Total Indulgence

With an unmistakable focus on fresh produce, the acclaimed restaurants of the Gold Coast have taken advantage of the region’s local flavours and strong multicultural heritage to build an unpretentious but diverse dining scene. The Gold Coast’s geographic position, with pristine ocean to the east and fertile farm country to the west, means locals have particularly strong opinions on where the best seafood or steak can be found - all different, all great, and all dependent on whether they call the north or south part of the coastline home. Thanks to the city’s popularity with Asian travellers, particularly the Japanese, there is an amazing foundation of small venues in side streets and arcades that offer some of the best (and cheapest) Asian cuisine this side of Singapore.

High Tea - Feeling a little bit fancy? Then grab your friends, don your pearls and lace, and spend an afternoon enjoying a sophisticated and decadent high tea. You will find high tea served at: Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa, Palazzo Versace, Sheraton Mirage Resort and Spa, SkyPoint, QT Hotel, Teavine House and Tedder and Woodroffe. Pinkies up!

Surf Life Saving Clubs - Arguably the best seat on the beach, Surf Clubs can be found in prime positions on most Gold Coast beaches. Open to all visitors, Surf Clubs are a great place to meet the locals, enjoy fantastic views and have some family-friendly fun. Specialising in well priced food, drink and entertainment, Surf Clubs are a much loved part of Gold Coast life which visitors are welcome to embrace. With funds generated used to provide vital training, equipment and for the Lifesavers who patrol our beaches, kick back and enjoy knowing that you’re also supporting an essential service to our local community.

Farmers’ Markets - To market we go. Nothing beats the fresh taste of fruit, vegetables and gourmet produce bought straight from the farmer. The Gold Coast has more than 15 farmers’ markets that range from hinterland hot spots to modern city markets with the lot. A beach market at heart, the Palm Beach Food and Farmers’ Market brings more than 80 stalls of local produce straight to the market goer. Ferry Road Markets combine fruit, flowers, meats, seafood, coffee, tea and sweets in a city location.

Tamborine Mountain - Tamborine Mountain sits just 30 minutes west of Surfers Paradise, but it may as well be another world away. This charming mountain village is full of food, wine and whimsy. Several degrees cooler than the sea-level regions of the Gold Coast, Tamborine Mountain also has a discernably different culture. Quaint bed and breakfasts, antique toy stores and wineries offering gourmet cheese plates and Devonshire teas create an old-world, European ambiance. There’s a strong community feel with dozens of farmers selling fresh produce from roadside stands. In its prime position with verdant national parks on one side and fertile farmlands on the other, Tamborine Mountain and the adjacent Canungra Valley offer a total escape into a true country lifestyle.