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Your guide to the best local NYE parties

Celebrate 2019 in style on the Gold Coast.

Every year, time absolutely flies by and every year, we’re surprised by time absolutely flying by. 2019 was no exception and before you know it, you’ll be counting down the seconds until 2020 at the Gold Coast party of your choice.

But which party will you choose? To make things a little easier (or perhaps harder) here are a few we’ve collated to ensure you don’t miss out on a very good time this New Years Eve (from north to south). 

Aviary Rooftop Bar
Start 2020 with Miami vibes and your friends at the Aviary Rooftop Bar NYE Neon Palm party. Experience the unparalleled views of the city and fireworks with a welcome drink on arrival and a DJ playing the best party tracks. Early bird tickets are just $10.
Where: Mantra at Sharks, Cnr Olsen & Musgrave Avenues, Southport

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
Terraces Restaurant
Celebrate the New Year with your family at Terraces Restaurant. Experience the renowned Seafood Buffet featuring fresh seafood, delicious roasts and a range of delectable desserts. Be amazed by a spectacular fireworks show at 8:00pm. Tickets are $179 and available here.
Oyster Bar and Grill
Welcome in 2020 with an intimate dining experience in Oyster Bar and Grill. Indulge in our 7 course degustation menu and add matching wines to create a deluxe degustation. Enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean as you celebrate with fireworks displays at 8pm. Tickets are $180 or $250 (with matching wines) and available here.
Mirage Grand Ballroom

Round up your crew and add a touch of sparkle to your New Years Eve in the Mirage Grand Ballroom to welcome in 2020. This adults-only event will feature a delicious seafood buffet dinner, flowing beverages, live entertainment, 8pm and midnight fireworks on the Mirage Beach. Tickets are $220 and available here.

Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa
Citrique
Hosting the ultimate seafood buffet for New Year’s Eve is Citrique Restaurant, dinner will be served from 6pm until 10pm, including Marriott’s spectacular seafood buffet, chef-crafted pass arounds, interactive stations and traditional favorites. Live entertainment and a drink on arrival in included. Tickets are $159 and available here.
Chapter and Verse
It’s a Tropical Paradise Party at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa. Dance the night away on the alfresco deck overlooking lush tropical surrounds with live DJ entertainment and enjoy a flowing three hour premium beverage package with canapés. Tickets are just $100 per person, book here.
Where: 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise

Hyde Paradiso
The countdown is on and Hyde Paradiso are having their first ever New Years Eve party! Grab your tribe, get ready for your best NYE yet and experience the best views, best party and best start to 2020 with a 4-hour premium beverage and canape package, Hyde branded cocktail on arrival, live DJ’s, roaming entertainment! Tickets are from $149 and available here.
Where: Level 2 / 8 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

ASYLUM
ASYLUM is hosting a luring Come to the Other Side NYE Party featuring legendary DJ’s Andec, Steve Frank and Panda on the decks. Leave your sanity at the door and let loose this New Year’s Eve for a huge celebration that’s sure to surprise! There’s also c02 and confetti cannons and LOTS more count down celebrations. Early bird VIP online pre-sale tickets (100 tickets only available) are $20 + booking fee and VIP online pre sale tickets are $25 + booking fee. Prepare to get creepy.
Where: 15 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise

The Island
Super-lavish and totally extra, this multi-level soirée will be all about maxed-out glamour! Set across three levels and six exclusive spaces, guests will experience a New Year’s Eve production like no other on the Gold Coast. Tickets to the Cocktail Party include a 4.5 hour premium food and drinks package on the pool deck and rooftop with live music all night for $149 and the VIP Experience gets you a 4.5 hour super premium package in the penthouse with next-level entertainment for $199.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

White Rhino
Surfers’ good time bar and restaurant, White Rhino are putting on a night to remember this New Years Eve – you get a four hour premium food and beverage package (including spirits), live entertainment by Amy Shark’s drummer Joe Malafu and GC’s favourite singers Unison, three bars to ensure speedy drink service and a GIF Photobooth that you’ll no doubt spend all your time in. First release tickets are $89pp. Get on it.
Where: Shop 38/40/55 Circle On Cavill, Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise

Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach
Bistro on3
The celebrations get underway early with friends and family at Bistro On3. Celebrate the end of another year and the beginning of the new with live entertainment and dining in style with a gourmet seafood and hot carvery buffet. Choose the early sitting if you are heading out to watch the fireworks right on the beach for $99 or join the second sitting for $175 to celebrate until the early hours.
Where: Sofitel Gold Coast, 81 Surf Pde, Broadbeach

Miss Moneypenny’s
The glamorous Broadbeach dining institution will be offering two-seatings of globally inspired Mediterranean dining crafted by acclaimed Head Chef Braden White. Offering sexy surrounds and exquisite food paired with a hefty cocktail bar and live DJ’s, Miss Moneypenny’s Broadbeach is set to make a splash on NYE! You can also catch a glimpse of the Kurrawa Beach Fireworks at 8pm and midnight. Miss Moneypenny’s 5.30pm – 8pm seating includes: five share dishes over three courses for $99pp and the 8.30pm – 2am seating includes: a glass of GH Mumm on arrival and 10 share dishes over five courses for $145 per person.
Where: 50 Surf Pde, Broadbeach

The Star Gold Coast
Could there be any better place to party this New Year’s Eve? Choose from a picnic on the Lawn, indulge in a special meal at one of the many excellent restaurants, watch the fireworks or ring in the New Year with The Star Gold Coast’s iconic balloon drop in the Atrium Foyer. However you celebrate, this might just be the place to get your 2020 off to a dazzling start.
Garden Kitchen & Bar
Fireworks, food and fun are the catch cry for New Years Eve at Garden Kitchen & Bar. For $175 you’ll get a set menu, four-hour beverage package, entertainment and access to festivities on the lawn. Fun indeed. Book here.
Harvest Buffet
Feast your way into 2020 with a special New Year’s Eve menu at the all new Harvest Buffet. Sip on a complimentary glass of bubbles as you feast on the best selection of hot and cold seafood, carvery stations, salads, cheeses and desserts. With a 5.30pm or 7.30pm seating to choose from, ring in the New Year with friends and family this year at Harvest Buffet for $99. Book here.
Cucina Vivo
Celebrate in Italian style at Cucina Vivo with seatings at 5pm for a 3-course share menu or at 8pm with a 5-course degustation menu including 4-hours of beverages for $185. Book here
Kiyomi
Farewell 2019 in Japanese style with the freshest ingredients exquisitely prepared and presented for your pleasure. On the final night of 2019, give your taste buds the best send off to the year with a special NYE set menu. Enjoy an eight-course feast with champagne on arrival for $145 for two people at a 5.30pm or 8.30pm seating. Book here.

Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
Celebrate New Years Eve in the spookiest way possible with a ghost train ride, Dracula’s new show Muertos, a three course meal with your choice of main, complimentary glass of bubbles, massive countdown to midnight and VIP necklace for $150. Muertos is a fun, music and comedy-filled show so you’ll definitely be enjoying a raucous party at your favourite local cabaret restaurant.
Where: 1 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort

The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub
Adding a cheeky dash of dazzle to New Year’s Eve celebrations is the Glitter NYE Party at The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub! For $158 per person, party-goers are invited to indulge in an all-inclusive show, pre-show canapes, beverage on arrival and after-party experience that’s sure to add some sparkle to 2020!  Following the show, Glitter guests keen to join the late-night Glitter NYE Party from 9.00pm, tickets range from just $18 per person for entry up to $150 per person for full VIP booth and bottle service. How sparkly.
Where: 88 Surf Pde. Broadbeach

Etsu
Keen for a bit of a dress-up? Rock it at Etsu’s 80’s party for NYE! The Japanese insitution will be filled with slinkies, giant rubiks cubes, cassette tapes, polaroids and coloured party lights and lots of 80’s fashion. There are two sittings, the first sitting at 5pm-7.30pm with the regular a la carte menu featuring a few new specials from new Head Chef Damien Styles (ex Head Chef of The Fish House). The main sitting starts at 8pm with classic 80’s tunes spinning all night from a live DJ and includes a glass of bubbles / Japanese tap beer on arrival and a 7 course degustation menu designed especially for the night including some new fresh local seafood dishes in Etsu’s classic Izakaya style. After dinner, the tunes will be turned up, classic dance moves will come out and the party will kick on until 1am 80’s style.
Where: 2440 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

