Welcome to another edition of Inside Gold Coast, and this one comes with a twist... literally.
You’ll find plenty of reasons to get out and explore, from Southport’s new Cineplex cinemas and hottest new smokehouse to Coolangatta’s refreshed oceanview dining venue, our BLEACH Festival highlights and plenty more local discoveries (Southport is certainly having a moment!).
We’re thrilled to introduce Inside Gold Coast Home, our brand new flip-side celebrating beautiful homes, inspiring interiors and the local creatives bringing them to life.
Thanks, as always, for supporting local and helping the Gold Coast businesses we love continue to thrive.
Managing Editor: Carly King
Assistant Editor: Belinda Symons
Digital: Tiana Acosta
Sales: Andy Whiteway, Hannah Boycon
Writers: Bianca Trathen, Lisette Drew, Chelsea Ipsen
Photographers: Mathilde Bouby, Liam McDonald, Kirra Smith
Artwork: Filipa Scott
Website: insidegoldcoast.com.au
Social Media: @insidegoldcoast
Published by: Infomaps Australia, Burleigh Heads Q. Covers: Cooly Breeze Rooftop Restaurant & Bar (see p.18)
Flip-side: Satara (see p. 10)
The
For years, you’ve joined us around the table at Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar, where authentic Italian hospitality is served on handcrafted ceramics from the heart of Italy.
Now, we’re bringing that same experience into your home with Sofia’s Homewares.
Each piece is handcrafted and hand-painted in a small town in Umbria, Italy, and imported exclusively by Sofia’s.
Whether you’re joining us for a memorable dining experience at Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar or exploring the Sofia’s Homewares online store, we can’t wait to welcome you.
Sofia’s Homewares
Scan the QR code to visit online store and guarantee a 10% discount*
Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar
Scan the qrcode to book online The Oasis Broadbeach Shop G0.53, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
TWO SIPS ARE BETTER THAN ONE
No Name Lane 4215 opens in Southport.
Southport is having a moment. The suburb has quietly become the fastestgrowing cafe precinct on the Coast this year, with venues going viral faster than you can say their names. Funnily enough, the latest addition has no name at all, and is already heading straight to the top of your must-visit list with its split cups. More on that below… No Name Lane has been a Broadbeach institution for more than 15 years. The OG at Elizabeth Avenue built a loyal following while their second spot at Surf Parade proved they could scale up without skimping on quality. It was only a matter of time before they opened another outpost. For owner Jordan Williams,
it was just about finding the right venue.
Luckily, Jordan knows a thing or two about prime real estate with 23 years in the prestige game and 13 years in hospitality before that. Now, he’s focused firmly on the future.
NNL 4215 is situated street level of the brand-new RDX Lumina in Southport, a state-of-the-art 9-storey facility purpose-built for life sciences, medtech and biotech with a direct link bridge to Gold Coast Private Hospital. Sounds futuristic? You betcha.
Designed by The Strand Agency, the space boasts floor-to-ceiling glass that floods the cafe with natural light, and here’s where things get seriously cool; NNL 4215 houses the biggest induction commercial kitchen in Australia, so you know the food is going to be out of this world too.
Leading the charge is chef Liam Dove, a fine-dining heavyweight who has worked at foodie favourites like Qualia, Stoke House, Social Eating House, RockSalt, Hank and Emirates Resort Blue Mountains.
The food offering is the kind of fare you know and love from the OG, contemporary Australian served across breakfast, brunch and lunch. One thing that has remained constant across venues is the team’s commitment to cooking with zero seed oils. Now that’s what we call clean eating.
So, what’s on the menu?
The Chilli Scramble comes in hot with scrambled eggs and goat cheese on cheddar jalapeno sourdough, finished with housemade chilli essence and 4215 fermented chilli samba.
Tandoori Chicken Roti will tantilise your tastebuds with oven baked tandoori chicken, eggplant relish served on flakey paratha, with green tomato chutney, mint yoghurt dressing, coconut curry essence and lemon cheek.
For those looking for the sweeter things in life, the Raspberry & Lemon Buttermilk Pancakes dusted with lemon sugar accompanied by raspberry curd, lemon gel, vanilla bean ice cream and meringue shards will satisfy your sugar cravings.
When it comes to the coffee, it’s as topnotch as ever, with beans sourced directly from growers in Colombia, Ethiopia and Guatemala, pulled through a custom-spec La Marzocco calibrated to within 0.1 grams. Cappuccino to piccolo, No Name Lane knows exactly how you like it. The cold foam selection is elite too.
And the showstopper? Australia’s first split cup – a reusable vessel with two 350ml compartments, for double the sips. Can’t choose between matcha and cold brew? Now you don’t have to.
The future of coffee is here and it’s split right down the middle. Don’t be in two minds about it. Get in early, this one won’t stay a Southport secret for long.
Words by Lisette Drew
DINE IN + TAKEAWAY
SPECIALTY COFFEE + FOOD
FOLLOW THEM HERE the cold foam selection is elite…
Images by Liam McDonald
THRIFT AND SIP
Gritty Garms combines cold foam sips and vintage fashion finds.
The only thing better than finding the perfect vintage piece is doing it with a cinnamon scroll and iced latte in hand.
Gritty Garms is the Mermaid Beach newcomer serving up globally sourced vintage fashion alongside specialty coffee and sweet treats.
Behind the vision is Hugo Cunningham and partner Amara Gray, who have turned their love of vintage clothing and cafe culture into one of the Coast’s coolest new hangouts. Hugo has spent the last two years sourcing and importing vintage pieces from
around the world, while Amara brings more than six years of barista experience to the coffee side of the biz.
Gritty Garms first began as a side hustle, with Hugo selling vintage clothing on Depop while working full time. Before long, the racks outgrew the hobby. At 21, he took the leap and opened a tiny Palm Beach store tucked upstairs from Mylk Well. Without any street frontage, Hugo thought people would walk straight past. Instead, vintage lovers hunted it down like a treasure chest. Through social media and word of mouth, the store quickly built a loyal following of regulars who have since followed the brand to its new home.
After the Palm Beach site was demolished to make way for a high rise, Hugo spent months searching for a new location while he and Amara also welcomed a baby. No small feat for the growing business and family!
The Mermaid Beach building immediately stood out with its angled roof, exposed trusses and old-school charm. Hugo and his dad Allan completed most of the fit-out themselves, pulling long days to transform
the industrial-style space into a retro vibe with pops of colour throughout. With indoor and outdoor seating, there’s plenty of room to hang, though chances are you’ll spend most of your time weaving through the carefully curated vintage racks with a brew in hand.
The cafe side of things is headed up by Amara, whose signature drinks are already gaining a following of their own.
The standout is the BBC – burnt brown cinnamon cold foam on an iced latte crowned with a matching mini cinnamon-glazed scroll on top. The scrolls come courtesy of another small local business, Cinnamon & Co., with Amara collaborating on flavours designed to match the drinks menu.
Alongside classic coffee offerings, customers can sip their way through pandan and ube-inspired creations, flavours Amara grew up loving through her Asian heritage and now wants to share with the Gold Coast.
Ubeo combines a ube oreo cold foam on a matcha latte while the Pandan Coco layers pandan cold foam over coconut water and espresso. Both can be topped with matching ube or pandan-glazed cinnamon scrolls, a choice that feels less optional and more essential.
Because let’s be honest, rummaging through a treasure trove of vintage finds is hungry work.
Drew
FOLLOW THEM HERE a treasure trove of vintage finds…
Words by Lisette
Images by Liam McDonald
VINTAGE CLOTHING • STREETWEAR • COFFEE
BRUNCH, BUBBLES AND BEACH VIEWS
Your weekend plans are heating up at Sandfire.
With 70-kilometres of uninterrupted coastline, weekends on the GC are practically made for soaking up the good vibes by the beach. Well, that’s where you’ll find us.
Luckily, Sandfire is leaning into the lifestyle and leveling it up, launching a fresh line-up of weekend experiences that pair ocean views with delectable food, flowing spritzes and live music.
Whether it’s Friday knock-offs with the work besties, Saturday brunch with the fam or a Sunday boogie with friends, the focus
is on bringing people together in a relaxed beachfront setting.
It’s an easy fit for a venue that’s already earned a reputation for outstanding coastal dining with Pacific Ocean views. Sitting pretty on Level 1 of North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Club, Sandfire feels far enough above the beach to take in all the sights, while still close enough to hear the waves rolling in.
The fun arrives every Friday with Sandfire Social, a weekly excuse to clock off early. From 4.30pm to 5.30pm, complimentary chef’s canapés accompany after-work drinks for an elevated happy hour, where it’s less about rushing home and more about easing into the weekend, one bite and one beverage at a time.
Venue manager Siaan Petersen said the vision is simple. “Sandfire Oceanfront Bar, Dining & Events has always been about bringing people together. With our Friday Social, we’re creating the perfect place to finish the working week –great food, exceptional hospitality and those incredible oceanfront views that make North Burleigh so special.”
Come Saturday and Sunday, the pace slows even further with the arrival of Spritz & Share, a two-hour brunch designed for groups who believe brunch should never be rushed.
Priced at $79 per person and available from 9am until 3pm for groups of four or more, the shared menu leans into those coastal flavours Sandfire is famous for. Natural oysters arrive freshly shucked, while prawn brioche rolls deliver buttery indulgence in every bite. Guests can choose between smoked salmon or wild mushroom tostadas before diving into crispy truffle fries, with coffee matcha panna cotta providing a silky finish that lands somewhere between dessert and your afternoon pick-me-up.
The drinks package keeps the good vibes flowing with Tamburlaine sparkling and rosé, classic mimosas and carafes (yes carafes!) of Aperol, Limoncello, Hugo and Lavender Spritzes. Bright, refreshing and made for Queensland sunshine.
Sunday adds one final ingredient to the mix with live music from 1.30pm, an easy-going soundtrack as the afternoon unfolds across the oceanfront terrace.
With complimentary Friday canapés, sharestyle brunches and live music now anchoring the weekend plans, and with sunshine gracing the Gold Coast around 300 days a year, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better place to level up your weekend.
Words by Lisette Drew
Open Thursday & Friday: 11:30am-Late Saturday & Sunday: 9am-Late Licenced from 9am
Princess Polly, a cult croissanterie, Mimco’s new digs and more.
What are two words guaranteed to freeze any style-conscious Gold Coaster in their tracks? We’ve played this game before, and the correct answer is always; Pacific. Fair.
This iconic GC shopping destination is serving a lineup of fashion and foodie faves that are shaping the season.
Think a new styling lounge, a cult bakery, a homegrown fashion favourite going bricks-and-mortar and a jewellery icon completely reinventing its boutique identity.
It’s safe to say Pac Fair’s current stylecycle-synced moment is positively ‘momenting’. Here’s why.
PRINCESS POLLY
Gold Coast fashion lovers, take a deep breath. Princess Polly has opened at Pacific Fair, marking a full-circle moment for the brand that started right here back in 2010. What began in a beachside apartment has grown into a global fashion force with creative teams split between Burleigh Heads and Hollywood. Their in-house trend-chasers work at lightning speed to deliver fresh
Right: Princess Polly Pitter Long Sleeve Top RRP$65.
