Best Bars Gold Coast 2026, Top Venues

Gold Coast Pubs and Bars 2026, Overview

The Gold Coast's bar scene has matured dramatically, while the Surfers Paradise "strip" still has its tourist-oriented bars, the real action is in Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta where genuine craft beer venues, excellent cocktail bars and live music pubs are concentrated. Here's a guide to the Gold Coast's best bars in 2026.

Broadbeach

• The Broadbeach Bowls Club, The legendary "Bowlo" at Broadbeach, outdoor bowls with craft beer. A Gold Coast institution and one of the best Sunday afternoon venues in Queensland.
• Kurrawa Park, The Broadbeach foreshore has several excellent beach bars for sunset drinks.

Burleigh Heads

• Burleigh Brewing, 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads. One of Queensland's most acclaimed craft breweries. Beach-adjacent brewery tap room. burleighbrewing.com.au
• The Collective Mill, West Burleigh. Craft beer, coffee and community. Excellent beer garden. collectivemill.com.au

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise's Cavill Avenue and Orchid Avenue have the Gold Coast's most tourist-oriented bar scene. The Loose Moose (Orchid Avenue), Elsewhere Bar, SinCity. Best for international visitors but local preference is for Broadbeach and Burleigh.

Rooftop Bars

• Nineteen at The Star, The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach Island. Rooftop bar with panoramic Broadwater views. thestargoldcoast.com.au

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