Relaxing South Gold Coast getaway

This guide has mostly spots to dine, drink and chill out in the southern end of the beautiful Gold Coast. This end of the coast has a more relaxed feel, as opposed to the tourist hotspot closer to Surfers Paradise. With recommendations from Burleigh down to Coolangatta, you’ll feel like a local as you try out these fabulous places.

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Baskk Italian

@josieking

Really pretty venue that serves tasty Italian food and refreshing cocktails. The pizza with burrata and mordatella is delicious! Perfect spot along the main strip of Coolangatta, right across from the beach. Would recommend for some drinks with the girls or a romantic date night. On weekends they do happy hour 3-5pm.

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Frida Sol

@josieking

Cozy little restaurant with super fresh and tasty Mexican food. It’s a pleasant atmosphere, with decor that will keep you looking around all night and great service as well. They have an excellent range of drinks on the menu. I’d recommend this place for a girls or group lunch/ dinner out.

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Haig St Cafe & Restaurant Kirra

@josieking

Very popular cafe and for good reason! I love going here when I’m down the south end of the Gold Coast as the breakfast food is always amazing. If you’re in for a boozy day, you can also start sipping on tasty cocktails from 10am.

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Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

@josieking

If you’re an animal lover or just want to hang out with some Australian kangaroos, add the Wildlife Sanctuary to your itinerary. The reviews speak for themselves- it is enjoyed by people of all ages. Recommended for a fun day out with the family.

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North Kirra Surf Life Saving Club

@josieking

A low key restaurant for a casual meal or drink overlooking Kirra beach. Very affordable and nice laidback atmosphere. A great place to be on a sunny afternoon, sipping on a cold cider or beer. Sometimes they do promotions for certain beverages where you can win prizes.

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Siblings@Kirra

@josieking

Lovely beachfront spot at Kirra, with a fantastic sharing menu and great lighting for some photos with the girls. They have a large array tasty cocktails, all with cheeky names. It’s a great restaurant for a fun lunch or romantic date night.

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Burleigh Hill

@josieking

Very popular spot for day time picnics leading into the evening before heading off for dinner or drinks. Lots of people set up with picnic rugs and pillows to enjoy some cold beverages with a great view of the beach. Nearby to lots of restaurants and bars.

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Pink Monkey Bar & Grill

@josieking

A lovely rooftop bar in the main Burleigh strip for a boozy lunch. On weekends they offer a ladies luncheon deal with tapas and cocktails. Feel the beautiful sea breeze and enjoy the bubbly atmosphere here on your next trip to the Gold Coast.

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Currumbin Rock Pools

@josieking

Lovely location to get away from the bustle of city life and enjoy a relaxing swim in the rock pools. It is a family friendly area and is popular with the locals. Pack and picnic and have lunch under the shade of the trees. There’s a small waterfall people often enjoy jumping off.

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Xenia Coolangatta

@josieking

Delicious Greek cuisine along the main strip of Coolangatta. Great spot for a hearty feed and some wine, followed by a stroll along the beach. Makes for a romantic date night sitting under the fairy lights.

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The Pink Hotel Coolangatta

@josieking

For an Instagram-worthy accomodation right on Coolangatta beach, check out the Pink Hotel. It has groovy, retro decor and beautiful views of the beach and obviously a fully pink exterior, which makes for great photos. It’s right on the main strip of Coolangatta, so is close to lots of shops and restaurants. There’s a shared rooftop space with picnic tables, which is perfect for some sunset wines. The rooms aren’t huge but it’s all you need for a romantic couples trip.

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Twin Towns Clubs & Resorts

@josieking

Twin Towns is right on the border between Coolangatta and Tweed Heads in NSW. They have large, spacious rooms with lovely renovated bathrooms. It’s located right on the beach so you can get a beautiful view from your room and is only a short stroll to enjoy your day by the beach. It’s a huge hotel with conference rooms, so often has a lot of business people staying. The room was peaceful and quiet on my stay. They have multiple restaurants on site, including a buffet breakfast option, which had great variety.

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Tallebudgera Creek

@josieking

Tallebudgera creek, or “Tallie” as the locals call it, is a beautiful and tranquil place to hang out on a sunny day. Running inland from the beach, it’s a great creek for a refreshing swim without waves. You can hire stand up paddle boards, cook a BBQ lunch, or set up for the day with your beach gazebo. It’s very popular, so get there early on a clear day to make sure you can get a spot.

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The Collective Palm Beach

@josieking

Excellent place to have dinner if you can’t decide what you feel like to eat! Multiple restaurants in one, so you can order a bit of everything. Fun atmosphere with great drinks and sometimes live music. It has fabulous lighting for daytime celebrations, but also makes for a lovely dinner location.

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Las Palmas

@josieking

Beautiful venue with pastel interiors, loads of plants and a great view overlooking the beach. I had my engagement party here and everyone raved about the venue. They serve Latin American dishes, which are great for sharing. The cocktails are very refreshing and tasty. Would recommend for a fantastic lunch along Palm Beach’s main strip.

