Must-see nightlife in Gold Coast

It may be surrounded by Surfers' high-rises rather than perched atop one (on level 1 of the Island hotel), but this plant-filled open-air rooftop bar…

A passionate crew of coffee obsessives runs this cute little cafe right in the heart of the Marine Pde shopping strip. Perfect espresso, filter coffee and…

This dark, moody, maritime-themed bar attracts a good-looking but relaxed local crew. Settle in with something from its massive rum and whisky list, or…

It's Professor Green in the library with a cocktail in this darkened semisecret speakeasy at the rear of the Loose Moose. Dress up and be prepared for…

A Saturday Night Fever–style dance floor always bodes well for good times, and this little bar-to-club venue features DJs who know their electronica,…

Not so much a garden – more a terrace bar with a retractable roof and a long balcony above a tired shopping mall overlooking leafy Cavill Ave. Steel…

This may be the most perfect laidback sundowner spot on the Gold Coast, with a large deck overlooking stunning Rainbow Bay and views curving around the…

Surf star Mick Fanning (the guy who punched a shark, right?) and his fellow circuit legends Joel Parkinson, Bede Durbidge and Josh Kerr are all partners…

Head upstairs from the Hellenika restaurant to find this relaxed spot, which evokes Santorini vibes with its white-on-white decor and sunshine-yellow-and…

Tipalowe Oberman's tiki bar is filled with her dad's art and her grandparents' furniture. Come for the Mexican-via-Pacific Rim snacks (there are great…

A gritty laneway opens into this pumping tiki bar, decked out with a palm-tree ceiling and pineapple wallpaper, where hip young things knock back rum…

In a twin-business pairing with Canteen Kitchen (mains $12-22) next door, this caffeine cranny casts another vote for Burleigh Heads as the Gold Coast's…

The Broadbeach Bowling Club is home to the best greens in Australia – it hosted the bowling competition for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Its bright and…

The walls are covered in photos of rock legends, from Bowie to Motörhead, at this totally old-school hard rock and metal bar. Yes, there's grub to be had,…

The Black Hops crew run a friendly and fun taproom, where you can enjoy a tasting paddle or sample whatever craft delight they've currently got on their…

Find your way to the rear laneway, look for the red door, text the number to get in – yes, a speakeasy bar has landed in Burleigh. Once you get inside,…

Hang out in this cavernous space with fellow beer lovers, or grab a seat in the courtyard to listen to live music and fuel up from the food trucks. There…

This nautical-themed bar on the water's edge is perfect for a few drinks as the sun sets over the Nerang River. The bistro menu features decent enough…

In a stretch known more for its sleazy clubs and nearby Cavill Ave chaos, this is a great choice for a drink with an all-Australian list of 32 craft beers…

This beautiful, airy pavilion-style club has spectacular views. The deck is open from 8am for coffee, or head here for lazy beery afternoons.