The biggest race of the year is back.
The biggest race of the year is back.
Being a racecar driver (not the technical term) is absolute life goals for some of us. Which is why it’s fun when actual racecar drivers come to town and do the racecar driving around the actual streets of our city.
So obviously it’s Vodafone Gold Coast 600 time again and a whole weekend of shenanigans is on the cards. From concerts to billy carts, there’s plenty of fun to be had at this years event and here’s a few highlights to get revved up for October 25th to 27th.
Vodafone Club 600 Stage
Live music featuring a sweet lineup including Carl Cox and Eric Powell on Friday night and Hot Dub Time Machine and Example on Saturday night at teh Vodafone Club 600 Stage. If you’re more into your rock than your DJ’s, Mental as Anything, The Vanns and Kingswood play at the Hill Stage on Saturday night. So that’s a fun time that’s sure to rock your socks off AND, if you’ve bought a same-day event ticket, you can watch the gig for FREE. Life ay.
Where: Vodafone Club 600 Stage & Hill Stage, Macintosh Island, Surfers Paradise
King of Burleigh Hill
Everyone’s favourite place will host the (extremely) action packed street party of the year on Sunday 20th October complete with an epic billy cart race down said favourite place. It’s an epic combination to rival the likes of fish and chips or bacon and eggs or salt and pepper (you get the drift). Speaking of drifting, hopefully we see some from the 50+ billy carts expected to participate.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Hill (you guessed it)
Coopers Roll Bar
Firstly, clever name guys, props. Secondly, you can stand at the bar with a beer in your hand and watch the cars race by. Gold. The Roll Bar (haha) is located outside Turn 5 and there’s also live entertainment at various times throughout the weekend if the cars speeding past at a million miles an hour aren’t enough for your adrenaline-starved life.
Where: Trackside at Turn 5, Surfers Paradise
Platinum Lunch
Porsche horsepower meets high-end fashion and hors d’oeuvres at the 2019 PLATINUM LUNCH presented by Porsche Centre Gold Coast. What a combination. Get all fancied up and enjoy a decadent lunch at one of our absolute faves, Bazaar Interactive Marketplace PLUS a three-hour beverage package. There’s gift bags, surprise guests, charity raffles and you get to have chats with the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup drivers.
Where: Bazaar Interactive Marketplace, QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
Drivers Sunset Signing Session
Meet the dudes who get behind the wheel to risk their lives for the viewing pleasure of your action-loving selves (and probably also because it’s super fun) at a sunset signing of racecar driving merch. It’s free on Thursday October 24th from 5pm until 6:15pm, fun.
Where: The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Fast & Ludicrous
Last but certainly not least is what might just be the most fun time in all of history, wheelie bin races. Now we’ve witnessed some absolutely ridiculous shiz in our lives but this is going to be right up there. They’re calling it high action, low speed but we’re fairly sure it’s not going to go down like that. Can’t wait to find out. Get involved on October 19th from 3pm to 6pm.
Where: Oxenford and Coomera Community Youth Centre, Oxenford
Marriott Meets Motorsports
Vodafone Gold Coast 600 Supercars superstars invite you to the Surfers Paradise Marriott Sportsman’s lunch with guest speakers David Reynolds and Luke Youldon, hosted by Charli Robinson. Enjoy a three course lunch and three hour beverage package in the Resort’s Grand Ballroom, with live entertainment, photo opportunities and great prizes to be WON! It’s all raising money for Surf Life Saving Queensland. Tickets are $139 per person.
Where: Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
Full Throttle Party
Cocktails has once again teamed up with Vodafone Gold Coast 600 Off Track Events for an action packed weekend filled with entertainment on and off the track and we are so honoured to host the official after-party for the GC600. It’s all happening on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th October with your ride or die friends for an action packed party celebrating living life a quarter mile at a time.
Where: Cocktails, 13-15 Orchid ave, Surfers Paradise
Words by Kirra Smith
Hold onto your hats lovers of beer gardens and all things outdoor drinking in the sunshine (so everyone), have we got news for you.
The Surfers Paradise Beer Garden, Surfers Paradise icon and keeper of many secrets has undergone an absolutely next-level renovation transforming it from the venue we all knew, loved and spent way to much of our youth in, to a must-visit, outdoor sipping destination.
The multi-million dollar transformation has seen the roof removed from the space to make way for a rooftop beer garden that is the first of it’s kind on the Gold Coast and it’s opening this Friday August 16th for your ogling pleasure.
Here’s the gist of the absolutely mind-blowing overhaul. The interior has changed from an entirely indoor area to a sunlit courtyard type area complete with bench-style seating (each with a built in ice bucket) and many a Corona umbrella dotted throughout. The bar is all yellow and white stripes with fishing rope strung from the ceiling and plenty of lovely mood lighting and our favourite part, a section absolutely packed with large-scale games of Connect 4, Jenga, a pool slash soccer situation, air hockey with the air (that could have an actual name) and COITS. So much fun.
There are balconies overlooking the ever-entertaining streets of Surfers, 18 sports screens and sunset live acoustic music to bring the legendary venue back to its former glory. Plus a whole lot of new glory too.
The menu is large and filled with goodness which is, of course, our favourite kind of menu. Think eats like share-style seafood and antipasto platters, small plates to share along the lines of Blue Corn Nachos, Pulled Pork Sliders, BBQ Pork Ribs and Southern Fried Chicken. All of which are very generous servings and all of which are very beautifully presented.
There are also pizzas; we were particularly partial to the Blue Shroom with blue cheese, prosciutto and mushrooms and burgers that are stacked high and very delicious. Of course there are steaks and faves like Chicken Parmigiana and Corona battered fish and chips. All the good things.
