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 taking a flight to the Goldie for a weekend or even a longer getaway on the Coast.
After driving from Brisbane, we peel off the highway and head straight to Sea World for a helicopter tour, taking in The Spit and Surfers Paradise. It’s an incredibly clear day with not a cloud in the sky, and the perspective of the Coast and its beauty is unbeatable.
The striking image of surfers dotting the water will stay with you, whether you’re a surfer or not – it is just classic Gold Coast.
And if you want to know more 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 renowned 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 explains why surf culture is so important to the Gold Coast – and why it is the retirement spot of choice for ex-pros.
“I know guys that were professional Olympic swimmers … and when they retire they never want to see that black line again,” Rabbit tells us. “When you retire from pro surfing, you go surfing. Surfing is so much about freedom and the relationship with the ocean.
“Then it becomes a family thing you do with your kids. There’s no hanging the surfboard up. You’re going until you drop.”
And, as 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.
Beau explains why a longboard is best for beginners such as ourselves.
“(It makes surfing) accessible to anyone, no matter where you’re at,” he says. “And that’s a beautiful thing.”
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
Jam-packed with great restaurants, entertainment and a little bit of glitz
bit raunchy – embodying the Gold Coast. The more physical acts involving contortionists and acrobats are aweinspiring and give the show 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.
While my risotto is delicious, my dining companion isn’t entirely enamoured with the pork neck and would have preferred a steak option on the menu. The roast potato side is a big hit though, as is the wine selection.
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.
This is another great Asian fusion restaurant, with options including the classic karaage chicken (which was one of the best I’ve tasted) and a sticky pork belly with caramel, red chilli and coconut salad.
The Cape Grim sirloin with Asian mushrooms and yuzu butter melts in your mouth.
There’s also no shortage of breakfast options on the southern Gold Coast, including Nobbys Shack which has a Thaiinspired breakfast feast featuring chicken that is a must-try.
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.
Be sure to go early if it is the weekend, because the queues can be intimidating.
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, who started the business with his girlfriend Joslyn six years ago after spending 14 years in the finance industry.
Matt says Joslyn, who grew up in Portland in the US, introduced him to beer and the pair is “very passionate about it”.
“We wanted to make it a focus on education, but you also get a lot of beer as well,” he laughs.
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 goto.
The Dorsett Hotel opened on Boxing Day in 2021, and is part of the Star entertainment precinct. It has 330 rooms, and everything really is on your doorstep.
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 – and there’s really no need to leave the precinct, if that’s the type of getaway you’re looking for.
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 spring and summer.
The writer was a guest of Destination Gold Coast