Oh, how that handful of toasty warm days a week or two ago almost tricked us into forgetting winter was still here!
Soon enough, the GC chill has come back around, colder than ever and making us want to lock ourselves inside under the warmth of every blanket we own.
While hibernating for the next month until winter is over, binge watching Netflix and stocking up on a supply of Doughnut Time seems to be a good option, we have a few reasons for you to still maintain a social life with six perfect spots to get cosy and see out this winter.
Wine Tasting | Mason Wines Eden Estate
Not many people think to head into the mountains to beat the freeze, but, let’s not forget about all those rustic and charming Gold Coast wineries who know how to make the most out of a cold winter’s day. One of our absolute favourites on Tamborine Mountain is Mason Wines Eden Estate. Not only will you be surrounded by an endless supply of wine, but the setup is on point for a perfect lunch by the open wood-burning fireplace. Plus, if you’re wondering whether your squad will get it together to go the distance, we’re sure the “complimentary wine tasting” during your lunch course is sure to get them there!
Where: 32 Hartley Road, North Tamborine
Always-Summer Vibe | Tupe Aloha
For Metropolist’s southern followers, a good option this winter is to trick your mind into thinking it’s warm and the perfect place for constant summery vibes is Kirra’s Tupe Aloha. Tupe Aloha’s Hawaiian slash Mexican-themed menu is soul-warming and when we heard 2-4-1 burritos were being served as a weekly Wednesday tradition—with a token cocktail umbrella—our text hotline to the besties was flooded. So, throw on your fave Sunday shirt, get down there, grab a coconut cocktail, and face plant into a burrito food coma. Winter. What winter?
Where: Shop 1, Nirvana Building, Corner Douglas and Musgrave Streets, Kirra
Mulled Wine | Après Surf
There are more reasons to come here than the quirky cool charm Après Surf shows off. These guys have stumbled upon magic with the simplest of things, their deliciously spiced mulled wine served in the cutest of cups which make it even more of a novelty to drink. A few of tasty drops and you won’t even remember what season you’re in—hopefully from the warm fuzzies and not so much the quantity consumed.
Where: 2376 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Soul-warming Italian eats + blankets | Salt Meats Cheese
Anywhere that serves rich Italian cuisine is certainly going to be packing warmth in their dishes. Salt Meats Cheese are geniuses when it comes to gourmet pizzas, drool-worthy pasta dishes, arrancini magic, and the perfect vino to match. However, it’s not just about the warm food feels here, they’ll even make sure you’re being kept toasty alfresco with plenty of blankets to share around. Perfecto!
Where: The 4217, 10 Beach Road, Surfers Paradise
Vitamin D | Justin Lane Rooftop Bar
If heaters aren’t doing the trick and blankets just won’t cut it, then let the biggest heater in our solar system (the sun) work some vitamin D into your soul. There’s no better place to grab some natural heat than on Justin Lane’s perfectly decked out rooftop bar. Lock yourself in for a Sunday afternoon when they serve their famously delicious wood-fired pizzas, live DJ tunes, all while you sip back on a cocktail or five. This team caters for everyone, so if you find you just can’t make it out of the house, download their app now for swift delivery straight to your door.
Where: 1708—1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Tequila and Tacos | Mexicali
When we think Mexican we think chillies, which makes us think of super amounts of heat and we’re feeling pretty hot already. Luckily, Mexicali have a few other options besides chewing down on ghost peppers to get you warm. You can get cosy inside with some of the finest tacos going around or, take a seat on the deck under the warmth of toasty heaters and watch the purple haze of another perfect winter’s sunset. And, of course, there is always tequila.
Still got the winter blues? Here’s 9 cosy cabins for a winter escape.
Photo Credit: Hayley Williamson for Metropolist