If your winter routine currently involves eating dinner on the couch surfing Netflix every night, then we suggest you break out of hibernation with a visit to Harvest Buffet, where you can enjoy a dining experience filled with culinary theatrics. The open-plan kitchens and live food stations highlight the chefs’ skills, creating an interactive dining atmosphere. Enjoy Chinese barbecue, Asian-inspired dishes and an Italian section with handmade pizza and pasta. On weekends you can dive into a full seafood spread, including oysters, prawns, crab and mussels, along with an unbeatable roast carvery. The buffet also boasts a children’s section with height-appropriate, kid-friendly favourites. Save room for the decadent dessert station, offering handmade cakes, slices, ice-creams and a two-metre chocolate fountain for a Willy Wonka-esque finale. Who needs Netflix when you have Harvest Buffet?

When we think of comfort food, we can’t go past the soft, pillowy deliciousness of a dumpling, and The Star Gold Coast’s own dumpling bar, Mei Wei Dumplings, features a menu dotted with explosive and authentic flavours. Try the winter warming xiao long bao – soup dumplings that will warm you from the inside out. Devour many delights from the dim sum menu including prawn and pork shao mai, crowd-pleasing five-spice chicken wings and bao buns with Shanghai fried pork. With the kitchen encased by a massive viewing glass, you can watch the dumpling masters at work, and it’s safe to say your dumplings are in good hands here.

When you want to start the day off right, open the group chat and gather the girls for brunch at M&G Cafe and Bar (short for meet and greet). This charming cafe offers a produce-driven menu that’s a delightful blend of comfort and contemporary. Indulge in classic eggs and bacon or savour fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup, topped with butter and ice-cream. For those who slept in, enjoy smoked salmon bowls and moreish Reuben sandwiches for lunch. M&G Cafe and Bar is the idea spot for a leisurely brunch that stretches into the afternoon, filled with good food and even better company.

Whether it’s for a casual bite with friends, a family meal or a date night, Garden Kitchen & Bar has it all with its choices of indoor restaurant, sun-drenched deck, lush green lawn and vibrant outdoor bar. The seasonal menu features delights like crispy skin Tasmanian salmon, Grand Chester eye fillet and a chocolate fondant dessert with salted caramel sauce. Winter specials add a cosy touch with fire-pit packages, a $65 three-course winter warmer menu and unique igloo dining experiences. When the sun sets, the real fun begins with starry nights and live music from renowned DJs and local artists at Live on The Lawn’s Headliners. Saturday July 20 will see the McCredie Brothers take the stage, promising enchanting harmonies, catchy melodies and heartfelt storytelling. Savour snacks from The Lawn’s Container Kitchen such as fried calamari with yuzu aioli, an avocado vegan nourish bowl or a chargrilled Angus beef burger with signature chips. Pair your meal with Garden Kitchen & Bar’s stellar cocktail menu and enjoy an evening of live music and great vibes.

While you’re off the couch and out of the house, treat yourself to some world-class music and award-winning comedy at The Star Theatre, that is sure to heat things up this winter.

To view menus and book, jump to The Star Gold Coast website.

This article was created in partnership with our friends at The Star Gold Coast. The Star practises responsible service of alcohol.