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Light Years - Burleigh Heads

@josieking

Light Years is just down the road from the main cluster of restaurants in Burleigh. It’s easier to get a carpark out of the main drag but isn’t too far away. The vibe is bright and fun and the food is so delicious. It’s become very popular so booking a table in advance might be a good idea.

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Tarte Bakery & Cafe

@josieking

A must-do for breakfast while you’re in Burleigh. They have the most delicious bagels and pastries. It’s very popular, so there might be a small wait but it’s worth it. Can dine in their alfresco area or take away to eat your scrumptious snack by the beach.

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The Village Markets

@josieking

The markets are located at Burleigh Heads State School, not far from the abundance of restaurants and hotels. They’re open every Sunday and is the perfect activity to do on a wholesome morning. If you’re staying nearby in Burleigh, stroll down for a look through the variety of stalls while listening to some live music. They have clothing, accessories, homeware, food and drinks available. Great place to buy yourself or friends and family gifts from your Gold Coast trip.

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Palm Springs burleigh

@josieking

Palm Springs is beautifully decorated with a Southern Californian theme. The simple green and white colour scheme is very inviting and pleasing to the eye. They also have excellent food and drinks here, including some cheeky cocktails and fresh smoothies. It’s located on the main road (Gold Coast highway) in North Burleigh. Come for a relaxing and enjoyable breakfast or even some drinks.

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North Burleigh Lookout (Little Burleigh)

@josieking

Beautiful lookout point over the famous view of the Gold Coast beach line. Lots of people go for walks or runs up the path and stop here for a while to admire the view. Lovely spot to get some holiday photos and enjoy the sea breeze. It is the dividing point between Miami and North Burleigh beach, but you can go up and over it if you’re walking the full beach stretch.

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Burleigh Hill

@josieking

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The Tropic

@josieking

This stunning venue is the formal dining area of the Burleigh Pavillion. It overlooks the bustling Burleigh beach and has loads of natural lighting. The food is scrumptious, as are the drinks. You’ll have to book in early due to popularity but it is definitely worth a visit. Would recommend for a fancy lunch with the girls or a special date.

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Burleigh Pavilion

@josieking

One of the hot spots of the Gold Coast for day drinks leading into the evening. It has a glitter strip atmosphere and you’ll most likely spot a bunch of Instagram-famous people hanging out there. It’s a fun and energetic atmosphere with stunning views over the popular Burleigh beach. Come on a sunny afternoon and stay for late night dancing.

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Mr Hizola's

@josieking

Mr Hizolas is a groovy restaurant that serves amazing Asian cuisine. The service is always excellent and I’ve never been disappointed with any dishes. It’s located amongst the many restaurants in the Burleigh Heads locale. I would recommend coming here for an aperitif and delicious meal, followed by some drinks at one of the bars close by. The Emperor’s Feast is a great banquet option if you’re feeling ravenous, or otherwise you can’t go wrong with any of the bao options.

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Rosella's

@josieking

Rosella’s is a small, cozy bar with Australian-themed decor, drinks and food. If you’re visiting from overseas and want a taste of Australian culture, I’d recommend checking this place out. It had a fun but laidback atmosphere and is a great spot for some cocktails and nibbles.

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Justin Lane

@josieking

Fabulous Italian restaurant boasting authentic pizzas and pastas. It has 2 levels with several different rooms, but still gets booked out on a weekend. Has a fun atmosphere and is a great place to hit the wines at lunchtime, with a fantastic banquet option. Very central to all the bars and restaurants along the main strip in Burleigh.

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Pink Monkey Bar & Grill

@josieking

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James Street

@josieking

The Main Street for shopping and dining in Burleigh. This area is always busy and thriving due to the large variety of food and retail stores. You could spend a whole day strolling the street, snacking and shopping. The beach and parkland with a playground is just across the road if you need to offload the husband and kids and then come back for a tasty dinner.

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Social Brew

@josieking

This beautiful plant-filled cafe is on the famous James Street in Burleigh. It has such a welcoming, pleasant atmosphere with natural lighting and loads of greenery hanging from the ceiling. It also has a fantastic menu with some healthy options, mouth-watering treats and a bottomless brunch. Great spot for bigger groups or a coffee date. If you’re doing a Burleigh bar crawl, I’d recommend starting your day off here and then coming back the next day for a hangover meal!

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Govindas Burleigh Heads

@josieking

While not much to look at, Govindas has delicious lunch food. They are vegetarian but even as a meat-eater myself, I thoroughly enjoy these meals and don’t even notice the meat is missing. They have warm options, like potato bake and curries, as well as an array of vibrant salads. I’d recommend getting a container to take away and sit by the beach to enjoy it.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Josie King

I’m a 28 year old female who loves to travel and share my experiences! I really enjoy going out for meals and drinks, so I can give you plenty of dining suggestions. I also like to recommend fun activities and places where you can just relax and explore. I lived on the Gold Coast in Australia for 25 years, so I know heaps of fantastic places to visit there. My family is from Tasmania, so I have done many trips to the beautiful state and have lots of tips to share. I have been to Europe 3 times, one of which was a gap year spent nannying and travelling. I’m very honest in my reviews and recommendations, so if you need helpful tips for your next trip, check out my guides!

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