The Best Bars on the Gold Coast For Sunshine Sipping

Gold Coast bars have an energy all of their own. There’s something about that laidback coastal vibe, fresh salty air and the sunshine-filled days that just make social hour so much better! A popular holiday destination for many Aussie or international travellers, the Gold Coast is full of trendy pockets bursting with fresh new restaurants, fun bars and boutique shopping. With good reason, this coastal city has become a popular place to live, work and holiday within - there’s just so much to do!

Whether you’re kicking back after a day at the beach or getting glammed up for a night out, we’ve found the best bars on the Gold Coast for any and every occasion.

Kirra Beach House

Quite frankly, we feel that there are very few places on the Gold Coast that could beat this view! Kirra Beach House is a new, rather enormous bar in Coolangatta, spanning 1200sqm. With indoor booth seating, spacious balconies, and comfy bench seating to perch on with a cocktail, there are plenty of spaces to sip and savour at one of the best bars on the Gold Coast. Kirra Beach House is also perfect for hosting private functions, with an enormous function room, cosy cocktail bar (named Preston’s) and an outdoor barbecue alcove on the balcony available for hire. And with incredible, unobstructed views of the ocean, it’s hard to beat the beachy vibes of this chic new watering hole.

4 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Kirra Beach Hotel

Originally established in 1956, the Kirra Beach Hotel is one of the Gold Coast’s longest-standing iconic locations. After spending three years out of action, November 2023 finally sees this dream dining destination make its long-awaited return to the GC dining scene. Despite the glamorous facelift, the Kirra Beach Hotel retains its laid-back and deeply Australian heart, embracing the surfers and beach-goers that walk in, barefoot and sandy in search of a nice frosty drink to refresh themselves after a day at the surf (they even keep a tub of thongs behind the counter if you need to slip on some flip-flops). Enjoy weekly seafood specials, icy cold beers, Australian wines and much more as you drink in the view of one of Australia’s most famous point breaks.

2 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Marilyn’s Bar

The coolest new bar on the Gold Coast has to be Marilyn’s. This gorgeous, high-end venue was made for sunny afternoons spent sipping lychee martinis while the sun goes down. Furnished in hues of pink and green, the cocktail menu and snacks are just as colourful. Choose from oodles of cocktails (some created in-house by the experienced team) as well as an extensive array of martini and margarita varieties, or wines by the glass. If you visit during the day you can enjoy bagels, sandwiches or all day breakfast. After the sun sets, the menu turns to tasty European-inspired appetisers, small plates, pasta and burgers that will have your mouth watering as soon as you set eyes upon them. We recommend visiting Marilyn’s the next time you’re in Broadbeach, this popular spot is high on our list of the best bars on the Gold Coast to try!

10/90-104 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Burleigh Pavilion

No list of the best bars on the Gold Coast would be complete without the Burleigh Pavilion. “The Pav” has it all: beachfront views, incredible cocktails and a mouth-watering menu from the highly esteemed Guillaume Zika. Share plates of fresh seafood, woodfired pizza, salads or nachos while the calming ocean views deliver instant vacay vibes, all year round. The Pav is also home to one of of our favourite Gold Coast restaurants, The Tropic, so this gorgeous spot in Burleigh Heads is a one-stop-shop for incredible food and drinks when you’re next feeling drawn to the Gold Coast.

Sitchu Tip: The Pavilion is predominantly a walk-in space, but they do consider lunch bookings, just give them a call to make it happen!

3a/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Destino Wine Bar

Destino Wine Bar is Hope Island’s answer to the Mediterranean. Feel as if you’ve stepped overseas when you walk into this elevated wine bar, furnished with white-washed coastal flair. With a live music calendar giving you plenty of excuses to stay social, we love Destino’s concept of reimagined sun-drenched afternoons spent in Mykonos or Santorini, right at your doorstep. You’ll find us sipping a Miss Pomona (butter vodka, peach syrup, passionfruit, whites and apple) and sharing plates of warm olives, deconstructed garlic bread and boards of charcuterie. You can even take a little piece of Destino home with you, by exploring their range of furniture, fashion and homewares in-store.

