The Weekend Edition: Gold Coast

MUKBANG888 brings the sizzle of Korean BBQ to Varsity Lakes

By Jade Quinlivan 17 Aug 2022

Korean BBQ seems to be having a moment here on the Gold Coast, and we're pretty darn chuffed about it. If you've not yet had the pleasure, allow us to set the scene – you're gathered around a table that houses a built-in barbecue plate. The food arrives at your table, but here's the kicker – it's up to you to cook it. The beauty of the experience is that instead of it being passive, Korean BBQ requires you to sit in the driver's seat – tongs clanging, meat sizzling and beers clinking. It's communal, interactive and thoroughly enjoyable. If you have an appetite for fun and adventure, pull up a seat at Varsity Lake's newest Korean BBQ house – MUKBANG888. more

Food & Drink

Indulge your senses with a fanciful five-course fire-cooked feast at HOTA’s Lux de la Luna dinner

17 Aug 2022

Awaken all of your senses as HOTA, Home of the Arts, unveils this year's iteration of its aptly named WONDER festival. The annual celebration of art, food and culture is set to make its triumphant return from Friday September 16 to Sunday September 25 for a jam-packed program of free and ticketed events that encompass surreal sonic experiences (including the songs of Daft Punk reimagined by an orchestra) and Queen by candlelight, through to interactive light-filled 'art-chitecture' and a magical outdoor dining experience called Lux de la Luna dinner. If you love the sound of a five-course feast under the stars, read on for all of the delicious details on the must-attend Lux de la Luna dinner ... more

Event News

All is bright – The Star’s fast-selling Not So Silent Night Christmas Ball is back for the festive season

18 Aug 2022

We're officially in the second half of the year now, which means that before you know it, the festive season will be upon us. It is the most wonderful time of the year – and the perfect excuse to get dressed up, kick up your heels and celebrate making it through another year in style. The festive folk at The Star Gold Coast agree with this sentiment and are bringing back the much-loved Not So Silent Night Christmas Ball on Saturday December 10. Keen on flowing bubbles, a decadent dinner and dancing aplenty? Read on, because this is one soiree that you won't want to miss. more

Food & Drink

Crack in to crustaceans and bountiful buffet delights at Main Beach’s Shoreline Restaurant

17 Aug 2022

There's just something inherently exciting about a bountiful buffet spread that is brimming with all of our favourite foods – it ignites a kind of culinary hedonism within us. Fancy something sweet to start? Go for it. Craving a second (or third) serving of cracking crustaceans? You do you. At a buffet, normal dining rules need not apply and you can let your eyes do the ordering to curate your perfect plate. While we're pretty spoilt for places to eat our body weight in fantastic fare here on the Gold Coast, there's one long-standing dining institution that we think deserves a spot at the top of your must-try list – Shoreline Restaurant at Main Beach. more

The recap – 22 of 2022’s best new Gold Coast restaurants, bars and cafes you need to try

We don't wish to alarm you, but we're already well and truly into the third quarter of this year. Meanwhile, we're still mentally hovering somewhere around April firmly in denial that we're just a hop, skip and jump from the silly season. This year has been a whirlwind, to say the least, and has seen some pretty exciting new openings – a new Asian eatery from a Michelin-starred chef through to the emergence of some exciting new local eateries and a few hidden haunts – each adding something special to the city’s culinary melting pot. Before we blink and it’s Christmas, we thought we’d take a minute to look back at the year so far and reflect on some of the best openings of 2022 … more

Event News

Sky-high circus tricks, finger-lickin’ feasts and BLEACH* – things to do on the Gold Coast this weekend

17 Aug 2022

After a two-year hiatus, BLEACH* Festival has made its triumphant return gifting us with 11 days of live music, dance, culinary experiences, performance and art. If you're a little late to the BLEACH* party, fret not friend – this weekend is jam-packed with things to see, do and devour. From sky-high circus performances to cocktail masterclasses, here's a snapshot of things happening around the Gold Coast from Thursday August 18 to Sunday August 21. more

Destination

From Airlie to Whitehaven Beach – our ultimate guide to the Whitsundays

18 Aug 2022

While we near the last third of the year, it's getting mighty clear that we're in need of a holiday. The best part about living in our sunny state is that we have an abundance of dreamy destinations to explore right here on our doorstep. This month we decided to hightail it to the Whitsundays, in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. What we were treated to was an unforgettable adventure in Queensland’s sunshine-filled slice of heaven. We swam with brightly coloured fish in the Great Barrier Reef, spotted whales frolicking in the cerulean waters, watched sensational sunsets and sank our toes into the white silica sands of Whitehaven Beach. So you can recreate our scenic escape, we have put together our ultimate guide to the Whitsundays. Packing your bags already? Before you start changing into your togs, here's our pick of the places you can sip, snack, swim, stay and snorkel on your… more