The Stylist Lounge
THE STYLIST LOUNGE
LUNE CROISSANTERIE
Pastry people, this one’s for you. Lune Croissanterie has brought its buttery brilliance to The Resort, marking the cult Melbourne bakery’s first-ever shopping centre location. (Literally) drool watching these bakery brainiacs layer, fold and finesse Lune’s famously meticulous pastries – traditional croissants, almond croissants, pain au chocolat and the lemon-curd cruffin. It’s pastry theatre, and you’re in the front row.
Consider this your sign to stop panic-buying and let the pros take over. Pacific Fair’s exclusive Stylist Lounge brings expert personal stylists, VIP treatment and effortless polish together in one seriously chic space. Whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe or dressing for a special occasion, this is where style decisions get a whole lot easier. Visit PacificFair.com.au for more information and bookings.
MIMCO
Mimco has opened its new boutique on the First Floor near Event Cinemas, and it’s looking every bit the chic icon that it is. The space blends contemporary design with the brand’s signature creative flair, making it feel more like an uber-stylish friend’s apartment than a traditional store. It’s polished, playful and perfectly Mimco.
PALERMO PERFUMES
Palermo Perfumes has recently opened in The Arcade, bringing a seriously impressive scent library. Their collection spans over 1,600 fragrances inspired by designer icons, cult classics and niche favourites, giving shoppers a chance to explore a world of scent without the designer price tag.
If you’re looking for the pulse of the fashion and lifestyle scene, this is where it’s beating the loudest. One impeccably curated opening at a time.
Words by Bianca Trathen
FOLLOW
THEM HERE
THE POUR-FECT
SUNDAY PLAN
Local’s new Sunday Bottomless Lunch has landed in Burleigh.
Sunday lunch is already one of life’s greatest inventions. Throw in free-flowing drinks, a cocktail on arrival, a table full of things to nibble and absolutely nowhere else to be for two glorious hours and, frankly, we’re looking at Nobel Prize territory.
The geniuses responsible are the team at Local, Burleigh’s much-loved neighbourhood pub and reliable source of excellent food, cold bevs and the kind of atmosphere that has turned “just one” into an entire afternoon on more occasions than we care to count.
Now, Local is adding a brand-new bottomless lunch to its Sunday repertoire, giving Gold Coasters a very compelling reason to get out of bed and rally the group.
Running every Sunday, the lunch includes two hours of flowing drinks and a selection of share-style dishes for $65 per person. Sessions are available from 12pm to 2pm and 1pm to 3pm, which means you can choose between kicking things off at noon or enjoying a leisurely morning before commencing your very important Sunday duties.
A Bloody Mary, Espresso Martini or Mimosa is a very good place to start, covering those who like their cocktails caffeinated, citrusy or capable of doubling as a vegetable serve.
From there, the drinks keep flowing for the full two-hour session, with cocktails included alongside Prosecco, Pinot Grigio, Rosé and Shiraz. In other words, there’s plenty to sip your way through.
Beer fans will be happy with a selection of mid-strength and full-strength options.
COCKTAILS & TAP BEERS
COCKTAILS & TAP BEERS
From incredible chicken parmy’s on our terrace to evening cocktails in our epic beer garden, every visit is a journey of delight.
From incredible chicken parmy’s on our terrace to evening cocktails in our epic beer garden, every visit is a journey of delight.
From incredible chicken parmy’s on our terrace to evening cocktails in our epic beer garden, every visit is a journey of delight.
Enjoy lunch and dinner alongside tap beers, cocktails and live music. With spacious booths for any occasion, make Local Burleigh your go-to spot for unforgettable moments!
Enjoy lunch and dinner alongside tap beers, cocktails and live music. With spacious booths for any occasion, make Local Burleigh your go-to spot for unforgettable moments!
Enjoy lunch and dinner alongside tap beers, cocktails and live music. With spacious booths for any occasion, make Local Burleigh your go-to spot for unforgettable moments!
9 MUST-SEE EVENTS AT BLEACH FESTIVAL
Get cultured this October.
F
or the first time, BLEACH Festival is moving into October, trading chilly winter nights for fresh spring energy as it celebrates its 15th year of bringing groundbreaking arts and experiences to the GC. With new Artistic Director Felix Preval at the helm, BLEACH is entering a new chapter of big ideas and bold performances over 11 days of creativity and connection. From jet pack performers and giant interactive installations to late-night raves and gravity-defying circus, this year’s program features more than 290 artists across 48 events where there’s always something new to discover. We’ve rounded up nine events we don’t want to miss.
THAW
Created by acclaimed physical theatre company Legs On The Wall, THAW sees a lone performer balancing atop a three-tonne block of melting ice suspended high above the ground. As the ice slowly disappears beneath them, so does their footing, creating a powerful metaphor for our changing climate.
SIX60
BLEACH isn’t just about visual arts. Its live music lineup is stacked too. New Zealand
chart-toppers Six60 bring their stadium-sized sound to the Gold Coast, delivering the feel-good anthems and infectious energy that have made them one of the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest live acts.
THE BUTTERFLY WHO FLEW INTO THE RAVE
What happens when contemporary dance collides with rave culture? You get one seriously wild hour. This immersive performance condenses the energy of a three-day rave into a high-octane theatrical experience, complete with electronic music, pulsing lights and boundary-pushing choreography.
A SIMPLE SPACE
Prepare to spend a night saying, “How did they do that?” Seven acrobats from Gravity & Other Myths push the limits of strength, trust and gravity in this internationally acclaimed circus performance, accompanied by a live percussionist who keeps the energy soaring.
VOICES
VOICES is an interactive light and sound installation where visitors spin 50 translucent tubes to activate a glowing wall of colour and soaring choral music. The more people who join in, the more spectacular the experience becomes.
Equal parts playground and public artwork, it’s one you’ll definitely want on your camera roll.
KALEIDOSCOPE SKIES
Head to the top of HOTA Gallery and you’ll find one of the festival’s most Instagram-worthy installations. Better Days Studio transforms the panoramic Level 5 viewing platform into a colourful dreamscape that plays with light, landscape and perspective. It’s the perfect excuse to slow down, look up and see the Gold Coast from an entirely different angle.
CLUB PEROXIDE
When the sun goes down, BLEACH turns up the volume. Club Peroxide transforms the Basement into the festival’s own underground nightclub across opening weekend, bringing together DJs, performers and immersive visuals for a free late-night party that’s equal parts art installation and dance floor.
HOW
THE BIRDS GOT THEIR COLOURS
Circus, First Nations storytelling and largerthan-life visual theatre come together in this magical outdoor performance from Arc Circus and the Yugambeh Aboriginal Dancers. Inspired by an ancient Dreamtime story, it’s a celebration of culture and movement that the whole family can enjoy.
HIGH TIDE
Go out with a bang at BLEACH’s spectacular closing celebration. High Tide promises live performance, visual spectacle and jet pack performers soaring above HOTA Lake before the party continues with a family-friendly rave beneath the stars.
So warm up your vocal cords and dust off your dancing shoes because you’ll not want to miss BLEACH this October.
To find out more, head to hota.com.au
Words by Lisette Drew
COOLY ROOFTOP’S MEZZE-MERISING MAKEOVER
It’s deluxe, delicious and ready to dominate your
dining rotation.
The rooftop renaissance we’ve all been waiting for has finally landed. After four months of Mediterranean-vibe renos, Cooly Breeze Rooftop Restaurant and Bar reopened on 4 June, emerging like a coastal butterfly that’s swapped its cocoon for couture. It still has that inviting, breezy ambience locals adore, but now sports a refined, elevated edge with coastalcool swagger that feels both bougie and beautifully laid-back.
Soft curves, warm timber tones, textured surfaces and a muted neutral palette work together to deliver a modern aesthetic that feels both elevated and inviting. All-in-all, it’s a beautifully balanced blend of modern design and Cooly charisma.
This new sophistication flows straight through the menu, crafted by owner and Executive Chef Marcondes Almeida Neto – the culinary sorcerer behind fellow Cooly kingpins Black Dingo and La Stradina. Cooly Breeze has always been known for its epic beachfront and ocean views, but now the food and drinks are just as gasp-worthy. Think premium cuisine, panoramic vistas, and an ambience to match.
Let’s unpack the nosh starting strong with the Byron Bay Burrata: charcoal grilled peaches, spicy honey and crumbled pistachio and why not add Jamón Ibérico because you can.
Then, we recommend moving into a round of Bluefin Tuna Tartare on Savoury Blinis (three pieces) with smoked mascarpone and finger lime pearls, and perhaps the Alla Earth Natural Oysters with pickled red onion and passionfruit and jalapeño dressing
For mains, the 12-Hour Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder with creamed ricotta and sautéed potatoes is a melt-in-your-mouth moment worth writing home about. Or, for seafood devotees, brace yourselves for the Charcoal Grilled Tropical Rock Lobster. Served with light bisque emulsion, smoked butter, charred lemon, sea herbs, pickled fennel and fries,
it’s luxurious, indulgent, and absolutely not for sharing.
For those who make friends with salad, the Chicken Ceasar Salad is the best in show, and for dessert desperados, the Soufflé Au Chocolat is a hard non-negotiable. Warm dark chocolate soufflé with a hazelnut praline centre and molten core, served with salted caramel ice cream, it’s a choc-fuelled mic drop if ever there was one.
As for drinks, the cocktail menu is lengthy, truly innovative, and exceptional – just the way we like it. Let’s kick off with cocktails because who can go past an award-winner and certainly not us. Paris, an AGFG-awarded beauty, blends Martell VS Cognac, St-Germain, fresh lemon, rosemary syrup and fig jam.
For margarita lovers, the Hibi Heat with Cazcabel Honey tequila, Cointreau, hibiscus syrup and tea, fresh lime, served on the rocks with a chilli salt rim, is the perf spicy little number which goes down smoother than a Gold Coast sunset.
Spritz enthusiasts will fall hard for the Pommy Spritz with Massenez ginger liqueur, Steinbok passionfruit liqueur, pomegranate syrup, prosecco and soda. If you’re not sold on one of the above firstly, we can’t be friends, and secondly, fear not. There are mocktails and other non-alcoholic bevs, beers, and a wine list 16 pages long – and it’s an absolute clanger.
Whether you’re here for a bougee bite, mouthwatering meal, glass of shut-up good vino or a truly premium cocktail, this thoughtfully reimagined venue delivers elevated coastal living in spades. Sip, savour and soak in the views – Cooly Breeze is back baby, and it’s feta than ever.
Words by Bianca Trathen
Images by Liam McDonald
SMOOTH MOVES
Straight & Sleek is putting frizz in its place.
Have you spent your whole life wrangling with your hair - trying to tame it, mould it, flatten it (without crying into it) using nothing but your own sheer determination and some ineffective taming cream?
Allow us to introduce your hair saviour –AKA, your new BFF. Nestled in Kirra, Straight & Sleek is the Gold Coast’s first studio built exclusively for hair straightening, and honestly, it’s about damn time.