4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island

Hard Fizz Taproom

From the friendly folks who brought you Hard FIZZ, FIZZ Functional and FIZZ Energy, comes their very own venue that celebrates everything fizzy! Tucked within the “Liquor Lanes” of Burleigh Heads, the Hard Fizz Taproom is an eclectic bar bursting with energy and personality. If you’re hunting down the best bars to visit on the Gold Coast, pop this effervescent venue on your list. You can sip on all the FIZZ flavours, catch live DJ sets, host your own party or chow down on some tasty wings (which are only a dollar a pop on Fridays!).

Sitchu Tip: Hard Fizz Taproom is pet-friendly, so you can definitely bring along your pup!

16 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Waters

Southport Pavilion

The Sunshine State is simply made for al fresco dining. Couple that with waterfront views, and you’ll have a resounding YES from your thirsty group chat. Southport Pavilion is your new favourite Instagram-worthy destination for charcuterie, seafood platters, burgers and most importantly… cocktails. Sip on a Stardust (Grey Goose Strawberry & Lemongrass, prosecco, strawberry jelly) or a Smoke & Mirror (Mezcal, Aperol, pineapple chartreuse and tajin) while you tuck into a platter of fresh seafood with your besties on a Sunday to celebrate the week that was. Any excuse to celebrate with a cocktail will do!

2 Barney Street, Southport

The Exhibitionist

Let The Exhibitionist seduce you with a cocktail or two, taking in the stunning rooftop views from atop the Home of the Arts Gallery rooftop in Surfers Paradise. This elegant bar has a specialty cocktail and champagne bar that will leave you feeling smitten and will always keep you surprised. They update the cocktail menu with each new major art exhibition that arrives at the HOTA Gallery. Share some small plates with a friend, or order a heartier dish to indulge in the flavourful and modern menu on offer. Visiting the Exhibitionist is the perfect way to wrap up a day consuming art and culture in the heart of Surfers Paradise.

135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Paloma Wine Bar

From the award-winning team behind the celebrated restaurant Labart, comes one of the best bars on the Gold Coast: Paloma. This cosy and ambient neighbourhood wine bar is an inviting space for a date night or intimate catch-up with your nearest and dearest, located on the bustling James Street in Burleigh Heads. Offering a seasonal menu of small plates that reflects their local suppliers' produce day to day, this wine bar is the perfect place to stop in and enjoy the simple pleasure of quality food and incredible wine. Their extensive wine list is approachable and refreshing, offering high-quality international wines, unusual varietals and new favourites like pet nats and skin contact wines.

1/12 James Street, Burleigh Heads

The Malibu Racquet Club

No sign of the former tattoo parlour remains at this beautiful bar in Burleigh Heads - The Malibu Racquet Club has completely transformed the space into one of the Gold Coast’s best bars. With an oh-so-chic and modern fitout, we’re mesmerised by the neutral and emerald green hues that define the Racquet Club’s aesthetic. An elevated menu of bites offers warm Mount Zero olives, sea salt crisps served with caviar and dill creme fraiche and a smoked burrata that will make your dreams come true. Expect all your favourite cocktails, along with a few new favourites crafted especially by the Malibu team - we expect you’ll be returning to this bar time and time again.

1740 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Rosella’s

Is there anything more Australian than a pet nat slush puppy? You might just have to step into Rosella’s and find out! Enshrined in nods to Australiana, Rosella’s has been a staple on the Gold Coast bar scene since 2019. Popular for their warm and welcoming ambience, Rosella’s is a place for everyone to sit back and wind down with a natural wine, cocktail or a tinnie whilst nibbling on some native and nostalgic bites. Our favourites are the spag bol spring rolls and hot chips with chicken salt, Rosella’s smoked tomato sauce and aioli. Nothing says iconic Aussie Gold Coast quite like chicken salt hot chippies!

1734 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Planning a holiday now that you’ve devoured our list of the best bars on the Gold Coast? Check out our curated list of the best accommodation on the Gold Coast for a luxurious stay. You’ll need somewhere to go for breakfast too, so be sure to try one of the best cafes in the region to start your day with a killer cup of coffee!