Nightlife

From raging rooftops to craft beer bars and intimate tequila joints, here's our ultimate round up to the very best bars on the Gold Coast. 

There’s no doubt about it—the Gold Coast in 2025 is a full-blown culinary paradise. But when it comes to choosing the perfect spot for a special night out, it can still feel a little overwhelming. That’s where we come in.

Here are the best events you don't want to miss happening on the Gold Coast this weekend. 

Pull up your calendar and block out a weekend (or seven) and tune into some unmissable festivals coming to our corner of the world. 

These openings on the Gold Coast are set to shake up a scene that’s already bursting at the seams with wining and dining goodness.

We’ve foraged together 50 awesome things to do on the Gold Coast that are fun, sometimes tasty and maybe even free.

This Easter long weekend on the Gold Coast, we’re pointing you in the direction of some of our favourite cafes, restaurants and bars.

Southport is best known for its dazzling Broadwater, but, in recent years, it’s also transformed into a fierce contender on the Gold Coast dining scene.

We’ve tasted our way through this seaside suburb to bring you the best restaurants in Coolangatta totally worth opening your wallet for. 

When it comes to ringing in 2025, you don’t want to be stuck just anywhere.

So you’ve been enlisted to organise the office Christmas party—gulp. The pressure is on and chances are you’re scratching your head for ideas. 

With ample choice but varying quality, let us guide you to all of the very best restaurants in Surfers Paradise that'll keep you fed and watered this summer.

The Gold Coast's signature arts and culture festival, BLEACH* Festival is back for 2024, boasting the largest program in BLEACH* history to celebrate its massive 13th anniversary. 

With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year—a scorching summer, delightful autumn, mild winter and stunning spring—it’s no wonder we love to wine and dine in the great outdoors. Here are the best rooftop bars on the Gold Coast.

Burleigh has it all, really. A thriving dining scene, pumping nightlife, boutique shopping, a huge expanse of glorious beach and some of the best surfing waves on the Gold Coast. 

The Enchanted Garden, presented by Royal Caribbean, returns this 23 November to transform Roma Street Parkland into a light-filled playground.

Stretching from Tweed through to Kyogle, the Northern Rivers' best restaurants range from family-owned hideaways to hatted establishments.

We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Gold Coast nightlife. And the best side dish to your margarita and taco combo? Some good old fashioned live tunes at some of the best live music venues on the Gold Coast. 

 Take the hassle and heartache out of feeding and watering your guests at your next event by getting in one of Gold Coast’s best caterers. 

If you haven’t heard of the name Tokoh, get used to it because you’ll soon be hearing it everywhere.

Whether you’re a homegrown local looking for a seaside staycay or you’re visiting this iconic slice of paradise from out of town, we’ve rounded up the best Airbnbs in Surfers Paradise.

If you haven’t heard the name Okawari House yet, remember it, because you’re about to be hearing a whole lot about it.

We've hunted down some of the best margaritas on the Gold Coast, perfectly sweet and salty to kick-start your weekend.

The freshly-opened Tank Bar & Dining overlooks the bustling Gold Coast Highway in Palm Beach, occupying the two-storey building formerly occupied by Wildernis. 

When it comes to Mexican fare, Gold Coast has an insatiable appetite. Bowls of guacamole, burrito bowls, loaded nachos, plenty of queso, beans for days and lashings of sour cream—we want it all, and we want it all now. 

La Luna is Australia’s first luxury beach club and restaurant and if that wasn’t cool enough already, it’s built on floating pontoons. 

Every now and then, a new dining spot pops up that you just know is going to be a keeper. The latest newcomer on the Burleigh block, Local Burleigh, is just that.

Located just a stone’s throw from the bustling heart of Surfers on Ferny Avenue, Surfers Pavilion impeccably blends the energy of Surfers Paradise with sleek style and sophistication. 

Calling on all seasoned wine drinkers! You know who you are, you gotta wind down on Wednesday, you love a thirsty Thursday, Fri-yay’s always end with a vino and what’s Sunday without a sneaky arvo session? 

Ah, mini-golf. The gift that keeps on giving. Although it has teetered on the edge of irrelevance for decades, it refuses to abandon us. And hallelujah to that. Where would we be without it?

One of the most hotly anticipated venue launches of 2022, Isoletto has finally swung open its doors and we can’t get enough of it. The spectacular new poolside oasis towers six stories above street level, boasting unparalleled views of the Broadbeach skyline and is the latest jewel in the burgeoning crown of The Star Gold Coast.

La Bella Cellar on Deodar Drive in Burleigh Heads recently got a stunning makeover and it’s been the talk of the town ever since.

Just when you thought you couldn’t possibly fit another festive event in your schedule, think again. 

If your bar cart is running dry in these strange self-isolation times, the Gold Coast has plenty of options to top you up.  

Artesian Hospitality's mega lifestyle and entertainment rooftop precinct is opening on the Gold Coast this September.

