Live like a local

Here’s the top 10 places LOCALS love to do & visit

1. Tallebudgera Creek
   Ancient Aboriginal people used to call this Gold Coast suburb “good fish” and you’ll hear no argument from anyone on this apt name. For Tallebudgera is best known for its sparkling creek which is framed by the Burleigh Heads National Park on one side and Palm Beach on the other. This is the focal point for any visit to Tallebudgera where the lifestyle is all about camping, swimming, picnicking, kayaking and a spot of fishing or two.
2. Miami Marketta
   It could be the back streets of Thailand, Barcelona or New York City, but it is right here in Miami on the Gold Coast. Marketta Street Food is a laneway dining experience with 25 food vendors of all nationalities in the one space. Take your entree from Spain, your main from Thailand and sweets from France. Seating for up to 500 people at any one time and always awesome live music. Open to the public every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 5pm.
3. Currumbin Beach & Creek
   Currumbin is an inspiring beachfront community where the epic Currumbin Creek waterway links to the pristine rainforest mountains of the region when heading west. Currumbin Creek and the Alley, the entrance to the ocean, offer a protected and patrolled haven for all kinds of active water sports, particularly stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking.
4. Etsu
   Hidden behind a whitewash timber door, if you didn’t already know about Etsu, you’d question whether you’d stumbled upon a city-side barn. But, look a little closer and you’ll find a modern Japanese izakaya-style dining room with effortlessly cool staff, brought to life with incredible Asian creations—cocktails and sake included. Designed to share; devour sushi, sashimi, tempura dishes and more at this intriguing Mermaid meeting place and hands down one of the absolute best restaurants on the Gold Coast.
5. Springbrook National Park
   Stand on the top of an ancient volcano with a views that stretch forever. This is Springbrook – in the Gold Coast hinterland just 45 minutes from the beaches. A forest wilderness formed by the eruption of a volcano 23 million years ago.
6. Burleigh Hill
   At the top of Burleigh Hill is the Burleigh Heads National Park. This is a popular walking or running track, with two loop options – rainforest or ocean view. The return journeys are 2.3 and 2.4 kilometres respectively, offering superb views and the relaxing soothe of the rainforest escape. Access to the patrolled Burleigh Beach is just around the corner, this beach known worldwide for its majestic views overlooking the rocks at Burleigh Point, all the way to the Surfers Paradise skyline.
7. Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
   Pacific Fair is the Gold Coast’s unmissable shopping and dining destination, offering an expansive collection of luxury, iconic global brands and leading Australian retailers. With 400 stores, Pacific Fair offers a captivating blend of the world’s best brands, set amongst tropical landscapes and a unique outdoor ambience.
8. Kitchens, Robina Town Centre
   The impressive $160-million restaurant precinct has attracted some of the biggest names in food including George Calombaris’ Jimmy Grants and William Wu’s Fish lab. 30 new restaurants, food retailers, cafes and bars have opened, with plenty more still to come, cementing Robina’s status as a dining destination.The architecture of The Kitchens is spectacular, featuring a wave shaped ceiling, lovingly crafted with individual strips of curved timber. The warm and inviting tones of the timber are paired with raw concrete and steel elements, creating a dramatic backdrop to the culinary offerings. Spread over two levels, there are many corners to explore and discover a cosy inside corner or sun-drenched outdoor table to park up at.
9. Harbour Town
   Harbour Town is Australia’s largest Outlet Shopping Centre with over 240 stores including brand direct outlet and clearance stores offering up to 70 per cent off the original retail price on Outlet stock, as well as specialty retailers, alfresco dining, entertainment and services.
10. Garden (Star Casino)
    Are You Ready To Be Led Down The Garden Path? Discover a seasonal menu that’s ripe for the picking and fresh cocktails in full bloom at Garden Kitchen & Bar. Packed with vibrant flavours and carefully curated ingredients by Chef Chris McLeay.