The cocktail menu features some tasty takes on all your favourites and we were (and always will be) very much loved the prettiest of Peach Bellinis.
The new and improved Surfers Paradise Beer Garden opens to the public this Friday night from 9pm so you can head in there and check out the sparkly newness for yourself.
Live music will take place on a Sunday afternoon so you can be absolutely sure that’s where the party is going to be from now on friends.
Exciting times.
LOCATION: Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
WHEN: August 16th, 2019
Words by Kirra Smith
Paradise calling… And by that, we mean Surfers Paradise of course. You might have thought it’s all just bikini and booze but there is so much more just waiting for you to rediscover. Whether you’ve been looking for something laid-back to take the whole fam to or something a little bit fancy for that date night you’ve been putting off, and of course, somewhere to have a cheeky beverage – Surfers has it all. Did we mention it’s beachside?
So we’ve done the leg work and found the 10 must-try spots for you to get the best feed in the heart of the Coast.
Citrique
It’s one of the Gold Coast’s most loved buffets, Citrique takes its reputation seriously. For real, its award-winning seafood buffet is the GOAT for a reason – think fresh prawns, oysters and lobster tails (did someone say boujee) alongside flavours of the world. If breakfast is more your vibe then you’re in luck because they’re dishing up all-you-can eat breakfast and weekend long lunches alongside their signature seafood feast. Calling the beautiful JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa home, you would expect nothing less from this five-star favourite!
Our pick: Anything seafood!
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
The Langham
If feeling a bit fancy is on the menu then The Langham Gold Coast is the destination. Just as luxe as you’d expect the international hotel to be, The Langham can’t stop, won’t stop on delivering the finest food from the East and the West. Meticulously plated, T’ang Court is where precision meets passion with each dish a show of art for the ultimate Cantonese fine-dining affair. Dine beachfront while you treat yourself at Akoya or pop down to Palm Court for a spot of Afternoon Tea.
Our pick: The Langham’s iconic chef’s menu at T’ang Court
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
Palette
Palette stormed onto the dining scene just a few short years ago and it’s been a fan favourite ever since. Located within the HOTA Gallery, this dining spot brings art to life with Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law using the Gallery’s exhibitions to inspire the decadent degustation menu. The award-winning restaurant has also modestly received Two Chef Hats from AGFG, which is reason enough for us to book a table already. Art you can eat? Yes please.
Our pick: Go all in on the Tasting Menu you absolutely won’t regret it
Where: HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Shiraz Persian Restaurant & Bar
Shiraz have been calling their Surfers Paradise corner home for a couple of years now, so I suppose you could say they’ve settled in well. The perfect spot whether you’re looking for a cute date night or somewhere to take the entire family, Shiraz’s incredibly chic interior is big enough (like, 200 seats big) for you to get your authentic Persian fix. Best enjoyed with their namesake’s Shiraz. Ps. If you don’t feel like cooking on a Monday (honestly, who does) then pop in for their BYO day – it would be rude not to.
Our pick: We can’t pick favourites, so go hard on the banquet, we say
Where: Mantra Wings, 2893 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
The Island Gold Coast
This Island has long been a landmark of the Gold Coast and we think the reason locals and visitors on the Goldie love this place is in part thanks to an aptly named spot called, Goldies. With a huge lineup of foodie favourites from steak and seafood through to pizzas and parmy’s there’s something to satisfy everyone’s cravings. If you’re after a tipple then the Rooftop is the place to perch up with a Pina Colada in hand while you soak in the iconic Gold Coast skyline, we just love a dining destination that’s as vibrant as the city itself.
Our pick: Mare e Monti Pizza
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Yamagen Japanese Izakaya
Tucked away in the QT, this is new generation Japanese for the discerning diner. It’s modern fine dining in a way that ignites all of your senses while celebrating the best of authentic Japanese cuisine. Market fresh sashimi dishes are the hero of the menu, bringing the freshest fare and flavours together to be expertly paired with vast whisky list.
Our pick: Sashimi Moriawase for a taste of it all
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
The Avenue
Everyone has a story from The Avenue, right? And for good reason. Where else can you go and literally spend all night long there. Pop in for a bite at the restaurant and stay for the vibes at the nightclub or one of the iconic drag shows. Live music venues are becoming harder and harder to find, but luckily for us The Avenue aka the home of live music is doing the heavy lifting so you can sip back and listen to sweet tunes every week.
Our pick: Crispy Pork Belly
Where: 3-15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Coast Beach Bar & Kitchen
There’s something about sipping back on a cocktail while you look at the ocean that just makes it taste that much sweeter. Fortunately for you, that view and those cocktails are accompanied by one of the best new additions to the restaurant scene. Coast Beach Bar & Kitchen brings the perfect balance of fancy food with a relaxed vibe, so you can soak up your surrounds while indulging on your choice of steak or seafood, or head out to the Terrace Bar for more relaxed bites.
Our pick: Kingfish Ceviche
Where: Ocean by Meriton – Level 1, 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Central Lounge
Something you might not know about us is that we love a lounge bar, so you bet we were fans of Central Lounge the moment those glorious doors opened. Massive cocktail list? Check. Epic easts? Check. R&B Sunday sessions? Check. We’ll go ahead and call that a trifecta. If you’ve been hunting for a stylish spot to sip cocktails and people watch, then this the place for you.
Our pick: Crab Linguine
Where: 8/27 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Driftwood Social
Driftwood Social, tucked just off Ferny Ave brings blissed-out, Miami pool club vibes to the banks of the Nerang River – and if it’s been a while between drinks, this secluded social spot is every bit as lush as you remember. A stacked menu is another real drawcard, and don’t be tempted to assume we’re talking basic bar bites here.
Our pick: Linguine Alla Vodka And Prawns
Where: 42 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
