Say hello to holiday mode with tasty sips for your pre-flight pleasure at Gold Coast Airport
If you ask us, your holiday begins as soon as you get to the airport, go through security and enter that illustrious limbo where a feeling of calm floats over. Time is irrelevant and ordinary rules (such as a wine after midday) are thrown out the window. With Gold Coast Airport’s multimillion-dollar transformation, jetsetters can embrace this time between check-in and take-off by indulging in the new bars and restaurants. We’ve rounded up all of the new spots where you can wine and dine before you fly.
If you’re after a celebratory drink to start the holiday on a high, head to The Sand Bar in the domestic terminal for a tasty tipple in the luxurious lounge. Let your worries melt away as you sink into the chic seating and sip on a Snapper Rocks cocktail with locally made Taha vodka, blue curacao and lime. If you’re also feeling peckish, pair a classic Old Fashioned with one of The Sand Bar’s signature beef burgers loaded with an Angus patty, beetroot, pineapple and crispy onion rings. With The Sand Bar’s soothing, beach-luxe vibe, you’ll forget that you’re in the frenzy of an airport.
You’ve likely heard that Surfers Paradise favourite Paradox Coffee Roasters is now serving up its award-winning coffee at the Gold Coast Airport, but did you know that it’s also serving up some harder beverages too? Settle into one of the cushy leather booths and sip on the local flavours the team has on offer in the bar, such as Brookie’s gin, Husk rum and Cabarita Spirits. For an Aussie treat, we suggest a Seven Seasons Spirits green ant gin and tonic for a citrusy pop before you jet off.
International travellers can wine and dine directly before they fly at the aesthetically pleasing Wollumbin. Celebrating local farmers and producers, this sleek eatery serves up delectable modern Australian flavours before you head off on your holiday. Land on cloud nine when you try Wollumbin’s signature Cloud Catcher cocktail. Created using local ingredients from Brookie’s Gin and Tamborine Mountain Distillery, it’s even topped with its very own cloud. Sip your cocktail while you drink in the views of Gold Coast hinterland and you’ll be well and truly in holiday mode by the time you board.
Soon the Gold Coast Airport is bringing the beach vibes to the airport, with The Beach Shack opening in the coming months. Say goodbye to loved ones while you still have sand between your toes and share a farewell bevvie at the Domestic Terminal’s newest bar. Keep an eye on The Weekend Edition for updates on this opening soon!
This article was written in partnership with the Gold Coast Airport. To see a full list of shopping and dining, click here.
The Stumble Guide is our comprehensive Gold Coast dining guide with more than 870 places to eat, drink, shop and play.