The Collective Palm Beach
Secure your table for New Year’s Eve at The Collective Palm Beach with two family-friendly sittings, 5pm to 8pm and 9pm to 11.30pm. No set menu or lock-in package. Just indulge in the delicious existing menu from the five Collective Kitchens, sip cocktail rooftop and enjoy live entertainment all night! Simples! Cheers to 2020.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Local Gold Coast gift ideas for Christmas

The Undercurrent, Gold Coast Singlet (image supplied)
The Undercurrent, Gold Coast Singlet (image supplied)

Okay friends, we need to talk.

There are very few sleeps until Christmas day and yes, our hearts started pounding too. Firstly because it’s legit our favourite time of the year and secondly coz crap, we need to get our rears into gear and sort presents stat.

If you’re like us and running way behind in this department (every.darn.year), here’s a roundup of inspo to help you get a wriggle on.

Being the proud Gold Coasters that we are, each of our suggestions is based in our ‘hood, coz #supportlocal will forever be our favourite hashtag (and we do love a good hashtag, in case you hadn’t noticed).

Here we go….

Halo & Grace, Mermaid Beach (image supplied)
Halo & Grace, Mermaid Beach (image supplied)

Spirits and Beer
Get in the spirit this Christmas – quite literally! Who doesn’t love a tipple so a pressie from one of these local booze-bosses, you’ll be the golden child/friend/niece/nephew/co-worker…you get the gist.

If you’re searching for a gin on the northern GC, look no further than Biggera Waters’ White Oat Distillery.  These gents sure know how to hand craft a cracking drop, like their London Dry Gin.

White Oat Distillery's London Dry Gin & Berry Pink Gin (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
White Oat Distillery's London Dry Gin & Berry Pink Gin (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Turning to the central power players, Granddad Jack’s in Miami will sort you out with an extra special Christmas spirit in the form of Pavlova Gin and this is exactly how we like our dessert. Or hit up another newbie which has also been attracting attention for all the right reasons, Burleigh’s Familiar Spirits. We highly recommend their limited-edition Pudding Gin (you’re welcome).

Familiar Spirits (image supplied)
Familiar Spirits (image supplied)

For the beer enthusiasts, you just can’t beat Burleigh Brewing Co. (the Burleigh Twisted Palm Tropical Pale Ale is the shiz) or Lost Palms. Black Hops (and Black Hops II in Biggera Waters) never disappoint, nor does their Foreverland Grapefruit XPA. If an authentic Belgian brew or two is on someone’s wish list, it’s all about Ashmore’s Madlocke Beer Brewing Company.

Homebodii, Gold Coast (image supplied)
Homebodii, Gold Coast (image supplied)

Clothing
Like booze, we all love threads so when in doubt, look to these local legends!

PJ’s are a go-to for a well-received Chrissie gift and Homebodii specialises in thoughtfully created, elegant sleepwear which, bonus, can be personalised.

Shop the comfiest and coolest loungewear for women and kiddos at Momi Babie (where everything is $20 or less right now), or head for Rhythm in Burleigh for the coastal surfy vibing missus or mister.

The lads at Alfred’s Apartment are providing our local men with an ever-growing range of curated fashion and accessories. And, on a totally unrelated note, you NEED to drop in and check out their coffee slushies stat. #thankuslater.

Good Intentions Co. are making a positive impact, one tee at a time, pledging 10% of their sales to incredible charities like Beyond Blue, FoodBank, and RizeUp.

Good Intentions Co. t-shirt (image supplied)
Good Intentions Co. t-shirt (image supplied)

For the ultimate #supportlocal nod, you cannot go past The Undercurrent. Stocking men’s and women’s unique, high quality tees, singlets and caps designed exclusively by Gold Coast artists who share a passion for our city’s culture, it’s the perfect stocking filler.

