Food and culture are a winning combination and on the Gold Coast, there are plenty of unique ways to experience the best of both. Whether it’s cocktails and canapes on the rooftop balcony of our new gallery or Spanish street food at a night market with live tunes, we’re skilled at blending culinary arts with creativity. So eat, drink and be merry while you experience the Gold Coast’s unique coastal culture and thriving dining scene. Dig in!
SAY HELLO TO HOTA – HOME OF THE ARTS
As of 2021, the Gold Coast has it’s very own world-class art gallery and even if you don’t consider yourself an art enthusiast, it’s well worth a visit. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the HOTA Gallery. The bright, bold exterior makes this building a local landmark and it was created with careful consideration of our outdoor lifestyle. Board shorts and Birkenstocks are entirely acceptable attire.
Inside, the gallery is full of thought provoking and inspiring artworks and exhibitions plus a dedicated Children’s Gallery with interactive displays and craft activities for kids. Treat yourself to some light bites and a coffee or a cocktail at The Exhibitionist Bar on level 5 – the view from up here is a masterpiece in itself. Or settle in for a fine dining feast at the gallery’s restaurant, Palette.
The surrounding parklands and lake provide a beautiful spot for a leisurely stroll (check out the sculpture walk) or a picnic. There are a variety of live performances held at the amazing outdoor stage and if you visit on a Sunday morning you can load up on delicious fresh produce at the HOTA Farmers & Artisan Markets.
KIFF & CULTURE
If fun, fine food and craft drinks are your thing, hit up some of the best local restaurants and booze traders on the Gold Coast with Kiff & Culture. Their tours are run by warm, welcoming hosts who know the true meaning of hospitality. They’ll pick you up for a day of feasting and wow you with local knowledge and an expertly curated epicurean adventure.
The Eat & Drink Gold Coast tour takes you to Rick Shores in Burleigh, then onto gin tasting at Granddad Jack’s Distillery in Miami, topped off with some excellent craft beers at Balter Brewing Company in Currumbin. The team uses their industry connections to your advantage – think best seats in the house, stellar service and VIP treatment. Yes please!
MIAMI MAGIC
Miami is a happening hub on the central Gold Coast serving up a very tempting variety of venues from craft breweries and boutique distilleries to fine dining, street eats and café culture. Start the day off right with superb coffee and a fabulous feed Paddock Bakery. If you fancy a local tipple head to Granddad Jack’s to sample some of their fabulous gin, whisky and liqueurs, or pop round the corner to Precinct Brewing for some quality beer brewed right there in the contemporary tap house.
On Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings, be sure to make an appearance at Miami Marketta. This local treasure is seated in the heart of Miami’s creative precinct and is a melting pot of street eats, live music, local design, art and fashion plus a number of very cool boutique bars. There’s succulent street food from around the world and free live music every night. Plus check the website for regular ticketed events and performances from touring Australian and international acts. Locals love it and you will too.
CULINARY & CREATIVE ARTS IN CURRUMBIN
Dust Temple in Currumbin is a café, gallery, bar and live music venue where the Gold Coast’s creative community gather. A beautifully renovated reclaimed warehouse, this eclectic industrial space stretches back into an outdoor courtyard. Come grab a great coffee and a bit to eat and browse the latest art exhibition during the day.
By night Dust Temple transforms into a versatile events space hosting anything from intimate live gigs, life drawing classes or drag queen trivia to film screenings, slam poetry and catered events accompanied by live DJs. Duck into Gather next door – this hybrid retail boutique, gallery and dried flower florist is something different. You’ll find a curated collection of unique handmade trinkets, furnishings and homewares by local artists, makers and designers.
If you’ve worked up an appetite there are some great local dining options in this corner of the southern Gold Coast. For the best bakery treats head to Fuel Bakehouse. If an alfresco lunch or sundowner with views of the water takes your fancy, Currumbin RSL and Currumbin Vikings Surf Club are local favourites. Zipang dishes up delicious, authentic Japanese cuisine and Tommy’s Italian on Currumbin beachfront is the place to go for antipasto, pizza and pasta prepared with passion.
Like this article? You might like 48 Hour Itinerary: Explore Gold Coast Arts & Culture.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Destination Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.