No matter the style you're seeking, there's a tattoo studio on the Gold Coast with your name on it. From anchor tatts to masterful black and grey portraits. Traditional old school Americana, to pin-up girls and neo-traditional.
For many, the body's a blank canvas. So if you're planning to get some ink, perhaps it'll tell a story, capture a memory or make a statement. Then again, you might just want a cool little drawing on you for the fun of it.
Myself and the Urban List team are of the firm belief that no matter if you have an exact design in mind or a vague idea, there's a talented tattoo artist up to the task. With the help of some well-respected and very well-inked people in the business, here are what I believe to be 14 of the best Gold Coast tattoo studios to get inked at.
Best Gold Coast Tattoo Studios At A Glance:
- Walk-In Tattoo Studios
- Traditional Tattoo Studios
- Multi-Talented Tattoo Studios
- Creative Tattoo Studios
Fine Line Tattoo Studios
The Raspberry Room
2/2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Image Credit: The Raspberry Room | Supplied
Step inside The Raspberry Room in Mermaid Beach and you might not know whether you're in a Gold Coast tattoo studio or a Cluedo scene. With its library shelf secret doors, velvet couches and alluring candy bars, it's the stone finishings that set the scene for your adventure ahead.
Owned by the talented Coco Loberg and her partner, this is without question my pick for the most elite-level fineline artistry on the whole of the Gold Coast. Plus there are some delightfully quirky touches like red ink or 'no peeking' bookings which see you choose a scroll from the wall and have it tattooed on your body. It's a brave choice but given the callibre of work here, I can almost guarantee you'll be obsessed with the outcome.
There's a heap of cool stuff happening in the studio like life drawing and chess games and just an all-round good time vibe daily from 10am-7pm. P.S and if you're not already completely convinced, Cody Simpson and several other A-listers have frequented The Raspberry Room. Just saying.
La Femme Tattoo House
2241C Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
It's the aesthetically crisp tattoo parlour with a real knack for post stamp designs and tiny details. And I'd go as far as to say that La Femme is my recommendation for script tattoos on the Gold Coast.
Dainty designs, wistful florals and letter sign-offs from special people immortalised on your very skin. Attention to detail is front and centre at this light and airy studio that feels more wellness spa than clinic. I would love to just hang out for a while here and you will too. La Femme is open from Monday to Saturday; it's DM to book but you'll need to book in advance at this top tattoo spot.
Walk-In Tattoo Studios
All Time Tattoo
1/2249 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Tucked away in the effortlessly cool Nobby’s Beach, All Time Tattoo is the kind of spot that makes you feel instantly at ease, no matter if you're a seasoned collector or tattoo first-timer. With its chill 80s and 90s-inspired vibes, a walk-in-friendly approach, and an ethos that champions individuality, this is more than just a tattoo studio—it’s a full-blown creative hub.
The team here have an motto of 'All Styles, All Welcome, All The Time' and it's not just a slogan; they really mean it. They have a 'doors always open' philosophy and we love the authentic spontaneity—of course, you can book an appointment if that's your thing. Established in 2023, All Time has brought a fresh energy to the Gold Coast tattoo scene and we're here for it.
Whether you’re feeling impulsive or booking in for something big, All Time Tattoo is the place to turn those fleeting moments into forever ink. Hot tip: keep an eye on their Insta for flash days and artist spotlights—you’ll want to be first in line.
383 Tattoo Studio
1/2711 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach QLD 4218
383 Tattoo Studio is a clear favourite among the best Gold Coast tattoo studios for bright colours and bold designs, with a hint of traditional Japanese styling. They've been inking and winking in their Broadbeach locale since 2009 and bring a collective 50+ years of experience to the tatt table.
Their team of artists welcome walk-ins which is a testament to their on-demand skillsets. To say they’ve got an exceptional grasp on making colours pop would be an understatement, in my opinion. Whether it be full back pieces or realistic portraits, American flash or a cute pair of cherries. Chicano, realistic cars or colour explosions are all at home at this long-standing tattoo parlour.
Alfred Street Tattoo
9/2375 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
If you’re looking for something a little quirky or unique, then Alfred Street Tattoo is my pick for an alternative tatt. The young and talented team’s beautiful creations actually attract tattoo fanatics from around the globe. Flash sheets are your friend here if you're not sure yet what you want. With so many inspiring angles to go in, perhaps you'll leave with more than one piece after your visit.
Whether it’s a fine delicate flower, a full chest piece, or a detailed skull you’re after, Alfred Street Tattoo are up for the challenge and deliver the banter. Walk-ins are welcome 11am-6pm Wednesday through Monday and by appointment Tuesdays via DM or on 5554 6530.
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Traditional Tattoo Studios
Inkspired Tattoo & Beauty
5 Griffith St, Coolangatta QLD 4225
If you’re ever in Coolangatta and get stung by the tattoo bug, here's the top tattoo studio I recommend. Inkspired Tattoo & Beauty is your go-to for bold black and grey, neo-traditional or mandala styles. But to be honest, their range of styles is seemingly limitless.
This talented team are often applauded for their speedy sketches that illustrate ideas before (amazed) eyes. Grab a cuppa next door at Old Quarter Coffee Merchants between sessions.
Surf N Ink Tattoo
Shop 24/9 Tricket St, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
1-29 Millaroo Dr, Helensvale QLD 4212
Looking for a comfortable atmosphere and high-quality tattoos? I cannot recommend Surf N Ink Tattoo highly enough. They’re a family-owned tattoo studio that knows how to set the scene for a longer sit. Think open, bright studios, top-notch customer service, and a relaxed atmosphere engineered to be your safe space. On top of that, they exclusively use sustainable products, with vegan inks and biodegradable consumables.
