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The scout six: Pancakes

July 16, 2025

Whether you like them stacked and smothered or dainty and dressed with edible flowers, pancakes are a breakfast (and let’s be honest, any-time-of-day) classic that deserve the spotlight. Better still, they make for the ultimate “table dessert” – a dish you can casually order for the group under the guise of being generous, when really, you just want a few syrup-drenched bites yourself. From Japanese-style soufflé stacks to sticky date indulgence, these are six of the best pancakes on the Gold Coast.

Hudson & Rosie’s Table, Highland Park

Local favourite Hudson & Rosie’s isn’t afraid to switch things up when it comes to pancakes. Their current creation is a salted caramel popcorn number, but true fans will remember the banoffee version that lived in our heads – and on our brunch tables – rent-free. No matter the toppings, their pancakes always hit the sweet spot.

Pancake Diner, Burleigh Waters & Coolangatta

The retro younger sibling to Surfers Paradise’s Pancakes in Paradise (which gets an honourable mention), this diner dishes up big plates and even bigger toppings. Think: bacon, jam and cream, spiced apple, fresh fruit, chocolate fudge, and ice cream. It’s a full sugar rush, in the best way.

Sens Fusion, Southport

Soufflé pancakes, Japanese-style. These jiggly cloud-like creations are as pretty as they are pillowy. Go for the matcha version to embrace traditional flavours, or lean into decadence with their biscoff or crème brûlée pancakes. Trust us: that brûlée crack is what dreams are made of.

Mudjira Village Eatery, Mudgeeraba

Sticky. Date. Pancakes. We could leave it there, but let’s indulge a little. Their current dish features fluffy vanilla pancakes with house-made date jam, warm butterscotch sauce, maple, oat and walnut crumble, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Worth the drive inland? Absolutely.

Pancakes on the Rocks, Surfers Paradise

An Aussie institution that’s made its way from Sydney’s The Rocks to the GC – and even Beverly Hills, USA. The menu is part nostalgia, part novelty, with pancakes served alongside everything from scrambled eggs and sausages to pineapple, chocolate peanut butter, and apple crumble. It’s maximalism, pancake-style.

The Milkman’s Daughter, Mermaid Beach

For a plant-based option that’s as beautiful as it is satisfying, The Milkman’s Daughter delivers. Their current pancakes are dressed in vanilla turmeric custard, whipped lemon ricotta, poppyseed, nutty granola and fresh fruit – a feast for the eyes and your Insta grid.

The local’s guide to shopping on the Gold Coast

July 16, 2025

Whether you’re a bargain hunter, a boutique browser or just in it for the food courts, the Gold Coast has no shortage of spots to flex your shopping muscles. We’re talking mega malls, seaside markets, hidden op shop hauls and even a fudge shop or two in the hinterland. So grab your reusable bags (and maybe your credit card), and let’s go shopping.

Shopping centres

Pacific Fair, Broadbeach

It’s the Gold Coast’s largest – and most iconic – shopping centre for good reason, though the jury is still out on which is better: the old Pac Fair, or the new one. Obviously, the new one boasts a sprawling, sun-soaked layout, 400+ stores and restaurant-quality food options. But the old one had a train. It’s a tough call.

Harbour Town Premium Outlets, Biggera Waters

Pac Fair might be our largest shopping centre, but did you know the Gold Coast is also home to Australia’s largest outlet shopping centre? Harbour Town has over 240 stores, all offering big name brands at discounted prices. There’s also a cinema and an impressive food court, should the rush of bargain hunting wear off (or work up your appetite).

Robina Town Centre, Robina

It’s way less of a tourist hotspot than its counterparts, but locals know that Robina Town Centre is the place to go if you need to tick a ton of items off your shopping list. They have everything: clothing, tech, homewares, toys… not to mention three food courts, with options for whatever you fancy.

Shopping areas

James Street, Burleigh Heads

We may come to Burleigh for the beach – and the food – but more often than not, we stay for the shopping. James Street is just a short walk from the beach, and is packed with stores of all kinds – fun boutiques (Sean Scott Boutique, Dore and Saint Harlowe are some of our favourites), homewares stores and op shops, to name a few.

