Find out all about the not-to-miss restaurants, attractions and more around the Gold Coast. From our local expert to you.
For meals in Surfers Paradise, try the little Asian eateries found down dodgy alleyways everywhere — Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, you name it. And the food is the real deal — they are not catering to tourists, but to the many Asian students who live and work in the area. Cheap and delicious.
Nerang Street, next to the Cecil Hotel and Railway Street in Southport, both have amazing, Asian cheap student eats as well.
The tiny Hare Krishna restaurant, Govinda's, in Centro Surfers Paradise is yummy, healthy and sooooo cheap — the ginger drink is addictive! Also, try Teriyaki Paradise in the same complex — the Okonomiyaki is divine!
Still on my favourite topic — eating! Word is Da Pinos at Worongary (07 5530 2044) is cheap, quirky and delish. A lethal combination in my books!
For a bit of Queensland "cultcha", the Southport Surf Club has an amazing secret little museum, which gives a unique glimpse into one of Australia's oldest surf club's histories. Open by appointment; call the club (ph: 07 5591 3895) to arrange a viewing.
While on the subject of museums, the Darkside Skateboard shop, located in Surfers Paradise, is home to a free skateboard museum. The collection includes original Dogtown boards and heaps of other fab pieces. Anyone who has ever skated will love this collection.
For some Gold Coast history (and if you like walking!), try the Labrador Heritage Walk. It's a great way to see a very local part of the coast. Or you can stroll around Burleigh Heads National Park (very nice boy-spotting here, especially if the surf is pumping).
Shopping can be expensive. And while Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre is pretty well known, not all of its secrets are. The Lisa Ho store has the best bargains ever — $50 pants that were once $600! And though David Jones is huge, if you go to the back, you will find amazing pieces by designers that would die if they knew their creations were going at these prices. Sometimes you can snag great bargains at "family and friends" discount nights at some of the big name stores, such as Nike.
If you need a haircut (to go with your new clothes), Konk (07 5531 2211) at Chirn Park, beautifies a long list of in-the-know locals. Not cheap cheap, but John does a very good hair cut! Call well ahead for an appointment.
While you are in the Chirn Park neck of the woods, you must try a hot chocolate at Madam Tojos (07 55322874), one hundred metres up the road. There are no surprises that it attracts an arty crowd given that owner Antoinette Edmunds is a local artist of some reknown. Friday night is tapas night, so just sit back and gossip with friends whilst delectable delights are bought to our table.
Now that you look chic, you need a dinner date at The Garlic Clove Restaurant — a taste of Paris in the suburbs of Carrara. Book ahead. On weekdays, a three-course meal is $41.90 per head. Again, not cheap-cheap, but with mains generally around $30, it's a bargain — and delish!
On a rainy day the Nerang Cinemas are the cheapest on the Coast … and possibly in all of Oz. Daytime prices are insane: adults $6, students $5 and $4.50 for kids (night prices are not much more), and the movies are current. The Gold Coast Art Centre, Bundall, also has an art house cinema.
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