Springtime Music Festival will take over the beaches and streets of Surfers Paradise from 3-5 September with an impressive lineup of live music that'll guarantee some serious head bopping.

If you’re into mixing a bit of art with a little vino (or a bit more than a little, let’s be honest), we’re here to introduce you to the newest crowning jewel in the Gold Coast’s paint and sip crown: Paint Juicy.

Prepare to soak up the industrial-chic vibes of Miami’s hottest new kid on the block, SPEC. The stylishly grungy open-air beer garden is giving a fresh, revamped face to the site of the iconic vegan eatery, The LC, and has already made a splash in the hospitality scene. 

In collaboration with friends and co-creatives, Mint Art House, Arcana is set to be a sensory showcase of local artists and musicians.

One of the new upcoming additions to the Broadbeach scene is The Vault, a sultry whiskey and tapas place that is hell bent on bringing sexy back to Broadbeach.

Rosé lovers—you know who you are—it’s time to unabashedly praise the most superior type of wine out there with the Gold Coast’s new Rosé festival.

If you’ve been dreaming of escaping to the Greek islands but are obviously landlocked, we found a stunning new place for you where you can play some serious Euro-vacation pretend: Destino.

The Black Hops trio have spent the last 18 months working away on something supremely special and they’re finally ready to introduce you to it—say g’day to AWOL.

From now until Monday 5 April, get yourself down to Robina Pavilion to experience a limited-edition menu like no other—called Margaritaville, the six-drink collaboration between Robina Pav and Patron is going to re-awaken (or just cement) your passion for a good marg.

Surfers Paradise will be transformed into a circus-themed outdoor gallery of colour, movement, music and huge artworks this weekend for this year’s Beyond The Sand Art Festival and you won’t want to miss it.

WildFlower are known for their delicious botanical gin flavours (and more experimental flavours like their lamington one) and now they’re about to be known for a stunning new bar. 

Here for a good time or a long time? We're helping you out with the only guide you need for navigating the best bars in Surfers Paradise. You're welcome!

Breaking up is hard to do, but giving away your ex’s stuff to a pop-up exhibition is not. Enter QT’s Heartbreak Hotel: Museum Of Love And Disappointments, an exhibition that features relationship relics of the past ranging from heartwarming, sad or just downright comical. 

Hold on to your pint glasses, because we’re bringing you some breaking hospitality news: Surfers Paradise’s first and only brewery, BOBs Beer, has finally opened its doors and it’s what a beer lover’s dreams are made of.

You might not be able to doze in the European sun this year, but you can still soak up the magic at this relaxed eatery taking the Brunswick Heads dining scene by storm: Honour.

Stoked Paddle has unveiled their eagerly-awaited Stand Up Paddle Boarding Night Glow Experience and we’re loving it. Stand up paddle boarding has taken the waterborne world by storm but the peeps at Stoked are kicking it up a notch with their sunset and night paddle boarding tours.

Saving us all from the sweltering heat that’s usually associated with the beginning of the year is SCOOP!, a new ice cream-inspired festival coming to the Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast.

The iconic crew from Three Blue Ducks just launched their newest outpost in Byron and it is stunning.

Yes, Queensland, it's been a while between dances—but as of noon on Monday 14 December, you'll be able to hit the floor again. 

Spending long days at the beach, relaxing in the sun, sinking a few coldies—summer is looking good. Chuck the Gold Coast’s coolest new brewpub into the mix and we’re settling in for a banger summer. 

Veladora is the Gold Coast’s newest hidden gem (it’s so hidden, in fact, that even we won’t tell you where it is; you’ll have to figure it out for yourself.)

Regardless whether trick-or-treating, costumes, pumpkins, bonfires, horror films, cemeteries, ghosts and ghouls are your thing, try one of the following Gold Coast Halloween events on for size and embrace the best of the spooky season before it’s gone.

If your weekends are for chilling and your weekdays are for doing, then we’ve got you covered with five awesome things to do on the Gold Coast this week.

Scott Imlach and the notorious Imlach Group are at it again with another hospitality project that’ll no doubt get crowds hyped and a-flockin’.

Gin, whether it’s served straight, with tonic over ice or mixed in a cocktail, is a perennial favourite of ours. Sure, we love to drink it, but now we can make it too, and so can you. That’s right, you can now sip your very own brew and it’s all possible thanks to the legends at Granddad Jacks.

​Prepare to be blown away, because your favourite crew from Justin Lane have just thrown open the doors to an incredible, neon-lit Asian eatery and it’s the hottest thing we’ve seen in a long, long time.  

After months of lockdown and restrictions, HOTA’s Gold Coast cinema will be officially re-opening this weekend, from Saturday 6 June.

Unless you've been living under a rock, you will have heard that some Gold Coast restaurants and cafes have re-opened for dine-in services (for up to 10 people at a time).

Get ready to binge on all your favourite street food this weekend, because Miami Marketta is back in action. 

We’ve rounded up the best places to grab takeaway cocktails on the Gold Coast right now, but as always during these crazy times, we’ll be updating it on the regular so check back often and make sure you’ve got ice in the freezer. 