Founded by Charmaine Stubbs in 2010, Straight & Sleek was born of a very relatable frustration: years of dealing with frizzy, unmanageable hair and the
kind of chemicalstraightening damage that leaves you questioning all your life choices. So Charmaine did what any determined hairdresser slash mad scientist would do; she trialled, tested and perfected a healthier more effective alternative until she landed on her now-signature Nanoplasty treatments. Fifteen-plus years and one seriously impressive stack of industry training later, the result is a studio that has well and truly split ends with the traditional salon model.
And we mean that literally, because here, straightening isn’t just another service squeezed in between a colour and a cut – it’s their entire business. Every consultation, product and technique is dedicated solely to solving texture problems, whether that’s frizz, dryness, or curls. It’s safe to say, they’ve basically got a PhD in whatever texture hair problem you’re dealing with. Results are tailored to you and guaranteed to last, using only clean, non-toxic, professionalgrade products from leading global brands - because life’s too short for a salon visit that smells like a chem lab.
The experience itself leans more into a day spa than a long day at the salon. Think luxe-seating, massage basins, a refreshment menu, and state-of-the-art clean-air extraction, so you can skip the eau de chemical perfume altogether. Throw in ocean views over Kirra Beach, and you’ve essentially booked a mini holiday that’ll also end with unreasonably good hair.
The process itself is straight to the point and surprisingly low drama. What you’re left with is smooth, shiny, genuinely manageable hair (and a repaired relationship with it).
Every woman deserves effortlessly beautiful hair that doesn’t cost her precious time and a small tantrum every morning, and this Kirra studio has built an entire business around handing it back. Whether you’re after a full transformation or just a quick smooth-over, there’s a treatment with your name on it - from the Signature Straightening and Smoothing & Soft Straightening through to the quick-fix Express De-Frizz Treatment. Moral of the storyfrizz, we’re breaking up with you.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
FOLLOW THEM HERE dedicated to solving texture problems…
KIRRA VILLAGE
Shops 13/48 Musgrave St, Kirra
KIRRA VILLAGE
13/48 Musgrave Coolangatta
Hair you will love every single day!
THERE’S A NEW SUGAR OBSESSION IN TOWN
Iconic American chocolatier See’s Candies opens its first-ever Australian store on the Gold Coast.
If your sweet tooth has been feeling a little under-served lately, you’re in very sweet luck – things have just gotten very delicious on the Gold Coast. Robina has welcomed a seriously iconic newcomer, See’s Candies Australia, and yes, it’s kind of a big deal.
For the first time ever, the cult-favourite American chocolatier has landed on Australian soil, bringing with it over a century of confectionery cred (they’ve been perfecting their recipes since 1921). If you’ve spent any time in the US or have some American friends, chances are you’ve already heard the hype. Now, you can taste it for yourself.
Think glossy boxes of premium chocolates, melt-in-your-mouth buttery caramels, crunchy peanut brittle, and those signature lollipops that lean more into creamy cubes of deliciousness. Each flavour is as tempting as the next, with chocolate, vanilla, café latte, butterscotch, strawberry cream and orange cream to choose from.
Then, there are the heavy hitters. We’re talking Scotchmallow (a dangerously addictive combo of caramel, marshmallow and chocolate), California Brittle (sweet, salty and crackly to perfection), and the fanfavourite Milk Bordeaux– a creamy, brown sugar heaven we’ll 100% be hoarding.
The real sweet story behind Australia’s first See’s Candies store starts with husband-andwife duo Jason and Megan, who saw a gap in Queensland’s dessert scene and thought, honestly… why should Americans have all the fun? Because while we’ve long had our go-to bakeries and beloved biscuit tins, specialty chocolate stores of this calibre have been noticeably missing from our lives. Tragic, really.
But beyond spotting a delicious business opportunity, the Gold Coast genuinely felt like the perfect fit. Much like See’s Californian roots, life here revolves around sunshine, good vibes and a little bit of indulgence. And if there’s one thing we do exceptionally well on the GC, it’s treating ourselves.
For Megan though, bringing See’s Candies to Australia means far more than opening a chocolate shop. Growing up in America, See’s was woven into family life, with her grandmother always keeping a stash tucked away at home. You know the feeling, like finding the good Arnott’s biscuits hidden in the pantry as a kid. In many ways, launching Australia’s very first See’s store is a full-circle moment steeped in nostalgia, tradition and a whole lot of heart. Frankly, we’re emotional… and hungry.
And speaking of tradition, See’s has stayed famously committed to its motto, Quality Without Compromise, for more than 100 years. We can thank Mary See herself for that. Her original recipes, dedication to fresh ingredients and refusal to cut corners laid the foundations for what became one of America’s most-loved confectionery brands. No preservatives, premium ingredients and recipes that remain 100% gluten and preservative free. That’s the kind of commitment we can absolutely get behind. The space itself is every bit as dreamy as you’d hope. Brought to life by Element Shopfitting, the design takes inspiration from See’s iconic Century City store in California, reimagined with a brighter, more relaxed Queensland feel. Inside, you’ll find the brand’s signature candy counter, where you can handpick your favourites and build a custom box worthy of gifting… or keeping entirely to yourself. There are also ready-to-go selections packed with buttery caramels, rich chocolate creams and all the old-school classics that have earned See’s its cult following over the past century. And yes, there are free samples. As there should be.
Consider this your official permission slip to overindulge. We absolutely will be!
Words
by Chelsea Ipsen
FOLLOW THEM HERE all the old-school classics…
BUDGET-FRIENDLY BLOCKBUSTERS
Cineplex brings $8 movie nights back to Australia Fair.
Is that a popping sound coming from Australia Fair? And a delicious smell of butter wafting through the air?
There was shock and sadness across the GC when Australia Fair’s cinema closed its doors in May. But the intermission is over! Cineplex has stepped into the starring role, bringing value-packed movie nights back to Southport with blockbuster releases, family favourites and plenty of popcorn.
Located on Level 1 of Australia Fair, the newly opened 10-screen cinema is set
to become the go-to spot for everything from spontaneous date nights and catch-ups with friends to rainy-day family adventures (because we all know keeping the kids entertained is a full-time job).
The arrival of Cineplex marks an exciting new chapter for the iconic shopping centre, with the independent cinema operator taking over the existing cinema space.
For Cineplex, it’s a homecoming of sorts. The family-owned business has been bringing cinema experiences to Queensland audiences for decades. Sam Catalano, whose father started Cineplex, says the team is thrilled to be joining the Australia Fair community, especially with all the amazing restaurants and eateries around the centre.
And he’s not wrong. A movie at Australia Fair pairs perfectly with a pre-film feast! Whether you’re craving dumplings, noodles, Korean barbecue or a quick bite, your tastebuds can go on an adventure at
Australia Fair before the trailers roll. It’s an easy night out where you can park the car, grab dinner, catch the latest release and make a whole evening of it, all in one place.
Of course, the biggest drawcard is Cineplex’s famous value. With ticket prices from just $8, it makes heading to the movies a little easier on the wallet, because sometimes you want the big screen experience without the big screen price tag.
Expect all the latest blockbuster releases alongside family favourites. There’s also 3D sessions, giving Gold Coasters plenty of reasons to swap the couch for cinema seats.
For those looking to level up their movie night, Cineplex Deluxe screens offer a more indulgent experience with reclining leather seats, premium food and licensed in-cinema drink delivery. Think cocktails, burgers, nachos, pizzas and a dessert bar loaded with sundaes, churros and apple pie bites. There are even hand-scooped choc tops made fresh daily on site. Honestly, we’re not sure the movie matters when there’s a menu this good.
There’s even more good news for drivers: moviegoers can receive up to five hours of free parking at Australia Fair when they scan their movie ticket as they exit the car park.
Whether you’re chasing an action-packed blockbuster, a kids’ movie adventure or simply looking for a fun and affordable night out, Cineplex at Australia Fair is ready to roll.
So, round up your crew and rediscover movie nights in Southport because cinema is officially back at Australia Fair.
Words by Lisette Drew
BOOK TICKETS HERE swap the couch for cinemas seats…
PERSONALISED, BLENDED & BOTTLED BY HAND
Inspired by your favourite brands or your own imagination…
RAISING THE STEAKS
Beef up your barbecue at Boococks Butchery in Palm Beach.
There was something special about going to the butcher as a kid. Maybe it was the big grin from the guy behind the counter, or the jokes he’d share while Mum ordered dinner. Long before self-checkouts and shrink-wrapped steaks, the local butcher was part of the community, a familiar face who knew your order and always had cooking advice ready to go.
Now, Boococks Butchery is bringing a little of that feeling back to the Gold Coast with the opening of its new Palm Beach store.
Boococks has been part of the Australian butchery industry since 1923, beginning as a small family butcher shop in Melbourne built on quality produce and genuine customer service. More than 100 years later, the business still follows the same values, just on a bigger scale.
Over the decades, Boococks has built strong relationships with Australian farmers and producers from north to south, supplying carefully selected meats while staying true to the traditional butchery values that built its reputation in the first place.
The prime Palm Beach store marks the next chapter for the long-running butcher, bringing its premium products and friendly service to the southern Gold Coast. It felt like a natural fit for the Boococks team, with the area home to families and healthconscious locals who care about quality food and where it comes from.
More than just a place to grab the weekly snags, the store aims to become somewhere customers can ask questions and feel
genuinely looked after with tender loving care.
Located at the 19th Ave Shopping Centre, the space has been designed to feel warm and welcoming, with ample space for browsing the cabinets, marble countertops, wooden features and a splash of greenery to brighten the space. It balances a modern retail experience with old-school charm.
Inside, the display cabinets are stacked with carefully sourced products from trusted Australian producers, including grass-fed beef, organic meats, free-range chicken and preservative-free options that are a cut above the rest.
Every product has been selected based on quality and helping customers better understand what they are feeding their families. The team is equally passionate about helping people get the best result at home too, whether that means tips for cooking or choosing the perfect cut.
They’ve also taken the guesswork out of dinner, with a range of ready-to-cook options prepped fresh in-house. Think Italian chicken mini roasts, mint and rosemary lamb chops and grass-fed beef Wellington. Simply pop them in the oven and let your guests think you did the heavy lifting.
While plenty has changed since Boococks first opened its doors in 1923, the heart of the business remains the same. And who knows, the kids of Palmy might just end up with the same memories many of us grew up with too!
Coomera Lodge Hotel’s new cabins are ready for check-in.
There are staycays, and then there are staycays that come with dinner, drinks and zero need to call an Uber. Coomera Lodge Hotel has officially entered its accommodation era, with the launch of its brand-new Coomera Cabins bringing an easy-breezy new way to stay and play on the northern Gold Coast.
Made for spontaneous weekends, theme park adventures, family getaways and nights that deserve to roll into a sleepover, the cabins put you right where you want to be. Close to the action, close to the pub and close to that glorious moment when you realise the journey
home is just a short wander away.
