Things to do on the Gold Coast at night

Heading to the Goldie for a fun night or just hitting your local to blow off some steam? Here is a list of all sorts of fun things to get you in the party mood for the evening ahead.

Surfers Paradise Blow Bar

Why not set yourself up right and meet your girlfriends at Blow Bar. This hair salon meets cocktail bar in Circle on Cavill is where you can get your tresses coiffured but also indulge in a sneaky cocktail like “Blondes have more Fun”.
You’ll walk out with a “hair toss…and check your nails” ready to enjoy the night out.

Gold Coast Sunset Cruise

You are now looking the part so why not splash out on the beautiful waterways to kick off your evening. Book a Sunset Cruise aboard the iconic Aquaduck to hear about the secrets and scandals of the Gold Coast.
This fun cruise starts at 5.00pm and goes for 90 minutes…just enough for you to squeeze in a bubbles and fuel your repertoire with stories to endear during the night ahead. The shimmering lights of the canals will turn on before you and as the sun goes down you will get to appreciate the scenic beauty of the Gold Coast from the water.

Gold Coast Gondolas

For a romantic mediterranean flavour, you could choose to cruise on a gondola , with over 800 kms of canals, the Gold Coast boasts 9 times more waterways than Venice. These gondolas are constructed of fibreglass with a fixed weatherproof cabin  separating the Gondolier from yourselves, thus affording you absolute privacy.

Now that you have kicked off the evening in style you will need to fuel that appetite in one of the many restaurants dotted along the coast. 

QT Gold Coast

If you are staying in Surfers Paradise, QT Gold Coast has several  gastronomic restaurants worth digging into. Bazaar offers a set price for a  marketplace of global flavours. From Middle Eastern souk to Latin American bodega, with dishes made to order, this is a reinvention of hotel dining for the gastronomic explorer. 

If you are after traditional Japanese cuisine Yamagen offers a playful Tokyo dream with neon lights and statement style.  An izakaya dining experience made to share for a night of vibrant refined flavours. Signature smoked kushiyaki, sushi and delicate market-fresh sashimi is on offer. As the Gold Coast’s first fine dining modern Japanese restaurant, Yamagen has a history of igniting the senses. 

The Meccabah

If Broadbeach is your destination, there is plenty on offer. For a casual middle eastern bite try Meccabah which is located in the Oracle precinct. The home cooked food is delicious and made with love. 

Source Meccabah website

You’ll also find Mamasan close by, which features a menu that follows the perfect blend of tradition and modern cuisine from South East Asia, combined with a zesty cocktail list.

Rick Shores

If you are heading south and want to take in the ocean views Rick Shores is your magical destination. With Pan-Asian flavours at one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic locations, this will be a night to remember. Indulge in their signature Bug Roll or if there is a group of 6 or more order the delicious banquet to get a taste of all things “Ricks”.

Pink Flamingo & Draculas

If you prefer to see a show why not check out Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub for a blend of burlesque, acrobatics, amazing costumes and dance. Various shows are on offer at different times so you can grab a bite to eat and head up the pink stairs to be entertained. 

For a dinner and show combo Draculas will keep you laughing, and fill your stomach with a quality 3 course meal. It’s time to commit yourself to an experience like no other….”Dracs” is harbouring a balanced cocktail of adult entertainment, derived from the maniacal minds of the condemned. Arrive for some pre-show fun by 7:30pm.

Burleigh Pavillion

If you prefer a more casual pub or club to relax in there are plenty to choose from on the Gold Coast. 

Burleigh Pavilion is a casual beachside venue where you can enjoy a cold beverage, share a pizza or dine upmarket at The Tropic while you take in those magnificent views from Burleigh to Surfers.  “The Pav” as it is known by the locals, is a great venue to chill, be seen, watch the sun go down and soak up the cool atmosphere.

 The Star Casino

Star Casino also has regular shows on. Check their Whats On page for the date you are hitting the town. If you want to chill out on The Lawn you can check out their Headliner acts HERE There are a variety of restaurants you can eat at prior to your party mood taking over.  The Casino and all the gaming options are just a few steps away so there is something to suit all your crew. 

Surfers Paradise Pavillion

Also in Surfers, you can come for the day or come for an hour to Cali Beach  This jaw dropping venue offers free admission to all guests with a large number of areas to enjoy. Swim in the pools, lay on the sun lounges, play in the sporting areas and indulge in the variety of general drinking and dining options overlooking the venue or ocean without the need for a booking.

Under the same management is Surfers Pavilion and the outlook is on the waterfront. Live music on Friday nights will get your party going. They also offer a wide selection of creative seafood inspired favourites! The Oyster Bar has an exciting selection being freshly shucked right in front of you with both chilled and grilled options to tempt the oyster lovers!

Surfers Paradise Beer Garden

In Surfers is the renowned Beer Garden. This 1925 original hotel  has evolved into one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic venues. The Beer Garden we know and love has been resurrected, with a fresh design inspired by the relaxed, sandy, come as you are, Surfers Paradise culture.   Whether you want to enjoy a good meal, kick back with some drinks, play games or take in a live sports match, there’s only one place to be on the Gold Coast – Surfers Beer Garden

Pink Monkey

If a night club is more your vibe, check out Bedroom Lounge Bar  This is a lounge bar like no other…. where all your dreams come true! There are various entry options and you can get your crew together to reserve a booth and receive private wait service.

Pink Monkey is a modern dining and rooftop bar experience in the heart of the Gold Coast’s most culturally thriving location – Burleigh Heads. Enjoy a meal or cocktail on the rooftop or downstairs with live music. Their famous wood fired pizzas prepared by authentic Sicilian chefs will fuel your night. The venue becomes a walk in option after 5pm on Saturdays so there is no need to book.

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Sunset Cruise Prices

Adults $59

Seniors $55

About the Author – Zoe Abrahams

Zoe has worked in the Gold Coast tourism industry for nearly 20 years and is the marking manager for Aquaduck Gold Coast, Aquaduck Sunshine Coast, Southern Cross Tours and Gold Coast Sunset Cruise.

Find out more about Zoe