As tempting as it might be after a long week at work, fighting off those post-festive season blues, summer is no time to be sitting at home watching Netflix and eating ramen.
Grab a friend, a few beers and your A game, ‘cause it’s time to put everything you have learned on MasterChef into practice. Once you have tenderised, marinated and dressed to perfection, all you need is the location.
With more than 380 BBQ spots on the Gold Coast, there are more idyllic places to grill up a fancy steak, a few shrimps or the best sausage sizzle you can shake a pair of tongs at. Here are eight of our favourite local barbie spots (including a few just across the border) that will not only provide you with a means of cooking your expertly-prepared fare, but a bloody great view to go with it.
Causeway Park
Coomera River
This park, on the banks of the Coomera River, is hidden away at the end of Old Tamborine Road. Frequented only by the occasional fisherman, you can spread out, watch the boats on the river, sizzle a snag or two and enjoy views over the water in your own (kind of) private park.
Where: Old Tamborine Road, Oxenford
Kirra Lookout
Coolangatta
It’s an oldie but a goodie; the views from a BBQ at Kirra Lookout cannot be beaten. Flip your burgers and toast your buns while looking out over the ocean and entire Gold Coast shoreline, north up to Surfers and south down to Snapper Rocks. Plus, the shady hilltop seating area gets a nice breeze—the perfect location for a mid-afternoon feed.
Where: Garrick Street, Coolangatta
Bochow Park
Springbrook National Park
Just a few clicks from the Natural Bridge walking track (3.5 kilometres north, to be exact) is the Bochow Park and BBQ area. After walking the scenic rainforest track to see the spectacular bridge and falls, set up in the grassy park for a splash in the creek and slap up barbie. Because, nature.
Where: Nerang Murwillumbah Road, near Natural Bridge
Currumbin Rock Pools
Currumbin Valley
The not-so-secret spot which is a favourite of all GC locals, the Currumbin Rock Pools BBQ area is a complex beast. Secluded and romantic on a Tuesday in winter, but packed full of people with a great family atmosphere on a Saturday in summer. Choose your timing wisely and you will not be disappointed.
Where: Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Valley
Jack Bayliss Park
Kingscliff
If you want to escape the crowds, head to Jack Bayliss Park on Marine Parade, Kingscliff. Set just back from the sand, this spot provides a sneak peek of the ocean through the trees, a shady BBQ area, kids play area and kilometres of pristine white sand. Often deserted, this stretch of beach is a fab place for a romantic rendezvous, to let your obnoxious children who can’t use their inside voices run wild, or a place to do some nudie-sunbaking and get rid of those tan lines! Shhhh, we won’t tell anyone…
Where: Marine Parade, Kingscliff
Broadwater Parklands
Southport
Ideal for families, Broadwater Parklands looks out over the Southport Yacht Club and is home to Aquasplash. Watch the boats motoring into the marina, entertain the kids on the floating adventure playground (big kids can join too!), all while enjoying a good old Aussie BBQ and a few vinos in the sunshine. With plenty of space, this place is perfect for big groups and casual celebrations. It’s a leashed dog area too, so don’t forget to bring along your best furry buddy.
Where: Marine Parade, Southport
Paradise Point Parklands
Paradise Point
This popular BBQ spot on the northern end of the Coast has multiple play areas, huge open grassy areas, shady picnic table areas, swimming areas…. it basically has all the areas. Time it right and you could go for a stroll through the Gold Coast arts and crafts market (fourth Sunday of every month 7am to 2pm), while you pat yourself on the back for another successful summer barbie.
Where: The Esplanade, Paradise Point
Eastern Banks Of Tweed River
Fingal Heads
Hidden away on the Fingal headland is an ideal BBQ spot overlooking the Tweed River. This BBQ area is just metres from the water’s edge, giving you uninterrupted views of the water and a small sheltered inlet perfect for dip on a hot day. We think this might just be the best location on the Gold Coast to enjoy a beer and a sausage sanga while watching the sunset.
Where: Near Fingal Road and Lagoon Road intersection, Fingal Heads
Looking for more good times in the great outdoors? You'll love the Gold Coast prettiest walks.