Trips to Disneyland might top bucket lists but true-blue family holiday memories are more often freckled with days spent lounging about caravan parks. Australia’s Sunshine State is home to some of the greatest, allowing for easy access to epic, go-all-day, kid-friendly activities, affordable accommodation in some of the country’s most exciting coastal neighbourhoods, and so much more. We’ve rounded up the most value-for-money caravan parks on the Gold Coast to help you plan your next adventure.

Central Gold Coast

1. Main Beach Tourist Park

Where: Main Beach
Pet friendly? No

Offering some of the most budget-friendly accommodations right in the thick of the action, Main Beach Tourist Park is a winner for travellers who want activity layered upon activity. One of the most popular caravan parks on the Gold Coast, it’s fitted with both grass-covered and concreted powered sites that can cater for campervans, trailers, caravans, and tents, in addition to 24 ‘Ensuite Powered’ sites that come with a private bathroom and concrete slab. Studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom air-conditioned cabins are also available.

Spend time with your family at Main Beach Tourist Park. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

To keep you busy between trips out on the coast experiencing a wide range of fun-filled things to do, there’s a partially shaded lagoon-style pool, barbecue facilities, a games room with a pool table, an enclosed camp kitchen, a fully patrolled section of the beach within walking distance and a playground. Plus, you’ll find a dump point, laundry, and kiosk on site.

There’s even a playground to keep your kids entertained. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

2. Broadwater Tourist Park

Where: Broadwater
Pet friendly? No

Situated in the sleepier Southport area, right off Broadwater’s calming waters, Broadwater Tourist Park offers another slice of prime real estate for you to set up shop while exploring the city.

Waterfront cabins offer scenic creek views.

Featuring six styles of powered sites with varied proximities to the water, plus your choice between concrete or grassed digs and shared bathroom facilities or your own private ensuite, this caravan park on the Gold Coast is just a 15-minute walk from a ferry service that travels to hot spots like Sea World and Surfers Paradise.

Hop by Sea World to watch a dolphin show during your stay at Broadwater Tourist Park. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

One, two and three-bedroom, self-contained cabins are also available. Two swimming pools, a tennis court, a playground, a recreation room, a giant bouncing pillow, barbecue facilities, a small store, laundry, and a camp kitchen are also on-site, plus there’s a boat ramp and dump point for further convenience.

The self-contained cabins are equipped with cosy amenities.

Southern Gold Coast

3. Kirra Beach Tourist Park

Where: Kirra
Pet friendly? Yes

Craving sun-soaked downtime away from the hustle and bustle of Surfers and the equally action-packed Broadbeach? Kirra Beach Tourist Park is an easy, breezy caravan park on the Gold Coast that you’ll struggle to say goodbye to. It offers both unpowered and powered grassed sites for tents, plus powered dog-friendly sites for vans and trailers. There are also rooms with single beds and queen beds, and you can bring your doggo along to a selection of two-bedroom cabins, too. There’s even a dog wash to keep your pup pampered while on tour.

Activity-wise, there’s a swimming pool, shaded playground, bouncing pillow, barbecues, and a games room, plus you’ll be sorted for an extended stay thanks to a camp kitchen, laundry, and dump point.

Kirra Beach delights at sunset. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

4. Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park

Where: Tallebudgera
Pet friendly? No

The Gold Coast’s worst-kept secret, Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park, was once a relaxed haven for holidaymakers taking full advantage of the southern region’s most spectacular family-friendly swimming spot. But crowds now flock to this Gold Coast caravan park, well beyond school holidays, to soak up Talle’s picture-perfect surf set just beyond a dramatic mountain face, shallow, toddler-tailored splash spots along the creek and year-round good vibes.

The park offers unpowered and powered sites, some with ensuite bathrooms, plus rooms that cater for both couples and up to six-person families. There are also two and three-bedroom cabins. Outside of the creek’s endless swimming opportunities, there’s a kids’ splash zone and swimming pool fitted with waterslides, a food truck, tennis court, playground, and barbecue facilities on site, plus a kiosk, nearby boat ramp, dump point, laundry, and camp kitchen to keep the party rolling.

Host a BBQ party right outside your caravan. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Burleigh Heads and surrounds

5. Burleigh Beach Tourist Park

Where: Burleigh Heads
Pet friendly? No

Situated just a short stroll away from the eclectic cafe, bar and boutique mecca of Burleigh Heads, Burleigh Beach Tourist Park is also just 200 metres from Burleigh Point which offers some of the dreamiest views right across the Gold Coast’s shimmering shores.

Laze on the beach nearby. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The much-loved space features powered sites for campervans, trailers and tents, plus a quirky take on glamping on the Gold Coast with its adorable two-person vintage van. There’s also a range of self-contained two-bedroom cabins, plus barbecues, a communal kitchen, a laundry, a games room, an on-site kiosk, and a dump point.

Burleigh Beach Tourist Park offers great value caravan holidays. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

6. Nobby Beach Holiday Village

Where: Miami
Pet friendly? No

You’ll spot the waterslide before you get into Nobby Beach Holiday Village, a family-friendly hot spot right on the Gold Coast Highway that also offers walkable access to Miami’s thriving foodie and bar scene. This action-packed caravan park on the Gold Coast also provides easy transport to the city’s best theme parks, with a bus stop right out the front of the property.

Kids can go biking around the park. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Inside, the waterslide is unsurprisingly a kid magnet but so are the ninja and junior playgrounds, two heated pools and a recreation room fitted with video games and a lounge area. Grassed powered sites, studio rooms, two-bedroom villas and three to four-bedroom houses offer unique homes away from home, plus there’s a lovely camp kitchen featuring stone benchtops, a mini-mart, separate men’s and women’s shower blocks, a dump point and a laundry. Spoil yourself with in-room massages during business hours, too.

Slide for fun by the poolside. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

7. Jandarra Farm

Where: Tallebudgera Valley
Pet friendly? No

If you really want to get off the beaten track, Jandarra Farm’s country camping experience on a working farm should be top of your list. With just three sites (for either a tent, camper trailer, or 4WD caravan), it really lives up to its name: Jandarra means ‘place of peace’.

While you’re there, learn about the farm’s use of regenerative agriculture, visit onsite rockpools, take a self-guided walk through the rainforest and even enjoy a sauna. Join other campers around a communal campfire.

Gold Coast hinterland

8. Thunderbird Park

Where: Tamborine Mountain
Pet friendly? Yes

A pooch-friendly escape amid lush tropical rainforest offers a totally unique holiday experience thanks to Thunderbird Park’s awesome caravanning grounds. Thunderbird Park, a popular outdoor activity hub built across 112 hectares of stunning hinterland, plays home to a collection of unpowered and powered bush sites suitable for both caravans and tents, and best of all, you can bring your four-legged friend along with you.

Head to Thunderbird Park for nature adventures. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

There are also two-bedroom, self-contained bush lodges and glamping tents on-site. The Gold Coast caravan park features a camp kitchen with barbecues, a laundry, fire pits at each site, several dump points and two eateries; The Terrace Kiosk dishing up pizzas and snacks, as well as the Rainforest Restaurant & Lounge Bar that’s more formal and fitted with a pool table, TV, and fireplace.

Experience paddle biking with your kids. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Gold Coast suburbs

9. Ashmore Palms Holiday Village

Where: Ashmore
Pet friendly? No

In the mood for a resort-style ritz on the Gold Coast but struggling to splurge on the cost? Ashmore Palms Holiday Village is a 15-acre Gold Coast holiday park that houses a bunch of apartments and villas, plus powered caravan sites.

Ashmore Palms Holiday Village also offers bedroom cabins for long-term rentals.

Just a 10-minute drive from Surfers Paradise, two lagoon-style swimming pools with one featuring a baby-friendly splash zone, two playgrounds, three laundries, barbecue areas, a tennis court, a general store, an activity centre that stages regular programs of kids’ games and arts and crafts, plus exotic bird aviaries, provide bucketloads of one-stop-shop fun for the whole family.

Plunge right into the pool lagoon.

10. Big4 Gold Coast Holiday Park

Where: Helensvale
Pet friendly? Yes

Offering some of the most convenient theme park accommodation on the Gold Coast, Big4 Gold Coast Holiday Park is the ultimate children’s playground in itself. The Gold Coast caravan park, located right between the two heavy clusters of theme parks along the Pacific motorway so it’s undoubtedly some of the region’s best family accommodation, caters for clans of all shapes and sizes, including the furry variety.

