Burleigh Pavilion, Burleigh Heads: This one is a no-brainer. A Gold Coast institution, Burleigh Pavilion – or ‘The Pav’ as it’s affectionately referred to – is a sublime spot to sip and soak in the sunshine. On the northern side (above Rick Shores) you’ll find The Tropic, an elevated dining experience that delivers a Mediterranean-inspired menu with a modern-Australian twist. Then, at the other end, is where you will find the venue’s bistro-style offering – think woodfired pizzas, burgers, salads and all of the cocktails.

Tommy’s Italian, Currumbin: The mezzanine is a primo perch to bask in the view of Currumbin’s cerulean waters. In true Italian fashion, Tommy’s Italian’s modern a la carte menu showcases exceptional Australian produce cooked simply including freshly baked focaccia, pesto-filled burrata from Byron Bay, grilled Western Australian octopus with nduja dressing and grilled king prawns.

Rubi Red Kitchen & Bar, Nobby Beach: If you’ve not yet had the pleasure of kicking back on a Sunday and basking in the sun’s warmth from the upper level of Rubi Red, you simply must rectify this immediately. Graze your way through chef Michael Lambie’s exceptional Asian-inspired cuisine, ranging from freshly shucked oysters, kingfish sashimi, pillowy dumplings and beautiful buns with a cocktail in hand. Upstairs is also where you will find the venue’s incredible Shanghai High Tea. Forget tiny sandwiches and tea, Rubi Red’s version is a modern yum cha experience with the option to add a roaming cocktail package.

The Exhibitionist Bar, Surfers Paradise: If you’re partial to champagne at sunset whilst soaking in spectacular city-wide views, head to The Exhibitionist Bar. The rooftop bar and dining venue is located on level five of the HOTA Gallery and centred around a sophisticated tapas-style bar menu with specialty sips including crafted cocktails, an extensive wine list, house-made sodas and local craft beer.

Garden Kitchen & Bar, Broadbeach: Known for its striking and vibrant interior, the popular eatery and bar in The Star Gold Coast has just as much to offer outdoors. The venue sprawls out onto a spacious deck and expansive lawn dotted with picnic tables, creating the perfect spot for daytime beers, that will definitely lead to twilight cocktails … always.Tropic Vice, Nobby Beach: Perched above the Nobby Beach dining strip, the sun-drenched rooftop venue offers a kind of Palm Springs, California, meets Miami, Florida, kind of vibe with different sections scattered across the space. The grassy garden bar – shaded by candy-pink umbrellas – is the ideal spot for a couple of casual cocktails in the sunshine, while the deck lined with high tables is the ideal perch for long lunches and grazing.

Siblings, Kirra: The self-serve ice-cream of its predecessor may be gone, but there are plenty of other reasons to fall in love with Siblings at Kirra. Transforming the former Pizza Hut, Siblings is the ideal spot for a long lunch that rolls merrily into cocktail-filled evenings. As its name suggests, it’s a family affair for the well-known Cianci family, who also brought us Edgewater and The Fish Emporium at Capri on Via Roma. The chic beachside eatery has injected a much-needed breath of fresh, salty air into the famed foreshore and is a must-try.

The Collective, Palm Beach: Nabbing a spot at The Collective rooftop is about as good as it gets. Grab the crew, order a mouth-watering feast and watch the sun set as you sip your way through a carafe of sangria … then rosé … then a cocktail (maybe Uber home).

Justin’s Rooftop, Burleigh Heads: As Burleigh’s first rooftop bar, Justin’s really turns it up a notch when it comes to outdoor spaces. Enjoy the rooftop’s own range of tap beers, cocktails, wines and ciders in the sunshine, plus Justin’s ever-popular and genuinely addictive Italian fare.

Nineteen at The Star, Broadbeach: Attached to Nineteen’s fine-dining space is a glamorous rooftop bar – a classy and elegant space with sophisticated tipples, VIP bottle service and some of the most spectacular sunset views you’ll find. This truly is a next-level experience … well, nineteen levels to be exact.

Mr PP’s Deli & Rooftop, Southport: Nestled in the heart of the Southport CBD (right out the front of a tram stop, too), Mr PP’s is ideally positioned for after-work tipples or weekend cocktails with a view. Mr PP’s fun personality and historical significance is brought to life by a refined bar and food offering, with everything from bottled cocktails to satisfying charcuterie spreads. It’s a vibe.COAST Beach Bar & Kitchen, Surfers Paradise: Located on the first floor of the new Ocean by Meriton building in Surfers Paradise, COAST Beach Bar & Kitchen has added a sophisticated new dining experience to the city’s culinary landscape. The superlative $2.5 million venue offers an expansive deck area to watch the waves as you sip.

Surfers Pavilion, Surfers Paradise: Perched in a prime position on the Surfers Paradise waterfront, this impressive venue levels up the luxury with an interactive oyster and champagne station. Fans of frosé will be tickled pink to hear that there is also a dedicated bar for the delicious yet brain-freeze-inducing sip, and, for those who select boat or jet-ski as their preferred mode of transport, Surfers Pavilion has recently launched its brand-new marina.

Aviary Rooftop Bar, Southport: Kombucha cocktails, sunshine, live music and amazing views – what more could you want? Soak up the rays and enjoy the sweeping vistas across the hinterland and the Surfers Paradise skyline with a slice of woodfired pizza in one hand and a margarita in the other.

The Island Rooftop, Surfers Paradise: Venture up to the rooftop level of The Island where the cocktails flow, the sun shines and the beers are cold. Bask in the sunset surrounded by lush greenery with skyline views through bustling Surfers Paradise.

Edgewater, Isle of Capri: Occupying prime position at Capri on Via Roma, Edgewater is a spacious and modern venue that perfectly captures its brilliant north-facing waterfront views over the Surfers Paradise skyline. Kicking back on the deck with a wine in hand is a pretty excellent way to spend a day.

Balter Brewing Co., Currumbin: Currumbin’s Balter Brewing Co. sure knows how to throw a weekend sesh. The grassed outdoor alley is a cracking spot to soak up the sun with a schooner of Balter’s best on tap – plus you’ll usually find one of the Gold Coast’s popular food trucks appearing over the weekends.Cali Beach, Surfers Paradise: If you’ve ever spent time partying poolside in Las Vegas or sipping cocktails at any number of the day clubs scattered around the Greek Islands and Ibiza, it’s pretty likely you’re already well across our very own Cali Beach. With four glistening pools, VIP cabanas, countless sun lounges shaded by Veuve-orange umbrellas, two world-class restaurants, multiple bars, volleyball facilities and even an outdoor moonlight cinema – seriously, it’s Disneyland for grown-ups!

Paradise Centre, Surfers Paradise: In terms of location, it doesn’t get much better than Paradise Centre’s primo pozzie, which is just a hop, skip and jump from the sun-drenched Surfers Paradise beach. Just last week, the centre officially unveiled a brand-new dining precinct which an array of al fresco and takeaway dining options including Gelato Messina, El Camino Cantina, Nahm Talay Thai, La Playa, Hero Sushi and Enzo’s Italian. Joining the fray will be Queensland’s first Wahlburgers and TGI Fridays, which are set to open oh-so-soon.

Friends, this is just the tip of the iceberg! Once you’ve worked your way through this list, check out Moxy’s Rooftop Bar in Coolangatta, Frida Sol in Palm Beach, Lost Palms Brewing Co in Miami, Hideaway Kitchen & Bar in Broadbeach and, of course, the stellar waterfront dining options at Marina Mirage and Sanctuary Cove. That should keep you busy for a while.