The Gold Coast Glitterstrip
Overview
To be more specific, I am talking Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise. There’s no end to the eateries, beaches and nightlife in these parts and I’m always amazed by how completely surprised and delighted I am by what each venue has to offer! After living in the region for some time, I’ve tried to arrange my favourites into the most decadent, relaxing yet exciting options.
The Gold Coast is a lively metropolis south of Brisbane on Australia’s east coast. It’s famous for its long sandy beaches, stellar surf breaks and elaborate system of inland canals and waterways. You’ll find families flocking to the rollercoaster action in theme parks such as Dreamworld, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild as well as avid hikers trekking across Lamington National Park’s mountain ridges and valleys to photograph rare birds and pristine rainforest vistas. This post will largely focus on the nightlife options and beach relaxation components!
There’s so much to cover in this region so in a departure from my usual ‘itinerary based’ posts, I have designed my ‘Top Picks‘ so that you can pick and choose what suits your holiday best.
Itinerary
Top 5 Restaurants
The North Room, Mermaid Beach
The Glenelg Public House, Mermaid Beach
Etsu Izakaya, Mermaid Beach
The Little Truffle, Mermaid Beach
Kiyomi at The Star (and Atrium Bar), Broadbeach
Top 6 Bars
The Collective, Mermaid Beach
Stingray, Surfers Paradise
The Island Rooftop, Surfers Paradise
Pink Flamingo, Broadbeach
Fig & Frankies, Broadbeach
Aloha Bar & Dining, Broadbeach
Top 7 Daytime Activities
Skypoint Observation Deck, Surfers Paradise
Earth & Skin Organic Day Spa
Pasture & Co., Currumbin Valley
Currumbin Beach Vikings SLSC
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Beach relaxation time
Theme park adrenaline!
Top 5 Restaurants
The North Room, Mermaid Beach
My non-biological brother suggested this place to me when I first moved to Queensland and to celebrate a recently received, much worked-towards professional qualification. It was a magical night that I’ll not forget.
The North Room is an intimate space on the Gold Coast Highway in Mermaid Beach run by Shannon and Tim Stewart, a vibrant and warm couple with considerable previous restaurateur experience (think Jimmy Wah’s, Videre and Honey Eater Kitchen) who bring this dimly lit 28 seater restaurant to life. After quizzing Shannon on their story, we found out that her and Tim had encountered difficulty finding an exceptional and new restaurant for their wedding anniversary in early 2017… so they decided to open one!
The result is extraordinary with a minimalist interior showcasing concrete art tiles, dark wooden tables and chairs and plush blue banquette seating spanning one length of the wall. For those on the run, there are 8 seats at the marble-topped bar: perfect for those keen for a glass of bubbles and one of Tim’s marvellous share plates!
Our evening proceedings were underway with a glass of Laurent-Perrier champagne and soon followed by the 5 course tasting option (all from locally sourced, seasonal produce) and paired wines. After devouring our ‘snack’, Tim’s signature cultured butter and warm pretzel bread roll arrived. This all before the ‘first course’. The menu then tantalised with offerings such as Mermaid beach pipis & kohlrabi, Fremantle octopus, Spanner crab and bone marrow crumpet, Jerusalem artichoke, Jewfish, Pork jowl and tamarillo and Oxtail with persimmon and bunya nut. Combined with an almost completely Australian wine list, this restaurant is one for the ages!
The Glenelg Public House, Mermaid Beach
Six months into a new job with some great characters, I was determined to ‘build camaraderie’ which more than anything created a great guise for an extraordinary dinner out!
I’d been recommended the Glenelg Public House by a local and it was such a treat. Well known for their impeccable top-quality steak based menu, I went with a mixture of people, some of whom were vegetarian or pescatorian. I am neither of these and can I say, I ate like a king.
We arrived in the trendy industrial style building complete with polished concrete, worn brick and festoon lighting and sat at a long dark wood table next to some classic Chesterfield couches. After perusing various large and small share plates whilst sipping on Sardinian Vermentino, we landed on:
- Roast bone marrow, onion jam, mustard, toast
- Grilled raclette, pear, fig relish, hazelnuts
- Pumpkin arancini, pistachio, whipped goats curd
- Southern fried chicken wings, blue cheese, apple, celery
- Snapper, broad beans, nduja, ricotta, mint, parsley, lemon evoo
- Roast pumpkin, ricotta, pumpkin seeds, orange dressing
- Free range, grass fed angus sirloin with polenta block
The menu is extremely versatile and allows for either share-plate options or a la carte individual meals.
