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If you obsess over those boho chic outfits you see on Freepeople’s Instagram, and you wish that overseas shipping didn’t break your wallet, the great news is you can find those hippie bohemian looks in the fabulous Palm Beach fashion boutique, White Bohemian. Founded by free spirited local lass Sharon, this gem is the embodiment of new age hippy fashion; stocking renowned Byron Bay labels such as Arnhem Clothing, Spell Designs and Amilita, while also supporting up-and-coming local brands. So, get your best Kate Bosworth face ready; it’s time to be a beach-y bohemian. 

If it’s ocean views, heated indoor pools and a French bistro-style restaurant that you’re after, Sofitel has got you covered. Everything about this place is super modern, with a touch of fancy. Oh and did we mention the views?! Even if you’re only a few floors up, the 360-degree sweeping balcony panoramas of Broadbeach and beyond are enough to whisk you straight into holiday mode. 

Isle of Capri's Barber Bros & Co. is a hands down favourite among Gold Coast locals. This stylish team of passionate barbers live and breathe their trade, so it’s little wonder gents flock to this traditional full-service barber shop for beard scaping, perfectly manicured moustaches, hot towel cut throat shaves, and expert rockabilly and hipster hair styling. We know you won’t knock back a complimentary JD or Corona while you’re there, either; these are the kinda guys all other barbers aspire to. Walk ins only. 

Loyal vegan supporters have had a Greenhouse-sized hole in their heart ever since Greenhouse’s original Kirra location closed its doors to development. Sure, it’s only a 25-minute drive up the highway to their thriving Miami eatery but, we get it, sometimes you want that goodness right in arm’s reach. Founders Natalie and Charlie Evans have teamed up with one of their most besotted customers from Kirra (all the warm and fuzzies) to bring the Greenhouse name and philosophy back to the southern end—Coolangatta’s Griffith Street, to be precise. Expect many of the Greenhouse plant-based faves featuring on the menu from chickpea fries to jackfruit enchilada, loads of leafy things hanging from the rafters, signature design elements and a magical greenhouse-style glass-lined roof over the rear dining room. #crueltyfreeandkillingit 

Tucked several blocks back from Palm Beach’s main thoroughfare, Burgster is serving, hands down, some of the best burgers on the Gold Coast. These friendly kiwis hailing from across the pond know their shit and ain’t dishing up any ordinary burger and chips (pronounced ‘chups’, bro). Beyond their classic beef and cheeseburger, try a sandwich loaded with smoked brisket, pork Cubano, or delish Morten Bay bug tails. Burgster’s menu extends well beyond burgers too; the oysters, truffle chips and inventive small plates are killer, washed down with a house-made soda, Stone & Wood on tap or any host of rotating craft beers. 

The sassiest new addition to Mermaid Beach’s highway strip has got to be Lovechild. Just a few shops up from Board Culture Espresso, this boutique beauty will have you weak at the knees. Stocking a range of ethically-sourced apparel, you’ll find only the finest cruelty-free, vegan fashion and beauty products at Lovechild. Slip on some vegan leather boots (yes, that’s a thing!) or a cruelty-free silk tank and walk out completely on trend, while also doing your bit for the planet. Lovechild also hosts a twice monthly vegan market in the neighbouring laneway, overflowing with plant-loving foodie stalls, live DJ and all of the warm and fuzzy feels. 

Organic beauty spa, Earth & Skin is soothing all our stresses away. Located in a stunning Queenslander-style cottage at the entrance to Mudgeeraba, this sanctuary is just what you need: calming, quiet and heavenly. Offering a range of holistic treatments including signature massage experiences, organic facials, sugaring, eyebrow shaping, eco spray tans or incredibly blissful manis and pedis, Earth & Skin is the spa getaway of your dreams.

It’s a Friday or Saturday night and you’ve got no desire to cook dinner. But you’ve only got $20 in the kitty, so heading to your fave sit-down restaurant is a total stretch. So, what’s a hungry, not-keen-to-cook person to do? Two words—Miami Marketta. This long-established gem is held every Friday and Saturday night (and on a smaller scale on Wednesdays) and pulls together some of the best ethnic food stalls from across the Coast. Pair it with an electric vibe, revolving roster of toe-tapping bands and DJs, multiple cocktail bars, a dessert hall, fashion stalls and a buzzing family-friendly crowd, and you’ve got one of the best markets on the Gold Coast.

A little slice of old New York in the streets of Surfers Paradise, Brooklyn Depot is an original front-runner among the best burgers on the Gold Coast. Though not one to rest on their laurels, they’ve plunged deep into the heart of the borough, uncovering the true meaning of Brooklyn nosh, because research. And it comes in the shape of a new menu featuring corn beef hash egg rolls, chicken ‘n waffles, shrimp and grits tacos, plus their famed OTT burgers including the Fuhgeddaboudit with a grass-fed beef pattie, onion rings and injectable hot sauce. Not to mention our fave newbie: mac ‘n cheese—with lobster!

Located on glittering Oracle Avenue in Broadbeach, Social Eating House is definitely not somewhere to go for a quick bite, for the simple reason you would not be doing it justice. If you go to Social Eating House, clear your schedule, strap yourself in and bask in the glory of European cuisine cooked to absolute perfection, a warm buzzing atmosphere and cocktails so intricate the mixologist personally explains them in detail.

Hidden down a laneway arcade off Burleigh's James Street, this Mexico City-inspired, beach-vibing joint is right up our alley. A vibrant indoor outdoor space adorned with fairy lights, this is no typical Mexican joint and is a top spot to hang for tasty nosh and real-deal south-of-the-border cocktails.

From the iconic palm trees that frame this all-white vintage palace-style hotel, to the prime waterfront location, you can’t go past Palazzo Versace for the ultimate luxury getaway on the Gold Coast. Wake up in your condo overlooking Main Beach and stroll over to Il Barocco for an Italian buffet breakfast, with unlimited coffee. Follow that with a dip in the 63-metre pool and then top it all off with a massage at the spa on the rooftop terrace. 

Life on two wheels goes together like beards and anchor tattoos. Heck, here at The Urban List we’re even part-time bikie chicks ourselves! Currumbin’s Iron & Resin is a bike shop cum coffee stop, but don’t be intimated by the sweet rumbling of Harleys, Cafe Racers and classic moto rebuilds that ebb and flow from the on-street parking. Roll in for a frothy Will & Co. brew and brekkie burgers the size of your head; Sunday mornings are buzzing with live music and are your best bet if you’re looking to pop your Iron & Resin cherry.

Gelato Messina is the undisputed king of the dessert kingdom. Having served nightly hordes in Sydney for over a decade, they recently started spreading their magic across the country, opening their first Queensland store in Coolangatta. For ice cream enthusiasts it’s worth a trip south alone, to taste what it takes to be crowned crème-de-la-crème. All made in house with love, go weak at the knees for over 40 exotically indulgent flavours. Try their number one seller—salted caramel with white chocolate chip, or other crafty concoctions like pear and rhubarb, salted coconut and mango salsa or our favourite, apple pie. Oh, sweet baby Jesus!

With uninterrupted views of Surfers Paradise from 77 floors up, Peppers is the perfect retreat/resort/hotel all mixed into one. There’s the Seaduction Restaurant and Bar (we see what they did there), where you can chow down on the freshest local seafood, as well as the intimate wine-tasting room (self-explanatory). There’s also a sauna, heated pool and spa. What better place to treat yo’self?!

Harajuku Gyoza is already an institution where it originated in Bris-vegas, with four izakayas across the city and one in Sydney. The Broadbeach venue is their largest to date, meaning a bigger menu selection.

Without question, Freedom Float Centre is one of the best and most innovative wellness centres on the Gold Coast. Here you’ll find three state-of-the-art floatation pods that are filled with Epsom salt-infused water—that’s a similar density to the Red Sea and warmed to body temperature. Strip to your birthday suit, flick out the lights, lay back and surrender to a relaxed meditative state that promotes healing and reduces stress.

Ask any burger aficionado and this is where they’ll tell you to go. Bringing ‘proper burgers’ to the Gold Coast since early 2015, American-style Easy Street Diner aims to please with their infamous Royale with Cheese (only 12 bucks!), the Flamin’ Chicken Deluxe and the jalapeno-stuffed Big Poppa Royale, not to mention their po’boy-style burger range. Don’t forget to #supersize the calories with a side of old American classics like mac ‘n’ cheese, chicken wings, truffle fries and sweet spiced pumpkin pie. Are these some of the best burgers on the Gold Coast? You betcha. 