Picture neatly lined modern cabins with warm wooden accents and a coastal aesthetic that makes them feel like a boutique escape. Inside, it’s all about spacious, comfy living, with car parks right out front of the cabins, so unpacking the car feels refreshingly fuss-free.
Location-wise, they’ve nailed the sweet spot, just a stone’s throw from the theme parks, but surrounded by enough greenery to forget you’re 15 minutes from a rollercoaster. You’ve got plenty of gorgeous park areas surrounding you to lay down a rug for the day, or you can take a stroll by the Coomera River. It’s arguably the best home base for those after adventures by day and a laidback staycay by night.
There are two cabin styles to choose from. First up, the Family Cabin, aka the crowd pleaser. One queen bed plus a bunk (two singles), so everyone’s got their own space. It comes with a private ensuite, air-con for those classic Gold Coast humidity days, a TV for winding down, and free wifi. Sleeps four, so it’s ideal for families and groups alike.
Then there’s the Accessible Cabin – DDAcompliant, no access stairs, and genuinely spacious. This one comes with a queen bed, a bunk (two more singles), and a sofa that extends into a queen, comfortably sleeping six. Same deal on the private ensuite, TV, air-con and free wifi. Handy for bigger groups, multigenerational trips, or anyone who just wants a bit of extra room to breathe.
Best part? You’re a short stroll from the Coomera Lodge Hotel itself, so post check-in, it’s a very short commute to a cold drink and a feed. No taxis, no designated driver dramasjust wander over, wander back. And it’s not just a cold pint waiting for you over there.
The pub side of things is genuinely stacked with live sports galore from NRL, NBL, Rugby Union, Rugby League and UFC all on the big screens, plus weekly food and drink specials to match. There’s live music to keep the night going, karaoke Saturdays for anyone feeling brave, and trivia and bingo nights for those who’d rather flex the brain instead of their vocal cords. Got the kids in tow? They’ve got Sunday Fun Day, a petting zoo on select Sundays, school-holiday entertainment to fill the days, and kids eat for $3 every Monday. You could check in on a Friday and have nonstop entertainment till Monday! How’s that for switching your brain off?
Whether you’re using it as a launchpad for theme park marathons, a low-key mates getaway, or just an excuse to swap your commute for a five-minute stroll to dinner, Coomera Lodge’s new cabins are shaping up to be one of the more chilled additions to Gold Coast accommodation this year. Bookings are open now, so all that’s left to do is pick your cabin and call it a getaway.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
BOOK HERE ideal for families or groups…
SMOKE SHOW
Hicksville is firing up brisket, ribs, beers and big smokehouse energy in Southport.
Do you smell that? That rich, smoky aroma… sweet barbecue glaze, charred spices and a hint of woodfire? If you’ve found yourself following your nose through Southport lately, like us, chances are it’s led you straight to Hicksville Smokehouse. Turns out, that decadent scent is 16-hour slow-smoked brisket, and it’s the calling card of the newest addition to the growing Hicksville precinct.
From the team behind Fire Baby and Ember comes Hicksville Smokehouse, a laid-back new venue on Hicks Street. Combining low-and-slow barbecue, cold drinks, big-screen sport and a lively backyard atmosphere, smokehouse is already shaping up as a go-to spot for after-work drinks, weekend catch-ups and curing smoked meat cravings.
By day, it’s your trusty café hangout. By night, Hicksville flips the switch and fires up into a full-blown barbecue playground, complete with smoky feasts, flowing drinks and backyard bar energy in spades. It’s all the glory of an Aussie BBQ without having to
hover over the grill, argue about whether the snags are done, or leave smelling like you’ve been slow-cooked yourself. And honestly, even BBQ King Barry deserves to clock off every now and then.
The good vibes roll right through the fit-out too, with the precinct’s signature exposed brick, glowing neon, striped awnings and a sprawling outdoor courtyard twinkling under festoon lights. There are high tables made for after-work knock-offs, communal dining spots for rolling deep, and plenty of screens dotted around the backyard bar so you can catch the game while making your way through a tray of brisket and ribs. Now that’s what we call a solid game plan.
As expected, the menu is all about smoke, fire and slow-cooked goodness. Remember that 16hour brisket we mentioned earlier? That beauty is rubbed with Hicksville’s signature seasoning and cooked low and slow until it reaches that melt-in-your-mouth sweet spot. Texas bourbonglazed pork ribs deliver sticky, smoky goodness, while smoked chorizo and southern fried chicken round out the stellar barbecue lineup.
If sandwiches are more your speed, there’s plenty to get excited about. The Hicksville Brisket Bun pairs slow-smoked brisket with pickled charred cabbage, smoked onion and mustard mayo, while The Hick Rib Sub loads up smoked onion, rocket and bread-andbutter pickles alongside tender pork. The Choripán Sub adds Fire Baby chimichurri to smoked chorizo, tomato and onion salsa for a smoky take on the South American classic. Can’t decide? The Pitmaster’s Plate does the hard work for you, piling smoked brisket, pork ribs, coleslaw, sweet corn, pickles and house-made condiments onto one seriously satisfying platter. Think of it as a charcuterie board for BBQ lovers. Ideal for that ‘can’t decide’ dilemma or those who simply want a taste of everything.
The drinks offering leans heavily into the smokehouse theme, too. There’s a solid lineup of bourbon, whiskey, rum, and tequila, alongside local craft beers, Hicksville Lager on tap, wines, ciders, and a selection of easydrinking premixed options.
With hard-to-resist smoky aromas, sports on the screens, drinks flowing from the bar and a menu built for sharing, Hicksville has all the ingredients of a neighbourhood favourite. Whether you’re dropping in for a schooner and the footy, gathering the crew for a barbecue feast or simply following the smell of smoked brisket, Hicksville Smokehouse is giving Southport another reason to brag.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Images by Mathilde Bouby
11 Hicks Street, Southport
FOLLOW THEM HERE
hard-to-resist smoky aromas…
Open Thursday 5pm until late Friday & Saturday 12pm–3pm & 5pm until late Sunday 12pm–5pm
hicksvillesmokehouse.com.au
LOW AND SLOW BBQ
HICKSY BUSINESS
Hicksy’s is dishing up specialty coffee and serious sandwich game.
From the team behind Fire Baby and Ember comes Hicksy’s, a laidback cafe concept now serving specialty coffee and stacked sandwiches
The crew behind Fire Baby and Ember, Dr Michael and Donna Read, already know how to create venues people don’t want to leave. Their two-in-one dining destination that opened last year quickly became a local favourite, and Hicksville feels like the natural next chapter – bigger, bolder and built for allday deliciousness.
Just around the corner from Fire Baby, Hicksville carries over the same signature red
brick aesthetic, blending industrial touches with warm neighbourhood vibes.
The overall space houses four distinct concepts: Hicksy’s Cafe, an American-style smokehouse dishing up low-and-slow barbecue, an artisan gelato bar and a premium whiskey lounge pouring late into the evening. Basically, your morning coffee run and your midnight whiskey craving will share the same address.
Hicksy’s feels polished but relaxed, a place to both pop in for a takeaway or linger long enough to contemplate a second lunch.
Coffee comes courtesy of Bear Bones Coffee, with specialty beans roasted and blended in Brisbane. Whether your usual is a piccolo or an iced matcha, all pair perfectly with the lineup of fresh pastries. Think blueberry bran muffins, buttery croissants, banana bread and cinnamon swirls big enough to justify cancelling your meal prep plans.
Then there are the sandwiches and trust us, these aren’t for the faint of heart.
The Fire Baby Porchetta Roll stacks roasted porchetta with mayo, charred and pickled
cabbage, piccalilli and Swiss cheese on a Fire Baby focaccia roll
Meanwhile, the Hicks Reuben on Rye delivers peak NYC deli energy with smoked pastrami, mustard, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese layered onto rye sourdough
But the early standout might just be The Brisket Boss. Loaded with 200 grams of Hicksville slow-cooked brisket, bread and butter pickles, provolone and caramelised onion on focaccia
Vegetarians aren’t left out either. The Pesto Mushroom Melt combines roasted portobello mushroom, pesto, Swiss cheese and roasted red onion on baguette that holds its own in the meat-heavy lineup.
And while the whiskey bar and gelato counter are still waiting in the wings, Hicksy’s Cafe already feels like the beginning of something special for Southport.
Words
by
Lisette Drew
FOLLOW THEM HERE
Images by Mathilde Bouby
SUNDAY
SLICE CLUB
Fire Baby turns up the heat with Sunday Sessions.
Let’s be honest, Sunday afternoons on the Gold Coast can go one of two ways. You either commit fully to the couch, mourn the weekend’s imminent departure and pretend Monday isn’t lurking, or you rally like the fun little legend you are and remember that Sunday is still very much the weekend. And you know what makes that realisation a whole lot easier? Fire Baby Pizzeria in Southport serving up beers, wood-fired pizza and a live DJ every single Sunday. Consider your endof-weekend crisis officially handled.
Sunday Sessions at Fire Baby run every Sunday from 5pm to 8pm, and they’re fast
becoming the go-to way to ease out of the weekend, maxo relaxo style. Think of it as the delicious little bridge between a lazy Sunday and the return of your inbox, complete with good energy, great food, killer drinks and a rotating lineup of local DJs keeping the room humming.
The vibe is relaxed with just the right amount of spicy. This venue has earned a serious rep on the Gold Coast dining scene for its Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizzas crafted by Italian-born pizzaiolo Vincenzo Quaranta, its exposed red brick interior that makes you feel like you’re dining inside the chicest pizza oven in town, and a drinks list that understands the assignment. Sunday Sessions simply takes all of that, adds a live DJ, and suddenly your Sunday scaries don’t stand a chance.
Each week, Fire Baby’s Sunday Sessions are soundtracked by resident DJs Disko_Fever and DJ HACO who alternate behind the decks with the kind of house, disco and top hits that land perfectly between laidback background buzz and “okay fine, one more drink”. It’s that familiar Fire Baby energy regulars know and love, with the occasional guest DJ jumping in
for back-to-back sets during special events and themed sessions to keep things extra spicy. And then there are the drink specials, which honestly deserve their own fan club. Add selected pizzas from $20 into the mix and you’ve got yourself a Sunday afternoon that’s as kind to the wallet as it is to our emotionally fragile pre-Monday souls.
Whether you’re rolling in with a group to claim a table for the full three hours, or just dropping by for a quick cocktail and a slice of something wood-fired and wonderful, Sunday Sessions are flexible enough to suit the mood. Bookings are recommended if you want to lock in your spot, but walk-ins are always welcome. Just turn up, grab a drink, and let that contagious Fire Baby energy do what it does best.
Fire Baby has already cemented itself as one of Southport’s standout dining destinations, with a loyal crew of regulars and plenty of wellearned hype. But for anyone who hasn’t yet experienced the goodness, Sunday Sessions are the perfect gateway. So, if you’ve been craving a proper end-of-weekend ritual or simply refuse to let a Sunday evening go quietly into the night, this is your sign. Skip the couch. Head to Southport. The fire’s already on, the DJ is warming up, and the cocktails are waiting.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
IGNITE YOUR SENSE S
Experience top-tier dining in a vibrant atmosphere.
