Working from home in your pyjamas is so 2021.
Working from home in your pyjamas is so 2021.
One of the benefits of the pandemic was undoubtedly the widespread acceptance of working from home. You escape the daily commute, and you can casually hop on Zoom calls fresh out of bed.
However, fast forward a smidge and the shine begins to fade on WFH. You inevitably miss putting on nice clothes, washing your face and interacting with other humans IRL.
Enter the co-working space. The ultimate inbetween. Gone are the days of sitting in a cafe corner, nursing a two hour old long black while stealthily avoiding the disapproving glances of the cafe staff.
Coworking spaces are more than just places to work – they’re dynamic hubs that foster collaboration, idea sharing, and the vibrant energy of working alongside other professionals throughout the day. Our list of coworking venues is bound to ignite your creativity and make the hours until 5pm fly by. Embrace the flexibility and convenience that these coworking spaces offer, and say goodbye to the traditional office grind.
CoSPACES – Old Station Co. Southport
The biggest name in local coworking spaces, CoSPACES have a number of sites around the suburb of Southport. Their original space, however, is the Old Station Co. which is home to everything from private rooms to communal areas and is complete with outdoor areas and a coffee shop for when it’s time to step away from that blue light. Located on Nerang Street, Southport (and directly in front of G:Link Southport station) the space is next door to epic rooftop bar and deli, Mr PP’s. CoSPACES also has a photography studio and perfect little event space so you can host or get involved in anything your heart desires. Should you be the social type, you’ll be pleased to hear there is a sizeable contingent of local legends hanging out — sorry, working — here too.
Where: 45 Nerang Street, Southport
Flockd
Flockd is the daydream you once had of an idyllic office somewhere mashed with the upbeat and cosmopolitan vibes of Burleigh Heads. The result is dreamy, minimalistic style furnishings with airy and light surrounds, creating a mini utopia of productive behaviour and inspired work. You have the option of two slightly different buildings right next to each other where long-termers and hot-deskers converge as one. There’s even an adjoining café and day spa thrown in there for good measure, and all of the dogs are made most welcome — hopefully, they don’t distract you too much, though.
Where: 4 Starling Street, Burleigh Heads
The Productive GC
The Productive GC is the handiwork of mother/daughter duo Ashley and Angelique, and hats off to them: we can’t help but notice the place is teeming with good vibes. You can expect an all-white space and hanging plants and lolly jars scattered everywhere, ohh and the very best part is, you can BYO pets. That’s right, there are numerous dogs in residence on any given day, and you can take as many pat and stroke breaks as you need. The space lives on Upton Street, and there’s parking for days, which is nothing short of super convenient. Then throw in the fact you are central to everyone and everything in our city, and you’re onto a winner.
Where: Unit 5/21-23 Upton Street, Bundall
SOAK Bathhouse
Yep, you read that correctly. SOAK’s cowork space is where wellness meets work, allowing you to “WFH” (Wellness From Here) and supercharge your productivity. The coworking area is an open-plan communal workspace equipped with essential amenities like WiFi, air conditioning, and restroom and shower facilities. But here’s the kicker – you can turn your workday into a spa day with their “Soak & Work” deal, giving you access to the Bathhouse while you hustle. And if you’re just in need of a spot to type away, they’ve got half and full-day access to the cowork zone.
Where: 2532 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
WOTSO WorkSpace
Anywhere with a ping pong table that actively encourages you to rally with your co-workers between emails and proofreading documents will find its way onto this list. Of course, there are also meeting rooms with funky wallpaper and leafy green views, the highest speed Internet we’ve ever experienced, lounge-style spaces, phone booths and of course, desks for the actual working. The Varsity Lakes space is part of a larger organisation, which boasts over 20 sites across Australia, combining a rich culture of work provoking energy and offering full 24/7 access and all of the other perks to its permanent members. Coming soon to Robina Town Centre.
Where: Level 2, 194 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes
Blank Space Coworking
Coworking right in the heart of James St AND discounts to Local? Blank Space had us at hello. This boutique coworking space is thoughtfully designed to foster a tight-knit professional community where like-minded individuals and businesses thrive together. Here, you can craft your own workspace, collaborate collectively, and tap into the dynamic energy of Burleigh Heads, surrounded by its fantastic cafes, restaurants, bars, and just a stone’s throw away from the beautiful beach. With features like permanent reserved spaces, 24/7 access, business-grade internet, and more, Blank Space Coworking is your ideal base for growing and building your business.
Where: Level 1/33 James St, Burleigh Heads
Flex by Abacus, The Broadbeach Office
Located within The Oasis Shopping Centre, ‘Flex by Abacus’ is now a proud resident of The Broadbeach Office, a brand-new precinct that promises a workspace like no other. ‘Flex by Abacus’ caters to businesses of all sizes, offering flexible lease terms, from shared offices for solo entrepreneurs to spacious suites accommodating up to 30 desks. This modern and refined space features top-tier kitchen amenities, comfortable breakout zones, well-equipped meeting rooms, and private pods for focused work. As an added bonus there are stunning ocean views and it’s conveniently located next to some of the GC’s most renowned cafes and eateries.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Charles Ave, Broadbeach
Words by Alex Mitcheson and Belinda Symons.
