Hidden gems on Gold Coast
Surf tourism, boutique breweries and foodie havens – the Gold Coast has come a long way since the bold, brash 80s, and is well worth a visit
The Gold Coast of the ’80s and ’90s played up to its bold and brash reputation, but the “GC” of 2022 is all about hidden gems and foodie havens. From surf tourism to boutique breweries and top-notch restaurants, it’s well worth a quick trip for a weekend at the Coast.
And if you want to learn about the Coast’s famed surf culture, look no further than a surfboard making class with S-lab.
We arrive not quite knowing what to expect, neither of us being surfers by any stretch of the imagination. But whether you’re a surfer or not, this is a must-do experience.
We’re greeted by surfing legend Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew and ex-world champion surfer Beau Young.
Rabbit points out you could find yourself surfing a Gold Coast break with the best in the business.
“With surfing you can just paddle out and sit next to Mick Fanning. You can’t play golf with Tiger Woods,” he says.
And with that, it is time to start designing and making our own board.
It’s Beau who takes us through designing and shaping the board, helping us sand it back and get the edges just right.
It’s an hours-long process, but strangely therapeutic and leaves us feeling more connected to one of the great Queensland pastimes. But if it is the bold and brash
Gold Coast you are looking for, the Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub is where it is at.
We catch The Glitz show on a Friday evening, and it exceeds all expectations.
It is charming, funny, glamorous and a bit raunchy – embodying the Gold Coast. The more physical acts involving contortionists and acrobats are aweinspiring and give a sophisticated edge.
And it is within the Broadbeach precinct, which is fast becoming famous for its delectable food options.
Maggie Choo is serving up amazing cuisine and has a well-deserved reputation as one of the Gold Coast’s best Asian fusion restaurants.
The decor is second to none, inspired by the street hawker and night markets of Southeast Asia. We order the burrata salad, rendang croquettes, and the veal cutlet katsu. The Mars Bar spring roll for dessert is to die for.
Broadbeach is also home to Italian hot spots Orzo and Sofia’s Restaurant and Bar. Orzo offers Italian fine dining including pappardelle with rabbit ragu, and risotto cacio e pepe with truffled pecorino, wagyu bresaola and roasted polenta. I opt for the risotto while my partner decides to take on the barbecue pork neck with seasonal greens and king brown mushrooms.
Sofia’s offers a more laid back vibe, with a menu to match. Again, I opt for a risotto – this time with wild mushrooms and mascarpone cheese. It’s incredibly filling and hits the spot.
The other half goes for pappardelle with slow-cooked beef cheek, and thoroughly enjoys it. On the side is a perfect heirloom tomato salad.
Nearby Nobby Beach has also upped its culinary game, especially in the absence of former iconic tenant Hellenika.
Rubi Red Kitchen and Bar is the new kid on the block, run by award-winning chef Michael Lambie. The Cape Grim sirloin with Asian mushrooms and yuzu butter melts in your mouth.
Up the road at Mermaid Beach is Bam Bam Bakehouse, which not only has amazing breakfast options such as sweet corn fritters and the Bam Bam benny, but a delectable range of pastries.
After breakfast, it’s worth booking in to
Soak Bathhouse, which is virtually across the road from Bam Bam.
With mineral baths, hot spas, a wood sauna, steam room and cold plunge pool, it’s a little slice of paradise tucked away in a small shopping strip.
The Coast’s ever-expanding array of boutique breweries are also not to be missed. We do the Hop On Brewery Tour which is hosted by Matt. Our tour takes in some of the best breweries on offer on the Gold Coast including Lost Palms, Black Hops and Burleigh Brewing Co.
When it comes to locations to stay on the Gold Coast, it all depends what kind of trip you’re looking for.
If you want something jam-packed with great restaurants, entertainment and a little bit of glitz Broadbeach has to be your go-to.
The Dorsett Hotel opened on Boxing Day in 2021, and is part of the Star entertainment precinct.
The executive rooms have access to the executive floor, which features canapes, afternoon drinks and buffet breakfast.
With its connection to the Star, it gives off Marina Bay Sands vibes. There’s also a luxe pool area overlooking Broadbeach that has to be seen to be believed.
Whatever your taste, the Gold Coast is a great place to get away to this year.
Jam-packed with great restaurants, entertainment and a little bit of glitz