Thursday Night Special!
$45
Per Couple
Valid from 6pm - 8.30pm includes any signature
menu, one shared entrée (rocket salad), and a shared dessert (tiramisu).
FOLLOW THEM HERE
Southport’s standout dining destination…
Book Now 10 Welch St, Southport
Open 12pm - 10pm, Wednesday to Sunday Closed Monday & Tuesday.
EAT, DRINK, SLEIGH, REPEAT
Gold Coast’s most extra Christmas celebration returns.
Tis the season to start locking in your end-of-year antics. If you like your Christmas celebrations all planned out, then you’ll want to circle Saturday 12th December 2026 in big, glittery ink.
The annual Christmas bash at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre is officially returning on 12 December 2026, and while the full festive playbook is still being wrapped up behind the scenes, one thing is certain: this is not your average office party.
In fact, calling it a “Christmas party” feels a little like calling Santa’s workshop a “small business.”
Since 2005, GCCEC has built a reputation as the Gold Coast’s go-to for over-the-top, sell-out festive celebrations. And yes, it’s the kind of event that tickets vanish faster than cookies on Christmas Eve.
So, what do we know so far? Consider this your sign to book your tickets now!
The venue’s famed banquet halls will once again be transformed into a festive wonderland worth dressing up for and this year it’s masquerade theme.
Whether you’re rallying the work crew, gathering your friendship group or simply refusing to let 2026 end without a proper party, this is your golden ticket to a night of merry-making done right.
While the finer details like entertainment and those extra surprise-and-delight moments are still under wraps, GCCEC’s Christmas events have long been synonymous with going all out. We’re talking a four-course dinner that would make Mrs Claus proud, a 4.5-hour premium beverage package (because hydration is key), and entertainment that keeps the dance floor pumping well into the night.
Basically, it’s the kind of evening where “just one drink” turns into “last one on the dance floor,” and nobody’s complaining.
If you’ve been before, you’ll know the drill: tickets are hotter than a Gold Coast summer and tend to sell out quicker than you can say “another round of bubbles.” If you haven’t had the delight of attending the festivities yet, consider this your friendly warning. This is one event you don’t want to sleep on.
The elves are busy fine-tuning this year’s magic including the electrifying 11-piece band Magic Carpet Ride, with a show-stopping special performance from sensational Suzie G.
this is your golden ticket to a night of merry-making… 12th
So, before the end-of-year chaos fully snowballs, do your future self a favour: lock in the date, rally your party people, and get ready for a night that promises to sleigh (sorry, had to). Because when it comes to Christmas on the Gold Coast, the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre doesn’t just deck the halls, it completely decks them out.
Words by Lisette Drew
SCAN FOR EARLY ACCESS BUY TICKETS HERE
BREW KID ON THE BLOCK
Fletchers Pantry & Espresso is West Burleigh’s newest neighbourhood café.
There’s something pretty special about a café that feels like it has always been there, even when it’s brand new. The kind of place where the coffee is hot, the pastries are fresh, the locals are already claiming “their” table, and you find yourself making excuses to stop in. Say hello to Fletchers Pantry & Espresso, the new café bringing old-school charm, fresh-baked goodness and proper community café energy to Tallebudgera Creek Road.
Fletchers has taken over the former Woodbox site, giving the much-loved local building a fresh lease on life. And, she’s
looking good. With heritage-listed floors, a gorgeous glass frontage and a dark timber bookshelf wall that’s giving cosy country pantry meets neighbourhood coffee house, this is the kind of spot that makes you want to linger a little longer.
Behind the new venture is Dani Riley, the woman responsible for the much-loved Pasture & Co in Currumbin Valley, so yes, your breakfast expectations are allowed to be sky high. Living nearby in Tally Valley, Dani and her family have long admired the character-filled space and saw an opportunity to restore some of its former glory while creating a welcoming gathering place for the community they call home. And while the fit-out is lovely, the menu is where Fletchers really starts flexing.
Fletchers is leaning into fresh, handmade, comforting café classics with a little extra zhuzh. Think Smashed Avo on toasted sourdough with macadamia nut butter, Meredith goat’s cheese, lemon wedge and micro herbs or Garlic Mushrooms, featuring pan-fried mushrooms and kale on buttered sourdough with pecorino
On the sweeter side, the Croissant Waffle is doing the absolute most, with crispy maple bacon, vanilla ice cream, caramel bourbon sauce and biscuit nut crumbs. Breakfast? Dessert? Emotional support meal? We’ll allow all three. For lunch, things are equally tasty. The Thai Pumpkin Soup comes with coconut cream, red Thai curry paste and house-made focaccia fingers, while the Jalapeño Beef Burger brings a seasoned beef patty, crispy bacon, peppered cheddar, jalapeños, house-made secret mayo and rocket. There’s also a Roasted Vegetable Pie with basil pesto, feta and walnuts, and a rich House Lasagna layered with tomato and red wine, beef, pasta and béchamel sauce
Sandwich people, this is your moment. Choose from stacked numbers like the Chicken Sandwich with poached chicken, basil pesto, avocado, spinach and fetta on lightly toasted charcoal bread, the Prosciutto and Mozzarella sandwich with tomato and spinach on toasted focaccia, or the Turkey Sandwich with cranberry sauce, brie and spinach on toasted sourdough
Fletchers Pantry & Espresso is serving the kind of food that makes a quick coffee stop accidentally turn into breakfast, lunch and “maybe I’ll grab something for later”.
Located between the coast and hinterland, it’s a place to slow down, catch up, settle in, grab something freshly baked and sip your way through a seriously good Social Espresso coffee. Whether you’re a loyal Pasture & Co fan, a local looking for your new morning ritual, or simply someone who believes a good sandwich can fix most things, Fletchers Pantry & Espresso is ready to become your next go-to.
Words
by Chelsea Ipsen Images by Liam McDonald
BRUNCH DAILY from 7am until 3pm
FOLLOW THEM HERE handcrafted food and good oldfashioned service…
AN UNFORGETTABLE MIDDLE EASTERN DINING EXPERIENCE
Shiraz Persian Restaurant + Bar is serving up weekly specials.
If your midweek plans are looking a little… bland, allow Shiraz Persian Restaurant + Bar to spice things up.
Situated in Surfers Paradise, Shiraz has been serving authentic Persian cuisine on the Gold Coast since 2011. It has earned a loyal following and won many awards including the prestigious Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best award (14 years consecutively), thanks to its slow-cooked dishes, flame-grilled kabobs, delicious dips, generous banquets and warm, friendly service.
Owner Erfan Jalilian has made it even easier to find an excuse to dine out, with a lineup of weekly specials that’ll have your kitchen
wondering where you’ve disappeared to. Mondays and Tuesdays are BYO days, allowing diners to bring their favourite bottle of wine for just $5 per person. That said, you may leave your bottle at home after discovering Shiraz’s impressive house range. From bold Shiraz and elegant Pinot Noir to popular Pinot Grigio, refreshing Rosé and Sparkling, there is something for every dish and occasion.
Then comes Wednesday Hump Day, with dedicated cocktail and mocktail specials served all day. The hardest decision is choosing just one. Our pick? The Persian Love, a vibrant mix of vodka, cherry liqueur, cranberry juice, mixed berries and lemonade, crowned with Persian fairy floss
If lunchtime is more your thing, Shiraz has that covered too. Available Monday to Thursday from 11am until 3pm, the $29 Lunch Special includes a delicious main with your choice of Shiraz house wine, house lager or a soft drink. It is the perfect excuse to step away from your desk, or turn that midday meeting into a long lunch. Of course, the specials are only part of the story.
ONE NIGHT ONLY: AMERICAN PIE LANDS ON THE GOLD COAST
Don McLean hits The Star Gold Coast this October.
There are a handful of songs that pretty much everyone knows, and American Pie by Don McLean is one of them. It’s been more than 50 years since it first came out (55 to be exact), yet it still gets the same reaction every time it plays.
It’s not a sit-back-and-listen kind of song, it’s a sing-every-word-with-your-chest situation.
Now Don McLean is bringing it back to Australia for the 55th anniversary tour, with
a one-night-only stop on the Gold Coast.
More than half a century after American Pie first changed the shape of popular music, McLean returns as the original troubadour behind it all.
He is still touring, still performing and still pulling crowds who have grown up with these songs on repeat. This will be like dusting off an old record, only much better. You’re reliving it, loud and live with Don in the flesh!
The gig lands on Wednesday 14th October at The Star Gold Coast, and it’s shaping up to be a full-blown nostalgia fest, big singalongs, goosebumps, and the kind of night that’ll have your voice clocking off early the next day (a sure sign you did it right).
Yes, American Pie will have its main character moment, but the setlist doesn’t stop there. Expect heartfelt classics like Vincent (Starry, Starry Night), Castles in
the Air, And I Love You So, and plenty more gems ready to be belted out loud and proud.
What makes this show a hit is how familiar it all feels – full of the songs that have been a part of our lives for years.
Road trips, family playlists, on the radio, it’s all in there. McLean also shares a few stories along the way, giving a bit of context to the songs without slowing things down. We’re certainly intrigued!
At 81, he’s still more than holding his own on stage, delivering the songs exactly how people want to hear them.
No dramatic reinventions, no overthinking it, just the original sound, the original voice and a performance that consistently delivers.
Set in a theatre, the show leans into that stripped-back feel, no distractions, just the genius songs everyone came for.
The ones that have lasted longer than, well… a lot of things.
If you’ve seen Don McLean before, you already know it’s a great night out. If you haven’t, this is your chance.
Anniversary tours tend to bring a bit more buzz, and this one has plenty. His last run in Australia drew solid crowds across the country, and this time is shaping up to be no different.
This is the kind of gig you don’t want to miss. Call it a good old-fashioned singalong, call it a throwback, call it whatever you want, just don’t miss it.
On sale now!
BOOK TICKETS HERE
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
the kind of gig you don’t want to miss!
YOUR FAVE GOLD COAST
ITALIAN JUST GOT A GLOW-UP
Italia Moto has officially expanded into a full dine-in experience.
We’ve got very good news for pizza lovers. Italia Moto, the Helensvale hotspot already known for elite woodfired pizzas, creamy gelato and retro Italian vibes, has levelled up, expanding from cultfavourite takeaway joint into a full dine-in experience.
And honestly, it was only a matter of time.
After opening last year, owners Nicholas and Candice Martinis quickly built a loyal following of carb-loving Gold Coasters who were more than happy to queue for takeaway pizza. But apparently grabbing your slices and leaving just wasn’t cutting it. The people wanted to linger over pasta, order dessert, sip
cocktails under fairy lights and fully live their Italian holiday fantasy. Thankfully, Italia Moto listened.
Enter the brand-new Italia Moto Italian Garden, a lush dine-in space with 60 seats surrounded by olive, citrus and fig trees, plus fresh herbs and veggie patches supplying produce straight to the kitchen. It feels a little like an Italian countryside dinner party, minus the airfare and jetlag.