Gallery Walk, Tamborine Mountain

You’ll be hard pressed finding a more scenic shopping destination than Tamborine’s Gallery Walk. Set amongst the lush hinterland, Tamborine’s main street is sprinkled with dozens (over 70, to be precise) of quaint, quirky shops – clock makers, fudge makers and wine makers alike.

Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Tourists flock to the golden sands of Coolangatta’s beach, but locals know there’s just as much fun to be had a block back from the surf. If you love op shopping, you’re in luck – there are plenty to be found on Griffith Street, along with other retailers. And when you’re done, you can head to nearby Bay Street – the coolest address in Tweed Heads.

Markets

Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets

There are few more picturesque places to shop than along the waterfront at the Gold Coast’s most iconic beach. On Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the Surfers Paradise Esplanade comes alive with vendors selling all kinds of wares – artisan goods, handmade pieces, artworks and more.

Dusty Rummage, Currumbin

Perhaps the coolest collection of second-hand clothes and accessories can be found at Dusty Rummage. Once a month, on a Sunday afternoon, the Dust Temple’s outdoor space fills with racks of pre-loved goodness, ripe for the picking. What better way to end the week?

Carrara Markets

From the outside, the Carrara Markets looks somewhat unassuming. But on a Sunday, when the cars roll in for the car boot sale and the sellers roll up the doors of their stalls, the space transforms into a bustling bazaar of leather goods, accessories, swimwear and so much more.

On the hunt for more markets? Click here.

10 must-watch movies filmed on the Gold Coast

July 9, 2025

If you think the Gold Coast is all theme parks and surf breaks, think again. Our glittering coastline has played host to Hollywood blockbusters, cult thrillers, and some of Australia’s most iconic films. Add these 10 movies filmed on the Gold Coast to your ‘must-watch list’ – for the story, sure, but also so you can yell “Wait, I know that street!”.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)

Starring Johnny Depp, Javier Bardem and Geoffrey Rush

Captain Jack Sparrow is back in the fifth instalment of the famous franchise – and once again, he’s running for his life. This time, it’s ghost pirates (led by a vengeful Javier Bardem) doing the chasing.

The production commandeered Village Roadshow Studios and took over Maudsland with a full-blown village set. A huge green screen setup went up in Helensvale, and jungle scenes were shot in Mount Tamborine. Oh, and who could forget the giant shipwreck that rose dramatically in Doug Jennings Park on the Southport Spit? Just another day in ‘Goldywood’.

Elvis (2022)

Directed by Baz Luhrmann, starring Austin Butler, Tom Hanks and Olivia DeJonge

Baz does nothing by halves – and his glitzy take on the life of Elvis Presley is no exception. Told through the eyes of his mysterious manager, Colonel Tom Parker (a prosthetics-heavy Tom Hanks), ‘Elvis’ is a kaleidoscopic look at fame, excess and blue suede shoes.

While Elvis himself never made it Down Under, his story did – via Arundel, which doubled as Memphis’s Beale Street, and soundstages at Village Roadshow Studios. Long live the King – through films like this one, and through public murals like the one you can see in Burleigh when you’re heading northbound on the Gold Coast Highway.

Muriel’s Wedding (1994)

Starring Toni Collette, Bill Hunter and Rachel Griffiths

Muriel’s stuck in Porpoise Spit (or as we know it, Tweed Heads) with no job, no prospects, and a dangerous ABBA obsession. But when she steals some money, changes her name to Mariel, and makes a new bestie, things take a turn – for better and worse.

Tweed Heads and Coolangatta play themselves here, sort of – this area is the hometown of writer/director PJ Hogan and the spiritual home of ‘you’re terrible, Muriel’. Look out for cameos from Elanora’s The Pines Shopping Centre and Surfers Paradise beach, which Muriel and Rhonda famously bid farewell on their way out of Porpoise Spit.

Aquaman (2018)

Starring Jason Momoa, Amber Heard and Willem Dafoe

Half man, half fish, full hero. Arthur Curry has a trident to claim and a world to save from his power-hungry brother, Orm. Expect high-stakes underwater battles, dazzling visuals, and Jason Momoa doing his best brooding sea god impression.

Much of ‘Aquaman’ was filmed at Village Roadshow Studios, but the GC cameos don’t stop there. Main Beach was transformed into Amnesty Bay, Massachusetts, and Currumbin’s dramatic rock formations were made to look like Morocco for an important training scene.

