Punk-rock nonnas, pillowy pasta and sensational sips – say ciao to Cross Eyed Mary

By Jade Quinlivan 15 Jan 2021

Named after the Jethro Tull song of the same name (What. A. Vibe.), Cross Eyed Mary has transformed the hole-in-the-wall space formerly occupied by Tasca on Coolangatta's Griffith Street into a charming pasta-and-wine bar that is modernising tradition with good, honest fare, craft cocktails and some seriously impressive sips of vino. The dark and moody interior has been given a fresh lick of paint to feature a white weatherboard exterior and welcoming terracotta-and-white interior that imbues a real 'summer in Tuscany' vibe. Whilst she may be small in stature, Cross Eyed Mary is here to leave a big impression ... more

Food & Drink

The Northern Rivers must-visit venues for your southern summer adventures

14 Jan 2021

There ain't nothin' like a roadtrip, especially when the destinations are this delicious. Now that the silly season is over, we're buckling up and heading south – join us on a journey through the Northern Rivers' must-visit venues for your eating and drinking pleasure. more

Food & Drink

Put it on the tab – Mr Yum is making dining out easy (and safe) with QR-code ordering

14 Jan 2021

If you're a fan of dining in, you've probably noticed that a lot of your favourite eateries have adapted to the new climate using innovate methods. One of these new processes is the use of QR technology, which has now become the norm when checking in before you dine in. Taking the technology to new lengths is Mr Yum, a QR-code system that not only lets you order from your phone, but start a digital tab too. Here's to never having to worry about that awkward split bill moment after you've finished up your last cocktail. more

Food & Drink

Seadog expands its tiny operations to an open-air venue in Burleigh Heads

14 Jan 2021

Burleigh local Brodie Green has a knack for seeing things that others don't. Not in a weird "I see dead people" kind of way but in a practical, visionary kind of way. Case in point, his first caffeine-centric venue Seadog on James quite literally took over the four-square metre space formerly occupied by an ATM and transformed it into a thriving coffee dispensary, much to the surprise of the landlord. Well, friends, he's at it again. This time, Brodie has partnered with Burleigh Heads Bowls Club to transform the previously under-utilised space at the end of the green into an open-air coffee slinger called Seadog in the park. Here's everything you need to know about this nifty newcomer. more

Those boots are made for walking – the best trails to hike in and around the Gold Coast

In these uncertain times where we keep yo-yo-ing back and forth between freedom and confinement, the opportunity to get outside for some precious nature time is one that we should grab with both hands. To celebrate some of our state’s best natural resources (and to encourage everyone to embrace being allowed outside), we’ve rounded up some of the best hikes around Brisbane and the Gold Coast so that you can get your state-sanctioned dose of fresh air. Are you ready, boots? Start walking! more

Event News

Love is in the air at this decadent Valentine’s Day dinner at Carmody’s

19 Jan 2021

It's a cold hard fact that the way to a person's heart is through their stomach, so there's no better way to show your affection for a loved one than treating them to a fanciful feast. With Valentine's Day on the horizon (yes, we are already nearing February), Carmody's at Southport Sharks has decided to take the fuss out of the love fest and invite couples out of their love nest and into the restaurant for one truly romantic meal. more

Destination

Happy homegrown travels – five hidden Queensland tourism gems to discover

23 Dec 2020

When Queenslanders were first instructed to stay inside earlier this year, it didn’t take us long to pine for the freedom of adventure. Travelling adventures like campfires with loved ones, treks through lush rainforests and taking a dip in faraway lakes – the backyard experiences we almost took for granted became things we yearned for. Those tense months are now (thankfully) in our rear-view mirror and, though the reverberations of the ongoing pandemic continue to ripple around the country, the option of exploring our own backyard is open to us. Whether you’re wanting to take a summer getaway to the coast or prefer to retreat inland, Queensland has so much to offer. To inspire some wanderlust and help give you some ideas as to where on the map you should drop your pin, we’ve rounded up five hidden Queensland tourism gems for you to discover, from disappearing lakes and… more

Event News

Relive one of the greatest eras of music at the nostalgia-inducing exhibition Cut Copy