The expansion transforms the once takeaway-only venue into a warm, familyfriendly spot for long lunches, easy dinners and casual catch-ups. There’s even a dedicated kids’ area, which parents everywhere will appreciate.
Designed by Inject Design Wellington, the new space leans into Italia Moto’s signature aesthetic, nostalgic, vintage and packed with retro Italian motor culture charm. Fans will recognise the comic-book-inspired details, with even more playful additions on the way including life-sized character installations. Safe to say, it’s got personality.
Of course, the real star remains the food.
Alongside the takeaway favourites everyone already knows and loves, the
dine-in launch introduces exclusive Italia Moto Garden Specials available only for onsite diners. We’re talking Bruschetta topped with marinated tomatoes, basil and garlic, creamy Burrata Caprese with heirloom tomatoes and balsamic, crispy Calamari Fritti with garlic aioli, and Gnocchi al Ragù di Manzo featuring slow-cooked beef brisket ragu finished with parmesan
Seafood fans should absolutely order the di Mare, a generous bowl packed with mussels, prawns, calamari, olives, capers and chilli in a garlic, white wine and Napoli sauce that tastes like European summer.
Leading the kitchen alongside Bruno Orlando AKA Chef Pancetta is new Head Chef Eduardo Moreira, whose resume includes training under Rafaelle Cirilo, Jamie Oliver’s head chef, and Ryan Locke from Qualia Resort Hamilton Island, plus time at award-winning venues including Oscar Italia and JFK Woodfire Pizza.
And because no Italian feast is complete without dessert, there’s gelato, panna cotta, tiramisu, dessert pizza, affogatos and dough balls loaded with Nutella. Basically, wear stretchy pants
So, if your perfect evening involves woodfired pizza, fresh pasta and pretending you’re somewhere on the Amalfi Coast, Italia Moto has your next dinner date sorted.
FOLLOW THEM HERE one culinary ride you don’t want to miss!
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Images by Liam McDonald
LUNCH THAT PUNCHES ABOVE ITS $18 PRICE TAG
“To me, you are perfect”, Lunch Actually arrives at Goldie’s.
Surfers Paradise is known for many things – glittering beaches, neon-lit nights, and its full-time provider of fun, flavour, and flair status. Now, it’s adding another feather to its sun-kissed cap, and this one lands right in the sweet spot between ‘treat yourself’ and ‘still afford rent’.
Enter ‘Lunch Actually’ thanks to Goldie’s at The Island Gold Coast and we can confirm, we feel it in our fingers, we feel it in our toes. Here, weekday lunches have officially entered their thrifty-yet-thriving era with $18 deals that punch well above their price tag.
Running Monday to Friday from 11:30am to 3pm and serving deals that bring serious flavour flex, it’s the kind of weekday win your wallet (and your tastebuds) will want to write home about. The menu is ripe with crowdpleasers a plenty!
The Chicken Parmigiana is always a fave, served with a parmesan and herb crumb that crunches like a Surfers lifeguard’s abs, topped with Napoli, smoked ham and mozzarella, plus slaw and fries for good measure.
The Steak Frites brings a 200gm butcher’s cut steak with fries and béarnaise – a combo
so classic it’s basically the blueprint for comfort food greatness.
Then there’s Fish ‘n’ Chips, keeping things coastal and ticking every box for a seaside staple, with beer battered market fish, slaw, house tartare sauce, lemon and fries
Burger lovers, consider yourselves seen. The Goldie’s Cheeseburger stacks sumptuous Wagyu beef, Swiss cheese, bacon, tomato, cos lettuce, onion relish, pickles and aioli inside a milk bun, with fries tagging along like the loyal sidekick they are.
Then make way for the Wood-Fired Sangas, ready to charm their way into your lunch rotation. The Wood-Fired Steak Sanga layers moreish mozzarella, grilled beef, rocket, Parmesan, tomato, onion relish and basil pesto into a combo that feels both hearty and a little bit fancy. The Prosciutto Sanga keeps things fresh with mozzarella, tomato, red onion, rocket and Mount Zero extra virgin olive oil, while the Hot Salami Sanga brings the heat with salami picante, mozzarella, provolone, kalamata olives and red onion.
And for those leaning green, the Vegetariana Sanga slams with roasted zucchini, eggplant
and capsicum with mozzarella, basil pesto, and Mount Zero extra virgin olive oil.
All of this unfolds within the breezy, easygoing charm of Goldie’s, the revamped bar and bistro inside one of our most loved local treasures, The Island Gold Coast.
The mouthwatering Lunch Actually nosh is of course backed up by cocktails, wines and icecold beers, making it dangerously easy to turn a quick lunch into a full afternoon affair.
And for those who like their lunches with a side of elevation (quite literally), there’s the option to wander upstairs to The Rooftop.
With sweeping views across the Surfers skyline and out to the iconic beach, it’s the ideal spot to continue the good times with a change of scenery and a post-lunch cocktail. Because if lunch is already this affordable, it would be rude not to reinvest the savings somewhere equally enjoyable. At its core, this $18 lunch offering is doing exactly what it should – delivering big flavour, cool coastal vibes, an affordable price point, and a reason to step away from the desk.
Whether it’s a casual midweek meet-up, a spontaneous long lunch, or simply an excuse to eat something that didn’t come from a sad plastic container, Goldie’s is the obvious destination of choice to refuel.
Bookings can be made online, or walk-ins are always welcome for those who prefer to keep things a little more go-with-the-flow.
Either way, one thing is certain – Lunch Actually at Goldie’s is proving it knows exactly how to turn a weekday around whilst leaving your stomach… and savings account…. smiling. Words by Bianca
Trathen
at an affordable price…
SPRING ESCAPE
Spring into the new season at Hilton Surfers
Paradise Hotel & Residences.
As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences has lined up a collection of specials designed to help you embrace a fresh start. Whether that’s over an indulgent High Tea, a seafood feast or a little self-care at the spa, consider this your excuse to reset whichever way you choose.
MS MARGOT’S
It’s the ideal time to appreciate the sweeter things in life, and Ms Margot’s Spring High Tea truly takes the cake… pairing it with a glass (or three) of bubbles.
For $59, you and your besties can nibble your way through delicate desserts, savoury bites and enough sweet indulgence to make Marie Antoinette blush. Want to dial it up? Add a bottomless Mimosa or sparkling wine package for an extra $25 and sip your way into pure bliss. It’s fancy without the fuss.
CATCH RESTAURANT
If a proper feast is more your style, make your way to Catch Restaurant on level one. Showcasing fresh, sustainably sourced produce, Catch celebrates the very best flavours of the season from our region.
The Seafood Platter for Two is a standout, loaded with six natural oysters, spanner crab cakes, coconut prawns, grilled barramundi and salt and pepper squid, served alongside fries, garden salad, fresh lemon and a selection of sauces. For $175, it’s made for sharing, but we won’t judge if you’d rather keep it all to yourself.
Bringing the whole crew? Catch also makes family dinners easy. For every adult main course ordered, one child under 12 eats free. The kids’ menu is packed with favourites
for $15 each, with vegetarian and gluten free options available too.
EFOREA SPA
From Wednesday to Friday, unwind with a 50-minute full-body relaxation massage for just $99. Expert therapists use flowing strokes and gentle kneading to melt away tension before you finish with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or an Antioxidant Berry Tea. It’s the ultimate midweek reset.
For something truly indulgent, experience Hilton’s signature Vichy rituals. Combining exfoliation, hydrotherapy and massage beneath warm cascading showers, these treatments are designed to boost circulation, nourish the skin and calm the nervous system. The result? A full-body reset that leaves you feeling refreshed, grounded and restored from head to toe.
If you’re anything like us, you’ll want to turn your visit into a mini getaway. Extend your stay in one of Hilton Surfers Paradise’s luxurious rooms or residences, sink into plush bedding and wake feeling refreshed, recharged and ready to embrace the new season.
Words by Lisette Drew
FOLLOW THEM HERE embrace a fresh start…
CONSTRUCTION STARTSSEP2026
Developed by
Built by
2 & 3 BEDROOM RESIDENCES WITH WORLD-CLASS AMENITY
A new benchmark for Palm Beach living. Flourish Soleira offers beautifully designed residences, with a 10% deposit securing your home and nothing else to pay until completion in Q3 2029.
2-bed from $1.24M and 3-bed from $1.86M.
THE BUILDER NEXT DOOR
Meet the Palm Beach family putting down foundations on the Southern Gold Coast.
They say home is where the heart is, but when you’re building one, your brain is working overtime, comparing tapware finishes, choosing between 17 shades of white paint and wondering how many decisions one person can possibly make in a day.
Lucky Gold Coasters, there’s an established, award-winning builder now calling Palm Beach home to help you work through all the decisions piling up.
After building an award-winning reputation in Brisbane, Steve and Lauren Epps have packed up and made the move to Palm Beach, bringing their family and family-owned biz, SE Building Solutions, with them.
Like many who fall in love with the Southern Gold Coast, they came for the community, the coastline and the slower pace of life. Now they’re putting down roots in more ways than one, building their own dream home while helping clients create theirs.
Talk about practising what you preach.
Founded by award-winning builder Stephen Epps, SE Building Solutions specialises in architecturally designed new homes and major renovations, working with homeowners, architects and designers who believe the best homes are the ones where every detail has been carefully considered.
Steve’s path into construction wasn’t exactly conventional. Before construction, Steve served in the Military, where discipline, precision and attention to detail were paramount. More than 20 years later, those same values continue to shape every home he builds, from the way each project is planned to the care taken in every finish.
Alongside him is wife Lauren, whose background in real estate, project management and interior design brings
another layer to the building journey. From design decisions and finishes to keeping projects running smoothly, she’s there to make what can often feel overwhelming a whole lot more enjoyable.
Together, they’ve built SE Building Solutions around one simple philosophy: quality over quantity.
Rather than taking on dozens of projects each year, Steve and Lauren keep their workload small, allowing every client to work directly with them from the first conversation through to handover.
Steve said, “We don’t build the most homes – we build the right homes, for clients who value thoughtful design, exceptional craftsmanship and an enjoyable building experience.”
It’s an approach that’s earned Steve multiple Master Builders Queensland Awards, but for the Epps family, the biggest reward is handing over a home that’s every bit as beautiful as the vision that started it.
Building their own home in Palm Beach has only strengthened that perspective. They’re making the same decisions, navigating the same milestones and experiencing the same excitement as the families they build for. It gives them a unique understanding of the process because they’re living it too.
For Steve and Lauren, building isn’t just about creating beautiful homes, it’s about creating places where families will create memories for decades to come. Now proudly calling Palm Beach home themselves, they’re looking forward to helping more families bring their dream homes to life.
So, if you’ve been dreaming about your forever home, it might just be worth getting to know the builder next door.
Words by Lisette Drew
across Brisbane and the Gold Coast
Experienced & client-focused team
Award-winning team of construction experts
A PINCH OF SALT GOES A LONG WAY
Meet the Palm Beach agency putting the ‘real’ back in real estate.
