Brrr! IceBar is delivering sweet salvation from summer in the form of a year-round winter wonderland. The frosty paradise is the brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Bobby and Charlotte Stephens, who also own a sibling spot in Melbourne’s Fed Square. The idea originally came to Bobby while he was watching a certain suave secret agent (ahem, James Bond). He did some digging and saw a few others around the world, but so far, there weren’t any in Australia and he decided to give it a crack. That was 17 years ago. A second location has been on the radar for a while, but it wasn’t until Bobby and Charlotte were in town for a conference that they realised Surfers Paradise was the perfect location. With regular foot traffic and within the perfect radius of the suburb’s other attractions, it was a no-brainer for the pair.

The bar works like this – you pay an entry fee and that includes your session, cosy clothing (think oversized oodies, gloves and snug UGG boots) as well as a cocktail to thaw you out. Once you’re kitted out in winter woolies, step through the double doors and be greeted by wall-to-wall ice. Each brick weighs in at 130 kg. Filling the space is an air hockey table made entirely of ice, ice sculptures (including a gnarly wave with a surfboard photo station) and even an icy throne fit for royalty. A towering seven-foot Yeti commands attention from the corner, and there are several photo spots available within the bar. Feeling competitive? Take on your mates in a game of Connect Four or Jenga – they might not be made of ice, but they sure add to the fun.

Let’s talk libations – with temperatures this low, anything below 17 percent alcohol content freezes faster than you can say “another shot, please.” That’s why the drinks menu is carefully curated to include temperature-appropriate sips from the likes of 78 Degrees Distillery and FNQ Rum Co. Feeling adventurous? Give the ski shot a try – trust us, it’s ‘snow’ much harder than it looks.

Each session is limited to 45-minutes, which Bobby and Charlotte found was the ideal time people wanted to spend in there. Once you step outside and back into the balmy GC summer, you’ll feel invigorated and alive. IceBar Surfers is just the beginning for the pair, who revealed plans for a dazzling new venture upstairs called Mirror Bar. Made entirely of mirrors (walls, tables, floor), they plan to open their shiny new digs early March. We’ll be sure to keep you in the loop with all the glimmering details oh-so-soon.

IceBar Surfers isn’t just for grown ups – kids are welcome to join in the frosty fun! Head to our Stumble Guide for opening times.