Prints by The Confetti Collective (image supplied)
Prints by The Confetti Collective, wallpaper by Mint Art Co. (image supplied)

Homewares
We all love homewares (verified fact) and Kira and Kira in Miami stock the highest quality, timeless homewares, décor, artwork, and furniture. For beautiful wall art, wallpaper and planners, Mint Art Co have endless gorgeous options. For one-of-a-kind fine art pieces, prints and super cute repositionable decals we recommend The Confetti Collective.

Green Folk, Burleigh Heads (image supplied)
Green Folk, Burleigh Heads (image supplied)

For linen lovers (AKA e.v.e.r.y.o.n.e), I Love Linen has a long list of goodies for the bedroom, the kitchen, and beyond.

For the greenery enthusiast, pop into Greenfolk Botany Shop in Burleigh for plants, cacti, succulents, pots, home and garden wares.

Now these guys aren’t strictly Gold Coaster’s (hailing from just over the border) but we reckon Clubbies Prints Gold Coast surf series are so spesh they need to be included #soznotsoz.

Currumbin, Clubbies Prints, Surf Series (image supplied)
Currumbin, Clubbies Prints, Surf Series (image supplied)

Other Gifts
Simple Sunday Designs is your go-to for linen beach bags and yes, this.is.a.thing! Every Gold Coaster appreciates a lush, premium quality beach or bath towel, just like those at Mayde Towels and no-one does environmentally-friendly natural skincare like Sabbia Co.

Sabbia Co. (image supplied)
Sabbia Co. (image supplied)

Uggs are the quintessential Aussie must-have and the genuine, original version are crafted right here on the GC at Ugg Australian MadeOur tip: personalise your Ugg for a truly unforgettable gift! Small-batch, ethically crafted gold and silver jewellery from Merchants of the Sun is a great stocking filler, as is luxury hand-made artisan chocolate from Little Cocoa.

Little Cocoa Valentines Chocolates (image supplied)
Little Cocoa Valentines Chocolates (image supplied)

If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, settle petal because The Village Markets always deliver amazing, well, everything. Lifestlye boutique Halo & Grace, in Mermaid Beach, is chock full of a beautifully curated mix of goodies.

And, last but not least, if you’ve yet to discover The Kindred Trader in Burleigh, now is your perfect opportunity. Housing an abundance of Australian and international brands their goodies aim to bring light, colour and joy to your home and life. Be warned, you may *accidentally* leave with a few goodies for yourself as well as your loved one!

HAPPY SHOPPING!

Words by Bianca Trathen.

The Kindred Trader, Burleigh (image supplied)
The Kindred Trader, Burleigh (image supplied)

11 Christmas Day feasts on the Gold Coast

Christmas Day Dining (image courtesy of Unsplash)
Christmas Day Dining (image courtesy of Unsplash)

It’s almost that time again Gold Coasters and if you’re anything like us, whipping up a Christmas lunch or dinner is the absolute LAST thing you feel like doing after sinking a few (too many) champers and opening all those pressies.

But never fear, we’re here to round up the local faves taking the hard yakka out of the jolliest time of year, so that you enjoy your food coma sans the prep and post feast clean up.

The Star Gold Coast
Who better equipped to handle our merry munches than the veritable recreation wonderland that awaits at The Star – we mean, they literally spend 365 days a year honing their impeccable hosting skills.. and an atmosphere primed for fun and frivolity is kind of their whole schtick.

Check out the epic array of soirees on offer here for the ‘star’ on the top of a tree-mendous Chrissy Day. Pssst, there are even gourmet hampers available for stress-free hosting.. (feel free to steal all the glory, our lips are sealed).
Where:1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach

Christmas at Harvest at The Star Gold Coast (image supplied)
Christmas at Harvest at The Star Gold Coast (image supplied)

Novotel Surfers Paradise
This Dec 25, have a cracker of a (carefree) Christmas Day with all of the cheer and none of the tears, and lock in a spectacular seafood buffet lunch at Novotel Surfers Paradise.