There are two types of people on the Gold Coast: those who think real estate is all fast talk and flashy suits, and those who’ve met Salt Property. The boutique agency founded by Serena Wilson, is rewriting the script on what selling and buying a home should feel like. Spoiler alert: it involves honesty, heart, and a Golden Retriever named Archie who takes his role as Chief Happiness Officer very seriously. Salt Property opened its Palm Beach office in January 2026, but the story started long before. Serena began her career selling commercial farmland, discovering early on that she loved the process of valuing property and presenting it to the market. After moving from Sydney to the Gold Coast, she worked her way up from sales associate to standalone agent, launching Salt Property when she realised the industry was crying out for something different. Something calmer. Something more human. Something that didn’t treat people like transactions or milestones like paperwork and all we can say is A-Freaking-Men.
Salt was built on a simple belief: real estate is about people first, property second. And
while that sounds lovely on a brochure, Serena and her team actually live it. They want to know your why, not just your what. The kind that refuses to “condition” sellers into accepting less, and instead pivots, strategises, and advocates fiercely until the right outcome lands. The kind that tells you the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable, because transparency isn’t a tagline for them – it’s the whole point.
Their boutique size is their superpower. When you list with ONE of them, you get ALL of them. Serena and her equally formidable team, operate like a well-dressed, highly caffeinated, and creatively unstoppable trio, bouncing ideas around and dreaming up creative campaigns that make properties shine.
Their connection to the community runs deep too, regularly bringing locals together through Christmas parties, Easter celebrations and friendly competitions for kids and grownups alike.
And then there’s Archie, Serena’s one-year-old Golden Retriever who has quickly become a Palm Beach celebrity.
He attends open homes, greets clients at the office, and can often be spotted trotting around Roots and Culture or Apertivo like he’s checking on his investment portfolio.
Salt’s stunning Palm Beach office is surrounded by the calm, sun‑soaked lifestyle that inspired the brand. Serena chose the location because it reflects everything Salt stands for: clarity, connection, and that relaxed coastal ease that makes you breathe a little deeper. Burleigh to Currumbin is their stomping ground, their community, and the place where they’re helping locals build wealth, create stability and step confidently into their next chapter.
But what truly sets Salt apart is their commitment to celebrating the stories behind every home. They understand that a property isn’t just walls and windows – it’s where memories live, where families grow, where life unfolds in all its messy, beautiful ways. And they guide clients through the process with the kind of care that makes you feel like you’re their only listing.
Salt Property isn’t just another agency on the GC. It’s a refreshing shift toward real estate with heart, humour and humanity. A boutique business with big values and even bigger commitment, and it’s here to make selling and buying homes feel less like a rollercoaster and more like a milestone worth celebrating.
Enlist the dream team at Salt. Your current self, your future self, and your future equity will thank you because big life moments deserve big heart behind them – and there are no smoke and mirrors here. Just sincerity, honesty, and results that speak louder than any pitch ever could.
Words by Bianca Trathen
FOLLOW THEM HERE
estate with heart, humour and humanity…
Our commitment is to bring transparency and trust to the way people buy and sell homes. A REAL ESTATE AGENCY AS UNIQUE AS YOUR
PAINT THE TOWN
XP Finishes are turning walls into works of art.
Painting a house is easy. Pick a colour, slap it on the wall, job done… right?
Not quite.
The team behind XP Finishes is here to prove that there’s a whole lot more to painting than a fresh coat of white, and once you’ve stepped inside their Bundall studio, you might never look at your walls the same way again.
Founded by husband-and-wife dream team Brendan and Hayley Kelly back in 2009, XP Finishes has quietly become one of the Gold Coast’s leading premium painting and decorating companies, transforming everything from luxe homes and architectural builds to commercial spaces
across the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Northern New South Wales.
But here’s where they really stand out.
While most painters focus on colour, XP Finishes is all about texture and handcrafted surfaces, helping create walls that feel like they should be displayed in a gallery. Think dreamy limewash finishes, French Wash, mineral paints, fresco techniques and bespoke textures that add depth, warmth and personality to a room.
As more homeowners started asking for these artisan finishes, Brendan and Hayley realised choosing one wasn’t as simple as flicking through a colour chart. So rather than squeezing a few samples onto a display rack, they created Atelier by XP.
Located at their Bundall headquarters, Atelier by XP is the Gold Coast’s only showroom dedicated entirely to decorative paint finishes. It’s a space where homeowners, architects, builders and interior designers can get hands-on with oversized sample boards, compare colours and textures in natural light and even borrow samples to see how they’ll
look at home before making a decision.
Because let’s face it, paint never looks quite the same under showroom lighting as it does in your living room.
Behind the scenes, the showroom doubles as a creative workshop, where new products are tested, custom finishes are developed and techniques are refined before making their way onto client projects.
It’s this constant experimenting that keeps XP Finishes at the forefront of what’s trending in interiors.
So what’s on trend? Colour and texture drenching entire rooms, along with the rise of the ceiling as the “fifth wall” are so hot right now, but keeping up with it all can be overwhelming for any homeowner. For those who aren’t sure where to start, Brendan, Hayley and the team are here to help every step of the way, from colour selection to choosing the perfect finish for your space.
That commitment to craftsmanship has earned XP Finishes plenty of industry recognition too. They’re the Gold Coast’s only Porter’s Paints Guild Member, an invitationonly honour reserved for Australia’s leading decorative finish specialists. They’re also Dulux Accredited, members of Master Painters Queensland and multiple award winners, including Master Painters Queensland Project Awards in 2024 and 2025 as well as Gold Coast Local Business Awards in 2025.
It turns out paint isn’t just the finishing touch, it’s what makes a house feel like your home.
Words by Lisette Drew
MODERN MEDITERRANEAN
LIVE LARGE BY LIVING SMALLER
How Instyle Agency can help you trade up to a better lifestyle.
If you’ve ever looked around your home and wondered when exactly your spare room became a graveyard for forgotten hobbies and ‘I’ll use it one day’ purchases, you’re not alone.
Turns out, swapping more house for more life is becoming one of the Gold Coast’s biggest property trends, and the women behind Elanora-based Instyle Agency know exactly why.
Opening the business in September 2025, Instyle Agency is a boutique buyers agency founded by co-owners Nerida Smith and Amanda Campbell. Between these two house-hunting heavyweights, they bring decades of experience across finance, sales, property investing and negotiations, along with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Gold Coast market.
The duo specialise in helping buyers navigate what can often feel like one of life’s biggest decisions. Whether you’re relocating, purchasing your first home,
investing or embracing a simpler lifestyle through downsizing, they’re here to represent one person throughout the process. You. Unlike selling agents, whose job is to achieve the best outcome for the vendor, buyers’ agents like Instyle work exclusively in the buyer’s corner. That means one or all of the following; sourcing properties, uncovering off-market opportunities, researching values, arranging inspections, negotiating the purchase, and managing the entire process from search to settlement.
Translation? You get the goods (keys, profit, and someone else doing the ‘heavy lifting’) minus the stress, frown lines, and the frantic dash to smooth out the ‘11’.
What makes Instyle Agency stand out, though, is that their passion for downsizing comes from actual lived experience. It’s perspective you can’t get from Google – only from people who’ve walked the walk and come out lighter, brighter, and no longer held hostage by four bathrooms.
Not long ago, Nerida and Amanda traded their sprawling five-bedroom, four-bathroom abode for a breezy three-bedroom home that better suited the way they actually wanted to live. Less maintenance. Lower mortgage. More weekends doing things they enjoy instead of waging war on an endless list of household chores.
That personal experience shapes the way they work with clients. They understand that buying or selling a home isn’t just a financial decision; it’s an emotional one too. Every client has different priorities, whether that’s finding a low-maintenance lock-and-leave lifestyle, moving closer to family, relocating interstate or finally finding the home you’ve always imagined.
Plus, they’ve been helping family, friends and clients purchase property for years, have formal real estate qualifications, are licensed in both Queensland and New South Wales, and own property across both states.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all service, Instyle Agency tailors every search to suit each buyer’s lifestyle, goals and budget. Their transparent flat-fee structure keeps costs predictable, while their local knowledge helps clients avoid costly mistakes and spot opportunities others might miss.
For anyone considering downsizing but haven’t the foggiest where to begin, they’ve also created a free downloadable Roadmap for Downsizers. It covers everything from preparing your current home for sale to avoiding common pitfalls and choosing a property that supports the lifestyle you actually want (not just the postcode).
Whether you’re dreaming of less mowing, fewer spare rooms to clean or simply a home that fits your current stage of your life better, Instyle Agency is proving that buying property doesn’t have to be overwhelming. All it takes is having the right people in your corner and guidance that’s grounded in real experience.
Because the best move isn’t always into a bigger house. Sometimes, it’s into a better lifestyle with the freedom to trade chores for weekends and square metres for quality of life.
Words by Bianca Trathen
SHOW ME THE MONEY
XYZ Finance are your Girl Boss besties on the GC.
Money talk doesn’t need to be intimidating. Often, it just takes the right person in your corner, someone who can turn numbers into a normal conversation, to remind you that you’ve got this.
In a Gold Coast market that never sits still, the all-female team at XYZ Finance bring calm and clarity to the chaos.
At the centre of XYZ Finance is Esther Scerri, 17 years in property and finance, and still as energised as day one. Before founding XYZ Finance in 2009, Esther cut her teeth in loan processing, mastering the mechanics of lending from the inside out.
With a Bachelor in International Finance, a Diploma in Business Management, and a Diploma in Finance Broking, Esther knows
a thing or two about money. Add in her lived experience as a property investor and renovator, and you’ve got someone who doesn’t just talk finance, she’s walked through renovations, refinancing and real-world risk herself. Recognised as a Platinum Elite broker with the LMG Group, she’s built a reputation for results that stick.
Did we mention she’s also fluent in French? Ooh la la – talk about a Girl Boss.
XYZ Finance isn’t your typical mortgage lender setup. It’s independent, female-led and proudly built around long-term relationships rather than one-off transactions. Founded in Broadbeach Waters, the GC-born biz has helped thousands across Australia buy, refinance, build and renovate since 2009.
The team – Ambah, Sarah, Gemma and Hannah – bring a collective energy that’s equal parts sharp, supportive and seriously clientfocused. Think of them as your finance besties, cheering you on and getting you across the finish line.
And here’s something you can cheer about: mortgage broking doesn’t cost clients extra in most cases. Instead of charging fees, brokers are typically paid by lenders. Translation? You get expert guidance without the extra invoice anxiety.
XYZ Finance gives clients access to over 60 banks and lenders in one place, cutting through the chaos of comparing loans alone. The goal isn’t just approval. It’s about the right loan for where you are now and where you’re heading next.
The process is hands-on and highly personalised. First, they unpack your goals and financial situation properly (no rushed boxticking here). Then comes the research phase with multiple loan options laid out clearly, not cryptically. Once you choose, they handle the heavy lifting: lodgement, follow-ups, approvals and settlement. They are with you every step of the way.
