Travel Gold Coast romance edition I 3
Vintage Espresso
Burleigh Heads National Park in the heart of the Gold Coast offers beach and rainforest walks and the chance to see whales in spring. The locals call South Stradbroke Island “South Straddie” and the sandy island is a great day trip destination for anyone who enjoys surfing, swimming or bushwalking. RICH TAPESTRY OF CAFES: Visitors love to find out the inside running on the best baristas. Here are a few local haunts from the Gold Coast’s main geographical areas. SURFERS PARADISE: Bumbles Café www.bumblescafe.com BROADBEACH: Elk Espresso www.foodgoldcoast.com.au/elk Vintage Espresso, Mermaid Beach www.foodgoldcoast.com.au/ vintage-espresso CURRUMBIN: The Beach Shack www.the-beachshack.com.au BURLEIGH HEADS: Canteen www.canteencoffee.com.au
SHOP ’TIL YOU DROP: Having the leisure time to shop on holiday often means you spot a bargain buy or that piece of clothing you’ve been searching for. The Gold Coast has some well-known shopping locations (Pacific Fair, Robina Town Centre and Harbourtown) but less well known is the diversity of shops and shopping experiences available. The Village Markets (www. thevillagemarketsgc.com.au) at Burleigh is the place to head for emerging designer and vintage fashion, homewares, art stalls, live music and gourmet food. For a relaxed shopping style and great cafes, include a visit to James Street Burleigh Heads. Marina Village Sanctuary Cove (www.sanctuarycove.com) and Marina Mirage (www. marinamirage.com.au) are perfect for upmarket shopping and dining, or if you want night-time market fare with a beach backdrop, try the Surfers Paradise Beach Front Markets (www.surfersparadise.com/ beachfront-markets). For more information about
arts & crafts coast markets, have a look at www.artandcraft.com.au VENUES AFTER DARK: You’ll enjoy the variety of places to eat and drink on the Gold Coast. Too many to choose from? Then try these: Described as a “foodie’s must”, Black Coffee Lyrics is at Surfers Paradise.www. blackcoffeelyrics.com For simple, authentic homestyle food head to Hellenika at Nobby Beach. www.hellenika.com.au. Chill Dining & Wine Bar on Tedder www.chillontedder. com.au is on Tedder St Precinct where you’ll thrive on the vibe during lunch and at night when groups of people arrive to dine out in style. For a romantic environment try the sophisticated atmosphere at the Sofitel’s Room 81 www.room81.com.au. Or pop in for a pizza at Justin Lane in Burleigh Heads www. justinlane.com.au. Want to mix with the best? Then take a cocktail mixing class at the Hilton’s Fix Bar.