Handcrafted wooden skateboards, floppy felt hats, babes on push bikes—who needs Bondi when you’ve got The Village Markets? Since 2008, “TVM” has been silencing the skeptics of the Gold Coast’s blossoming talent pool with their artfully selected round up of boutique fashion and lifestyle stalls. Trading on the first and third Sunday of every month at Burleigh Heads State School from 8.30am until 1pm, their famous “positive Sunday vibes” are always a winner. Pack a picnic blanket; marvel at emerging designers, creatives, and collectors; listen to live music; and eat delicious food. What more could your weekend possibly call for?

In late 2016, Surfers Paradise’s longest established beachfront watering holes underwent a funky Bali-inspired overhaul. Injecting some desperately needed cool back into Surfers Paradise, we love Sandbar’s breezy fit-out, always-holiday vibes, creative menus (they’ve got poke bowls!), extensive craft beer selection and killer cocktail list to accompany those salty sea vistas.

Vegetarians rejoiced when one of the Gold Coast’s most adored vego restaurants expanded to a second venue within Southport’s swanky Ferry Road Markets complex. Born from an overwhelming demand for their weekend breakfast in Broadbeach, this classy Brickworks eatery is open daily from 7:30am, serving wholesome breakfasts and lunches. Now you can get your daily fix of Cardamom Pod’s raw peanut butter and jelly smoothie bowls, Insta-worthy acai and pink pitaya bowls, health beneficial smoothies, fresh juices, raw desserts, meat-free savoury creations, and oh-so much more in the plant-based department.

Hidden away in the fertile northern NSW hills, Potager is a destination restaurant that totally lends itself to lazy long lunches and celebratory dinner dates. This country cottage has been converted to a rustic yet elegant restaurant with refined meals and personalised service that could compete in any capital city. With produce plucked direct from the kitchen garden and everything else sourced from neighbouring farmers and producers wherever possible, Potager is a farm-to-plate experience in every sense of the word.  

Hidden away in a non-descript Robina shopping plaza, Whiskey Lane has made a name as the go-to for those seeking traditional old school Americana ink work. Recreating a vintage American style tattoo parlour, eclectic frames lining the studio walls are filled with hand sketched flash by the in house artists, so slide on in and take your pick! Whiskey Lane is also well known for their bi annual 'flash days' when any pickings off the day’s flash sheet can be inked for just $50.

These days, Gold Coasters are well acquainted with pillowy steamed Chinese bao buns, and we can thank Lucky Bao for igniting the obsession. Introducing the Coast to bao back in the early days at Miami Marketta, Lucky Bao now has a permanent home in Mermaid Waters. Come for their $16 two-bao lunch specials (Mon to Fri), or return after dark when their dining footprint doubles and spills over to the neighbouring deck.

The first thing you will think upon entering this space is “when can I move in?” No, but seriously all of your homeware dreams have come true with Trader Trove. Products sourced from all around the globe including Moroccan cushions and blankets, Afghan rugs, rattan furniture from Indonesia, fair trade African baskets, Turkish ceramics and pieces like vintage Hawaiian floor lamps, is evidence of a true love affair with interior design. Avalon, the owner, wanted to introduce a creative space where the community can get together with the likes of yoga classes and workshops on offer to forge conscious connections with like-minded souls. Heaven, we tell ya!

Heven-yah’s addictive frozen treats have a loyal local following. Nabbing a posi in a reno’d 1950s corner building in Mermaid Beach, complete with recycled brick, polished cement flooring and original exposed hardwood ceilings, Heven-yah is the most charming Gold Coast gelateria we’ve ever laid eyes on! Secondly, it’s the only venue on the Coast using a traditional Pozzetti refrigeration system, with built-in tubs, imported direct from Italy. These gutsy young sisters have spent years mastering dozens of drool-worthy flavours from classic chocolate or, for vegans, the chocolate almond (made with almond milk), to the popular salted caramel, hazelnut or orange and poppy seed. We’re being bold and claiming this is hands down one of the best gelato bars on the Gold Coast. 

