LIVE LIKE A LOCAL: GOLD COAST HIDDEN GEMS

Sophie B. • October 28, 2025

Welcome to part one of our new blog series — Live Like a Local!

While we love a trip to Movie World and all the popular attractions ourselves, everybody knows the best way to truly get to know your destination is to follow the locals. They know where to eat (and what to order), what nights the specials are on, and even how to score a car park with a 5km radius of the beach.

To make it easy to plan your next getaway, we’ll be getting our staff to spill their secrets and share their favourite Gold Coast hidden gems!

Each fortnight we’ll feature recommendations from one of our team members, all of whom live completely different lives and have unique perspectives on where to go. Our aim is to give our lovely guests the insider tips you won’t find on Google or ChatGPT, while supporting our local community businesses.

To kick things off, we’re starting at the top — with our office manager, Sarah. Originally from New Zealand, Sarah has just hit her five-year mark on the Gold Coast, earning herself enough credibility to officially call herself a local.

Here are her top locals-only recommendations…

Go to coffee and brunch spots: O'bagel (Broadbeach) and Elk Espresso (Broadbeach).

Tip: If you are headed to O'bagel on a Sunday morning, make sure you get there early to beat the line!

Dinner or Drinks with friends: Miami Marketta (Miami) The Island Rooftop (Surfers Paradise), Siblings (Kirra Beach), Beach Hotel (Kirra).

Tip: The views at Siblings and Kirra Beach Hotel are to die for, so aim to get there for last light and sunset drinks.

Best date night spot: Rick Shores (Burleigh), Rosellas (Burleigh), Hideaway (Broadbeach), Coast in Meriton (Surfers Paradise).

Tip: Rick Shores WILL book out in advance - so make sure to lock it in before you arrive.

Your favourite place for a knock off drink: The Island (Surfers Paradise) or Mermaid Beach Tavern (Mermaid).

Tip: You DO want to try the Island’s calamari or pizzas!

Favourite beach: Coolangatta and Currumbin.

Tip: Currumbin if you want to learn to surf, Coolangatta if you want easier car parking and space in the water.

Best-kept secret in your area: Lucky Bao in (Mermaid Waters) , Fu Manchu on Chevron Island or anywhere on the Isle of Capri.

Tip: If you haven’t made a dinner booking somewhere, head to Isle of Capri. There are so many amazing restaurants within walking distance of each other.

If it’s a sunny day, you’ll find me: At Coolangatta Beach and Surf club for a drink

Tip: When going to the surf clubs, it’s often worth joining the membership. You usually save the cost back within a few rounds.

Favourite weekend market or local event: HOTA Sunday markets

Tip: Arrive hungry, there are so many amazing stands to try!

That's all from Sarah - we hope you have found some new venues to add to your Gold Coast bucket list!

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