Find all the deets here to secure your spot – and score yourself a sneaky Chrissy morning sleep in while you’re at it – aka cut out the crack-of-dawn pilgrimage to the prawn trawlers altogether.. now that’s a Merry Christmas!
Where: Novotel Surfers Paradise, Cnr Of Surfers Paradise Blvd, Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise

Christmas at Novotel Surfers Paradise (image supplied)
Christmas at Novotel Surfers Paradise (image supplied)

Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach
Assemble your nearest and dearest for a delicious ripper of a Christmas celebration at the Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach this year. The Sofitel’s stunner trio of venues are set to transform for the occasion, on offer will be three enchanting experiences: a ‘Grand Ballroom Gingerbread House’, a jolly gastronomic journey for those who fancy their Christmas with a side of French indulgence, and sumptuous seafood and hot carvery buffet. Go here for all the delicious details.
Where: 81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Christmas at Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach (image supplied)
Christmas at Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach (image supplied)

JW Marriott Gold Coast
We’re more spoiled than a kid on Christmas morning with the array of delectable dining experiences on offer at JW Marriott. As experts in exquisite eats, their annual yuletide events always sell out.. so get on it like an empty parking spot in December, guys.

This Christmas, we’ve got four spectacular events to choose from. Citrique is gearing up to deliver a luxurious lunch (sold out) and dinner celebration, with a festive twist on their famous seafood buffet for $279 pp + BF, children starting from $49 (under 2 free).

The signature seafood buffet experience will also be hosted in Grand Ballroom, for a luxe lunch including live cooking stations, a three hour premium beverage package with Champagne, live entertainment, face painting and a visit from Santa. Tickets $339 pp + BF, children starting from $159 (under 3 free).

Alternatively, choose to celebrate at Chapter and Verse with the ‘Festive Feast of Seafood and Sweets’ Christmas Lunch, from 12.30pm – 3.30pm – a selection of mouth-watering morsels all set to satisfy, including seafood on ice, raw bar, cheese and charcuterie, tapas and dessert. Tickets $249 pp + BF.
Where: 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa's Christmas (image supplied)
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa's Christmas (image supplied)

QT Gold Coast
Families looking to converge for some magical (and mouthwatering) Christmas mems, look no further than the luxe QT luncheons – both the Ballroom and Bazaar (dinner also available) will be abuzz with 3-hour beverage packages, a sumptuous spread of roasted meats, fresh seafood and decadent desserts. Christmas cheer also comes courtesy of a festive cocktail on arrival, and for kids under 12, a gift from Mr Claus himself.

Alternatively, avid foodies can treat themselves to an exquisite gastronomic experience at the adults-only Christmas Lunch at Yamagen. Get in the spirit with a meticulously crafted 7-course menu, a masterclass in Japanese dining with a showcase of seafood dishes with a Christmas twist. Tickets from $299 pp + BF, including an arrival cocktail and curated wine pairings.

(Pssst – Santa called, he said you should go ahead and upgrade to the Premium Whisky/Wine/Sake Pairing, it is Christmas after all).

Want to bring the QT home with you this Christmas? Indulge in the epitome of festive luxury with a QT Gold Coast curated opulent hamper. Crafted to delight 4-6 people, this lavish banquet features culinary treasures like the iconic Moreton Bay bug & prawn roll, slow-roasted suckling Berkshire Porchetta with crackling, locally caught tiger prawns, Sydney Rock oysters and Tasmanian smoked salmon. From $649 per box with 20 dishes to unwrap.

Where: 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

Christmas at the QT Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise (image supplied)
Christmas at the QT Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise (image supplied)

RACV Royal Pines Resort
Another festive contender for your consideration – round up your kin and revel in the Chrissy day array at RACV Royal Pines, for an indulgent spread hosted within the impeccable surrounds of the Royal Benowa Ballroom.