19 Jan 2021

From cultivating a punk scene that welcomed The Go-Betweens and The Leftovers to birthing these blokes and fostering a whole new generation of musically gifted talent, it's more than fair to say that Brisbane has had a major impact on Australia's music industry. A pivotal moment for our city's music scene happened between the 70s and 80s, where in suburban halls, corner pubs and bustling clubs, local bands and little-known artists thrived. State Library of Queensland's newest exhibition, Cut Copy, offers a snapshot of this transformative decade dipped in subculture, when artists took a DIY approach to not only music-making, but also music promotion. more

Gentlefolk

Embrace wellness at Mermaid Beach’s dreamy new Soak Bathhouse

14 Jan 2021

Hands up if you are guilty of glorifying 'busy' and often find yourself frantically rushing here, there and everywhere. We see you, frazzled friends (heck, we are you). If you are keen to free yourself from the burden of busy and make 2021 the year you slow down, reconnect and value wellness, there's a dreamy new communal bathhouse in Mermaid Beach that you need to know about. It's called Soak Bathhouse and it's here to help you hit the reset button. more

Food & Drink

Get specialty sips on-the-go at Sparrow Coffee Co’s new coffee dispensary in West Burleigh

14 Jan 2021

If you regularly plan your trips around where you can stop to get coffee (we see you, friend), we have some news that might just pique your interest. Bangalow and Byron Bay's much-loved caffeine dispensary Sparrow Coffee Co has spread its wings to open a fourth location right here on the Gold Coast – hooray! Tucked away from plain sight between The Wellness Boutique and Elevation Fitness in West Burleigh, the new takeaway nook is here to fuel your morning with quality sips on the fly. more

Event Highlights

Until 23 Jan 2021

Reflections at Dust Temple

Until 15 Oct 2021

Miami Marketta

Until 27 Mar 2021

Floating Bar on Broadwater

1 - 21 Feb 2021

Heartbreak Hotel

11 - 13 Feb 2021

Friends! The Musical Parody

1 - 5 Apr 2021

Byron Bay Bluesfest

Events: What's on at the Gold Coast this week. Start planning your weekend

Wed 20 Jan See all events today

$35 local breakfast offer at Citrique

Midweek Marketta

Queensland Theatre of Puppets presents Fairy Tales Live

Next 07 Days See all events this week

Australia Day at Fat Freddy’s Beach Bar and Diner Broadbeach

Bundall Farmers’ Markets

Markets in the Meadow

Margis at Mr.

Kidchella at Oracle Boulevard

Event News

Desert Digs Vintage Market is pumping out live tunes and vintage threads

14 Jan 2021

Much-loved local venue Mo's Desert Clubhouse is bringing Gold Coast vintage lovers the ideal Sunday session destination with its Desert Digs Vintage Market. more

Destination

Get in touch with nature (but keep it fancy) with Starry Nights glamping accommodation

17 Dec 2020

In a year where most of us have spent more time glued to our screens than ever before, the need to get back to nature has never been more pertinent. As much as going bush seems like a good idea in theory, there are some people (us amongst them) who just don’t get down with the more gritty aspects of going off the grid – such as mozzies, stuffy tents and using a strategically placed hole in the ground as a loo. If you’ve been longing for a glamping escape, we’ve found just the spot – say hello to Starry Nights, the Sunshine Coast’s luxe new digs that offer the perfect balance between nature and nurture. more

Food & Drink

The round-up: where to get your Vietnamese fix on the Gold Coast

13 Jan 2021

If you love your Vietnamese food and go to great lengths to seek out the best banh mi, banh xeo, piping-hot pho, rice-paper rolls and vermicelli salads, then first of all – we should be friends. Secondly, get your eyes (and mouths) over this handy list of some of the Gold Coast's best Vietnamese eateries. From modern dining spots to unassuming takeaway hubs, here's a handful that are well worth checking out. more

The Locals Next week: a Goldie local

... I believe you don’t have to use complicated techniques, but it’s the combination of flavours that make a dish stand out ... ~ Winson Law more

Weekly Inspire… Theme of the Week: Words of wisdom

Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson