Paradise Magazine - v2 SS 2023

PARADISE

VOLUME TWO, 2023/2024

SPRING/SUMMER EDITION

EDITOR’S NOTE

Hello, and welcome to our Spring Summer edition of Paradise Magazine!

It’s been one year since our beautiful beachfront precinct opened and we have had thousands of visitors come through and enjoy our new restaurants, live entertainment on the grass and of course, those incredible beach views. Our front cover perfectly captures the fun and relaxed holiday vibe of a day spent in our piece of paradise. Thank you for visiting and loving our home as much as we do!

Spring has definitely sprung and we have turned up the heat with our favourite summer essentials that are on trend (and are must-haves) this season. From fashion and accessories to make-up and skin care, our round-up will get you summer ready in no time! Plus, our friend Susie the Stylist gives her top tips for mastering the art of packing light for your next holiday.

In this edition, we’ll also give you the ultimate beachside burger adventure guide (it’s hard to choose a favourite!), and take you on a sweet tooth journey with all of the dessert choices we have to offer. Read our chat with 102.9 Hot Tomato’s Emily Jade O’Keeffe who is also a big fan of our Gelato Messina! We’ve also put a spotlight on the new additions to Paradise Centre including Padlock’d who have completed our epic entertainment lineup on Level 1.

Whether you’re a local or visiting us for a few days, we welcome you to explore and enjoy our slice of paradise!

Debono Marketing Manager

OUTRAGEOUSLY spontaneous

GREEN AT HEART PARADISE CENTRE PIONEERS SUSTAINABILITY

Did you know that with the help of BottleCycler, Paradise Centre has prevented 16,695kg of glass from ending up in landfill. In 12 months, we saved:

• 8.4 tonnes of CO2

• 93.7 gigajoules of electricity

• 33,379 litres of water

In partnership with GCCC, Paradise Centre retailers have disposed of food organic waste separate to general waste, resulting in:

• Recycling 30 tonnes of food organic waste in 6 months

• Diverting 30 tonnes of food waste to compost

• This compost has fertilised the City’s local parks and gardens

WHAT’S NEW IN PARADISE

Tutti Frutti

Get ready to swirl into happiness as Tutti Frutti frozen yogurt brings its fruity fiesta to town! Unlike ice cream, this tangy treat gives you a guilt-free ticket to flavour town with its creamy goodness and a rainbow of toppings. Find Tutti Frutti on Cavill Mall.

Padlock’d

Unlock a world of excitement at Padlock'd Escape Room, where puzzles, teamwork, and adrenaline combine to give you the ultimate thrill. Step in for an adventure that's like a real-life puzzle game – gather your friends, test your wits, and see if you can outsmart the challenges before the clock runs out! Find Padlock’d up on level 1.

Cafe Sixty One

Cafe Sixty One serves up barista-made coffee, delicious freshly-made sandwiches, wraps, cakes, slices and so much more. Select an ice cold beverage from their extensive smoothie and juice menu or choose your own blend. Find Cafe Sixty One near Skechers.

Barefoot Fish

Dive into a new level of relaxation with barefoot fish therapy! Let those ticklish little helpers give your feet a fin-tastic massage that's not only fun but leaves you feeling like you're walking on water. If you need a good giggle, or just want to enhance your wellbeing, Barefoot Fish may be just what you need! Find Barefoot Fish opposite Holoverse.

BATTLE OF THE BUNS

THE ULTIMATE BEACHSIDE BURGER ROUND-UP

Grill’d

Choosing the best burger is an art that requires a keen eye (and appetite). In this fun and flavourful guide, we'll dive into the key factors to consider when seeking out the ultimate burger experience, so buckle up and prepare your tastebuds for a tantalising adventure.

Hungry Jack’s

It’s no secret that the burgers are better at Hungry Jack’s! With their winning combination of flamegrilled perfection, juicy patties, fresh ingredients and their secret Whopper sauce that leaves a creamy, tangy kick, these burgers are a true guilty pleasure that satisfy fast food burger cravings while offering unmatched convenience and flavour.

Grill’d isn’t just another fast food chain. This burger bar is on a mission to create healthy burgers that you can enjoy without the guilt. With zero artificial colours, flavours and preservatives, Grill’d uses Aussie meat and locally grown ingredients for a real, juicy burger that’s big on flavour. Enjoy the full range of burgers, including plant-based options and low-carb and gluten-free buns. At Grill’d, one thing is certain, no matter which burger you choose, Grill’d ensures that each one is fresh and tailor-made to suit every burger lover.