The Shallows (2016)

Starring Blake Lively

In this harrowing survival thriller, a stranded surfer fights just metres from shore – with only open water and a very persistent Great White in between. The plot is simple, yet super suspenseful.

Although it looks like Mexico, most of the film was shot right here in Queensland. The bulk was filmed inside a giant pool at Village Roadshow Studios, with lush Mount Tamborine doubling as jungle.

Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Directed by Taika Waititi, starring Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston and Cate Blanchett

Thor’s having a rough week. He’s imprisoned, facing off against Hulk in an alien gladiator pit, and his long-lost sister (Cate Blanchett in goth glam) wants to destroy Asgard. Good thing he’s got a Kiwi director with a killer sense of humour.

This Marvel epic was mostly shot on the Gold Coast, and featured its fair share of homegrown Aussie talent. Over two dozen sets were built at Village Roadshow Studios, and more scenes were filmed at Oxenford Quarry and Mount Tamborine. Even the New York scenes? Faked in Brisbane. Perhaps the Bifrost is closer than we think?

Thirteen Lives (2022)

Starring Viggo Mortensen, Colin Farrell and Joel Edgerton | Directed by Ron Howard

You know the story: a Thai soccer team is trapped in a flooded cave, and an international rescue mission scrambles to save them. But Ron Howard’s retelling is as tense and gripping as if you were hearing (and seeing) it for the first time.

While it’s set in Thailand, much of Thirteen Lives was filmed in the Gold Coast hinterland – Mudgeeraba, Numinbah Valley, Canungra and Springbrook (Old School Road, if you’re hunting locations). Cave scenes were built in Village Roadshow Studios, proving once again the GC can stand in for, well, anywhere.

House of Wax (2005)

Starring Elisha Cuthbert, Chad Michael Murray, Paris Hilton

Ah, the mid-2000s: low-rise jeans, nu-metal soundtracks and horror movies with Paris Hilton. ‘House of Wax’ is delightfully, frightfully ridiculous – a group of friends stumbles upon a creepy wax museum and realise the exhibits are a little too lifelike.

The fictional town of Ambrose was built near Guanaba, off Hollindale Road. But the production made headlines for more than its jump scares. A fire broke out on set, destroying part of Warner Bros. Movie World Studios and prompting a $7 million lawsuit. The drama behind the scenes was almost as wild as the movie itself.

Peter Pan (2003)

Starring Jeremy Sumpter, Jason Isaacs and Rachel Hurd-Wood | Directed by PJ Hogan

Forget the animated version – this live-action Peter Pan brings the story’s darker undertones to the fore, with Jason Isaacs pulling double duty as both Mr. Darling and Captain Hook. It’s magical, a little eerie, and very early-2000s.

Filming took place at Village Roadshow Studios, with sprawling sets standing in for Neverland. There’s also a touching backstory: the film was co-produced by Mohammed Al-Fayed, in honour of his late son Dodi’s – who died in the same Paris car accident that killed his girlfriend, Princess Diana – dream of making a ‘Peter Pan’ film. That same year, the release of ‘Finding Neverland’ was pushed back so this version could fly solo.

Goodbye Paradise (1982)

Starring Ray Barrett, Robyn Nevin and Guy Doleman

A sun-drenched neo-noir with big ‘80s energy, ‘Goodbye Paradise’ follows disgraced ex-cop Michael Stacey as he drinks, types and digs into corruption on the Gold Coast. It’s got cults, secessionists, seedy motels – basically Queensland’s answer to ‘Chinatown’.

Filmed entirely in and around Surfers Paradise, the script was shaped by a week-long research trip here. The original plot featured a Jonestown-style commune, but real-world events forced a rewrite. Critics have called it “the greatest Queensland film ever made” – and honestly, they might be right.

What to wear to the Canungra Rodeo

July 2, 2025

So, you’re heading to the Canungra Rodeo next weekend (Saturday July 12) – trading soy caps and traffic jams for dust, denim and a whole lot of boot-scootin’. Whether you’re in it for the bull rides or just the beer and live music, one thing’s for sure: you don’t want to stick out like a sore, over-accessorised thumb.

First thing’s first: it’s a rodeo, not a costume party. Think rugged, relaxed and a little rough around the edges – in a good way. We’ve rounded up (pun intended) our picks from local retailers to help you dress the part.