Your furry friends are also welcome here. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Here you’ll find unpowered and powered sites for campervans, trailers, caravans, and tents, plus one, two and three-bedroom cabins. You’ll find a sprawling waterpark on site plus plenty of kids’ activities, a resort-inspired pool and spa area fitted with luxurious cabanas, a leash-free dog park, doggy wash and even a dog-sitting service, licenced cafe and so much more. Further comfort is ensured via a laundry, camp kitchen and barbecue facilities, plus there’s a sewage dump point.

11. Treasure Island Holiday Resort

Where: Biggera Waters
Pet friendly? Yes

Another high-energy Gold Coast caravan park, Treasure Island Holiday Resort offers a wide range of powered sites that also cater for dogs if you’re holidaying outside the school holiday periods. A mix of caravan, motorhome, camper trailer, and tent-friendly sites are available for guests to set their digs up and dump their belongings before getting stuck into the park’s impressive range of facilities and activities.

Enjoy moments of leisure and relaxation with your loved ones. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

A pirate-themed waterpark, four swimming pools including one with a waterslide, go-kart hire, a kids’ club, mini golf and bouncing pillow will keep little ones entertained while barbecue facilities, a cinema, Galleons Bistro’s a la carte dining, a gym and camp kitchen should help grownups settle in quickly. There’s also a boat ramp, laundry, and dump point on hand.

Year-round activities are available for kids at the resort. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Looking for kid-friendly activities on the Gold Coast? Feel your heart racing at the top Gold Coast theme parks here.

The post 11 best caravan parks on the Gold Coast by suburb appeared first on Australian Traveller.

Foggy mountaintops and whimsical cottages mightn’t be the first images that come to mind when you think of the Gold Coast, but the city’s tropical hinterland is full of surprises. Mt Tamborine, a 40 to 50-minute drive from the string of epic beaches, is a must-experience if you’re keen to ditch the surf and head for the hills in the quest for something new. Offering delightful Mt Tamborine accommodation mainly for loved-up couples but also for families, the storybook town and its boutique wineries, art galleries and rainforest treks are eternally charming.

1. Hampton Estate Wines

Price: $$

Turn an afternoon of wine tasting into an all-night affair at Hampton Estate Wines, where couples-friendly Mt Tamborine accommodation is offered in the way of eight elegant studio suites. The estate is a popular pit-stop on board a winery tour of the region as the team’s Hampton Lane range of classic and premium white and reds is far too easy to drink, and there’s also a beautiful restaurant, built inside a converted church, that offers a seasonal set lunch menu on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Hampton Estate Wines is surrounded by a lush floral landscape. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

The suites themselves, inspired by the seaside style of New York’s Hamptons scene, are worth plenty of your time, each fitted with a plush queen bed, fireplace, balcony, modern bathrooms with bathtubs and high ceilings. The Deluxe picks also feature spa baths. In addition to the restaurant, there’s a whisky bar open on Friday evenings, plus you can take your drinks onto a great big lawn where Bocce and Finska can both be played, if you’re game.

The property has a huge dining hall. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

2. The Polish Place

Price: $$

For a couples’ escape that’s truly out of the ordinary, The Polish Place pays tribute to the European nation through five cute timber cottages and a much-adored dining space. The Mt Tamborine accommodation, conceptualised by Polish-born Ania Sowter and her husband Phil, feels like a time warp as the owners’ intimate knowledge of Polish hospitality and cuisine transports guests to the foreign world.

The double-storey cottages feature large timber decks offering spectacular vantage points across the region, fireplaces, spa baths within the lounge areas (wild, right?), loft bedrooms, rainfall showers, laundry facilities and kitchenettes stocked with a complimentary breakfast hamper.

If you’re staying more than three nights, they also throw a gourmet picnic hamper into the mix. Timber furniture and country-inspired furnishings create homely stays, made even more comfortable with a 12pm check-out time. And before you leave, be sure to sample the restaurant’s lunch menu from Wednesday to Sunday, featuring Polish classics like roast duck with cherries, pork hock and soul-warming soups.

3. Pethers Rainforest Retreat

Price: $$$

Engulf yourself in nature with one of the 10 luxurious treehouses at Pethers Rainforest Retreat, a boutique Mt Tamborine hotel that offers fairytale accommodation for lovebirds. Five-metre-high glass panelling within the living and dining spaces means its sensational surroundings flow right into the villas, creating the perfect backdrop for lazy afternoons cuddled up by the fireplace.