Kicking off from from 12:00 pm, this years proceedings include a 3-hour beverage package along with all the traditional festive fare – delight in fresh Australian seafood, carved meats, and a selection of hot dishes, salads and desserts. Tickets start from $51.00 for children aged 2-4 (ages 0-2 free) up to $297.85 per adult (+ booking fees).
Where: Ross St, Benowa

RACV Christmas lunch (image supplied)
RACV Christmas lunch (image supplied)

The Langham Gold Coast
Are you and/or the fam fans of the finer things? Then look no further than The Langham for your December 25 festivities, friends. As a destination with a rep for all things luxury, our unofficial dealers of decadence are especially equipped to deliver a swanky soiree.

This year, their swoon-worthy spread includes fresh local seafood, a crudo and oyster bar, live barbeque with premium meats such as wagyu steaks (feat. sausage sizzle for the littles) salads, desserts and more. Their stellar shin-dig kicks off from 12:00 pm, with tickets ranging from $148 per child (ages 0-4 free) to $468 per adult inc. premium beverage package.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Rd, Surfers Paradise

Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove
Offering two decadent dining experiences, spend your Christmas Day situated among Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove’s stellar surrounds and get amongst some fanciful fare to mark the occasion in the most delicious of ways.

If the thought of festive fine dining sparks a whole lot of joy for you – we present to you, option numero ono: the long, and lavish – Degustation Lunch. Secure your spot at this little advent affair for an all-inclusive experience hosted at The Fireplace, and prepare to sip and savour your way through your Christmas Day for $449pp + BF.

If you’d rather take the night off following a jam-packed day of festivities (aka keep the arvo open for a very necessary nap) the Seafood Buffet Dinner option will be enticing on every level. With two convenient seatings available at 5 pm and 8 pm, get cosy at Cove Cafe and sidle up to a mouthwatering spread of traditional Christmas fare fused with modern Australian flavours. Tickets from $209 per person, children aged 5 to 12 are priced at $89 per child (ages 0-4 free).
Where: Sanctuary Cove, Manor Cir, Hope Island

Christmas Day Dining (image courtesy of Unsplash)
Christmas Day Dining (image courtesy of Unsplash)

Southport Sharks
Sadly for fans of the legendary Sharks seafood buffet lunch, this event has already sold out for this year #tear – though if the thought of this leaves you languishing, tickets to the Festive Buffet Breakfast are still available. On the bright side, this means we can bring forward our scheduled smorgasbord proceedings – and frankly, feasting sooner is never a bad thing in our books.

Start your Christmas day with a classic brekkie banquet fit for a ‘Kringle’, complete with all the morning mainstays – tasty rashers of bacon, delicious eggs, juicy sausages, sides of mushrooms and tomatoes, hotcakes with warm butter or sweet syrup (both, obvs), piles of pastries and so much more. Tickets for this very merry morning start at $15 for kids (ages 0-3 free) up to $55 for adults + BF, with 90 minute seatings available from 7:30am – 10am.
Where: Corner Olsen and, Musgrave Ave, Southport

The Island
This year, Surfers’ stellar pozzy, The Island, is poised to throw not one but two tantalising Christmas day events – take your pick of the Family Buffet in the Glasshouse – or the all-inclusive Buffet & Beverage Package in the Penthouse.. either way, yule be left feeling rather jolly indeed.

From 11am – 2pm, prepare to tuck into all the traditional festive provisions and trimmings – savour hot and cold seafood, succulent roast meats, seasonal roast vegetables, wholesome summer salads and decadent desserts.

Tickets for the Family Buffet event start at $89 for kids (ages 0-3 free), through to $179 for adults (+ booking fees) – with drinks available at the bar throughout the day.  While the Penthouse Buffet & Beverage tickets are $229 pp + BF including 3-hour beverage package – which we might add, includes Christmas sangria and spritz, bc it would be rather Rudolph us to omit this very important detail.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

voco Christmas lunch (image supplied)
voco Christmas lunch, Surfers Paradise (image supplied)

voco Surfers Paradise
We need not spend days toiling away in the kitchen, offload the preparations (read: stress) and let the voco pros handle your Chrissy day proceedings. Indulge in a banquet of iconic Christmas Day fare, such as fresh seafood, summer salads, succulent roast carvery, a variety of hot and cold dishes – complete with a mouthwatering dessert bar for your feasting pleasure. Plus, face painting and a sneaky cameo from the big man in red, for some extra special Christmas magic for the kiddos.

