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Gold Coast photobooths: Where to find them

After seeing the resurgence of film cameras and vintage video cams, we should have guessed that photobooths would be hot on their heels. Whether it’s a café, a bar or even the airport, it feels like every local business is taking on the trend. Here’s where to find Gold Coast photobooths.

Automatica Photobooth, Burleigh Heads

Down an unassuming driveway next to Malibu Racquet Club, in the ground floor of an apartment building, is Automatica – the photobooth changing Burleigh nights out for the better. Open in the afternoon and evening on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, it’s a true ode to analogue – and not just photography, but music and television, too.

www.instagram.com

Strange Days, Tweed Heads

As lovers of all things vintage, it’s particularly fitting that Strange Days would have their very own vintage photobooth in store. While you’re browsing their hand-picked, internationally sourced selection of clothes, accessories and shoes, you can also jump in the booth and snap some selfies.

www.instagram.com

The Archives, Nobby Beach

Adorned in cowhide and chrome, The Archives is as chic as its Oxley 1823 home – with neighbours like Moustache, Lars and Sueno, it had to be. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee in the morning or a wine in the evening, popping into The Archives makes any outing more memorable.

www.instagram.com

Burleigh Pavilion, Burleigh Heads

As if we needed another reason to visit the Pav, they’ve just unveiled a new photobooth – and it’s already drawing a crowd. Bang on theme in butter yellow, the new addition gives punters the perfect way to capture the fun of a long lunch or a night out. Pop the photo strip on your fridge or on your feed – the choice is yours.

www.burleighpavilion.com

Gold Coast Airport

Why wait until your holiday starts? Pay a visit to one of the two photobooths newly-installed at the Gold Coast Airport – in the Domestic Terminal and the International Departures lounge – and start capturing the memories before you even board your flight. The perfect addition to your travel journal.

www.goldcoastairport.com.au

Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar, Broadbeach

One of the latest local businesses to join the photobooth club, Sofia’s is offering their patrons a shot at a $1000 voucher (pun intended). Take a photo in their new photobooth, add your email and you’ll go into the draw to win. Hurry, the competition only runs for a few weeks – it will be gone in a flash (sorry, we’ll stop).

www.instagram.com

Physical media is so back. Any Gold Coast photobooths we’ve missed? Swing us a message on Instagram.

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How to get your vitamin D fix this winter

If you only know one thing about vitamin D, it’s probably that we get it from the sun – right? Right. But there’s so much more to the ‘sunshine vitamin’ and how it works in our body. Here’s how, and why, to get more of it this winter.

You don’t need to know much about science to understand the basics of vitamin D. We expose ourselves to the sun, the UVB rays trigger the production of vitamin D, and our body uses it for… Well, that’s the interesting part.

Vitamin D is involved in everything from calcium absorption and bone health to immune function and mood regulation. It’s super important, and very difficult to get from food alone.

No problem for Gold Coasters – we’re practically solar-powered. But when the cooler weather keeps us indoors, bundled in jumpers while shuffling from the office to the gym to the supermarket, that incidental vitamin D intake goes away, without us even noticing.

The signs of vitamin D deficiency can be easy to miss: persistent tiredness, low mood, susceptibility to sickness, brain fog. They’re not just the winter blues – and when they’re left unaddressed, they can snowball into something more serious. Chronic vitamin D deficiency has been linked to higher risks of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, depression and other serious illnesses and autoimmune conditions.

The good news is that the remedy is totally free – and a little bit of sunshine goes a long way. The Cancer Council generally recommends Australians get a few minutes of sun exposure to their arms and legs in the middle of the day during winter, while still observing the cardinal rules (slip, slop, slap, slide and seek).

If you feel like your winter routine needs a reset, try these tips for making the most of the sunshine.

Take your workout outdoors

Did you know the Gold Coast has a free program of outdoor workouts, happening all over the city on any given day? The Active & Healthy calendar is jam-packed with outdoor (and indoor) workout classes, from walking groups to sunrise yoga and beachside Pilates. If you’re looking for more, make sure you’re following She’s Spicy and Peachy HIIT, two local businesses helping us start our days the right way.