Let’s be real – the best deals are done over a delicious meal and a glass of vino…or, ahem, a bottle…or 2, or…. (you get the gist).
Here is a list of local places we think fit the bill as must-do Friday biz lunch destinations, for you to chew the fat with your clients and colleagues, and finish the week off on the right note!
Let’s unpack this, from north to south….
Mr P.P.’s Deli and Rooftop
Anyone who works in or around Southport will tell you this little rooftop gem is a bona fide crowd-pleaser and client woo-er (we just made up a word!). A gourmet pizza from here is legendary, and their delicious drinks menu will have you asking “but do we really need to go back to the office this afternoon?”. We’ll answer that one for you, no, no you don’t….
Where: 43 Nerang Street, Southport
Glass Dining and Lounge Bar
With a no-expense-spared fit-out and a priceless view overlooking the water at Marina Mirage, Glass is a no-brainer for your Friday business pow-wow…with just the right amount of fancy. It delivers a five-star feed every time with quality produce, meats, fresh seafood, and an equally showstopping wine and cocktail list. Scoring an A+ for service, it’s another home run for The Gennari Group.
Where: Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Edgewater Dining
If you haven’t experienced an end-of-week business lunch at Edgewater Dining, drop everything and book a table! The stunning water views are good for the soul and the modern Australian cuisine menu infused with Italian goodness is off the richter. If a liquid lunch is more your jam (same) the drinks menu is lit, and we’re drinking Edgy Lychee Martinis all arvo long.
Where: Shop 3, Capri on Via Roma, Isle of Capri
Miss Moneypenny’s
I mean, who doesn’t love this joint! Miss Moneypenny’s has become quite the local fave, always filled with Gold Coasters seeking their hit of fresh seafood and creative cocktails (yes please…and yes please). Perfect for your Friday meeting-come-cocktails sesh, make it an extra loooong lunch and experience Oysters and Spritzers from 3pm, with $2.50 oysters and a refreshing seasonal spritzer!
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Mamasan Kitchen + Bar
If it’s modern Asian flavour you and the team are after, Masaman Kitchen + Bar is where it’s at. With a focus on the share food philosophy, encompassing small intimate bites and banquet-style dining, renowned Chef Ray Choi delivers! Mixed with a zesty, Asian inspired cocktail list, international beers, wines, spirits and sake (obvi), this multi-award winner is a Friday afternoon fave.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Social Eating House + Bar
It’s difficult to go past a multi-award winner like this. Sitting the benchmark (REALLY) high, Social Eating House + Bar is the logical choice for your next end-of-week wind-down treat. With an extensive international tapas and sharesies menu, all meticulously curated by Head Chef YK get stuck into the likes of Roast Quail and the mind-blowing Lamb Shoulder. Wash it down with cocktails-a-plenty and you’ve got yourself a biz lunch to remember.
Where: Shop 137-138 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Nineteen at The Star
Experience Nineteen at The Star’s stunning new menu for your next Friday business lunch (kudos from your colleagues for this one!), or sip cocktail after cocktail with a view of the glittering Gold Coast in the uber-chic lounge bar. Combining sublime sophistication with a cool coastal flair and the freshest seasonal produce, let Chef Uday Huja’s exquisite dishes from his signature a la carte and set menus wow one and all!
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach
Rick Shores
Want to impress a client? Two words; Rick Shores. A meal here will woo the pants off anyone (hopefully not literally…), as you take in the sea breeze with 180-degree ocean views in one of the GC’s most iconic locations. The Pan-Asian flavours and fresh, locally sourced produce, the share-friendly meals are always next level and sorry, we can’t even pick a fave dish to highlight because they’re all our faves. The cocktails are equally on point, as is the service. Pure magic.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
The Tropic
Friday lunches at Burleigh Pavilion’s The Tropic are something we could get used to. Surrounded by sun and sea-spray, this relaxed but premium dining experience manifests a fresh Mediterranean and Modern Australian menu and OMG, you just have to try the Goldband Snapper. Soak up the on-trend pastel interior, uninterrupted ocean views and impressive drinks menu, and enjoy the transition into weekend mode.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Siblings Kirra
The newest luxe restaurant to open on the Goldy has turned heads since it opened in January and is guaranteed to please you and those you take there. (Not only with the scenery that surrounds you but with their drool-worthy share-style menu too!) Oh, and if your client (or client-to-be) are partial to a tipple or two, you are in good hands with the Sibling’s crew. You have endless choices as part of their ‘Liquid Journey’ menu. (Yep, what a name right?!) Cheers to wheeling and dealing!
Where: 15 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Words by Bianca Trathen.
