Looking to let down your hair and let off some steam with a classic night out? There are so many Gold Coast bars to be found beyond Surfers Paradise – why not try these three destinations instead? With plenty of venues within walking distance of one another, no Ubering means no worries.
Nobbys
Tropic Vice
A rooftop bar is the perfect place to start a night out, and Tropic Vice is one of Nobby’s best. Their food and drinks are next level (fitting, given it’s a rooftop bar) and they’ve got pumping music from live resident DJs most days from 3 or 4pm.
The Cambus Wallace
With a menu of heart-warming dishes and classic cocktails (many featuring rum and whisky from all over the world), stepping inside the Cambus Wallace feels as though you’ve stepped onto the ship it was named after.
Nightcap
Dark, grungy and loud, Nightcap – true to its name – is the best place to end your night out. They’ve got live music blasting from 8pm, six nights a week, so it’s the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a party. But be warned: the lines out the door can get pretty long, so don’t head out until you’ve left everything on the dancefloor.
Burleigh
The Burleigh Pavilion
It’s arguably the Gold Coast’s most popular nightlife destination, and with panoramic views, live DJs and tasty drinks, it’s not hard to see why. Start your night with a few sunset drinks before heading off to your next destination, then maybe finish the night back at the Pav’ – rest assured, the party will be raging on.
Justin Lane & The Pink Monkey
These two Gold Coast bars are distinctly different – the former is an Italian restaurant-cum-rooftop bar, the latter is more reminiscent of a fancy pub – but by nightfall, they’re equally great places to dance. Oh, and they’re right next door to each other so you can spend your night hopping back and forth between each one.
www.justinlane.com.au | www.pinkmonkey.com.au
Nightjar
Tucked down an alley (Justin Laneway, to be precise) between the Gold Coast Highway and James Street is Nightjar, the popular Burleigh bar you just don’t know about yet. It’s cool, clubby and perfect for a boogie. Just look for the neon sign.
Palm Beach
The Collective
With a new activation, the Lemon Lounge, taking over its spacious rooftop terrace, The Collective is the perfect place to start your next night out. Enjoy breathtaking sunset views and a menu of tasty cocktails, house wine, tap beer and snacks, not to mention $10 Bombay Citron Pressé Spritz from 4pm to 6pm on Monday to Friday.
www.thecollectivepalmbeach.com.au
Suga
Less than 100m up the road from The Collective is Suga. With a wooden façade and divey interior, Suga is a true speakeasy (and a well-kept secret among Palmy locals). Come for the live music, stay for the banter with the friendly bar staff – you might just make some new friends.
The Scottish Prince
Named after a shipwreck off the Gold Coast, the Scottish Prince is a surprisingly authentic Scotland-inspired bar in the heart of Palm Beach. With wooden walls, antique décor and cosy booths – not to mention a stacked liquor selection – you could easily spend a night here enjoying the live music.