Pethers Rainforest Retreat has a vintage feel.

A soft king bed, spa bath for two, and cosy balconies heighten the romance, plus in-room massages and spa treatments can be arranged, as can a string of adorable gestures including rose petal baths surrounded by candles, celebratory cakes, and bouquets of long-stemmed roses.

The glass panels reveal the lush greenery surrounding the property.

There are several dining options on-site including the award-winning, 11-table a la carte Pethers Rainforest Restaurant, open on Saturday night for dinner, and the less formal Lodge, which offers sharing plates, drinks, and a lovely high tea during lunch hours from Monday to Friday.

You’ll feel like you’re dining in the rainforest.

4. Mountaintop Queenslander Airbnb

Price: $$$$

It’s the rural escape dreams are made of, an impeccably styled four-bedroom manor situated atop a mountain with not another soul in sight. The Airbnb property, offering serene views across the Great Dividing Range, is even pet-friendly, built on a working farm that provides plenty of space for visiting families.

Mountaintop Queenslander Airbnb is built for families.

Beautiful landscaping and French Provincial styling, throwing plenty of quilted fabrics and a palette of white, cream, and grey splashed with fresh blooms, add elegance while two spectacular decks that overlook the misty abyss below, a swimming pool, fireplace, eight-seater dining table, freestanding bathtubs and a gourmet kitchen complete with bifold windows opening out to one of the decks, provide all the comfort.

You know you’ve scored a top property if it has a luxe bathtub like this one.

5. Tamborine Mountain Glades

Price: $$-$$$

Tend to easily tire of doing nothing? This Mt Tamborine accommodation is situated smack bang in an outdoor activity playground, providing loads of entertainment for adventure-seekers. Offering two large lodges housing varying sized rooms, two, three or four-bedroom self-contained lodges and some of the region’s most buzzed-about glamping, Tamborine Mountain Glades (formerly Cedar Creek Lodges) sits within Thunderbird Park, 112 hectares of sub-tropical rainforest filled with ziplining, laser skirmish, mini golf, biking, tree top challenges and more.

Bed down in Tamborine Mountain Glades’ Woodlands Glamping Tent. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The self-contained lodges feature country-inspired furnishings, full kitchens, comfortable lounge areas and modern bathrooms, plus fireplaces in some, while the separate rooms span from super minimal with walk-in showers, bar fridges and basic kitchen gear, to luxurious with a courtyard and jacuzzi.

The 11 Woodlands Glamping tents are extra special, as even the most basic option provides a king bed, ensuite with open-air shower, TV, day bed and bar fridge. The most extravagant comes with a private plunge pool and outdoor kitchen. The Rainforest Restaurant & Lounge Bar is on hand to cater for rumbling bellies, plus there’s the Terrace Kiosk for lighter meals and snacks. Spa treatments can also be arranged if you’re staying in one of the spa rooms.

The tent comes with cosy facilities and entertainment amenities. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

6. Verandah House Country Estate

Price: $$$$

A boutique Mt Tamborine hotel, playing home to just eight suites, Verandah House Country Estate offers dreamy spaces for couples. Filled with designer interiors and magazine shoot styling, each bespoke room is undeniably beautiful.

Verandah House Country Estate shows off a dreamy interior.

Ralph Lauren furnishings are scattered against French oak, plush textures, and elegant artworks, as well as fireplaces, king beds, mini bars stocked with local goodies and a continental breakfast, kitchenettes, and spacious lounge rooms.

Cosy up with your plus-one by the fireplace.

Save some downtime for the magnesium mineral pool or perhaps the property’s infrared sauna, stone fire pit or spectacular cedar hot tub overlooking rolling hills. Spa treatments can also be arranged, plus there’s a community kitchen if you want to whip up a full meal, and cafes and restaurants are located a short drive away.

Pop a bottle of sparkling and indulge poolside.

7. The Rustic Greenhouse

Price: $$

If it’s just you and your better half in desperate need of some peace and quiet, The Rustic Greenhouse, an Airbnb in Mt Tamborine, offers a soothing studio oasis.

The Rustic Greenhouse is a relaxing oasis away from home.

Snug, yet fitted with creature comforts including a fireplace, deep bathtub within a subway-tiled bathroom that’s closed off from the bed, a deck speckled with lush green plants, a smart TV, coffee machine, complimentary continental breakfast, and free wi-fi, the space is designed for couples to retreat from the outside world and slow down.