Surfers Paradise Beer Garden

When it comes to the menu, Surfers Paradise Beer Garden leaves no stone unturned in its quest to please all palates. From the premium Aussie beef burger to the Mexican veggie burger, the chefs here are masters of their craft, combining locally sourced ingredients with culinary finesse to create dishes that are bursting with flavour.

TGI Fridays

The foundation of any great burger lies in the patty. From juicy beef to tender chicken or mouthwatering veggie options, the choice of protein sets the stage for flavour perfection. Look for burgers made from high-quality, well-seasoned protein that’s cooked to your preferred level of doneness. A delicious patty should be packed with flavour and have just the right amount of juiciness. TGI Fridays delivers an experience that’s both indulgent and satisfying. With their mouthwatering patties, generous toppings, and a side of crispy fries, TGI Fridays offers a taste of the American diner experience. From the classic cheeseburger to their signature Whisky Glaze Burger, every bite is a flavourpacked journey. If you’re looking for a burger that oozes Americana, TGI Fridays won’t disappoint.

Wahlburgers

Step inside Queensland’s first Wahlburgers, the fast-casual burger bar owned by Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg and his brothers Paul and Donnie. Wahlburgers offers a mouth watering array of burger choices, from classic favourites to inventive vegetarian creations, enriched by the iconic Wahl Sauce – a secret blend that adds a unique, irresistible twist to every bite. Wahlburgers has even introduced a special Aussie burger to the menu Down Under, naturally loaded with beetroot, pineapple and a fried egg. With a menu inspired by real family dishes from the Wahlberg kitchen, come and discover these homestyle burgers that are sure to satisfy every palate.

Kitty O’Shea’s

Choosing the best burger isn’t just about the food – it’s also about the experience. As you step into Kitty O’Shea’s, you are instantly greeted by an atmosphere brimming with warmth and Irish charm. Whether you’re savouring a classic steak sandwich or diving into an adventurous creation like Kitty O’Shea’s Sriracha and slaw burger, the culinary harmony of pairing a delicious burger with the velvety embrace of a Kilkenny or Guinness is what makes Kitty’s a local favourite.

perfection, scan for the full round-up

SIP, SLURP & SAVOUR

Get ready to indulge in a sensational drinks round-up, from refreshing sips to creamy delights, this is a celebration of flavours, textures, and pure beverage bliss!

Scan to quench your thirst

Gong Cha

If you’re seeking a revitalising experience, Gong Cha

Fresh Tea is here to quench your thirst. Bursting with the natural essence of tea leaves, these beverages offer a delightful combination of flavours and fragrances. From the elegance of jasmine tea to the earthy warmth of oolong, Gong Cha provides a rejuvenating oasis in a cup. Customise your brew with fruity infusions, such as lemon or peach, for an added zing of flavour. Prepare to sip, relax, and let the refreshing vibes transport you to beverage paradise! Find Gong Cha Fresh Tea on Cavill Mall.

Starbucks

Step into the world of Starbucks and immerse yourself in the delightful realm of Frappuccinos. These icy delights blend rich coffee or a creamy base with a plethora of flavours and toppings. From the velvety smoothness of the classic Caramel Frappuccino to the indulgent extravagance of a Cookies and Cream Frappuccino, Starbucks offers a myriad of options to satisfy both your coffee cravings and sweet tooth. Treat yourself to a frosty concoction and experience the perfect balance of refreshment and caffeinated bliss. Starbucks is located on Cavill Mall.

Gotcha Tea

Pop, chew, and delight at Gotcha Tea! Originating from Taiwan, bubble tea combines tea (typically black or green) with milk or fruit flavours, topped with those beloved chewy tapioca pearls or other delightful add-ins. Every sip is an explosion of flavour, texture and pure joy. Whether you prefer the classic taste of taro or the fruity fun of mango, Gotcha Tea will leave you enchanted and wanting more. Plus, don’t forget to check out their super cute reusable cups! Find Gotcha Tea at the Cavill Mall entrance to Paradise Centre.

Boost Juice

Fuel up with the vibrant and nutritious offerings of Boost Juice. Made from a medley of fresh fruits and vegetables, these smoothies and juices are bursting with vitamins, minerals and natural goodness. From the invigorating blend of The Energy Lift to the immuneboosting power of The Two and Five Blend, each sip is a journey to optimal health and vitality. Whether you need a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon refresher, Boost Juice has the perfect blend to satisfy your cravings and nourish your body. Find Boost Juice near Grill’d and a second store opposite Royal Copenhagen.

Gong Cha is open from 10am-late, 7 days a week

Starbucks is open from 6:30am-late, 7 days a week

Every sip is an explosion of flavors, textures, and pure joy. Whether you prefer the classic taste of taro or the fruity fun of mango, Bubble Tea will leave you enchanted and wanting more.

