A local's guide to the southern Gold Coast
Guide
By Katie Stow
Stretching 20 (or so) sun-kissed kilometres from Mermaid Beach to Coolangatta is a string of surf-side hoods pumping with good eats and good vibes, each with its own quirk and character and each deserving of its own short getaway.
Still relatively unknown to outsiders, this is the southern Gold Coast – where the sand kisses you good morning, the waves throw a light spray of welcome and caffeine-scented air awakens your senses.
It’s as much home for sunrise surfers and active early-risers as it is for night owls and social butterflies. And it’s populated with a community of friendly characters who know just the place to go, no matter the occasion.
If you're looking for a quick weekend getaway (or even better if there's a long weekend on the horizon), this is the guide for uncovering the ultimate Southern Gold Coast escape.
Eat
Long gone are the days where an above-average cup of morning brew can only be found in a metro city laneway. The southern end of the Gold Coast has proven itself as a top-notch dining destination, with brunch at the helm of its specialities.
Start at Mermaid Beach, and you’ll find my favourite eatery bustling with naughty-but-nice baked goodies.
Photo by @michelle.kerr via Bam Bam Bakehouse via FB
Bam Bam Bakehouse is best for coffee, an eggs benedict-filled croissant (with a side of halloumi cubes), or a triple baked chocolate almond croissant. Even the city’s golden girl Margot Robbie has graced its modern industrial interior, likely eyeing off the neighbouring grassy stretch which makes for a perfect spot to unfurl the picnic blanket.
Lunch is best served with a side of salty sea breeze, and The Collective Palm Beach is all that and a jug of Rose Sangria (which is rosé, Aperol, peach, strawberries, orange, ginger and lemonade – you’re welcome).
Dine alfresco in this 300-seat, jungalow-style urban marketplace, where you’ve got five cuisines to choose from: Mexican, Italian, American, Asian and modern Australian, plus two grand bar areas.
With share-style dining in mind, there’s no place for food envy. (Tip: try the poke bowl, caramamelized BBQ pork shoulder taco and Al Tartufo pizza.)
I love an acai bowl, and willfully travel the length of the coast for my favourite, especially if it’s bordering Insta-worthy views. The Salt Mill in Currumbin is just that place, adjacent to the beach in a hip haunt where the hinterland meets the sea.
Photo by Krista Eppelstun
Other groovy digs include Coolangatta’s Griffith Street Larder, Borough Barista in Burleigh Heads and Sisterhood Café in Palm Beach.
Also joining the sweep of Palm Beach gems is Balboa Italian; its industrial glam décor is worthy of a Grand Designs episode (think exposed brick meets vintage armchairs and crystal chandeliers).
Indulge in pasta made fresh daily by hand and woodfired pizza that will transport you to a summer evening in Naples.
Drink
Where there’s space for a prime view on the southern side of the Gold Coast, there are drinks of some sort flowing nearby. While the sun’s shining, see the health food guru’s at BSKT Café – a stone’s throw from the sand in Mermaid Beach – for a freshly-squeezed juice or Down to Earth Organics in Palm Beach for smoothie bowls.
If you're looking for local brews, hop on over to Black Hops Brewery in Burleigh for craft beers with an undenieable Gold Coast flavour.
Photo by Krista Eppelstun
If one is never enough (we hear you!), you can toast other Gold Coast breweries like Balter in Currumbin Waters or Burleigh Brewing Co at its namesake beach in Burleigh.
If an Amaretto Sour is more your speed, Justin Lane Establishment in Burleigh Heads shake and stir the southern GC dining scene with a coastal chic rooftop bar, and their much-loved pizzeria below.
Stay
Take in the stunning beach views in a raft of retro family-friendly accommodation. Bujerum Apartments in Burleigh Heads boasts million-dollar views right across from the sixth best beach in Australia, as dubbed by the 2017 TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards.
Photo by Krista Eppelstun
Rockabilly fun meets sleek modern interiors at La Costa Motel where the mint green, 1950’s-inspired exterior is lined with cute beach umbrellas. Here, vintage bikes and beach chairs are hired out by friendly staff who love to share the real southern experience.
Play
Rule numero uno on your golden getaway is that at least half a day is spent belly-side up on the beach, under a brolly with a book in hand (parents, watch the kids splash in the shallows a few metres away).
Make like the locals do and get active – stand-up paddleboard along Currumbin Alley at sunrise, learn to surf or take a leisurely bike ride along four kilometres of beach from Miami to Burleigh Heads.
Immerse yourself in nature with a ‘Heart of the Gold Coast’ half-day tour and journey through Burleigh Headland with a local Aboriginal guide from the Jellurgal Cultural Centre, discovering the importance of local flora, before stopping for a jaw-dropping view of Palm Beach to Coolangatta.
Next, kayak along the Tallebudgera Creek wetlands with Kayak the Gold Coast, and arrive on the banks of wildlife’s front door for encounters with koalas, kangaroos, platypus and nocturnal creatures at the David Fleay Wildlife Park.
Shop
No time to ponder needs verses wants, the southern end of the coast brims with shops. Spend an hour or two on James Street in Burleigh Heads and get your mitts on an original print from local photo-genius Sean Scott at his eponymous boutique, or kit yourself in a new cossie from Emte. Boutique or Bikini and Me.
Photo by @celestemitchell
Two kilometres north is Miami’s Trader Trove where you can unearth handpicked homewares sourced globally and often boasting a vintage, middle-eastern influence.
Local’s tip
A Sunday afternoon picnic on Burleigh Hill is a locals’ rite of passage and the best place to soak up a Sunday sunset with a cheese and dips platter and your nearest and dearest.
When to go
Thought this coastal town couldn’t get any better? Well, we’re sorry (not sorry), but it does.
With roughly 300 days of sunshine, The Gold Coast blues are like none other, even on the coldest winter day, making this a year round destination.
Getting there and getting around
Fortunately for holidaymakers, the Gold Coast Airport is in Coolangatta and no more than 20 minutes from any of the cool places listed above. Alternatively, it’s a 90-minute drive to Brisbane Airport, where you can connect to most domestic and international airports.
To get around, get your local on; the southern Gold Coast is an active community, so consider hiring a bike or walking. The bus service is also easy to navigate and very regular, or it’s cheap to scoot around in a taxi or an Uber.