And it doesn’t stop there. Because life doesn’t stop after settlement, the XYZ Finance team stay in touch, checking in, reviewing options, and flagging opportunities to save or restructure as the market shifts.
With property values and interest rates on a rollercoaster ride of their own, that ongoing support matters more than ever. The smartest investment right now is getting the XYZ Finance girl squad in your corner.
Words by Lisette Drew
MEET CHRISTIE LEET
Lead of Sherpa Group.
Christie Leet has built a career around creating more than just places to live. As Lead of Sherpa Group, he is focused on thoughtful developments that deliver longterm value while helping residents connect, flourish and feel part of a genuine community. We caught up with Christie to chat about the inspiration behind Sherpa, the future of Gold Coast living and what’s next for the group. How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I moved to the Gold Coast in January 2018, after a long real estate and development career in the Whitsundays, and a beautiful trip to base camp at the end of 2017. Tell us a bit about yourself.
My highest value is my professional career. The community is extremely positive about our Flourish model, and the difference is: whilst we are creating world-class buildings and amenity, we are taking the next step, working hard to integrate our buyers and residents in those buildings into an active and engaging community. Additionally, I value my growth both personally and physically, so I’m often training, swimming and exercising. Freedom and flexibility are very high value to me.
What inspired you to establish Sherpa Group?
What brought me to the Sherpas and Sherpa Group was the trip to base camp, where the Sherpas and the Nepalese people, who are such beautiful, humble people, which I hope we are as well, carried the bags for us to arrive at base camp. We couldn’t have arrived at base camp without their expertise and humble efforts. We do the same for our buyers and residents in our buildings. It’s not our journey – we simply facilitate their journey and see it through. What makes Sherpa different from other property developers?
We focus on value for our buyers as our key metric, not development profit. You’ll never find us trying to break suburb records or sell for the highest amount per square metre, but you’ll always find us looking for ways to build more effectively, so that we can pass those savings on. Sherpa has completed or progressed 11 projects worth a combined almost $2 billion. What are you most proud of?
We’re proud of every project that we’ve done. We’ve done land estates, our Freedom model – which is more housing, such as Freedom Rainbow – and our Perspective model, which is
generally one apartment per floor, beachfront. However, we’ve now moved into our Flourish model, and I’m proud of my team, consultants and builders for being able to deliver and produce such high quality, with good communal rec and an outstanding process for our buyers. What do you think Gold Coast apartment buyers are looking for now that they weren’t previously?
I think people are starting to realise the value of communal rec. With the advent of AI and as our buildings mature, people will want more time to recreate at home. And it is now our intent to provide world-class facilities at home. How do you balance affordability with thoughtful design, quality and long-term value?
With a lot of effort and intentionality, but it’s extremely hard. We have a development brief that we use on every project, that is modified, and our passion is to find ways that we can do things quicker, better and more cost-effectively.
What makes the Gold Coast an exciting place to develop, and what responsibility comes with helping shape a fast-growing city?
The Sherpa Foundation contributes back to the community from every settlement. We are in a three-year partnership with Palm Beach Boardriders and love to sponsor local, grassroots community groups like Palm Beach Neighbourhood centre. We also have monthly contributions to Fred Hollows, Make-A-Wish and others.
What role should property developers play in strengthening the communities they build in?
Not all buildings create a sense of community, in fact many one per floors I don’t think create a sense of community at all, and that’s why we’ve moved to the Flourish brand. For us, we’re maintaining the onsite caretaking and letting businesses, to ensure that the building is integrated with the people.
What’s next for you and Sherpa Group?
We have a clear business plan for the next 11 years, and we have almost 800 apartments in the pipeline to build and develop over the next four years, so our path is clear. In fact, our annual business planning day was simply called “locked and loaded”.
VIEW MORE PROJECTS HERE
we’re proud of every project…
4 NEW DEVELOPMENTS ON THE RISE
NEW ‘DREAM’ MAIN BEACH TOWER LAUNCHES
An ultra-luxury absolute beachfront tower on the Gold Coast’s Main Beach has officially hit the market, with $152 million in presales.
The $370 million Le Rêve, delivered by developer-builder ODUS and Nazero in partnership with Metrics Credit Partners, comprises 40 opulent half and full-floor residences, perched directly on the dunes, starting from $7.45 million. Pre-launch sales have achieved an average price tag of $8 million, highlighting strong demand from top-end buyers.
The 26-level project, located at 3555 Main Beach Parade, has development approval and is under construction, with completion anticipated by early 2028. Occupying a 1,355sqm site, Le Rêve enjoys double the beach frontage of most Main Beach towers – an incredible 30-metres – with generous 4.5-metre setbacks. OTP Group director James Elliott said buyers were from the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
MAYD BREAKS QLD’S OFF-THE-PLAN APARTMENT RECORD WITH $30M PENTHOUSE
Gold Coast builder-developer
MAYD has set a new benchmark for Queensland’s’ residential property market, with the $30 million sale of the double-storey penthouse crowning its absolute-beachfront development, ONE Burleigh, significantly surpassing the previous state record of $24 million set by Spyre Group in 2023.
The penthouse occupies levels 18 and 19 of MAYD’s $201million ONE Burleigh project at 88 The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads, delivering 525sqm of internal living and a further 237sqm of private outdoor space, including an expansive rooftop terrace with an infinity pool, a combined 762sqm of residence with uninterrupted views from every aspect.
The property achieved an astonishing $57,142 per square metre internally, boasts five bedrooms, five bathrooms and four car spaces, bearing a far greater resemblance to a private estate than a penthouse.
Le Rêve
PORSCHE CENTRE GOLD COAST UNVEILS NEW MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR DESTINATION
Porsche Centre Gold Coast is proud to announce the official opening of its brand-new, state-of-the-art sales and service facility, marking a significant milestone for both the Gold Coast automotive landscape and Porsche’s 75th anniversary in Australia.
The completely rebuilt, multi-milliondollar facility has been designed in accordance with Porsche’s global “Destination Porsche” concept, creating an immersive customer experience that goes far beyond the traditional dealership model. Porsche Centre Gold Coast is the latest dealership to unveil the new “Destination Porsche” & the very first dealership globally to adopt the newly created interior style.
The new home of Porsche on the Gold Coast is not just a dealership; it is a destination.
FLOURISH AMARGO BRINGS WELLNESS-FOCUSED LIVING TO PALM BEACH
Palm Beach’s evolution shows no signs of slowing, with Flourish Amargo set to deliver a fresh take on coastal apartment living where wellness is woven into everyday life. Currently under construction and already 84% sold, the Sherpa Property Group development has seen all one-bedroom apartments snapped up, highlighting strong demand for the sought-after beachside address.
Designed by HAL Architects, the collection of 125 residences will feature more than 800sqm of rooftop lifestyle amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, yoga space, magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, steam room, private dining areas and outdoor entertaining spaces. Just moments from the beach and Palm Beach’s vibrant café and dining scene, two-bedroom apartments are now available from $1.42 million, offering buyers the opportunity to secure a home in one of the Gold Coast’s fastest-evolving coastal suburbs.
KNOCK KNOCK…
Who’s there? Inside Gold Coast Home is moving in!
For well over a decade, Inside Gold Coast has been on a first-name basis with the city’s best cafés, bars, restaurants, hidden gems and local legends. If it’s worth eating, drinking, doing or bragging about to interstate relatives, chances are we’ve written about it.
But across the region, jaw-dropping homes, belter renos and truly inspired design have become just as much a part of the local story as the places we meet for brunch or a sunset margi. So, it felt only right to give those stories an address of their own and throw open the front door to our latest project, Inside Gold Coast Home. Consider this our extension. No council approval required.
This brand-new destination dedicated to the abundance of beautiful abodes in our ‘hood celebrates the interiors, architecture, landscaping, craftsmanship and local talent transforming our city one stunning project at a time. It’s your green light to spend hours admiring refurbs you’ll be saving to your “if I win Powerball” mood board, kitchens bigger than your first apartment, and bathrooms that look suspiciously like luxury day spas.
We’re stickybeaking behind front gates, down lush, leafy driveways, past shimmering canals and beyond sandy culdesacs to explore the homes that that look like they’ve never seen a Bunnings DIY fail. From coastal cool to hinterland hideaways, we’re covering more ground than a real estate agent in linen on a Saturday morning.
Think clever renovations that somehow create room where there wasn’t any, dream builds that belong on everyone’s Pinterest, gardens Jaime Durie would swoon over, and interiors that outdo half the Airbnbs you’ve stayed in.
Inside Gold Coast Home will shine a spotlight on the wider community of creatives,
tradespeople, designers and industry leaders who transform bricks and mortar into somewhere people genuinely love coming home to. It showcases collaboration, innovation and local expertise, while serving some serious inspo with fresh ideas, cleverly crafted rooms, and the fascinating people behind them. Because let’s be real, if there’s one thing Gold Coasters love almost as much as discovering a new watering hole, it’s leaning in for a casual, neighbourly nosy.
Over the years, we’ve proudly championed thousands of local operators, from family-run cafés and boutique retailers to innovative service providers and industry leaders. Inside Gold Coast Home simply gives us another avenue to do exactly that, with a whole new world of beautifully designed spaces to explore.
And yes, everything will appear both online and in the hardcopy magazine because some stories deserve to be held, dogeared, and enjoyed the ‘old-fashioned’ way. After all, scrolling is great, but dramatically folding down a page and declaring “this is exactly what I want” just hits differently.
Whether you’re midway through a renovation, planning your forever home, renting but collecting inspo anyway, or simply someone who appreciates a beautifully styled space, Inside Gold Coast Home is designed to spark ideas, fuel daydreams and justify buying those new cushions you definitely don’t need.
So consider this your official housewarming invite. Inside Gold Coast Home is here, and yes, we’ve officially entered our property porn era.
Welcome home. We’ve been expecting you.
Words by Bianca Trathen
KEEP UP TO DATE HERE
spark ideas, fuel daydreams…
gcvip.com.au
gcVIP Society has hand-picked some of the best local events to feature in our social pages. Spot anyone you know?
EVENT: Destination Porsche VIP Launch LOCATION: Porsche Centre Gold Coast
More than 300 guests gathered to celebrate the official opening of Porsche Centre Gold Coast’s spectacular new facility, marking a significant milestone as Porsche celebrates 75 years in Australia. The multi-million-dollar development is the first dealership in the world to showcase Porsche’s latest Destination Porsche interior concept, setting a global benchmark for the premium customer experience. Hosted by owners Damien and Amanda Holley, the stunning showroom had beautifully styled Porsche vehicles providing the centrepiece.
Nathan & Kirsten Seage
EVENT: The Corporate Lunch presented by Richardson Murray LOCATION: The Darling More than 100 of the Gold Coast’s leading business professionals gathered at the spectacular Level 18 private event space at The Darling for another successful The Corporate Lunch presented by Richardson Murray. The invitation-only event brought together a diverse mix of business owners for an afternoon dedicated to quality networking in one of the city’s most prestigious settings. A highlight of the afternoon was an interview with Mukti Organics Founder, Mukti, who shared her inspiring entrepreneurial journey.