Gotcha Tea is open from 12pm-late, 7 days a week

Boost Juice on Cavill Ave is open from 6:30am-late, 7 days a week

SWEET TOOTH HAVEN

Prepare your tastebuds for the ultimate showdown of sweet indulgence!

In this epic dessert round-up, we bring together a stellar cast of delightful treats that will have you dreaming of sugar-coated goodness. So, grab your spoons and get ready for a delectable journey through the best dessert choices in Paradise.

Ben and Jerry’s

From the irresistible chunks of chocolate fudge brownie to the creamy delight of Cherry Garcia, Ben and Jerry's offers a scoop for every craving. Dive spoonfirst into a pint of Ben and Jerry's, where every scoop is a 'flavour-cation' that turns ordinary moments into extraordinary indulgence.

Krispy Kreme

Your tastebuds will ‘dough-nuts’ with delight as you indulge in Krispy Kreme’s deliciously sweet, world famous Original Glazed doughnuts. Here in the heart of Cavill Ave you can pick up a half dozen of their classic doughnuts or go for something more adventurous like a Strawberry Jam Filled. Why choose doughnuts as the dessert champions? They’re the ‘hole’ package of happiness, a pastry party that’s ‘glaze-fully’ good, and a guaranteed way to add some ‘dough-light’ to your day.

Crepe Addict

Say bonjour to this slice of Paris in the heart of Surfers. Whether you're indulging in the Nutella-filled dreamscape or dancing with strawberries and cream, crepes are the dessert wizards – Crepe Addict fold in flavours, flip your tastebuds, and roll out a red carpet of yum, proving that dessert is best served thin, sweet, and full of delightful surprises.

All Sorts of Sweets

Strawberry bonbons and Reece’s Pieces, fizzy Dr Pepper and toasty Pop Tarts! All Sorts of Sweets is the go-to place for all those beloved chocolates and hard-to-find sweet treats from around the globe. Whether you're savouring the zing of Sour Patch Sensation or exploring the chocolate wonderland of Reese's Dream Delights, candies aren't just treats, they're like a 'sweet-sational' escape for your tastebuds! Bursting with brand name bliss and flavour-packed surprises, discover the candy wall that offers both savoury and sweet delights from grab-and-go packets or single-servings, ensuring you're always armed with the ideal treat, alongside the crispy crunch of gourmet crisps and a refreshing range of drinks.

Gelato Messina

Since 2002, Gelato Messina has been delighting fans with 35 classic flavours and five rotating specials. Crafted with fresh cow’s milk from the Messina farm in Victoria, their gelato offerings include classics like house-made dulce de leche and the popular salted caramel with white chocolate chips, as well as inventive combinations like pear and rhubarb.

Every gelato flavour is made from scratch and churned fresh in-store, with a focus on quality and creativity. Whether you’re in the mood for a cone, gelato cake, or a heavenly milkshake, they’ve got it all covered, making every visit a sweet victory.

Scan for all sweet treats

Royal Copenhagen

Using only the finest ingredients, Royal Copenhagen Ice Cream creates an unparalleled texture that's both luxuriously creamy and refreshingly smooth. Relish the sophisticated charm of Dutch Choc Chip or delve into the velvety realms of Old Fashioned Toffee. With a focus on their waffle cones, served fresh off the cooker, and baked on-site daily, Royal Copenhagen Surfers Paradise is a local institution, which has been serving up Danish ice creams for nearly 40 years!

FASHION

Maya wears Baku swimsuit, Rip Curl cross body bag, Ally Fashion top and iKandi Sin sunglasses. Shot on location at Paradise Centre and Novotel Surfers Paradise.

SUMMER IN PARADISE

Hot sand underfoot, a refreshing dip and glowing skin. Put your best look forward ‘cos summer has arrived.

Taylah wears Factorie cap, Rip Curl one piece swimsuit, shirt and shorts, iKandi LeSpecs sunglasses.

Maya (right, top) wears Rip Curl cross body bag and Factorie cargo pant.

Maya (right, middle) wears Nike Air Max from Platypus Shoes.

Taylah (right, bottom) wears iKandi Prada sunglasses and a necklace from Huntress Homewares.

Maya (above) wears Baku swimsuit and iKandi Sin sunglasses.

Paulo (above) wears iKandi Sin sunglasses.

Paulo wears sunglasses and Quiksilver boardshorts from Surf Dive ’N Ski.

Taylah wears Rip Curl hat, Factorie tank and skirt.

Paulo wears Nike Air Max from Platypus Shoes.

Paulo wears Stateside Sports jersey.

