Miss Moneypenny’s, Broadbeach: Hidden beneath the luxe Avani hotel, the Gold Coast iteration of Miss Moneypenny’s is a true stunner. Centred around a striking fireplace, guests are enveloped by the literal warmth emanating from the glowing flames as well as metaphorically courtesy of the natural timber and hues of grey, navy and terracotta. A winter dining experience worth braving the outdoors for.

Pasture & Co, Currumbin Valley: Since opening in 2017, Pasture & Co is the kind of destination venue that people consistently go out of their way to visit, which speaks volumes in today’s convenience-driven society. Previously housed in the old Queenslander at Ground at Currumbin – a mini precinct that sits near the entranceway to the residential community The Ecovillage – the cafe relocated to the old dairy shed just a hop, skip and a jump away from its original home. Thankfully, the new digs includes a fireplace so you can kick back on the couch and sip your coffee (or wine).

Panchos, Mudgeeraba: When Lachlan Cuskelly and Madeleine Norton took the reins of the long-standing Mexican institution, they wasted no time in removing and sorting 30-plus years of paraphernalia that adorned every square cm of wall (and ceiling) space to give the place a much-needed spruce. Thankfully for our frozen mitts, the roaring fireplace in the bar area was one hallmark that remained. Sangria by the fire? Don’t mind if we do.

Robina Pavilion, Robina: This suburban saviour has the antidote to winter chills with the return of its much-loved Lakeside fire pits. From Friday June 9 to August 13, Robina Pav is luring you out of hibernation with the promise of antipasto platters, s’mores and cocktails by the fire. Sunset sessions start from 4:00–6:00 pm, or enjoy a night under the stars with evening bookings running from 6:30–8:30 pm. Each fire pit can seat up to 10 people, so go ahead and rally your crew. Bookings are now open at Robina Pavilion.

D’Arcy Arms, Surfers Paradise: As one of the Gold Coast’s original Irish pubs, it seems only fitting that D’Arcy Arms also boasts a sensational open fireplace to kick back with a pint of Guinness. Every year, the iconic venue holds its annual lighting of the fire in June ahead of its spectacular month-long Christmas in July celebrations. It’s the most wonderful time of year, after all.

Shiraz Persian Restaurant, Surfers Paradise: Winter calls for belly-warming comfort food, and it doesn’t get much more comforting than slow-cooked lamb shank, succulent kabobs and mounds of drool-inducing saffron rice. If you concur, pull up a seat beneath the fireplace at Shiraz Persian Restaurant in Surfers Paradise and enjoy bold flavours and exotic libations. You’ll find the much-loved venue at the base of Mantra Wings Surfers Paradise (the former Pink Poodle building), but be warned, it’s been known to book out so best make a reservation.

The Fireplace, The InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort: It’s all in the name – The Fireplace specialises in sensationally cooked wood-fired cuisine. For a true culinary experience, treat yourself to the six-course degustation, bursting with delights like Moreton Bay bugs, smoked ricotta, braised short ribs and a caramel-and-dark-chocolate mousse. Afterwards, retire to the Verandah Restaurant and Bar and sample one of its 50-plus whiskies.

Woodchoppers Inn BBQ, Smoke & Grill, Mudgeeraba: If barbecue bites and moonshine by the fire sound like your kind of vibe, add Woodchoppers Inn to your must-visit list. Nestled in the heart of Mudgeeraba village, this institution has been serving up hearty country fare since the 90s. As soon as you enter the old-school, pub-style eatery, you are welcomed with friendly hospitality and a relaxed vibe. Follow the sound of spirited laughter and you’ll stumble upon the bar area, which is coincidentally where you’ll find the fire.

Garden Kitchen & Bar, Broadbeach: Sipping sundowners on The Lawn has to be one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a sunny afternoon, but as the sun sinks, it can get a little chilly. Rather than retreat inside, rally your crew and huddle around one of the crackling fire pits that are dotted across The Lawn. Be warned though, the fire pits must be pre-booked and have been known to be a pretty hot commodity. See what we did there?

The Rooftop Lodge at Cali Beach, Surfers Paradise: We don’t wish to alarm you but this winter there’s a forecast for snow on the Gold Coast. Following last year’s successful activation, all eyes are on Cali Beach to see if The Rooftop Lodge will be back for another year. For those who missed out on last year’s winter wonderland, the venue transformed into an après ski-inspired pop-up bringing snow-topped trees, fire pits and an enormous Igloo Bar that’s roughly the size of a tennis court. The VIP cabanas were converted into luxury alpine lodges, decked out with fire pits, hot tubs and cosy furnishings. Keep your peepers peeled for an update, we’ve got a feeling there’ll be an announcement oh-so-soon.

Potager, Carool: Nestled amongst rolling green hills and fertile farmland about 20-minutes south of the Gold Coast Airport, Potager is perched on a small 10-acre farm in the beautiful setting of Carool. The venue has a cosy farmhouse vibe and operates on a paddock-to-plate philosophy using locally sourced produce, organic and grown on the premises where possible. Settle in for a long lunch on the deck and soak in the view of the fruit trees lining the lawn or seek sanctuary inside in the dining room next to the internal fireplace. If you fancy long lunches that roll effortlessly into early evening or dinners with a difference, take a trip to Potager at Carool.

The Wine Barrel, Mudgeeraba: The Wine Barrel is a family-owned and operated hidden gem that brings exceptional food and wine to the quaint Mudgeeraba village. The suburb’s history as an original logging town inspired the rustic decor, with recycled-timber materials including old railway sleepers, 25-year-old oak wine barrels and an entire wall of logs creating a truly warm and welcoming space. Oh, did we mention there was a fireplace to take the brisk chill off?

Tweed River House, Murwillumbah: Wintertime dining at Tweed River House will leave your senses warmly satiated. Dine in supreme comfort on the terrace and soak in the sweeping hinterland and river views that capture the glorious afternoon sun, or head inside to savour the dining room with its open fireplace, chandeliers, and pressed metal ceilings. Tweed River House’s winter menu recreates the great nouvelle cuisine classics of the provinces of France – think slow-braised Bungalora pork with crisp crackling, confit-rabbit croquette and free-range Elgin Valley chicken breast. Every plate is a culinary experience showcasing different preparations of a star ingredient, infused with touches of native Australian flora and the outstanding produce the tweed caldera has to offer. Ready to dine? Book here.

Want more? We love to see it! Check out Fox and Hounds at Wongawallan, St Bernards Hotel and The Polish Place on Mount Tamborine. Actually, pretty much everywhere on Mount Tamborine. 

Image credit: Miss Moneypenny’s, supplied