Surfer bars
The Gold Coast is a surfing mecca, thanks to its sugary sands and radical waves. Most of the surfers hang out in the Surfers Paradise neighborhood, which - as well as being a great beach spot - is full of nightclubs, late-night shopping, and ocean-front bars.
This buzzing venue features a long balcony ideal for catching some rays and enjoy the fresh sea breeze as you sip a cold one. Inside, why not shoot a few games of pool - there are 3 tables - or unwind and catch the game on the flat-screen TVs? On weekends, this bar sees some of the Gold Coast’s best live rock music, from toe-tapping cover-bands to up-and-coming rock stars.
Cnr Cavill & Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217.
Surfers Sandbar
This more upmarket surfer bar is a local favourite. Situated directly beside the sweeping beachfront, you can grab a cool beer or delicious cocktail, take a seat outside, and watch the gentle surf shimmer in the amber evening sunlight. The bar is open all day everyday till late, and also serves up fresh, mouthwatering seafood from its bistro-style kitchen, if you feel like some good grub before a night on the town.
52 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217.
Nightclubs
The Gold Coast’s thriving clubbing scene provides plenty of room to let loose. Whether you want to dance to retro disco, bounce to booming hip hop, or twirl to techno tunes, the clubs’ mixed DJ nights have you covered. Love Nightlife
Based in Broadbeach - the other surfer and entertainment hotspot - this huge club offers an immense bar menu of creative cocktails, shots, and fancy fizzy wines. If you want to go all out, why not request VIP bottle service for your group of friends? With DJs pumping out house, hip hop, and classic R&B, there’s no shortage of thumping tunes to go wild to in this all-night club.
Niecon Plaza Basement, Albert Avenue, Broadbeach QLD 4218.
Cocktail bars
If you’re after a quieter and more refined evening out away from the loud bars and clubs, then the Gold Coast’s selection of sublime cocktail and lounge bars are for you.
This stylish cocktail bar is the place to go for a classy night out. The bar proudly shows-off its chic, stripped-back industrial decor, and illuminates it with touches of bright and kitsch Pop Art. Stingray’s speciality is tequila, with 50 types behind the bar. Once you’ve decided on your drink, take a seat and relax into the evening. Don't forget to dress to impress.
7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217.
Cinemas
You may be on holiday, but that's no reason to miss out on the latest must-see blockbuster or daring new indie movie.
Located in the Arts Centre Gold Coast - the city’s cultural hub - this quaint cinema offers a rare blend of independent, arthouse, foreign language, and blockbuster films, catering to just about anyone’s taste. It also serves food and drinks if you feel like a quick meal before the film, and also lets you take your beer or wine into the cinema for an indulgent screening.
135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217.