But let’s talk tattoos. Surf n Ink Tattoo is all about expressing art as a vision. With multi-award-winning tattoo artist Marco on the team, I promise this place is the real deal. Fine line, traditional, geometric, tribal, you name it, they’ve got it. They’ve even got free consultations and hundreds of photos of their breathtaking tattoos across their galleries organised by style, so you know exactly what you’re getting into and I, for one, really love that.
Good Vibrationz Tatatau
6/14 Studio Dr, Oxenford QLD 4210
Renowned for its intricate and detailed mehndi work and cultural pieces, Good Vibrationz Tatatau is the first Polynesian-owned and operated tattoo studio on the Gold Coast. I'm a big fan of their fine lines, geometric brilliance and welcoming team.
Whether you’re after a traditional Maori piece or something a little different, like a mandala or a freehand ornamental lotus, the talented artists at Good Vibrationz work with you to create your dream tattoo. They also specialise in coverups, so if you’ve got a tattoo that needs fixing up, this should be a tattoo joint on your Gold Coast hit list.
SkinFX
21/15 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Any tatted-up local worth their ink knows the story of Paul Braniff. In 1985, this local pioneer set up the Gold Coast’s first-ever tattoo studio, Borderline (near the “border”) in Kirra, and is admired for passing the baton along to his star apprentices, several of which have gone on to open their own studios. Paul moved Borderline from Kirra to Coolangatta and then Burleigh before opening his flagship studio SkinFX in Surfers Paradise.
SkinFX (together with an additional two tattoo studios) are now in the capable hands of Paul’s sons, Luke and Ben who’ve both been tattooing since the mid-90s. No list of the best tattooists on the Gold Coast would be complete without SkinFX and a nod to the Braniff family.
Multi-Talented Tattoo Studios
Black Market Tattoo Co
1A 76 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina QLD 4226
This triple-threat tattoo parlour/barber/apparel store is championed by an inventive team of artists who splash their creativity on your skin at Black Market Tattoo Co. Plus, they offer snacks and honestly, that's enough to get me in the door.
This friendly team is seriously hilarious and you'll likely be bumping sandwiches with them and raising a can of Coke in some type of new in-house victory ritual you two have created together since your time in the shop. Angels and cherubs, fine lines and rats. There's literally nothing they can't do and you'll have a hoot while you're there.
Celebrity Ink
Various locations
For some, getting a tattoo is like popping out for a loaf of bread. So it's kind of cool to know that you can do both on a trip out to Celebrity Ink. Located inside Harbourtown, Robina Town Centre, Broadbeach's Oasis Shopping Centre, Surfers Paradise's Centre and Westfield Coomera, it's hands down the most convenient Gold Coast tattoo studio option around.
While your typical parlours only specialise in tattoos, Celebrity Ink is the one-stop shop when it comes to your body—think tattoos, piercings, and cosmetic tattooing, all in one place.
With free consultation sessions, aftercare processes, and a team focused on your comfort, I think it's safe to say they're up there with the best when it comes to service. But they’re not all bark either—they’ve got the ink skills to back it up. With too many tattoo styles to name, it’s best you take a sneak peek at their infinite galleries brimming with works of art.
Creative Tattoo Studios
Phresh Ink
6/2893 Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Phresh Ink is a tattoo studio held together by the culture of family—and the staff will make you feel like you're part of it by the time your tattoo's finished. Founded in 2013, husband-wife team Josh Kuhne and Amy pride themselves on good customer service and high-quality yet affordable tattoos.
9.30am-10am are reserved for complimentary consults which gives dedicated time to discuss ideas, review inspo and get your piece quoted. I like that it's not a sit down and see, rather a conscious process to you know for sure what's coming next. Phresh Ink offer vegan ink, at no extra cost, and even run a removal studio in case you want to make space on your body for your next piece.
Loco Tattoo
10/38 Thomas Dr, Surfers Paradise QLD 4218
I vote Loco Tattoo as the creepiest tattoo studio on the Gold Coast, but, like, in a good way. Their photo realistic masterpieces range from deep sea scenes and bulbous octopi, to skulls and zombie-like creatures. You'll likely double-take at their portraits that look just like the real thing.
With a team of award-winning artists, no matter how whacky or wild your design concept is, if realistic is your vibe this is my recommendation for you. Then head directly to Yakiniku-Uchi right by this studio for an epic bite to eat.
Storm The Gates
59 Railway St, Mudgeeraba QLD 4213
Each and every tattoo artist that works at Storm The Gates has a real passion for what they do, and it shows through their flawless work. Everything from large detailed sleeves to small delicate pieces, the talented artists at Storm The Gates can do just about anything.
Their seven artists each bring their unique styles to the tattoo table and I particularly love their renditions of kids drawings to plant their 'works of art' on your body forever more. Their worms turned portraits and cheerful catfish through to gold fish flash sheets mark this one as one of the most creative tattoo studios on the Gold Coast in my books.
Serpents Ink
Shop 4, 2623 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach QLD 4218
'Tattoos for the anime and pop culture-obsessed' is what Serpents Ink is all about. Think cartoon scenes, mythical lands and fantastical battles. Boasting a national-award-winning fine-line tattooist and a slew of other talented artists, you’re in good hands with these peeps. You can find them right across from the Broadbeach South tram stop which means a post-tatt feast at Hideaway Kitchen & Bar a wander up the road is a fab plan before tramming it home.
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Image Credit: Kaitlin Maree Photography for Alfred Street Tattoo
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