If Queensland weather doesn’t shout rooftop bars at you in a high-pitched squeal, we don’t know what will. Our climate, coupled with the amazing hospitality scene here in our city, means these open-air meccas of good times and delicious libations are the prime place to find yourself — any time of the year! It’s all about drinks in the sunshine and snapping selfies with picturesque backgrounds for Insta-bragging purposes.
So, in honour of bars in high places, here are 11 next-level rooftop bars you should make it a priority to visit this weekend — and next weekend, and the weekend after…
The Exhibitionist Bar
When HOTA opened its brand new state of the art gallery building last year (the biggest outside a capital city, by the way), we all knew the art scene was about to go up a level or two. What we didn’t realise was that a sublimely positioned rooftop bar was a part of the deal also. The highly talented Tom Angel heads up a bar and creative cocktail list, which is a seriously good spot for a sundowner — and the ideal place to take out of towners!
Where: Level 5/135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
Tropic Vice
Glitzy, glamorous, and generally a wonderful time all around, Tropic Vice was the rooftop bar Nobby Beach was yearning for, and it came to fruition in 2021. The ideal spot for a weekend catch up, a mid-week cheeky cocktail, or an epic bottomless brunch every Sunday. Do yourself a favour: find yourself here sipping a cocktail whilst drinking in the gorgeous hinterland view.
Where: 2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
The Island Rooftop
Find the Gold Coast’s largest open air and much-loved rooftop bar perched on top of the The Island in Surfers Paradise. The Island Rooftop is part nightclub, part bar, part live music venue, and all the parts are a fun time no matter the day of the week. Head there for the epic weekend Grazy Days lunch or just to feel like you’re on Island time.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Nineteen at The Star
The fanciest of the bunch is undoubtedly Nineteen at The Star, complete with velvet booth-style seating, an infinity pool and ocean views for days. Found atop the The Star Gold Coast’s The Darling, Nineteen is the perfect place for people-watching, dressing up and sipping on fancy tipples while dancing the night away. Oh and be sure to take a snap on the runway that stretches out in the pool!
Where: The Darling, Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
Frida Sol
The Palm Beach Mexi restaurant doubles as a rooftop bar with views out to the ocean and lots of salty ocean breezes. The eats are fresh and flavoursome, and there’s many a margarita on the list to soothe that sweltering summer humidity we’re currently experiencing. Get into Frida Sol.
Where: 1176 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
Mr PP’s Deli & Rooftop Bar
A game-changer in Southport’s food and beverage scene was Mr PP’s, a deli and rooftop bar boasting city views and plenty of good vibes in the century-old postal building. There is a generous menu full of pizzas, tapas and charcuterie boards and this, folks, is the reason we love rooftop bars. Plus cocktails and local tipples, of which there are many at Mr PP’s. Live music on Sundays too.
Where: 43 Nerang St, Southport
The Collective
Everyone’s favourite multi-restaurant establishment, The Collective also boasts a sweet rooftop bar with some epic cocktails for your sipping pleasure. You can also order eats from one of the five menus on offer and watch the sunset over the ocean while you’re at it. We HIGHLY recommend.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
Justin Lane
A much-loved favourite and the Gold Coast’s first official rooftop bar, Justin Lane is still one of the most popular rooftop’s since it’s opening in 2011. The space is intimate with booth-style seating overlooking Burleigh and plenty of cocktails to tickle your fancy. Downstairs is all the delicious pizza you could possibly need, so fill up on that, then head upstairs to mingle with the gang.
Where: 1708-1710 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Last Night on Earth
Pretty sure that if it were, in fact, your last night on Earth, you would want to spend it at a sweet rooftop bar with bulk cocktails at the ready. Which maybe isn’t the point of Southport’s Last Night on Earth but a good intro nonetheless. Last Night on Earth is the work of local legend Arran Wollams and his crew; it’s a somewhat underworld themed rooftop bar in the heart of Southport offering good times aplenty. It’s a dive bar, but not as you know it. Check it out.
Where: 50b Nerang St, Southport
Moxy’s Rooftop Bar
This rooftop bar located down in southerly Coolangatta has beautiful glimpses of the ocean, lots of live music and an impressive cocktail menu that’ll keep you coming back for more. Whilst they may not do eats, you can order from the Mexican joint downstairs, and we’re fairly sure there’s nothing that pairs better than bulk cocktails and tacos. Always lively and worth the trip down the Coast.
Where: 2/152 Griffith St, Coolangatta
Aviary Rooftop Bar
Perched atop Mantra on Sharks, Aviary Rooftop Bar’s views are as stunning as their extensive drinks list. With 180 degree views over the Surfers Paradise skyline and the ocean, it’s the perfect place for an after work beverage or Sunday arvo session with the crew. Ohh and don’t even get us started on their authentic Italian pizza’s, and tapas… if you know, you know.
Where: Mantra at Sharks, Melia Ct, Southport (next to Southport Sharks)
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
