If you’ve spent time in Broadbeach, you’ll know there’s lots to love. It’s the kind of vibrant melting pot that offers up something for everyone. There’s high-end international retail brands like Gucci, Hermes and Louis Vuitton (courtesy of Pacific Fair) but there’s also the Gold Coast’s beloved original ‘Art & Craft Sunday Market’ which has been a fixture for local craftspeople and artisans for 30+ years. You’ve got epic cabaret shows and cosy nooks for cafes. You’ve got shiny new high-rises alongside uber-traditional 1970s’ era Gold Coast homes. Like we said: Everything.
Got your Elite Holiday Homes accommodation booked? Check. Now, let’s fill your holiday diary with all the fun stuff! Situated right by the sea, Broadbeach is a hive of activity and opportunity at any time of the day or night. “Broady” is a suburb that definitely ticks a lot of holiday-makers’ boxes, and if you’re looking for some ace boxes to tick, here’s where we’d recommend you start with your holiday planning:
- Dine out
There’s so many great cafes and restaurants at Broadbeach, you can choose a different one for every meal! The Loose Moose has a great atmosphere and serves slow-cooked meats and gourmet burgers; Sofia’s Restaurant and Bar prepares fresh local produce with coastal European flair and Kiyomi offers delicious Japanese cuisine. Go for a stroll and see what takes your fancy. In fact, you could stroll from pre-dinner drinks, to a different venue for your main, to a different venue for dessert. That way you get to experience all kinds of ace Broadbeach eateries during your stay. Variety is, in fact, the spice of holiday life.
- Shop ‘til you drop
Amble down to Broadbeach Mall to discover specialist boutiques and duck into Oasis Shopping Centre. Then head to the sprawling Pacific Fair shopping mecca, which boasts more than 400 stores. But definitely also make time for the local markets and meet our local makers – there’s an eclectic assortment of South-East Queensland’s most talented artisans under marquees at Broadbeach every first and third Sunday, and in other nearby locations at other times of the month. Check out the Gold Coast Art & Craft Sunday Markets website to find out what’s on where and when.
- Go barefoot bowling
Kick off your shoes and grab a cold drink – a game of barefoot bowls is a fantastic way to unwind and everyone knows that the local ‘bowlo’ is the kind of place where you *really* get to meet those salt of the Earth locals that make a suburb tick. Broadbeach Bowls Club combines a top venue featuring four championship floodlit greens with a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. Barefoot bowls is available most days so you can compete against your holiday buddies, take on one of the bowlo locals, or just work on improving your form – with a frothie by your side, of course!
- Catch a show
Broadbeach is entertainment central when you consider it’s home to not one, but two, infamous 18+ stage productions. Head out for a meal and a laugh at the Gold Coast’s renowned Dracula’s Cabaret. This ever-changing comedy show will entertain you with magic, juggling, singing, dancing, burlesque and aerial performances. With just a little bit of 18+ humour sprinkled over the top, of course. Then you also have The Pink Flamingo – touted as “the world’s first Spiegelclub” – another 18+ years venue, home to some great late nights.
- Go to the beach (maybe even learn to surf!)
It’s somewhat obvious but sometimes we are so busy trying to do #allthethings while on holidays that we need to be reminded of the natural beauty that’s all around us to enjoy, for FREE. Put simply – you need to hit the beach while you’re here! Catch a wave or two and then laze on the sand with a book or a good podcast. Kurrawa Beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers and it’s gorgeous at any time of year. Having said that, a holiday is the perfect time to try something new, so why not sign up for a surfing lesson. Go Ride a Wave offers two-hour surf lessons every day and there are showers nearby to wash off the sand and salt when you’re done.
- Enjoy the rest of our great outdoors
Beach? Tick. Waves? Tick. Now let’s scope out the rest of Broadbeach’s incredible natural beauty. Pack a footy or a kite and head outdoors to one of the nearby parks. For example, enjoy the beach breeze at Kurrawa Park. There’s plenty of room to kick that ball and the kids will love the playground. Or head to Cascade Gardens. It’s a great spot for a picnic or a barbecue and there are rainforest walks, too.