Gold Coast
Everyone thinks Gold Coast is just theme parks. Wrong. Burleigh Heads is the real heart — incredible food, the best headland walk in QLD, and Tallebudgera Creek is paradise. The hinterland is underrated.
Current conditions
Weather
Partly Cloudy
Temperature
27°C
Humidity
68%
Best time to visit
September-November
Our picks in Gold Coast
Every spot personally vetted. No pay-for-play, no sponsored listings.
Rick Shores
Beachfront modern Asian restaurant. One of the best restaurants in Queensland. The Moreton Bay bug roll is legendary.
Modern Asian with ocean views. The bug roll is iconic. Book 3 weeks ahead for dinner — or walk in at lunch.
Fishmongers Wife
No-fuss takeaway fish and chips at the base of Burleigh Headland. The freshest catch cooked simply and perfectly.
Best fish and chips on the coast. Grab them, walk to the headland, find a rock. That's your evening sorted.
The Tropic
Relaxed tropical bar in the heart of Burleigh. Live music on weekends, craft cocktails, and genuine vibes.
Saturday night live music is the move. Great cocktails, no pretension. The Gold Coast as it should be.
Paddock Bakery
Destination bakery-cafe in Miami. The cruffins and pastries are extraordinary. Weekend queues are long but worth it.
This bakery turned into a destination. The cruffin is famous for a reason. Go weekday morning to avoid the queue.
Burleigh Headland National Park
Coastal national park with a loop walking track, ocean views, and one of the best sunsets in Queensland.
Walk the full loop track (30 min). Tuesday arvo for the best sunset with the fewest people. We'll die on this hill.
Tallebudgera Creek
Crystal-clear tidal creek with calm swimming, shaded picnic areas, and no crowds. The Gold Coast's best secret.
The best swimming spot on the Gold Coast and most visitors miss it entirely. Flat water, shaded banks, paradise.
Tamborine Mountain Distillery
Small-batch distillery on Tamborine Mountain. Tasting flights, hinterland views, and a great day trip.
Combine with the Gallery Walk for a full hinterland day. The liqueur tasting flight is surprisingly good.
Village Markets
Curated artisan market with local designers, vintage finds, food trucks, and live music.
First and third Saturday of each month at Burleigh Heads State School. Local designers, food trucks, live music.
Social Eating House + Bar
Award-winning fine dining. Seasonal tasting menus that rival anything in Sydney or Melbourne.
Fine dining without the stuffiness. The tasting menu with wine pairing is genuinely world-class.
Nobby Beach Social
Neighbourhood restaurant with strong breakfast and dinner menus. Where locals actually eat.
Locals' favourite. Less Instagram, more substance. The breakfast menu is strong and never crowded before 9.
Upcoming events
What’s happening in Gold Coast right now and in the weeks ahead.
Village Markets Burleigh
4 Jan 2025
Burleigh Heads State School
Curated artisan market with local designers, vintage finds, food trucks, and live music.
Curated itineraries
Tried-and-tested trip plans from people who actually live here.
Gold Coast 3-Day Family Adventure
Three days exploring the Gold Coast beyond the theme parks — headlands, hinterland, and hidden swimming spots.
Perfect for: families
Ask about Gold Coast
“Where should we eat near the beach?” “What’s on this weekend?” Ask us anything — our AI concierge has local knowledge baked in.
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