This little Chrissy extravaganza will set you back $289 per person, with children from $130 (ages 0-4 free).. and simultaneously deliver max satisfaction and zero stress in the process.
Where: 31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Words by Kellie Leader.

7 Gold Coast New Year’s Resolutions you’ll want to keep

A couple enjoying Curtis Falls at Tamborine Mountain (image courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland)
A couple enjoying Curtis Falls at Tamborine Mountain (image courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland)

A new year means new beginnings, and it’s usually a time of year when gym memberships skyrocket and alcohol consumption is at an all-time low. How long this lasts is anyone’s guess though.

Clearly the whole ‘new year, new me’ talk can be a bit much — but we’re all for having a go and encouraging you folks to do the same!

Especially since anything you do after the year that 2023 was, is going to be an improvement, right?

Here are a few Gold Coast-inspired ideas to get you going — and hopefully keep you on the righteous path.

Get your nature on
After overindulging over the festive period, start your new year off with physical activity at the top of your to-do list. Plan a trip to one of the many waterfalls (best to avoid them right now, but keep the list handy for when conditions are less apocalyptic) and secret swimming spots on the Gold Coast. Or maybe have a picnic at one of these sweet picnic spots. Maybe keeping a plant alive for just over a year is a goal of yours? If you’re all about exploring with caffeine in hand, check out these local coffee spots with a view. You don’t have to look hard to find nature here on the Gold Coast, maybe even a cute little animal experience will tickle your fancy!
Our pick: Grab a coffee at Custard Canteen and enjoy it overlooking Talle Creek.

Miami Marketta (image supplied)
Miami Marketta (image supplied)

Support local
You’ve probably been to firm locals favourite Miami Marketta, but have you checked out all the other sweet live music venues or local markets? As a New Year’s Resolution, why not make a more considerable effort to shop small and support local. Here are some Gold Coast jewellery brands you can peruse if you want to start the New Year with some sparkly new goodies.
Our pick: Get along to The Village Markets in Burleigh Heads on the first and third Sunday of every month

Get artsy
There are plenty of spots around here to soothe your inner artist. Why not try your hand at a Paint & Sip experience or visit a Gold Coast art gallery, and seek out new opportunities to get creative and imaginative.
Our pick: Visit our world-class art gallery at HOTA

The Tropic (image supplied)
The Tropic (image supplied)

Spend more time with your friends
Make an effort to spend more time with your loved ones by adventuring around the Gold Coast. How about barefoot bowls, a bottomless brunch or fine boutique dining late into the night? And what about the endless kilometres of pristine beach to hang out together on or a locals camping trip!
Our pick: Grab some delicious takeaway goods and go and sit on Burleigh Hill

Get fit & healthy
If you’re not already on the get-fit-band wagon (are you even a Gold Coaster?), jump on it now. Sign up to a gym or studio, do yoga classes or get amongst all the fun activities, like going on a hike, that will get your heart rate going. Or take it easy with a float and soak session. Whatever you do, take care of that mind and body!
Our pick: Put your earbuds in and take a walk along any of the footpaths and esplanades backing our beautiful beaches.

Lighten Up Gold Coast (image supplied)
Lighten Up Gold Coast (image supplied)

Eat & drink more consciously                                                                                                                         
Now that you’re getting fit and active, it’s time to ditch the fast food and nourish your body from within. But remember, everything in moderation — including moderation! Check out our epic vegetarian list for a lighter change from meat and Acai Bowl list to get you off to a good start.
Our pick: Try alcohol-free alternatives next time you are out; subbing them in for every other drink can really make a difference.

Give back
Not only is it super fun to dig up someone’s pre-loved treasures, but you also support the local community by helping the less fortunate. You can either donate your old clothes, accessories and furniture or go on an op-shop shopping rampage.

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

Acai Bowl from Little Mermaid (image supplied)
Acai Bowl from Little Mermaid (image supplied)
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