Things To Do In Gold Coast

Farm & Co has been through many iterations since its humble beginnings as an organic market stall, and now it’s stepping into its most exciting phase yet. While the bountiful sunflower fields and friendly farm animals that captured hearts from the beginning are still very much part of the experience, there’s a whole new layer of magic waiting to be discovered.

The Pink Flamingo is the world’s first Spiegelclub, hosting dazzling performances every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday night, with select matinee shows sprinkled in. 

Navia, Byron Bay’s latest wellness retreat, is all about slowing down, embracing simplicity, and finding warmth in the contrast between steaming saunas and icy plunges.

A $1.5 million, 600sqm indoor golf entertainment precinct is breaking ground as one of the Gold Coast’s premier destinations for simulated golf. 

Bringing together modern Japanese cuisine, expertly crafted cocktails, and hours of high-energy entertainment, Tokyo Doll is quickly becoming  Byron's go-to spot.

Set in the heart of Robina, The Robina Farmers Market is quickly making a name for itself as the Gold Coast’s newest community hub.

The Gold Coast is known for being home to some of Australia’s most wild attractions, and we have another to add to the ever-growing list. The only venue of its kind in Queensland, IceBar is calling Surfers Paradise home and is bringing much more than ice-cold drinks to the Glitter Strip. 

Outback Springs is Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s new rustic outback experience, starring a traditional outback Queensland farming station, close animal encounters and hands-on outback experiences such as gemstone panning and billy tea making. 

If a night spent laughing at wild antics like juggling, magic, singing and dancing sounds like time well spent, you’re gonna need to make a booking at Dracula’s. Dracula’s is an MA15+ cabaret show full of death-defying aerial acrobatics that are bound to send a chill down your spine with excitement. 

Stone Studio is a pottery studio centred around the philosophy of sharing and it’s their mission to share the joy of ceramics, encourage creativity and build community. Yes, it’s as wholesome as it sounds. Located in the heart of Miami, this sprawling community pottery studio and cafe offers an array of workshops and studio access for potters of all skill levels. They also have a pint-sized Kingscliff-based studio, on the corner of Marine Parade and Turnock Street. 

You just can’t beat healthy competition paired with interactive bowling lanes and a smorgasbord of food and lucky for Surfers Paradise locals, the fun legends at Timezone have just opened the doors to Zone Bowling. 

This one goes out to all True Crime podcast lovers—if you have a penchant for solving mysteries and piecing together clues, we’ve found your new favourite pastime. 

Capricorn Distilling Co. is Burleigh’s newest small-batch urban distillery and this newcomer to the craft spirits scene is already making waves. Recently opening its doors in Burleigh Heads, Capricorn Distilling Co. was originally established in Rockhampton, under the well-loved Saleyards Distillery name. Following their success, the masterminds behind this gem decided to expand production and bring their delicious tipples to the Gold Coast and we sure aren’t complaining. 

Who doesn’t love a good paint and sip session? It’s hard to go wrong when you’ve got that magic combo of good company, wine, art and killer tunes.

Located on Mount Tamborine, Songbirds Rainforest Retreat is up there with the best. Surrounded by tropical forest and more birds than your birdsong app will recognise, six rustic yet totally snuggle-worthy cabins come complete with a king sized bed, spa bath overlooking the trees, floor to ceiling windows, mini bar and tasty breakfast hamper delivered direct to your door each morning.

A super private hacienda set in the Byron Hinterland that sleeps up to nine guests, Temple Farmhouse oozes charm with a touch of global spice. With intimate outdoor areas for that stylish soiree complete with oversized outdoor troths to bath in, this property is as authentic as it is chic. The added touches and detail are what make this property special, like the quirky handmade cubby house and chook pen. A magical place that embraces its natural surrounds and where you’ll often find kangaroos roaming the property, Temple Farmhouse is one of the finest Airbnbs in Byron Bay.

Already a HUGE success in Melbourne and Brisbane, Zero Latency is a state-of-the-art VR experience set in a 200sqm warehouse-sized area in Southport. Zero Latency allows up to eight players to roam freely throughout the space and completely immerse themselves in virtual reality. Fight for survival amidst a zombie apocalypse, bound through outer space where you can rescue a space station, or walk through a fantastical dreamlike universe with a pack of your most loyal pals.

The 1980s-inspired arcade covers a sprawling 400 square metres and is kitted out with all the latest gaming mod cons including the Coast’s first embedded tap-and-play card system. Simply load up your card with some cash and tap away to start your game. You can refill it whenever you want. 

Nestled amongst a subtropical rainforest in Byron Bay lies a true gem, The Cape Byron Distillery.

If you and your crew haven’t paid a visit to Lumber Punks in Miami, then you’re seriously missing out. For $45 each you and up to 10 of your closest pals will get an hour and a half session. Don’t worry if you’ve never thrown an axe before (who has?) as one of the rad crew at Lumber Punks will taking you through all the basics to help perfect your skills—literally anyone can learn how to throw a good axe. Then you’ll have free range to challenge your mates to a game or two.

Part of the Ground Currumbin collective in the Currumbin Valley Ecovillage, Pasture & Co. cafe offers numerous reasons to jump off the well trod path; think: kangaroos, cold pressed juices and a co-op farmer’s markets. And when you’re finished sipping hot chai and lounging over your scrambled tofu, you can head upstairs for a healing therapy like Shiatsu massage or Kinesiology. 

Dedicated to all things babes and children, at Miami's monthly Hide & Seek Children's Market expect beautifully crafted clothing and accessories, decor, toys, furnishings, family photographers, doulas and oh so much more. Stallholders are handpicked, with an emphasis on those using quality materials and goods that are ethically produced. Adding to the whimsical family-friendly atmosphere at Hide & Seek, there will be yummy food trucks with eats for both the big and little kids, live music, story telling and kids crafts activities. #shopsmall  

Holey Moley, the cult-like chip-and-putt that’s taken the country by storm has finally arrived on the Gold Coast and we've never been more excited to grab a set of clubs. Holey Moley is an 18-hole crazy AF mini golf course that's joined Surfers Paradise’s Circle on Cavill precinct, along with a new and improved bowling alley, karaoke, The Caddyshack cocktail bar and two state-of-the-art escape rooms. Yep, this freakin’ awesome golf company is teaming up with Strike Bowling to create the ultimate all-in-one entertainment hub, and let’s just say the kidult in us is pumped!

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.