Anzac Day on the Gold Coast is going to look a lot different in 2020.

​If ever there was a time to perfect your cocktail skills at home, this is it. But thanks to the clever crew at the Gold Coast’s Mr.Consistent, you won’t have to flail about in the deep end at all.

After growing concerns around public health, several of the Gold Coast’s major events have been cancelled. 

From old-school hotels that we know and love, to breweries and festivals, these are the best live music venues in Byron Bay.

Summer might be over, but March just so happens to be one of the most action-packed months of the year! 

Dust off your thongs, gather up your mates and sink your teeth into a sausage sanga with this cracker lineup of things to do on the Gold Coast this Australia Day long weekend.

The epic new musical festival announcements just keep coming, with the news of Greener Pastures hitting the Gold Coast in 2020. 

Moxy’s Rooftop Bar is the Gold Coast’s latest addition to the rooftop scene. Its owners have worked hard to create a space that fits nicely between a thumping nightclub and a formal restaurant. It’s a place to come together, enjoy some drinks, have a nibble, and take in live music and DJ sets.

Just opened, Nightcap is brought to you by the familiar faces behind Bine Craft Beer Bar, Hideaway Kitchen, Mr Hizola’s, Soho Place and Nightjar.

Queenslanders, it's time to dust down those glad rags, pop on your best lippy or dapper tie and celebrate the not-so-humble blush bevvy that is rosé, because the annual festivus that is Rosé Revolution is back! 

There’s plenty of reasons to celebrate spring this month, so read on for all the things to do on the Gold Coast this October. 

It seems like an eternity since we teased you with news that Miss Moneypenny’s, of Noosa fame, was bringing its world famous cocktail offering and Mediterranean vibes to the Gold Coast. Well, the wait is finally over. 

It's the Oktoberfest event to end them all. 

Anticipation has been high for the arrival of popular Noosa-born brand Miss Moneypenny’s. But it takes two to truly tango, and Fat Freddy’s is here to get the party started in this new mini dining precinct on Broadbeach’s Surf Parade.

It’s no secret we have a huge crush on Lupo. This progressive neighbourhood bar and eatery has carved its own path since opening two years ago; cooking over an open wood fire and quietly making waves in their little nook at Mermaid Beach.  

Broadbeach’s The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub opens this week and is set to deliver a sexy stage show featuring international stars—straight to our backyard. 

Surfers Paradise’s Beer Garden re-opens this weekend after a multi-million-dollar renovation, pouring a welcomed breath of fresh air into the underutilised space and taking full advantage of its prime location.

Located on Tugun’s busy shopping nook, Caracara—named after the majestic falcon on the Mexican flag—will feature a low-key tequila bar tucked away at the rear, and a bright and welcoming cantina at the front, bringing some much needed after dark buzz to the 4222. 

Awakening a new era of world-class entertainment, say hello to The Pink Flamingo. The brainchild of hospitality and showbiz gurus, Tony Rigas and Sue Porrett, The Pink Flamingo is set to deliver sleek and sexy stage shows featuring international superstars, straight to our backyard. Expect an exciting mix of cabaret and burlesque that will transport you to the golden area of entertainment.

It’s State of Origin time and we’ve got the best places for you to get your game on across the Gold Coast. Whether you’re a Maroon or Blues supporter, there’s nothing like watching the game live and loud with a crowd. We’ve compiled the best places to ingest the game, along with some good grub and bargain beverages to wash it all down. Win or lose, you’ll be happy you hit up these GC greats for Wednesday’s kick off.

While we love a greasy pad Thai on a lazy Sunday night, sometimes you just can’t beat fresh, authentic flavours and that’s exactly what Broadbeach newbie Nahm Kitchen and Bar is slinging seven days a week. Located on the popular foodie strip outside The Oasis, this Thai eatery is all about showcasing local produce and pairing them with Thai flavours. 

If you haven’t stopped by Mermaid Beach’s FuFu in a while, then consider this your call to action. The venue, run by Gold Coast foodie legend Morgan Walsh, has had a complete makeover. Gone is the candy pink interior and Chinese American menu and in its place sits an achingly cool big sister.

If you’re looking to add a bit of magic to your winter, we have news for you! A light festival is coming to the Gold Coast and it’s going to be epic! The appropriately named event, GLOW, will see HOTA transform into a twinkling wonderland for the three-night festival.

As we officially launch into the second half of 2019 and cosy up for winter nights indoors, crisp weekend roadies and everything in between, we can’t help but feel all fuzzy inside about the cooler months on the GC. With so many things to do on the Gold Coast this July, hibernation is absolutely not on the list. 

Round up your mates and prepare to hit peak nostalgia because Level Up is dishing out old school fun with their slick, new Broadbeach arcade. Located on the first floor of The Oasis, Australia’s first Level Up Arcade will officially open its doors on Monday 24 June and you’ll want to be first in line.