Dining by the landmarks: The Gold Coast's Broadbeach

Just a couple of minutes south of Surfers Paradise, you'll find Broadbeach. A Gold Coast hotspot that is giving its brash big sister to the north a run for her money. Expanding at an exponential rate, Broadbeach is bustling, bright and busy these days. But there’s one thing that will never change, and that’s the beach. The ‘Broadie’ has been a firm favourite for Gold Coast residents and fiercely loyal locals since day dot. Wondering why there’s so much love for Broadbeach? Let us enlighten you.

Broadbeach is kind of a conundrum. You'll find plenty of tranquil parkland and wide-open spaces directly alongside some of the Gold Coast’s most outlandish developments like The Oracle, The Wave and Jupiter’s Casino. Only minutes from the tourist mecca of Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach offers a quieter slice of Gold Coast life and a dedicated population of surfers. 

From one extreme to another

Looking for unbeatable surf? You’ll find it on Broadbeach’s long stretch of golden sand. But if it’s bright lights and 24/7 bling you’re after, head across the highway to Jupiters Casino where all your gambling dreams may come true.

Just back from the beach, you’ll find plenty of space to chill out. Broadbeach parks offer family-friendly spaces, playgrounds, yoga classes and weekend markets. Towering above the pleasant parks, you’ll find some of the Coast's most imposing examples of modern architecture. Just like The Wave, a 34-storey luxury residential development with a unique wave-like architectural treatment that is anything but discreet.

And of course, there's Broadbeach Mall and its endless selection of restaurants and al fresco dining. The contradiction of Broadbeach is part of its allure.

Our favourite things to do at Broadbeach

Broadbeach Surf School

There’s something magic about seeing someone get up on the board for the first time. If you’ve never tried surfing, or if you’ve got visitors from out of town with you, get down to the surf school at Broadbeach and give them the opportunity to share the secret that the locals have always been in on.

Kurrawa Beach

Loved by surfers, Kurrawa Beach is in the heart of Broadbeach and home to the Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club, one of the biggest on the Gold Coast. The beach is home to the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships as well as being a favourite spot for surfers on the Coast. You’ll find plenty of places to enjoy a meal or drink while soaking in the ocean views. The boardwalk is a haven for walkers, rollerbladers and cyclists.

Pacific Fair

Pacific Fair is the retail gift that keeps on giving. Not content to be “a really big shopping centre”, Pacific Fair has recently undergone a $760 million redevelopment to become “an absolute monster”. The biggest shopping centre in Queensland, Pacific Fair boasts over 400 stores that cover everything from Big W and Target to H&M and Prada. Pacific Fair is set amongst impressive tropical landscaping and offers plenty of outdoor space, a cinema and a selection of restaurants and casual cafés. Hold on to your credit card, this could hurt a bit.

Dining in Broadbeach

Broadbeach is where the Gold Coast’s serious foodies go to dine. Wherever your taste proclivities may lie, you’ll find something to satisfy in this part of town. Whether it’s a big night out, fine dining or a leisurely breakfast, you’ll find it here. So, whether you’re a local or you’re just visiting, it’s worth taking a good look at Broadbeach for dining (things move pretty fast around here).

Our favourite restaurants in Broadbeach.

Mecca Bah

Take a journey to North Africa, with a quick stop-off in the Middle East, and you have the flavours of Mecca Bah. The modern Australian streets of Broadbeach feel a million miles from the aromatic flavours that greet you as you walk through the door. 

Mecca Bah takes you to a place where the ingredients are diverse and exotic herbs and spices combine with fresh produce from the earth and sea. Mecca Bah will enlighten your senses with its inspired Middle Eastern spirit.

The restaurant serves up all your Middle Eastern favourites, including Turkish kofte, Arab cheeses, Turkish pizzas, and lamb tagines. Dine in the open-air eating house, strewn with cushions and exotic trimmings.

Mecca Bah is open every day for lunch and dinner. You’ll find the popular restaurant on Charles Avenue.

Onyx Broadbeach

Onyx Restaurant is well known for its delicious share plates and extensive cocktails. This all-in-one restaurant, tapas bar and cocktail venue is the place to meet at Broadbeach. With a multi-award-winning chef leading the kitchen team, Onyx delivers fresh produce with summery, crisp flavours.

Enjoy live music four nights a week from the indoor-outdoor seating area. On Surf Parade in the beating heart of Broadbeach, Onyx is modern, spacious and never dull.