Bike, don’t drive

There’s no doubting the Gold Coast is a driving city – thanks to our coastal layout, it’s a long way from the north to the south. But if you’re staying local, or even scooting to the next suburb over, consider switching your wheels and opting to cycle instead of drive. You’ll be surprised by how easy it is to get around (and how much better the view is from your bike seat). Just stay safe, follow the rules of the road and plan your journey ahead of time.

Swap supermarkets for farmers markets

Convenience may be king, but with a bit of extra planning, you could be soaking up the sun, supporting local suppliers and saving money during your weekly shop – avoiding the fluorescent lighting, air conditioning and bad radio of the big supermarkets in the process. There are plenty of morning markets to choose from, whether it’s a Thursday at Cooly or a Sunday in Surfers. And when you do need to shop at the big retailers, our outdoor malls are second to none.

Hang outdoors

The only thing that dwindles more in winter than our vitamin D intake is our social life – but that doesn’t have to be the case. Make the most of the shorter days and schedule late lunches (or early dinners) to catch the last light. Some of our favourite restaurants with outdoor dining include Costa Taco (Broadbeach), Moustache, Rick Shores, Bruce and Lucia.

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The Gold Coaster’s guide to free and cheap camping

There’s something so special about packing up the car, driving out of the city and waking up somewhere quiet – especially when it doesn’t hurt your wallet. Within a three-hour radius of the Gold Coast, there are some genuinely great spots to pitch a tent or park the van for free, or almost free ($20 or less per night). Here’s just a few of them.

Ngumbi Camp, Lake Wyaralong

1 hour west | Free | Walk-in or kayak access only

It’s one of the most rewarding free campsites in the region – but you’ll need to earn it. Managed by Seqwater, this remote lakeside site has open camping areas, a toilet and a basic shelter shed, but no vehicular access. Hike or paddle in, set up camp, and spend the night stargazing. BYO drinking water.

www.seqwater.com.au

The Settlement, Springbrook National Park

1 hour south-west | From $7.50/night

The only campground in Springbrook National Park, a short walk from the top of Purling Brook Falls. Basic facilities – non-flushing toilets, electric BBQs, cooking shelter, no showers – but the setting is spectacular. Only 11 sites, so book ahead. Currently closed post-Cyclone Alfred; check parks.qld.gov.au for updates.

www.parks.qld.gov.au

Sharp Park, Scenic Rim

45 mins west | From $12pp/night

Fifteen acres on the banks of the Coomera River, just minutes from Canungra and a short drive to Binna Burra and O’Reilly’s. Two separate parks divided by the river, with flush toilets, fires permitted and firewood available on site. No showers and BYO drinking water, but dogs are welcome on leash. Bookings essential.

www.sharpparkcampground.com

Darlington & Burgess Parks, Scenic Rim

1.5 hours south-west | $12pp/night

A family camping institution, sitting along the creek in some of the prettiest country in the Scenic Rim. At $12 a head for adults and $6 for kids, it’s genuinely great value – with a kiosk on site, caretakers around and decent facilities throughout.

www.darlingtonandburgessparks.com.au

Stinson Park, Scenic Rim

1.5 hours south-west | $10pp/night

Set on the banks of Christmas Creek, this is a campsite with a story worth telling around the fire – it was the base camp for Bernard O’Reilly’s legendary 1937 search for a crashed Stinson airliner. Creek swimming, electric BBQs, fires permitted and firewood on site. BYO drinking water, no pets.

www.campsight.com.au

Ladybrook Farm Escape, Scenic Rim

1.5 hours south-west | From $15pp/night

Off-grid camping on a 2,600-acre working cattle property, with private riverside sites along the Albert River. Swimming, fishing, campfires and wide-open space – numbers are kept limited, so it never feels crowded. Fully self-contained required (no toilets or showers), but dogs are welcome on leash.