Exclusively vegetarian, using nothing but fresh and unadulterated ingredients, Nude Sisters Whole Food Cafe is an inviting space with a vibrant all-day menu that’s fast luring those Gold Coasters who are meticulously counting their calorie intake, while refusing to give up on their social brunching dates. Bright, white and minimalistic décor with blonde wood, polished cement floors and dusty pink accents is totally trending right now, providing a clean backdrop where the garden-fresh, fragrant ingredients and decadent desserts can take centre stage.

One of the most beautiful cafes on the Gold Coast, Bam Bam Bakehouse will have you leaving serious heart-eye emojis all over their Insta account. From the crafty team who brought us Paddock Bakery, we’re crushing over the gorgeous styling with layers of textures and subway tiling, pressed metal, up cycled wood furnishings, fragrant blooms, leafy park views, and dreamy glimpses into the bakehouse—there’s no shortage of goodness at Bam Bam. 

A little off the beaten track, you might think that you’ve taken a wrong turn.  Owner and head roaster, Alex Winter is a former United Nations worker who assisted on fair trade coffee programs in Indonesia some time back. Sourcing his beans with a very ethical approach, you can be assured your coffee is not only damn smooth (he roasts his own beans on site), but is also putting money back in everyone’s pockets along the supply chain.

Located at the mouth of the Tallebudgera Valley, step inside The Bath House (by local vegan babes, Greenhouse Canteen) and we bet you’ll immediately breathe out a sigh in the same instant your tense shoulders relax. Inspired by bathhouses in the likes of Morocco—where all facilities are gathered under one roof—the space is modern and minimalistic. They’ve nailed the flow and feng shui, with lots of white, soft arches, natural textures, pops of peach and neon green, cute hand lettering signs adorning the walls, several inviting lounging areas for lingering and ample plants smattered about.

Named in honour of the epic Mexican surf break Zicatela, it’s little wonder our favourite mobile taqueria is frequently rotating on the roster at Balter Brewing HQ. Which is exactly where we first fell in love with their wood fired tacos (the fish and pollo tacos are honestly some of the BEST we’ve ever wrapped our lips around), wings, loaded nachos and insanely good breakfast burritos. Hang on, wood fired Mexican? Yep, they have a wood-fired oven inside the truck and that smokey goodness needs to be tasted to be believed. Hola!

Soho Place in Broadbeach is the Coast's first official 'small bar'. Operating completely without a kitchen or food menu, step through the ‘hidden in plain sight’ red telephone box entryway and you’ll be stepping into a window-less vortex where hours may mysteriously disappear. So don’t come hungry! 

Adjoining boutique hotel, The Island, Gold Coast’s biggest rooftop bar and sprawling alfresco patio, The Island Rooftop is bringing the cool back to Surfers Paradise's after-dark scene. With DJs, a retro-styled cocktail bar, ample seating, nooks and, in the winter months, heaters. Their new Gin & Jazz Thursdays are set to become a hit with Bliss Sunday sessions already heating up the afternoons with DJs and live vocalists from 2pm.    

When The Collective’s doors first opened late 2016, the Gold Coast dining scene was changed forever. A collaboration of hospo experts and owner operator chefs, The Collective is a truly unique market style concept and an epic lifestyle destination worth hunting down. With five kitchens serving up American, Italian, Mexican, Asian and contemporary Australian, there’s ample choice and even the fussiest diner in your group is certain to find something they like. Grab some takeaway or book a table (bookings essential on weekends) and just be prepared for a nominal per head surcharge for table service.  

Simone and Grayson Kira are a talented duo who are driven by a desire for thoughtful, timeless and sustainable design. Their workshop and retail space is situated in Miami and showcases true craftsmanship through their signature style pieces. These are all stocked alongside homewares from local designers who all happen to be friends of theirs. No biggie. At Kira & Kira you can seriously kit out your home with everything from vases, jewellery and cushions, to homemade wooden serving boards, tile wall hangings and larger crafted pieces all with clean lines, beautiful finishes and designed to suit almost all interiors.

Decked out with cacti filled drum kits, an extravagant psychedelic mural, homely couches and makeshift pallet tables, Mo’s Desert Clubhouse is the gritty creative and music space the Gold Coast didn’t know it was missing. Fuelled by electrifying music, good vibes and an absolute love for the arts, co-owners Kim, Christian and Emilia have developed a versitle space in the Burleigh Heads industrial area that's beaming with energy. Whether you’re in a band, need an office desk or conference room, a place to rehearse, perform or launch your EP, want to partake in live music events, yoga classes or macrame workshops, basically Mo’s is your oyster.