Event News

Spoil dad with the ultimate Father’s Day feast at The Star

11 Aug 2022

"Hi Hungry, I'm Dad". Ah, the classic response from any well-meaning dad at the mere mention of a grumbling stomach. If you've got a father figure who thrives on slinging questionable jokes, rocks some classic dad attire and is renowned for giving a soul-warming hug, chances are you'll want to spoil them this Father's Day on Sunday September 4. If you're stuck on ideas, we urge you to put down the stubby cooler and jocks and instead book your old man a table at one of The Star Gold Coast's many Father's Day celebrations. From cool and casual to first class and fancy, The Star's slew of restaurants has everything you need to make this Father's Day extra special. more

Design

A new level of luxury – The Langham, Gold Coast officially welcomes its first guests

22 Jun 2022

From the moment the ground broke in 2014, the magnificent $1.4 billion Jewel project in Surfers Paradise has captivated the city’s collective attention. At long last, we're set to get our first glimpse inside as the Gold Coast officially welcomes its newest resort hotel, The Langham, Gold Coast. The eagerly anticipated 339-room hotel, which also includes Jewel Residences, managed by Langham, will welcome its first guests this week. more

Destination

Here’s all of the ideas you need to plan the ultimate Gold Coast hens party

27 Jul 2022

So, you've been tasked with organising your best friend's hens party. The only thing is, you're under a strict 'no stripper' order and your gal pal isn't the clubbing type. Planning the perfect hens weekend is no mean feat, especially when you're trying to stick to a budget, have some fun and avoid the usual hens night tropes. The Gold Coast's glimmering shores and vibrant nightlife make it the perfect party occasion, but if you're trying to steer clear of that scene and opt for a more wholesome affair, it can be hard to plan a suitable itinerary. Luckily for you, we've done the rounds to compile a list of the least-tacky ideas that will save your bride from a 2:00 am kebab in Cavill Avenue, and provide a fitting send-off into married life. more

Event Highlights

Until 21 Aug 2022

BLEACH* Festival

27 - 28 Aug 2022

Crafted Beer and Cider Festival

1 Sep 2022

BIRDS of PARADISE: A Comedy Birdlesque!

Until 30 Sep 2022

Savour Series at the Island Rooftop

4 Dec 2022

Spilt Milk

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

Fri 19 Aug See all events today

Postcards from the Edge

Live On The Lawn at Garden Kitchen & Bar

Karen’s Diner Gold Coast

Moonlight Night Market

The Collective Cocktail Masterclass

Next 07 Days See all events this week

Currumbin Community Markets

Omakase at Kiyomi

Live entertainment at the Atrium Bar

Turn Up Thursdays with the Fonoti Brothers

High Cheese Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort — Food

High Cheese at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort

Gentleman

Meet the mobile barber offering scenic cuts in his custom-made van

11 Aug 2022

For many, heading to the barber is more than just a haircut. It's a safe space to hang out, have a chat and take some time out from the everyday – bonus points if the barber does a mean haircut while you're there. After serving many years and discharging from the military, Gary Wilson turned to barbering in 2018 as a way to connect and relate with others while overcoming feelings of isolation. Since then, he has moved north from Coffs Harbour to create the Jolly Roger Mobile Barber van, the perfect place to get a fade, have a yarn, make a new mate and even indulge in a cut-throat shave. more

Food & Drink

Margarita Margarita has dropped two new fruity flavours

17 Aug 2022

While some folk believe that mulled wine, espresso martinis and hot toddies are perfect winter drinks, we still can't go past a margarita. The brains behind Australia's only mobile marg bar, Margarita Margarita, back us up and have whipped up two new flavours that conveniently come in a bottle – hello, homemade margs! more

Destination

Crikey – The Crocodile Hunter Lodge has opened just down the road from Australia Zoo

14 Jul 2022

Whenever we're boosting down Steve Irwin Drive with the Glasshouse Mountains on our side, the urge to pull up at Australia Zoo for our Irwin fix is hard to resist. Well, now you can park up for the night and stay in luxury while you're at it! The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, Australia Zoo's newest accommodation destination, allows you to truly reconnect with nature. more

The Locals Next week: a Goldie local

I’ve been gobsmacked by how intensely honest our Nightline callers are ... ~ ROSLYN OADES more

Weekly Inspire… Theme of the Week: Words of wisdom

Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere. ~ Albert Einstein