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

Banger bites – Domino’s is spinning Sausage Sizzle Pizza and chuck us one pronto

22 Jan 2021

The Australian tradition of popping over to Bunnings on the weekend for a cheeky saus never gets old. The mix of barbecued meat, caramelised onion and your choice of sauce (we won't get into this debate now) on a beautiful base of white bread is a winning combination that we never thought could be recreated with justice. But perhaps we have judged too soon as the clever sausages at Domino's have whipped up a new doughy concoction – a Sausage Sizzle Pizza. Be still our beating hearts. more

Food & Drink

Gelatissimo has unleashed a limited-edition Cadbury Caramilk Hokey Pokey flavour and that’s what it’s all about

21 Jan 2021

Folks, there is some seriously spicy weather in store this summer – and one of the best ways to beat the heat when the mercury rises is with icy treats. The creamy wizards over at Gelatissimo have been busy in their lab (I assume) creating the ultimate gelato flavour that will save the season – Cadbury Caramilk Hokey Pokey! Yep, the cult-favourite New Zealand-centric sweet staple has been given the royal treatment and you can get your hot little hands on it right now. more

Food & Drink

Matteo’s brings Italian bites, pizza and vino to Clear Island Waters

21 Jan 2021

By definition, a trattoria is an Italian-style eating establishment that is much less formal than a ristorante, but more formal than an osteria, and that's precisely what you'll find in Matteo's – the new pizza and wine bar in Clear Island Waters. The quaint pizzeria quietly opened its doors before Christmas, serving up woodfired delights with a splash of homestyle charm from an unassuming daytime precinct on Santa Cruz Boulevard. The response from locals has been so good, the 70-seat venue is booked to capacity almost nightly. Go ahead and ready your stretchy pants, because here's everything you need to know about this pretty (and popular) 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

These glow-in-the-dark SUP tours are your next nighttime adventure

21 Jan 2021

The Gold Coast's picture-perfect beaches, scenic waterways and sandy stretches offer a wide variety of water-based activities. There's surfing, kayaking, swimming and for the folks that just like to relax, cat-napping in the sun. If you're searching for something a little bit different to get up to during your free time, we have found one recreational enterprise that will blow your socks off (quite literally, because you won't need them) – glow-in-the-dark SUP tours. 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

Italian eatery Salt Meats Cheese is bringing back its one-night-only vegan feast

21 Jan 2021

While the name Salt Meats Cheese doesn't exactly scream 'vegan friendly', the team behind the popular stable of Italian restaurants (which boasts locations across Brisbane and on the Gold Coast) is actually well known for its expansive plant-based food offering. This February, SMC's popular all-vegan feasting event – aptly named Soul Meets Cheers – is returning to bring you the ultimate plant-based Italian banquet, for one night only. more

Gentlewoman

Look good, feel great with Made Collective – Nobby Beach’s newest lifestyle boutique with a local focus

21 Jan 2021

This year, we’re trying to do a little better by the planet. Not only are the impacts of fast-fashion well known, but it feels good to support local makers and designers focusing on ethically and sustainably-made wares. Nobby Beach’s newest space Made Collective is ticking all of the boxes, with the boutique featuring only locally designed or made products brought to you directly from their producers. The result is an eclectic mix of sustainable homewares and fashion that embodies the relaxed Gold Coast vibe that we love! more

Food & Drink

Mr Kojima on Chevron Island delivers a modern take on traditional Japanese fare

21 Jan 2021

The once bustling strip of Chevron Island has been a bit quiet in this crazy post-Covid landscape, but a spicy new tenant has arrived to breathe some much-needed life into the suburb's dining scene. Mr Kojima opened quietly before Christmas and has won over the locals with its delightfully modern take on traditional Japanese fare. Here's everything you need to know about this tasty newcomer ... more

Event Highlights

Until 15 Oct 2021

Miami Marketta

Until 23 Jan 2021

Reflections at Dust Temple

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

Fri 22 Jan See all events today

$35 local breakfast offer at Citrique

Double Baked at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse

So-Cal on The Lawn at The Star

BBQ Bazaar Night Market

Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets

Next 07 Days See all events this week

The Sanctuary Markets

Food Truck’n Thursdays

Midweek Marketta

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

Australia Day Cruise

Event News

What’s on across the coast this weekend

21 Jan 2021

Summer’s disappearing faster than a Frosty Fruit after a day in the sun, so we’re packing in the activities while we can. Luckily there’s plenty of events making the most of the long days and balmy nights this weekend, like musical bingo, a double-day blues-barbecue and bottomless lunches. Some of the coast’s best venues are putting on cracker parties for the Hottest 100 countdowns, with live music and tasty treats to boot. Here's a snapshot of what's on from Thursday January 21 to Sunday January 24. 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

Extend those summer holiday vibes with VACAY spiked seltzers

21 Jan 2021

Spiked seltzers have taken Australia by storm this summer and it looks like these tasty tipples are here to stay. A fresh-faced addition to this selection of sips is VACAY, a guilt-free alcoholic seltzer that's giving back to the community in a big way. 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