An insight to the story behind Kirra’s Tupe-Aloha makes the vibe and setting of this hopping little joint all the sweeter. Gregarious and spirited co owner, Tipalowe Oberman is a walking art gallery of her late father Rodney’s vibrant artwork—she gets a new piece tattooed each year on his birthday. Early 2014 the young local owners made thoughtful use of their grandmother’s inheritance to create a fun and welcoming space that represents their bright and eccentric personalities, while honouring their family. To bring the atmospheric tiki style bar to life, they cleared out the Oberman living rooms of its quirky décor and father Rodney’s colourful artwork, which now takes pride of place on the walls of Tupe-Aloha. The cheerful crew describe Tupe-Aloha as a Mexican restaurant trapped on a Hawaiian Island, with poke, burritos, tacos, mini cocktail umbrellas and pineapple everything. We love these guys so... go on, and get down there.

Kaizen Experience, shortened to KX, is Japanese for “change for the better” and therefore makes the KX Pilates movement a philosophy that focuses on small and ongoing improvement in our lives. KX’s Miami studio is an ultra modern space and along with incredibly friendly and vibrant instructors, it truly sets you up for a great workout experience. KX only offers reformer Pilates, which is a revolutionary, fast paced, high intensity workout. So, it’s advised to start at the beginner introduction level (where you can get x5 classes for $50) to get your head around the core strengthening elements of traditional Pilates with circuit, cardio and endurance training fundamentals added.

Every beach city needs a few epic bikini boutiques so we don’t all end up in the same Triangl bikini and side eyeing each other at the beach. Burleigh boutique, Bikini & Me on James Street is the perfect place to head if you’re into edgy swimwear choices from internationally renowned brands like Tigerlily, Bassike, Seafolly and Zimmerman. That said, it should be renamed “Bikini & More” because Bikini & Me also offers casual apparel, lifestyle wear and gorgeous accessories that will spice up your beach style.

Our go-to when cruising around down south is super chill Cafe DBar, on the headland at Point Danger. This sweet cafe-slash-restaurant earns bonus points for having one of the most spectacular locations on the entire length of the Gold Coast. Perched above the legendary waves of Duranbah and Snapper—it oozes surfy charm and the first-level dining room is the perfect posi to treat your visiting granny or aunt to brunch. Just don't leave without a cheeky visit to the gorgeous gifts and homewares boutique at the rear. 

For hops lovers, there’s nothing comparable to that tank to tap to pint glass experience, and at Burleigh Brewing’s seriously impressive brewhouse, you can do just that. After a decade in business, it’s fair to say these guys helped revolutionise the local craft beer scene that we know today, and were truly deserving of a grand new home for their baby (albeit who’s now a teenager). Burleigh Brewing HQ is open to the public four afternoons each week, so if you’ve been slow off the mark, it’s worth a jaunt into the Burleigh industrial area to try their famed brews such as Twisted Palm, Hef, Bighead, and 28 Pale Ale, as well as limited edition concoctions from their trial system. Tell them we sent you.

There’s a lot to love about Nobby’s BSKT cafe. Cheerleaders for wholesome eats, BSKT is one of the Gold Coast’s most beautiful beachside cafes and the birthplace of Australia’s first vegan soft serve, CocoWhip. Together with a swoon-worthy interior of dreamy lighting, salty sea breezes, simplistic styling, sketched wall murals, and wood finishes; it’s not hard to see why this is widely considered one of the best cafes in Nobby Beach, if not the Gold Coast. Another reason we totes adore BSKT is the free wifi; start-ups can get creative working from the ambient space with no pressure to move along.

Once upon a time, the only thing you could find on tap on the Gold Coast was XXXX, VB, Tooheys, and other mass-produced versions of the same. TF those days are over, and we can totally thank trailblazers like Bine Craft Beer Bar for bringing the Coast into the new age. A firm Nobby Beach favourite and Gold Coast’s original dedicated craft beer watering hole, Bine rotates its tap list frequently. Right now, it’s local brews like Balter, Burleigh Brewing, Stone & Wood, and Newstead, among others—check their website for today’s carefully-brewed lineup. While any time is the right time to visit Bine, erryday between 4pm and 6pm you’ll get a craft beer and bucket o’ wings for a tiny 10 bucks; or our fave, $15 Parmy and a Paddle on Thursdays. Dinner = sorted!

Mermaid Beach’s Bonita Bonita dishes up some of the best Mexican on the Gold Coast. So it’s no surprise the team did a stellar job converting a vacant neighbouring shop front into an intimately sexy tequila bar—BonBon. One hundred tequilas behind the bar is dang impressive, plus you can order all the delicious Latino delights you’ve come to love from the talented culinary team next door. All while you sip on the best margarita of your life—the Bonita Margarita.

The seasoned hospitality team behind The Loose Moose literally knocked our socks off when unveiling one of the most mind-blowing restaurant designs to descend on our sunny shores. Inspired by the illicit underground speakeasies of America’s 1920s Prohibition era with a twist of its Canadian cousin, The Loose Moose has an insane 130 whiskeys behind the bar. Plus, its too-hard-to-choose food menu (think: gourmet burgers, sliders and hot dawgs, steaks, and slow-cooked meats) will ensure one visit will most certainly not be enough.

As the name suggests, this stylish steak house is a nod to traditional gastro pubs from the motherland. With a classically styled dining room, featuring an exposed globe and candle-lit interior, sinkable leather Chesterfields, dark-wood furnishings, and rough-brick feature walls, The Glenelg Public House is one cool establishment. Dishes include rabbit terrine, cured ocean trout, glorious steak cuts, and saucy sides. Ravenous? Order the mammoth one kilo Black Angus T-Bone cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection. All this, plus an impressive wine list, craft beer on tap, and classic cocktails. With its new sunny pub garden, this is a Mermaid Beach must-visit.

Gone are the days you need to travel to Broadbeach or Surfers Paradise when in search of a good time post 8pm, with small bars like The Cambus Wallace leading the charge. Moodily lit and with effortlessly cool cocktail slingers behind the bar, this nautically-themed rum and whisky bar is an after-dark destination in its own right. You can expect live local musos and DJs most nights, plus a rotating roster of mains and bar snacks such as sliders, whisky-glazed ribs, arancini, and charcuterie boards. Vegans are well catered for too! Pass us another Kraken spiced-rum espresso martini please, sexy bartender.

Surfers Paradise’s funky QT Gold Coast is no ordinary lodging, and its retro 50s-inspired theme continues through to one of the Gold Coast’s best day spa settings. A colourful spa experience that’s unlikely to be outshone anywhere along the glittering coastal strip, get in the mood by snuggling into a robe and sipping herbal tea as you ponder their array of treatment options. Finish with a complimentary treat, giving your skin a blood-circulating boost in Spa Q’s hammam steam room and ice fountain. Is this one of the best day spas on the Gold Coast? We think so!

Undoubtedly one of the Gold Coast’s best hotel bars, QT Gold Coast’s Stingray Lounge is a fine example of hotels going all new age to entice the emerging savvy holidaymaker. Located in Surfers Paradise, Stingray’s clientele is a rare mix of tourists and locals; the bar usually hoppin’ on weekends with its funky Pop Art theme and over 50 tequilas lining the shelves.

Ritual Yoga and Pilates is a Pinterest board of a studio, complete with wooden floorboards, dream catchers and—as their website puts it—“a great living space where you can enjoy free wifi and are welcome to sit, have a cup of tea and catch up with friends”. Averaging eight classes per day with a room set up for Pilates Barre and yoga, this could very well be our favourite thing about Palm Beach (forgive us, Barefoot Barista!).

You’d be hard pressed to find a Gold Coaster who hasn’t been touched by the angelic hands of Peace Yoga in some way, shape or form. Whether by attending one of their many classes spanning baby to brain and partner to pregnancy; being a part of one of the many Gold Coast weddings and special ceremonies blessed by their founder, Doreena; or partaking in one of their annual visits to India. Joining the Peace Yoga community is so much more than an increase in flexibility or a delicate chant or two.