www.ladybrookfarm.com.au

Nimbin Showgrounds, Northern NSW

1.5 hours south | From $20pp/night

Hot showers, powered and unpowered sites, a dump station and good phone signal – facilities that punch well above the price point. The town itself is the real draw: markets, galleries and some of the most distinctive hinterland scenery (and recreational activities) in Northern NSW, all within walking distance.

www.nimbinshowsociety.org.au

Clarence River Camping Ground, near Grafton

3 hours south | Free | Self-contained vehicles only

This free riverside camp – consistently praised for its peace and beauty – is all yours, if you’re willing to make the drive. Grassy sites right on the Clarence River, good phone signal and friendly cattle wandering through. Toilets have been out of order recently, so come fully self-contained. Great for swimming, kayaking and fishing.

www.campermate.com

Always verify current conditions and pricing before you head off – and download WikiCamps or CamperMate for even more spots on the road.

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It’s winter – here’s what we’re wearing

Winter dressing on the Gold Coast is like an extreme sport – too warm for a coat, too cool for your summer uniform. This is the season to lean into pieces that do double duty: relaxed enough for a Saturday market run, polished enough to wear to your favourite wine bar. Here are the trends on the horizon this winter, and the local pieces making the cut.

Tomboy Femme

The tension between structured and slouchy is defining dressing right now, and the tomboy femme aesthetic sums it up perfectly. Think oversized collared shirts worn half-tucked, denim sets that hit that sweet spot between utility and polish, and classics like trenchcoats and button-downs with unexpected details. The formula: one relaxed piece, one that means business. Almost like a sartorial mullet.

Mesh Moment

Summer’s sheerest trend didn’t clock off – it just put on long sleeves. Winter mesh is all about strategic layering: a bralette peeking through a fine-knit crop top, or an asymmetric draped top that plays with transparency without sacrificing warmth. The key is in the cut: longer hems, off-shoulder necklines, and ruched detailing all help make this simple summer piece feel more considered in winter. Wear it over, under, or both.

Tailored Trousers

If there’s one item worth the investment this season, it’s a great pair of trousers. Not the boring kind you’d wear to the office (slacks, in every sense of the word) – we’re talking wide-leg silhouettes in unexpected colours, relaxed drawstring waists that blur the line between loungewear and luxury, and balloon-leg cuts that help justify your fanciest footwear. You haven’t missed the show – the elevated trouser is extending its run in the spotlight.

The colours

Three shades are running the winter palette right now: chocolate brown (earthy, grounding, pairs with literally everything), sky blue (fresh and a little unexpected for the cooler months, in the best way), and burgundy (the forever winter colour that keeps earning its spot).

Winter picks from our favourite local brands and boutiques…
    1. Remmie by Riley Palma long sleeve, $75, remmiebyriley.com
    2. Isabelle Quinn off-shoulder top, $220, isabellequinn.com.au
    3. Ksubi Sott Altar boyfriend tee, $159.95, babylemonadestore.com.au
    4. Rhythm Charlie trucker jacket ($149) and pants ($119), rhythmlivin.com
    5. Ceres Life Ash coat, $189.9, saintharlowe.com.au
    6. About a Girl Alex jeans, $99.95, aboutagirl.com
    7. Blanca Athena shirt, $300, emteboutique.com.au
    8. Sean Scott Boutique parachute pants, $180, seanscottboutique.com.au
    9. Bird on a Wire Simone knit cardigan, $89, birdonawireburleigh.com
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How to embrace whimsy this weekend

It’s official: the kids have discovered whimsy. Over the past few months, the number of TikTok posts under the #whimsy hashtag has risen steadily (409,900, at the time of writing), proving a growing desire to embrace a simpler, more enjoyable way of life. Here are a few ways you can, too.

Whimsy (noun): playfully quaint or fanciful behaviour.

