ANZAC Day is all about commemorating our diggers, past and present, but it is also the crown jewel in a string of public holidays that simply can’t be wasted vegging out on the couch after the annual dawn service. Yet again, the Gold Coast has answered our call with a slew of bars, cafes and restaurants open this ANZAC Day.
In between paying your respects to the ANZACs, you deserve a tasty meal and an ice-cold drink; read on for some of the best venues keeping their doors open this ANZAC Day public holiday on the Gold Coast in 2023.
Editor's Note: Some venues are still awaiting confirmation of 2023 dates, but were open on these dates in 2022. Please check back closer to ANZAC Day.
Cafes
Cardamon Pod
Southport
The passionate vegetarians and vegans at Cardamom Pod Brickworks are open from 8am so you can get your fix of their raw smoothie bowls, Insta-worthy acai bowls and oh-so much more in the plant-based department.
Parkway Robina
Robina
This pretty-as-can-be spot hidden in the heart of Robina is a prime spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the long weekend and kick back after a dawn service. Parkway Robina will be pumping out their top-notch coffee and delicious eats from 7am until 2pm on ANZAC Day.
Bam Bam Bakehouse
Mermaid Beach
These guys know your coffee and pastry addiction doesn’t take a day off, so they won’t either. Bam Bam Bakehouse will be open from 6.30am to 2:30pm. Hint: they’re taking pre-orders too so you can avoid the queue and smash some more of your favourite treats.
Stable Coffee + Kitchen
Tugun
You’d be forgiven for pulling up a chair and planting yourself here for a long brunch or lunch, because Cornerstone Stores is seriously dreamy. Stable Coffee + Kitchen is open 6am until 2pm on Tuesday, ready to serve you up some tummy-warming goodness with their wholesome autumn menu.
Daark Espresso
Chirn Park
An institution among professional brunchers, Daark is always buzzing with coffee lovers chilling on the wrap-around deck, and ANZAC Day will be no exception. Daark Espresso will be open on Tuesday from 7am to 2pm and is sure to be pumping.
Yo-Chi
Broadbeach
Cult-favourite frozen yoghurt joint, Yo-Chi will be open on ANZAC Day from 10am to 10pm.
Third Base
Palm Beach
If you’re after top-notch coffee, a wholesome breakfast and good vibes all around, then you need to hit up Third Base. Third Base’s Palm Beach location will be open from 7am until 12pm on ANZAC Day. Hot tip: order one of their incredible toasties and thank us later.
BSKT
Mermaid Beach
If you’re holding on tight to that hard-earned beach body, you’ll be well catered for at Gold Coast’s favourite healthy eating cafe, BSKT. Open from 6am to 3pm, you can fill up on their delicious eats and artisanal coffee. Even better, a post-feed swim is just metres away.
Burleigh Baker
Paradise Point & Burleigh
The incredible Burleigh Baker team has been cooking up a storm in preparation for ANZAC Day, so you can swing by and stock up on their oaty and just-right caramelly ANZAC biscuits on Tuesday. Both locations will be open from 6:30am until 2pm.
Blackboard Coffee
Varsity Lakes
If you find yourself in and around Varsity Lakes on Tuesday, Blackboard Coffee is the place you need to go for smooth coffee, naughty doughnut treats and their infamous eggs benedict on hash. Blackboard Coffee is open on ANZAC Day from 5:30am to 3pm.
Paddock Bakery
Miami
These guys never rest, like seriously. But that’s great for us because we can always count on them for caffeine-fixes and epic breakfast vibes. Paddock Bakery is open on ANZAC Day from 6am to 3pm, slinging up some drool-worthy sweet treats.
Paradox Coffee Roasters
Surfers Paradise
Hidden among the hustle and bustle of Surfers, Paradox Coffee Roasters is always a sanctuary from the madness, serving up some of the best breakfasts in the hood. They’re open from 7am until 2pm this ANZAC Day.
Tarte Bakery & Cafe
Burleigh Heads
Luring crowds from all corners of the Coast, Tarte’s baked offerings are the ultimate mouth and eye candy, especially when you see their drool-worthy vegan hot cross buns coming fresh out of the oven every day. Tarte will be open this ANZAC Day from 6:30am to 3pm.
Social Brew
Burleigh Heads
The sheer weekend crowds are testament to the fact Social Brew whips up some of the best breakfasts on the Gold Coast, and this ANZAC Day long weekend will be no exception. Social Brew will be open on Tuesday from 6am to 3pm.
Cubby Bakehouse
Chinderah
Our hot tip for ANZAC Day? Grab your squad and jaunt across the border to Bam Bam’s sister cafe, Cubby Bakehouse. After being impacted by the recent floods, they’ve just re-opened their doors and will be open from 5:30am until 2:30pm on ANZAC Day, so pop in and show your support.
Bear Boy Espresso
Helensvale
Bear Boy Espresso is a godsend for our Northern Gold Coast friends and they’ll be even more grateful for this institution this weekend, because Bear Boy will swing open its doors on ANZAC Day from 6am to 2pm.
Elk Espresso
Broadbeach
Block off the morning then set your GPS for Broadbeach and a table at Elk Espresso to sample their stellar new autumn menu. Think: gingerbread waffles with white chocolate and blackberry ice cream, orange ganache, poached rhubarb, berries and biscuit crumb. Drool. This busy team will be open from 5:45am to 3pm on ANZAC Day.
The Henchman
Miami
If you’re after a smooth brew on your way to a service, the gang at The Henchman has you covered. They’ll be pumping out Byron Bay Coffee from 7am on ANZAC Day.
Restaurants & Bars
Robina Pavilion
Robina
Looking for somewhere to kick back and while away your public holiday afternoon? Robina Pavilion should be your go-to. Open from 11am on ANZAC Day, the venue will host live music by Trace Band and Two Up games all day, with pop-ups by Burleigh Brewing.
Light Years Asian Diner
Burleigh Heads
Light Years is like the cool older sister we all wish we were. She's refined, she's bright and loads of fun. Dive into Light Years' famous bao buns or the famous crispy pork with sticky caramel and prawn toast with umami butter, all paired with tantalisting cocktails this ANZAC Day long weekend. They'll be open from 12pm until 10pm every day over the long weekend.
Surf Club Burleigh
Burleigh Heads
Is there anything more quintessentially Gold Coast than having a frosty brew while overlooking Burleigh Beach? A Gold Coast icon, the Surf Club Burleigh will be open from 7am until 9:30pm on ANZAC Day and is sure to be pumping.
Balboa Italian
Palm Beach
This treasured neighbourhood haunt is renowned for serving locals fine Italian fare with a contemporary twist, all in the most magnificent of settings in Palm Beach. Pay Balboa Italian a visit this ANZAC Day, from 5pm to 9pm and your stomach will thank you for it.
Rosella’s
Burleigh Heads
Naturally one of the best places to be this ANZAC Day is Australiana-themed bar Rosella’s. Open from 12pm until late, they’ll be serving up special Aussie-themed cocktails, finger-lickingly good snacks and good vibes all around.
Hyde Paradiso
Surfers Paradise
Hyde Paradiso is the perfect spot for a laidback beach side brunch, so if you’re after European summer escape vibes this ANZAC Day but can’t afford the airfare, then this is the place for you. They’re open from 7am for breakfast.
The Cavill Hotel
Surfers Paradise
From 12pm on ANZAC Day, The Cavill Hotel in the heart of Surfers Paradise will welcome locals to join them for a cold beer and to enjoy all the Anzac sporting action. That means the AFL ANZAC double header matches from 12:30pm and 3:20pm and the NRL double headers from 4pm and 7pm all live and loud on the biggest screen in Surfers Paradise.
Burleigh Pavilion
Burleigh Heads
If you’re after views for days, excellent cocktails and sweet live music, then Burleigh Pavilion should be your go-to. They’re open from 11am until late this ANZAC Day.
Justin Lane
Burleigh Heads
Justin Lane, Burleigh’s OG party destination, will be pumping good vibes and views from 12pm till late. Grab a chilli marg and enjoy your day off.
Looking for more awesome things to do over the long weekend? Check out the best events happening on the Gold Coast this ANZAC long weekend.
Image Credit: Hayley Williamson and Kaitlin Maree Photography