Cavernous with vaulted ceilings, moody lighting, red brick and industrial finishings, Paradox Coffee Roasters, in the funky The 4217 complex, is the kind of cafe that excites those with a lusting desire for warehouses and contemporary design. With its own onsite commercial bean roastery and the finest baristas in the biz, come for the smooth coffee and stay for some of the best breakfasts in Surfers Paradise.

Quite possibly the most Instagrammable cafe on the Gold Coast, Paddock Bakery melts our hearts with every visit. Miami’s lovingly-restored weatherboard cottage is pretty as a postcard with a shady picket fence-lined courtyard which surely harbours pixies and unicorns after dark (okay, we can only dream, right?). Come for Paddock’s straight-from-the-oven baked goodies, artisan bread loaves, dessert pots, famous dippy eggs and cosy nooks backed by sunny windows.

A Nobby Beach institution, we love to pull up a stool on Mexicali’s western-facing upper deck to soak up those late afternoon rays. 

A 'The Village Markets' success story and now with a new beautiful shopfront on Burleigh’s iconic James Street, Maison & Maison is a store that takes you around the world and back again. Filled with imported furnishings such as handmade Moroccan wedding blankets and cushions, leather pouffes, traditional Turkish rugs, tribal shell necklaces, Bali styled Buffalo skulls and Vietnamese baskets, it’s a cultural feast to say the least. Upon entering, prepare to be overwhelmed with an earthy yet modern look and feel; enough to make a bohemian’s bank balance become non-existent, yet her dreams come true.

Sitting pretty above Steele & Co cafe, Mermaid Beach ladies love their local—The Loft Hair Salon. Whether you’re after on-trend colour work, an effortlessly cool new cut, blow dry or updo for your next special event, a goose bump-inducing scalp massage, or the whole shebang, this friendly team of Gold Coast hairdressers are some of the best in the biz.

Ask any local and they’ll tell you Burleigh is where the magic happens; so you’ll wanna know about one of its star attractions—Justin Lane Establishment. Justin Lane is legendary around these parts; having helped shaped the cool bohemian pocket of Burleigh Heads we know and love today. Justin Lane’s sleek two-story digs attracts a hip, jovial crowd any day of the week, so come for the sun-drenched rooftop bar, misting stations, and prime positioned booths with beach views; and stay for the cocktails, handmade sourdough pizzas, pastas, and share plates. Don’t want to dine in? Justin Lane has got you covered with an adjacent takeout pizza bar, which also delivers to Burleigh Hill by cruiser bike and to surrounding suburbs by scooter. Is it the weekend yet?

Commanding a highway-side Miami street corner, Greenhouse Canteen is an intimate and leafy eatery that’s pumping busy every time we drive past. Delivering plant-based fare to the masses, Greenhouse is changing foodie perceptions with their mantra: “anything you can do, we can do vegan”. Think curiosities like buffalo cauliflower wings, 'meatball' sub sandwiches, pulled jackfruit enchiladas, quinoa chilli-loaded nachos, and the most mind-blowing raw desserts we’ve ever wrapped our lips around. Not a vegan or vego? Don’t mock it until you try it, ‘cause this little gem is totally deserving of a spot among the best restaurants on the Gold Coast.

A genius concept combining a love of cafe racer bike tinkering and coffee drinking, this hip Palm Beach cafe is also part bike restoration workshop. After a years of dreaming and scheming, the owners threw open Espresso Moto Cafe’s doors to locals and drifters passing through, hungry for a refined and inviting space in Palmy with hearty meals and unpretentious, friendly service. In a crafty touch, menus are presented on retro license plates and bike-inspired trinkets adorn the walls. All-day breakfast is served until close at 2pm and, if you’re a serious eggs benedict connoisseur, Espresso Moto plates up one of the best bennies you’ll find on the Coast.

Eddie’s Grub House is that grungy dive bar we never knew we were all missing in our lives. Bringing the cool back to Coolangatta, Eddie’s is keeping a loyal following of southern Gold Coasters watered and amused to the sounds of blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and the vinyl playlists of local DJs. Dimly lit for maximum moodiness, Eddie’s has a fully-loaded back bar plus craft beer from Balter, Stone & Wood, and Coopers on tap. Swing in for some rowdy convo over pub grub including some of the best burgers on the Gold Coast, fried chicken, spicy jalapenos, and onion rings… knocked back with a stiff whiskey, naturally. Here pirate beards and anchor tattoos will feel right at home.