Etsu Izakaya, Mermaid Beach
Hidden off of the Gold Coast Highway in an understated ground floor space of a non descript building, it’s easy to walk right past this well acclaimed restaurant whose only clue to existence is a glowing red paper lantern at the door.
Inside, the space opens up into a neon lit funky space of small tables, large tables, booths and bar seating. The curved wooden ceiling and interesting pop culture wall art will keep you enthralled. The binchotan-scented smoke from traditional robata grills will inhabit your nostrils and the background beats and animated conversation of other guests truly create a dynamic upbeat ambience.
Right from the bat, Etsu charms. It’s a traditional Japanese establishment serving popular izakaya fare such as sashimi, tempura, yakitori and gyoza.
I can’t speak more highly of the soft salmon, kingfish and tuna sashimi, beef tataki, Japanese mix mushrooms, Bangalow pork belly with spicy miso and assorted vegetable and tofu tempura. The list of refreshments is equally as delightful, with options such as whisky and sake, as well as cocktails using yuzu, shochu and umeshu for that quintessential Japanese flavour.
The Little Truffle, Mermaid Beach
This well known Mermaid Beach institution is known for its class, great service and style.
With an impressive wine list, I’d recommend the degustation menu and paired wines for a distraction-free, satisfying evening!
Kiyomi at The Star, Broadbeach
Kiyomi is on everyone’s lips as the place to be to exerience the best of Tokyo within The Star complex on the Gold Coast. Awarded a coveted chef hat at the AGFG awards, it’s no secret as to why as soon as you enter the sleek izakaya and encounter the top quality service and cuisine.
Executive Head Chef Chase Kojima delivers an exciting modern take on classic Japanese seafood dishes in two set menus that are accessed on arrival by QR code. Combined with a slick dark wood interior, delectable cocktails and engaging staff, this was certainly a night to remember!
We naturally chose the larger of the two set menus which included:
- Tuna tartare, pickled wasabi, yolk, wakame, aged soy
- Seared scampi, foie gras, apple, shiso leaf
- Miso kingfish ceviche, green chilli, crispy potato
- Snapper tempura, coriander salad, black pepper chilli vinegar
- Cuttlefish tempura, ichimi chilli, tarragon ponzu, lime
- Dengakuman, pickled tomato, cucumber salad
- Stockyard wagyu striploin mbs 9, charred asparagus, onion jus
- Sushi – chefs selection
- Dessert – selection of mini Kiyomi desserts – mochi, goma, coconut & cucumber shiso granita
Top 6 Bars
The Collective, Mermaid Beach
Gold Coast icons don’t come much more popular than this sprawling bar and kitchen which offers multiple stations of food by international regions (American, Italian, Mexican, Asian and contemporary Australian), as well as pitch perfect cocktails to end a night.
If you’re all tizzed up in your lippy and Sunday bests, and in need of an up market brunch, this is also your place to be.
Opening in 2016, the Collective has seating for 300 excited diners and comprises 5 different owner operator chefs serving menus (including dedicated vegan and gluten free menus) from:
- Bread and Butter pizza
- The Italian job
- Easy Street diner
- Umami asian fusion
- Calavera Cantina
By day this place is rocking in natural sunlight and has an island paradise feel and by night the festoon lighting and open rooftop bar with views to the west hinterland will have you revelling in the magic of all that this region has to offer.
If you’ve eaten dinner nearby, The Collective is your perfect end to an evening with some crispy-yet-soft churros and bespoke cocktails such as the Au Lait Martini (think espresso martini in a waffle cone!), naughty tea cups such as Portugese Breakfast tea with gin and Cointreau and homemade marmelade! Don’t be shy, they’re worth a try.
Stingray, Surfers Paradise
I first arrived in Stingray to be greeted by a friend who quickly whisked me on to the dance floor for a quick salsa. That being done and dusted, it was next on to the bar to have an easy breezy G&T before we were off to dinner an hour later.
Stingray is a larger than life, music-pumping, energetic lounge where pop art meets industrial chic in one of the places to be seen on the trendy Gold Coast. With over 50 in-house tequilas and exotic cocktails aplenty, this stylish and eclectic space zones in on a Mexican theme with weekend DJs that will see you dancing well into the evening.
The Island Rooftop, Surfers Paradise
Set back by one street from the beach front, The Island is an open space which has been cleverly designed into smaller nooks that are partitioned by palm trees to allow a truly intimate feeling for individuals or groups. It’s part of The Island boutique hotel which has a gorgeous umbrella lined pool available to hotel residents.