Whatever the reason (and we can think of a few), Generations Z and Alpha are leaning away from what feels dark and heavy, and diving headfirst into whimsy. Frolicking in fields, playing pretend, crafting, picnicking, covering everything with stickers and sprinkles – they all feel like useful antidotes to the gloom of the world right now. And who are we to judge?

If you’re tempted to embrace a little whimsy this weekend, we’re here to help. Here are a few ways to try it.

Follow the fairy trail

It doesn’t get much more whimsical than a fairy trail – and it’s fitting that charming Mudgeeraba would be the suburb to have one. As of June 1, the Mudgeeraba Fairy Trail is open for anyone wanting to track down a few special visitors. Wind your way through all 10 stops, keeping an eye out for fairies, mermaids and mystical creatures, before arriving at your final destination: a fairy disco party. Head to the Sensory Boutique to pick up your fairy trail map, and let the magic happen.

Light the night with glow worms

Did you know the Gold Coast is home to not one, but two glow worm experiences? If you want to experience the wonder of these bioluminescent insects, you’re in the right place. Located at Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard on Tamborine Mountain, the man-made glow worm caves are the result of decades of rehabilitation efforts. You’ll be led by biologists through a rainforest boardwalk, getting the chance to meet glow worms up close. For something a little wilder, join a tour of the resident glow-worms (and microbats) at Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park. If you time your visit right, you could also see luminous fungi and fireflies.

Uncover magical eggs

If spending the day digging in the dirt, hunting for literal hidden gems, is your idea of heaven, you need to pay a visit to Thunderbird Park. Not only is it home to adventure activities and unique camping, but it’s also where you’ll find the world’s largest Thunderegg Mine. For the uninitiated, Thundereggs are geological marvels formed over 200 million years ago, containing colourful agate, quartz and crystals. Forget crystal shops – fossicking and panning is the most whimsical way to find the perfect addition to your collection.

Visit the Gold Coast’s home of whimsy

A shop filled with German cuckoo clocks, an old-fashioned confectionary, and a pub guarded by gigantic St. Bernards – there are so many reasons Tamborine is the Gold Coast’s capital of whimsy. Wander through the botanic gardens, browse ancient Australian opals and crystals, and enjoy the view from Rob Sowter Lookout (both of the valley below, and the paragliders descending into it) while picnicking. And if you’d like to extend your stay, there’s even an enchanted cottage to check into.

Touch the night sky

If you thought there was plenty to do at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary during the day, just wait until the sun goes down. Brought to you by global entertainment creators Moment Factory, Astra Lumina is an enchanted adventure that takes you through the sanctuary’s bushland under the cover of darkness. Moving orbs illuminate the pathway, leading you through a celestial immersion of light and sound. It’s the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere – and it’s here to stay.

Picnic with alpacas

The most whimsical addition to any picnic? Wildlife. O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards has been home to Mountview Alpaca Farm since 2017, combining delicious food and wine with the unexpected joy of alpacas. Pick up a vineyard picnic basket, breakfast hamper or simply a bottle of wine, and get to know the resident alpacas as you explore the creekside property. You can even walk them! We dare you to find a vineyard experience more whimsical.

Frolic among the flowers

There are few activities more whimsical than frolicking – especially when you’re frolicking through a field of flowers. Lucky for you, there are plenty of places to get lost amongst the blooms both on and around the Gold Coast. From our very own Botanic Gardens to out-of-town options including elderflower, sunflower and lavender farms, our region is made for flower fanatics. Pack a picnic, wear your most whimsical outfit, and let the bees lead the way. Bonus points if you wear a flower crown.

Recharge your energy

Did you know that some of the world’s largest and most beautiful crystals are nestled in the Byron Bay hinterland, about an hour from the Gold Coast? From crystal labyrinths to enchanted caves, rainforest walks and dragon eggs, the aptly-named Crystal Castle should be top of the list for crystal lovers – or anyone wanting to recharge in nature. Impossible colours, unbelievable scale, perfect geometry… even sceptics will admire the magic of crystals after a visit to the castle.

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