Maya wears New Balance from Platypus Shoes.

MASTER THE ART OF EFFORTLESS PACKING WITH SUSIE THE STYLIST

Susie McWatt Forbes is a Gold Coast local and fashionista with more than 20 years of personal and corporate styling expertise. Susie is fun, vibrant, and an expert in dressing for your body shape while making the most of key trends and new season pieces. We reached out to Susie to chat about her top tips for mastering the art of packing light for your next summer vacay.

Packing for travel can be a stressful experience. I absolutely hate taking anything that’s just “along for the ride”.

Last year I challenged myself to pack for a three-week Greek European holiday with just 8kg of carry-on luggage. Much to my hubby's delight, I made him take the challenge too…

It can be done and let me tell you how!

Firstly, look for cabin sized luggage that's soft and weighs nearly zero. Strandbags have some great options.

Secondly, be super organised. I have a rule that must be adhered to – everything I pack must be worn at least five different ways. So, I started with where we were going which would require mostly casual and easy lifestyle pieces.

I pack mainly with separates so I can mix and match to create many options on the go. When selecting items, I tend to make a palette of three basic colours, and then add a few pops of colour to keep things interesting.

Here’s what I packed for my basic capsule wardrobe plus some helpful tips:

 1 x swimsuit to be worn as a bodysuit from the beach to cocktails

 Singlets in basic white and black

 1 x pair of travel pants choose a colour to work back with your whole wardrobe

 Shirts long and short to be worn casual, tied, wrapped

 Black skirt any length that works for you, to tie back with your singlets. The same colour top and bottom creates a dress!

 1 x denim jacket adds style to every piece and provides a layer for cooler weather

 Shorts depending on the season

 2 x pairs of shoes depending on the destination

On your travel day, be sure to wear your heaviest sneakers and carry your denim jacket as planes get cold!

Happy packing, and trust me, this can be done. The best part is the excitement of creating many looks each day.

Fast Five with Susie:

For the rest of your life would you rather wear… LBD or bohemian maxi?

LBD every time. Keep it casual or dress it up.

Crisp white shirt or graphic tee?

Crisp white shirt – structured for more wearability.

Cut-out one piece or bikini?

One piece in a solid colour. Wear as a bodysuit for evening or pair back with shorts/casual skirts and a denim jacket.

Sneakers or slides?

White sneakers. They go with everything and are so in right now!

Statement sunnies or classic cap?

I absolutely live in both, but I never leave home without lippy and sunnies.

Top Predictions for Summer:

Colour: Naturals like sand and beige. Pair with denim or bright block colours like green, pink and turquoise.

Accessory: Small crossbody bag

Footwear: Slides in every colour

Dress silhouette: Long shirt dress (wear loose, belted or open as  a jacket over everything)

Fabric: Linen (top tip: pop in the dryer before wearing to remove pesty wrinkles) Scan

@susiethestylist

SUMMER LOVIN’ ESSENTIALS WITH

PRICELINE PHARMACY

1. Swap out heavy foundations for a lightweight, non-greasy alternative like Nude By Nature Sheer Glow BB Cream This multitasking product provides sheer coverage while moisturising and protecting your skin with SPF.

2. Keep your lashes voluminous and smudge-free, even during sweaty outdoor adventures or refreshing dips in the pool with L'Oréal Paris Paradise Mascara Black Waterproof 6.4 ml

3. Whether you're heading to the beach or attending a summer soirée, add a subtle sheen to your skin, making It look radiant and healthy, with Sun Bum SPF 15+ browning oil

4. Opt for lightweight, oil-free moisturisers like La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated without the heavy feel.

5. Protect your lips with Bondi Sands Lip Balm with SPF 50+ to shield your lips from harmful UV rays (available in wild strawberry and juicy watermelon).

For more beauty buys

1. Sun protection is a non-negotiable step in your summer routine. Try the Cancer Council Face Day Wear Moisturiser SPF 50+, a lightweight formula that not only protects your skin but also hydrates and nourishes it, making it a summer essential.

2. Summer brings sweltering temperatures and humidity that can leave you feeling sticky and uncomfortable. A refreshing body mist like Natio Rosewater Drench Mineral Face Mist 200 ml not only provides a burst of cooling sensation but also helps hydrate your skin.

3. Keep your make-up in place even on the hottest of days with a setting spray. The Australis Make-Up Finishing Spritz will help your make-up withstand the summer heat while giving your  skin a refreshing boost.

ON AIR WITH EMILY JADE O’KEEFFE

The female voice behind Gold Coast’s number one radio breakfast show on 102.9 Hot Tomato.

What’s your most memorable on-air experience?