Whether you’re seated at one of the plush circular booths or in a charming wicker chair, it’s the perfect place to be for a Sunday afternoon casual drink!
Pink Flamingo, Broadbeach
I was taken here by a friend on my very first night out on the Gold Coast. The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub is a premier entertainment destination on the Gold Coast featuring burlesque & cabaret shows. However when we arrived, the front podium was transformed into a dance floor and we danced away to the dance tunes on offer!
Fig & Frankies, Broadbeach
A peach-hued cocktail bar down a small alleyway in Broadbeach, this is your best destination for relaxed late night eats with fine cocktails and small plates.
Aloha Bar & Dining, Broadbeach
This hidden gem is also located down a small laneway and if you’re after an island themed paradise with a tiki-inspired interior, be sure to stop here! Cocktails are uber fun and served in pineapples, watermelons, treasure chests and tiki mugs! If you’re banging for some food then you’ll find some tasty staples such as rice paper rolls, crispy wonton tacos, poke bowls and coconut curries. Find yourself a table, take a mate and relax into the evening at this very chilled joint.
Top 7 Daytime Activities
Skypoint Observation Deck, Surfers Paradise
An imposing figure that is the centrepoint of Surfers Paradise, you can’t miss the massive spire that extends above this magnificent building. As the second highest structure in Australia, the Q1 building is 322.5 metres high and has an impressive observation deck at the top, on level 77. It is the world’s highest residential building and has one of the world’s fastest elevators taking you to the top floor in 42.7 seconds.
Its 360 degree views extend south to Coolangatta and hinterland regions including Mount Warning and north along the coast line.
Sip on a glass of wine at the top or enjoy a coffee and bask in the glorious view.
Earth & Skin Organic Day Spa, Mudgeeraba
My visit to Earth & Skin was possibly one of the most luxurious and pampering days yet. With some of the most well known facials on the coast, including their specialty ‘Seasonal facial’, this modern day spa also offers massage for women and men, body sugaring and spray tans for that important night out. I went with the classic and heavenly Advanced Facial, combined with a hydrating foot relief massage. After being greeted with a lemon and ginger organic tea in their green eco space and leaving with some luxurious new face products recommended by the incredible Emily, with personalised instructions on how to improve my skin, I was feeling completely rejuvenated and inspired!
Pasture & Co., Currumbin Valley
If I could spend every Sunday afternoon in this clearing beneath the Currumbin Valley hinterland I would. With a menu boasting the likes of ricotta pancakes, zucchini and potato rosti, sunflower and hemp beetroot falafels and braised pork on roti bread and a drinks list including fresh coffee, kombucha and a selection of wines and beer, your afternoon could not be more relaxing.
A selection of Australian birds may also join you nearby or up close, depending how much you are willing to feed them! We saw a Magpie methodically devour some macadamia nuts on the ground by our feet. The live music ads to the feeling that you are in the middle of a chilled forest festival somewhere unbeknownst to the rest of mankind.
Don’t drive too quickly past Currumbin Valley on the way home, you never know what treasures you’ll find on the way home…
Currumbin Beach Vikings SLSC, Currumbin
This iconic Surf Life Saving Club set on Elephant Rock, juts out into the ocean and has a completely open bar area with floor to ceiling windows and a balcony that allows in the gleaming sun rays and fresh ocean air. With live music on Sundays, you’ll be right at home on the ‘Goldie’ after ordering a pint at this historic local watering hole!
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin
See my post on Coolangatta which includes a write up on Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for all the wonder this place has to offer!
Relax at the Beach
Let’s be honest: the beaches are why we all come to the Gold Coast! That pristine white sand that slips away beneath your feet, the crashing waves with dancing diamonds atop and the warm sun that penetrates and soothes your skin so that you know in an instant, you’re on holiday.
Be sure to plan at least a day or two on the beach, soaking in the relaxation and slow pace of this corner of the earth. It doesn’t matter which one you choose, they’re all amazing and (if you have the time) you can walk from one to another.
Theme Park adrenaline activities
Queensland is known around Australia as ‘home of the theme parks’. I’m talking dizzyingly fast rollercoasters, spinning rides, arcade games and fast food. The four main theme parks on the Gold Coast are:
- Warner Bros. Movie World
- Sea World
- Dreamworld
- Wet’n’Wild
If you’ve a family with young kids in tow (or just young at heart!), this is worth considering as a way of injecting some adrenaline in your day for those little ones.
