tropic Vice is one of (if not, the) hottest bars on the Gold Coast, and for excellent reason. Go from dinner to disco, and dance the night away under the neon lights. The Nobby Beach venue is ideal for a weekend catch-up, a mid-week cheeky cocktail, or an epic bottomless brunch every Sunday. Do yourself a favour, find yourself here sipping a cocktail whilst drinking in the gorgeous hinterland view.
Where: 2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Justin Lane
A much-loved favourite among locals and visitors alike, Justin Lane is still one of the most popular rooftops on the Gold Coast and was actually the coast’s first official rooftop bar opening in 2011! Hard to imagine.  The space is intimate, with booth-style seating overlooking Burleigh and plenty of cocktails to tickle your fancy. Once you’re done slinging back bevvys with the gang, head downstairs for some fair dinkum pizza (it’s so damn good).
Where: 1708-1710 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

The Collective
Everyone’s favourite multi-restaurant establishment, The Collective in Palm Beach, boasts a sweet rooftop bar with epic cocktails for your sipping pleasure. You can also order eats from one of the five menus on offer and watch the sunset over the ocean while you’re at it. We HIGHLY recommend it.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

Burleigh Pavilion
This one is straight-up iconic and the vibe is a match. It’s as close to the ocean as you can get with a cocktail before it becomes a safety hazard. You may be closer to Earth for this one, but the view here is arguably the best on the Gold Coast. Soak in the stunning sunshine while mulling over which epic cocktail to try first.
Where: 3a/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

The Salty Fox
Made for those who are “here for a good time, not a long time”- literally. The Salty Fox can be found on the 7th floor and rooftop of Rydges Gold Coast Airport and is the perfect destination for your pre-departure or post-arrival drinks. Catch uninterrupted views of the stunning Bilinga Beach from the rooftop as you get ready for takeoff, or settle into the Gold Coast spirit with a cocktail (or a few). You may even snag some live music and DJ sets if you’re lucky.
Where: Lot 5, Terminal Drive, Bilinga

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

Falling on Thursday 31^st October, Halloween has become quite our (body) bag, and there’s plenty going on in the leadup to the most fang-tastic night of the year. Whether you’re single and ready to mingle, a Romeo wanting to woo boo his Gouliet, or a ‘mummy’ looking to entertain the little spooks, the GC is where it’s at. And this would be the perfect opportunity to sign off with a skeleton joke, but LBR – you probs wouldn’t find it humerus.

If you’ve got it, haunt it at one of our picks for local Halloween celebrations. Boo-ya!

YOT Club
You can always ‘Count’ on YOT Club to create a killer party vibe! YOT Club’s 2024 Halloween party promises a thrilling night of spook-tacular fun on the Gold Coast. Guests can expect a chilling cruise along the Broadwater, sipping on hauntingly good cocktails while dancing to tunes from resident DJs. With prizes for the best costumes, everyone is encouraged to don their creepiest attire. A spooky photo booth will capture all the eerie moments. Only those fully decked out in costume can join this ghoulish adventure, so get creative and prepare for a night full of frightful fun!
Where: Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
When: Saturday 26th October from 6:30pm – 9:30pm

Aviary’s Rooftop of Terror
Aviary’s Rooftop of Terror is bringing two spine-chilling nights of Halloween chaos to the Gold Coast! For just $15 per night, guests will enjoy entry and a themed cocktail on arrival, with a spooky menu of exclusive cocktails, pizzas, and canapés available throughout. Expect live entertainment, and a best-dressed competition to add to the madness. The rooftop transforms into a horror-filled haven on Friday, October 25, with a frightful dress code, while Saturday, October 26, offers a twisted carnival theme to keep everyone on edge.
Where: Mantra Southport Sharks, 5 Melia Court, Southport
When: Friday 25 & Saturday 26 October from 6pm – 12am

Warner Bros Movie World
Get ready for spine-tingling chills at Movie World’s Fright Nights! Experience terrifying mazes, blood-curdling precincts, thrilling rides, and escape rooms, all after dark from 6pm. Explore five horror mazes, four precincts, and get your adrenaline pumping on your favorite rides. This annual event promises plenty of scares and excitement for thrill-seekers brave enough to face the fear. Indulge in a sinful range of delicious themed treats. Fright Nights is the ultimate Halloween experience on the Gold Coast! Tickets start at $99. Get yours here.
Where: Pacific Mwy, Oxenford
When: Friday 18th, Saturday 19th, Friday 25th, Saturday 26th and Thursday 31st October from 6pm -10:30pm (rides until 10pm)

Cavill Lane
Cavill Lane Surfers Paradise is gearing up for an unforgettable Halloween experience this October 31st! From 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm, visitors can immerse themselves in a spooky celebration with both day and night-time activities. The Haunted Passage – Doomsday offers thrills inspired by horror films, while world-renowned magician Matt Hollywood will present his eerie Dark Illusions Show. Daytime fun is family-friendly, but as night falls, the scares ramp up for braver souls. Don’t forget to dress up for this one-night-only Surfers Paradise event!
Where: Cavill Lane Surfers Paradise, 3113 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
When: Thursday 31st October from 2pm – 9:00pm

FAMILY FRIENDLY

The Park Coomera
Witch please, it’s hallow-queen! Prepare for a naughty night of frightful fun with Vollie LaVont and ShuShu Funtanna for Halloween Drag Queen Bingo at The Park. You’ll be laughin till your coffin.
Where: 103 Foxwell Road, Coomera
When: Friday 25th October form 7:30pm – 9:30pm

Dreamworld
Perfect for the whole fam bam, Happy Halloween is back for its fifth year at Dreamworld! Enjoy trick-or-treating (it’s FREE!), wicked entertainment, spook-tacular theming, and Belinda’s Boo-tiful Costume Competition. Enjoy the return of Count Kenny’s Mystery Mansion, a family walkthrough experience filled with laser lights, plus Dreamworld’s wildlife section will be open for interaction! Each of the nights (dates listed below) are just about sold out so get on it fast. Tickets are $49 per adult or child and children under 3 are free. Free entry for Annual Passholders. Get yours here.
Where: Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera
When: Friday 18th & Friday 25th October from 5.30pm – 9pm

Sea World
Don’t Miss Out on Spooktacular Family Fun! This October, Sea World is transforming into a frightfully fun destination for Spooky Nights. Grab the kids, and explore seven spooky precincts filled with live entertainment, thrilling rides, and spooky surprises. Don’t forget to catch the Sea World Boo Crew’s Monster Mayhem Laser Lightshow—it’s sure to be a scream! Perfect for all ages, it’s the ultimate Halloween family adventure on the Gold Coast! Get one free entry with a Village Roadshow One Pass or purchase your ticket today. Get yours here.
Where: Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
When: Friday 18th & Friday 25th October from 5.30pm – 8.30pm

Block Party – Halloween Edition
Get ready for a fang-tastic time at the Miami Block Party, where six of the Gold Coast’s hottest venues are joining forces to throw a spooky Halloween bash on Sunday, 27th October! From noon, you can hop between Hard FIZZ Taproom, Precinct Brewing, Paddock Bakery, Granddad Jacks, Black Hops and Pretty Handsome. Best of all, it’s FREE! Bring the kids, dress up your dog, and throw on your scariest costume because there’ll be prizes, drink specials, and spooky fun at every stop. It’s going to be a scream!
Where: Hibiscus Haven, Lemana Lane and Christine Avenue venues
When: Sunday 27th October from 12pm

Words by Belinda Symons