Local’s Guide To Tugun

It’s the unassuming beachside suburb, just south of Currumbin and what it lacks in size, it makes up for in vibe. But sometimes Tugun gets overlooked by visitors to the Gold Coast. Locals know that this spot is an absolute gem, bursting with creativity, exceptional eats and of course, quality coffee. Allow us to introduce you to the best of this laidback little suburb. Here’s a local’s guide to Tugun for you to add to your bucket list the next time you visit the Gold Coast.

STICKY RICE

Thai food at its absolute finest is the name of the game at Sticky Rice. Think southern-style Thai food with a modern twist and a focus on share plates and you’ve hit the nail on the head. There are dishes like Street BBQ Chicken, Crispy Pork Belly and Massaman Beef Curry and they’re so good you might wonder if you’ve teleported to Thailand. Wash the delicious dishes down with a Thai-inspired cocktail and roll home full to the brim and completely satisfied.
Where: Shop 7/443 Golden Four Drive, Tugun

CORNERSTONE STORES

On the very cusp of Currumbin and Tugun is Cornerstone Stores; a collective of locally owned businesses and boutiques showcasing the creative talents of local makers and entrepreneurs. Stable Coffee Kitchen are serving up the very best cuppas and eats, The Body Method has you sorted for yoga and Pilates, Quince Fromagerie is a cheese and wine lovers dream, Zanzi Hairdressing is a sustainable hair salon filled with talented stylists, Prae Store is a mecca for natural and sustainable beauty and wellness, Kind Curations stocks stunning gifts and locally made goodies, Little Loves Studio is the most beautiful children’s clothing and accessories space and Earth Essence Beauty provide life-changing natural beauty treatments. You could quite happily spend a whole day browsing and brunching.
Where: 570 Gold Coast Highway, Tugun

NICHE & CO

They’re famous across the Coast for their huge array of acai bowls but that’s not all Niche & Co. are great at. Their coffee is on point and with a menu absolutely packed with tasty dishes, you can’t go wrong when stopping in for a bite. But back to those acai bowls; how does a Snickers Bowl sound? It’s got vegan granola, vegan salted caramel mousse and house made peanut butter to name a few magic ingredients. Don’t miss this place.
Where: Shop 4/449 Golden Four Drive, Tugun

POT STUDIOS

The recently opened POT Studios is the perfect place to get your hands dirty when visiting Tugun. Pottery workshops run a couple of times a week so you can have a go at creating your own piece of handmade pottery – choose from a teapot or salad bowl workshop or make your own dining set. (You get to keep your creations but they need to be fired before you pick them up.) The studio itself is beautiful, light-filled and welcoming and you can book in a group session if you want to take the team along. Perfect for a girls’ night, a birthday celebration, Mothers Day or a unique first date.
Where: 475 Golden Four Drive, Tugun

TUGUN FRUIT & FLOWERS

If you’re after something healthy on the fly, Tugun Fruit & Flowers is the place for you. They make healthy, delicious smoothies and fresh juices and stock all kinds of yummy, good-for-you snacks plus fruit and veggies and a beautiful range of bouquets and blooms. One of the Gold Coast’s hidden gems is right here in Tugun.
Where: 4/467 Golden Four Drive, Tugun

CRAFT HOUSE BAR AND RESTAURANT

If you’re a fan of a huge variety of craft beer and exceptional share-style eats, look no further than Craft House. With an ever-changing line-up of craft beer on tap, both local and from afar, plus a menu filled with things like sliders, prawn skewers or a cheese board. The vibes are high with live music and a sleek fitout. There’s nowhere better to spend some time soaking up the good vibes Tugun has to offer.
Where: 1/445 Golden Four Drive, Tugun

GOOD DAY COFFEE

You’re guaranteed a good day if it starts at Good Day Coffee, on the highway in Tugun. A specialty coffee shop, they were voted in the Top 25 by Delicious Australia and once you’ve been there, you’ll understand why. Not just exceptional coffee though – there’s tasty brunch dishes and plenty of dogs to pat while you wait. You’ll find some of the best goodies on the Gold Coast here.
Where: 2/476 Gold Coast Highway, Tugun

MADE BARBER BARISTA

One of the more newish members of the Tugun crew, is Made Barber Barista. It’s a beautiful, naturally-lit space serving up Moonshine Roasters coffee (a local brew), plus some select baked goodies from Fuel Bakehouse – a Currumbin gem. There’s also Grounded Pleasures Chai, teas, turmeric and Matcha lattes and cold press juices and of course, if you’re a man in need of a five-star haircut, Barber Brit is the gal to see.
Where: 2B/417 Golden Four Drive, Tugun

So next time you’re on the Gold Coast, put Tugun at the top of your list and make some time to explore this happening hub. The other thing worth mentioning is that it’s just one block away from the stunning stretch of  beach (just head to Pacific Parade) where you can picnic, surf, stroll and splash. Tugun really does tick all the boxes!

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