After nearly 30 years in radio, there are almost too many to mention –that or I can’t remember – which is more likely at my age! I’ve been lucky enough to speak to my favourite stars like Michael Bublé and Hugh Jackman. I really cherish giving away big prizes that change people’s lives like cars and holidays. But it’s the personal moments I like sharing, like when I finally fell pregnant with my son after six years of sharing my IVF journey and the emotional response from everyone was magical. I felt very loved by our listeners.

What’s your favourite music to listen to when at home?

I love blues, jazz, soul, and country. Anything in that genre and I’m in my happy place… but really, I’m a lover of all music and appreciate all styles. If I need to rev myself up, Guns N’ Roses does the trick.

What is one track that never gets old for you no matter how many times you hear it?

‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’ by Guns N’ Roses is my all-time favourite. During the GC marathon, I had it scheduled in my playlist a few times to keep me pumped.

If you could eternally be stuck in a music decade, which decade would it be and why?

I think it would be the 90s. They were my formative years and so many styles came out – you didn’t get bored. You could have the Spice Girls followed by Pearl Jam and it wasn’t unusual.

What’s been your proudest moment?

I love musical theatre and performing the past few years with Matt Ward Entertainment in Mamma Mia and Priscilla really pushed me to my limits. I almost bit off more than I could chew, so getting kind reviews for my performance did give me both a sense of pride and also a “phewwww, I pulled it off.” Now my daughter has been performing in Billy Elliot and seeing her on stage doing so well has certainly made me even prouder.

Beverage of choice?

Sparkling water… honestly, I love it! But if we are talking of the alcohol variety, I can’t say no to a really nice mellow Pinot Noir!

Who or what inspires you?

Anyone managing grief and adversity inspires me. I’ve lived such a blessed life and recently going through a bit of grief has made me realise how many people are living with pain and hurdles and still manage to hold themselves and their families together. Listening to people learn to cope and still create a life after unimaginable grief or adversity is what helps me try to live my best life. We only have one life no matter what happens to us.

What’s one thing your listeners would be surprised to hear about yourself?

I’m such an open book so there isn’t really anything I haven’t shared at some point. I do love reading and consuming anything regarding how the brain works, so that may surprise people because although I read it all, I barely retain it.

How does your weekend usually look?

A typical weekend with two busy kids is on the sidelines of footy early, followed by dance drop offs or taxiing kids to birthday parties and playdates. Then perhaps beach time and snuggling on the couch watching a movie with the kids. We have a family apartment on the beach at Surfers Paradise so we love staying there when we can and a weekend there is bliss! Running or riding along the ocean way, checking out the markets, playing on the beach, swimming, surfing and at the end of the day walking into Paradise Centre for dinner and an ice cream at Gelato Messina!

GC Favourites:

Beach: Rainbow Bay

Restaurant: Shiraz Persian Restaurant

Entertainment: Watching musicals

Shopping: Not a fan of shopping. It stresses me out.

Advice you live by?

Hard now, easy later… easy now, hard later… I apply this to a lot of situations in my life. When I question decision making and life choices, I have found in my life that anything worth it takes hard work to get started, but if you put the effort in, the reward is always worth it, and it gets easier.

Next holiday destination?

We are heading on a Royal Caribbean cruise in January and the kids can’t wait. We went at the same time last year and they adored it. It was such an easy family holiday. I can’t wait to do it again and do it better this time now that I have my head around cruising.

Underrated spot on the Coast?

Not that it's underrated, but I wonder if everyone has cottoned on to how amazing the new ocean way is and how you can go from The Spit all the way to Broadbeach all along the beach! It’s magnificent and such an asset to the city. As a family we love it.

LIFESTYLE

 Instagram Tag us in your photos #paradisecentre

SPOTTED IN PARADISE

FUN IN PARADISE

WHAT’S ON

18 - 26 November

Schoolies Week

7 - 29 October

Paradise Play Pass

Spend $200 at Paradise Centre in October and get $75 to spend on dining and entertainment. T&Cs apply.

27 - 29 October

GC 500

Start your engines and get set for the thrill of this annual race plus meet & greets, live music and fire twirlers presented by Paradise Centre.

16 - 24 December

DJ sets and roving Christmas entertainment presented by Paradise Centre

31 December

New Year’s Eve DJ set presented by Paradise Centre

Surfers Paradise will ring in 2024 with two spectacular fireworks displays with a family display at 9pm and one of Queensland’s largest displays at midnight.

JANUARY

1 - 14 January

Sparkling Summer

Kick off the holidays with roving entertainment, family fun, live music, giveaways and more.

SCAN, SIGN UP AND WIN!*

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