Jacaru Kangaroo hat, $99.99, jacaru.com
Outland Denim Blake cropped vest, $169.50, outlanddenim.com
Ringers Western Zoey double buckle belt, $129.95, ringerswestern.com
Afends Horsegirl tee, $59.99, seanscottboutique.com.au
Vintage concho boho tie, $65, strangedaystore.com.au
Outland Denim Farrah high flare jean, $279, outlanddenim.com
Valley Eyewear Capita sunglasses, $260, valleyeyewear.com.au
Ringers Western Olivia boot, $449.95, ringerswestern.com
Buffalo Horns trucker, $49, strangedaystore.com.au

Bend, stretch, bark: The Yoga Paws recipe for success

June 25, 2025

In Miami’s House of Motion, a yoga class is flowing through gentle poses – and a litter of puppies is running amok between them. Welcome to Yoga Paws, the feel-good fusion of mindful movement and puppy playtime that’s taking Australia (and social media) by storm.

Founded in September 2024, just ten days after Harry McCann and his partner Tea-Maria Constantin moved to Brisbane from Sydney, Yoga Paws was only meant to be a once-a-fortnight side project – but it quickly evolved.

“The reception was instant,” Harry says. “Brisbane loved it, and the Sunny Coast and Sydney pop-ups were equally packed.”

By early 2025, sessions had launched on the Gold Coast – then it was Perth in April, and Adelaide two months later. Plans for Hobart, Melbourne, and even New Zealand, are already underway.

So how did it all start?

“We’re absolutely obsessed with puppies,” Harry laughs (to which we asked, who isn’t?!). “But in Australia, we’ve noticed that many pups grow up without proper socialisation. They spend time with their litter but not in varied environments or around new people. That can lead to anxiety and insecurity.”

The idea of creating a calm, supportive space for dogs to build confidence led them straight to yoga.

“It’s relaxing, it’s gentle, and it attracts exactly the kind of crowd we wanted to partner with,” he says. “It just made sense.”

Harry brings a background in fitness, while Tea-Maria is the resident yogi. Both grew up with dogs – everything from Cavoodles to Dalmatians – and even brought a new Dalmatian pup along when they first landed in Brisbane.

“We started bringing her to the events to help her socialise, and it just worked.”

But turning the vision into reality wasn’t as simple as rolling out a mat.

“It’s one of those ideas where you think, ‘How do I even start?’” Harry admits. “There was a lot of groundwork – scouring Instagram for instructors, and a lot of networking with breeders and shelters. Even now, that’s still our biggest challenge.”

While shelters are supportive, their involvement can be limited due to insurance and staffing restrictions.

“Our most regular partner is Sunshine Labradoodles in Helensvale – they were our second ever breeder and still bring litters along when they’re ready.”

Though adoption was part of the original goal, the focus has shifted slightly.

“We realised our biggest impact was actually in socialisation. But that said, we still get two to five adoption enquiries most weekends, and we help facilitate those conversations. We don’t always hear how they end, but it’s heartwarming to know we’ve played a part.”

And the puppies aren’t the only ones benefiting.

“There’s all the obvious mental and physical benefits of yoga – mindfulness, movement, relaxation – but you’re also getting this amazing oxytocin boost from interacting with animals,” Harry says. “It’s a dopamine hit you can’t bottle.”

It’s also a win for the breeders, who are paid for their time.

“It’s like a day-care for the puppies – they get to explore a new space, meet new people and return home calm and happy.”

As for the humans, Harry says there’s no pressure to be a puppy person or a yoga purist. Some people come just for the yoga, others come purely for the cuddles – both are totally fine, in Harry and Tea-Maria’s book. There’s something for everyone, and us Gold Coasters are totally sold.

“I’ve always loved the Goldie,” Harry says. “I grew up visiting the theme parks, so it’s always felt like a special place. Demographically, it’s ideal for what we do.”

Finding a permanent partner in House of Motion, the luxe new Pilates studio in Miami, made the expansion to the Gold Coast even easier.

“It’s got everything we need – cool lighting, non-carpeted wooden floors, fully enclosed. Plus, it looks amazing, which doesn’t hurt.”

With more cities on the horizon and a growing following of dog lovers and downward dog devotees alike, Yoga Paws is proving that sometimes, the best business ideas come from love – for movement, for community and, of course, for puppies.

www.yoga-paws.com

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