The charming accommodation is full of creature comforts.

But if the quiet life gets too much, hop on one of the complimentary bikes and pedal into Gallery Walk, the main strip of town situated just minutes away, to find all the eateries and galleries you’ll need to get your activity fix.

Pedal your way around the property.

8. The Tamborine Boutique

Price: $$$

The new boutique accommodation on the block (at least, it will be in December 2024), The Tambourine is a place to relax, recharge and indulge. Placed in the middle of Mount Tamborine’s lush rainforests, this is the new redevelopment of The Tamborine Motel (a historic hacienda-style motel built in 1978). Now owned by Comuna Collective, the thoughtful new design is intended to keep the original bones and pay homage to the original architecture.

When it opens, you’ll find relaxing neutrals in intimate guestrooms, each with its own balcony and incredible views of the surrounding nature.

9. The Escarpment Retreat

Price: $$$

One of the few Mt Tamborine accommodation options catering to both families and couples, The Escarpment Retreat is a gem for plenty more reasons. Set on a 1.6-hectare property with its own fairy tale creek and showstopping views across the city, the retreat consists of couples-only bed and breakfast villas, and the family-friendly, self-contained, three-bedroom Edge House built on a cliff face.

The Escarpment Retreat is perched on a cliff.

The villas feature sunken living areas, fireplaces, granite kitchenettes, double spa baths and balconies, while the Edge House is the real MVP. An enormous, partially enclosed outdoor deck is fitted with a fireplace, as is the master bedroom which also comes with an ensuite and jacuzzi, and the main lounge room (that’s three fireplaces in total), and there’s a fully equipped kitchen with a wood fire stove and a grocery store conveniently located just a few steps away.

Relax in the expansive living space.

All guests can experience the property’s divine day spa; offering a range of massages and treatments, plus there’s also a private cinema room to be found.

Follow the forest trail that leads to the property.

10. Shambala Estate

Price: $$

Don’t be surprised to spy a bride or groom dotting your horizon at Shambala Estate – it’s a hit on the local wedding circuit thanks to its quaint chapel, lush gardens, and grand water features.

Lush gardens surround Shambala Estate.

The couples-friendly Mt Tamborine accommodation offers four cottages on its 2.2-hectare property, positioned far enough away from each other to feel as though you’re totally alone.

Shambala Estate is perfect for honeymooners.

Each self-contained cottage, decorated with soft hues and furnishings, features high ceilings, a private balcony, a double bathtub, a king bed, a fireplace, a fully stocked kitchenette, and a TV. Make the time to wander its tropical rainforest surroundings where you’ll find trickling ponds, a pebbled bridge, and a picture-perfect gazebo.

Relax on the rocking chair as you pour a glass of wine.

11. Mountain Sanctuary B&B

Price: $$

To be close to two National Park entrances and only 500 metres from the area’s popular Gallery Walk shopping precinct, Mountain Sanctuary B&B is the perfect choice.

With just three suites, you’ll never feel crowded. Rooms have an old-world elegance with garden views plus private spas and balconies in every one, while a communal library and fireplace encourage mingling, if you wish. A full continental breakfast is served each morning (which is really quite generous), although there’s also a communal kitchenette if you’d rather do your own thing.

Guests laud the friendly service for being the perfect blend of friendly, helpful and inviting without being overbearing or intrusive. With a beautiful location and forest birds providing the soundtrack, it truly is a getaway.

Relax in old-world elegance.

For more insider tips on the Gold Coast, check out our ultimate travel guide to Gold Coast here.

The post 11 of the finest Mt Tamborine accommodation picks appeared first on Australian Traveller.

Dwarfed by rows of countless high-rises, entering the Gold Coast’s glitziest suburb is daunting. But within the swell of luxury (and some not so luxury) skyscrapers lie some of the most character-driven stays in the country – you just need to know where to look. Housing an eclectic mix of inspired dining experiences, world-class indulgences and even a handful of homely, laid-back lodgings, the best hotels in Surfers Paradise offer so much more than meets the eye.

1. The Langham Gold Coast

Price: $$$$

If newness thrills you, The Langham Gold Coast is one of the city’s most recent builds, opening its doors to eager crowds in 2022. Setting the luxury standard at heady new heights, the property dazzles from the moment you spy this standout Surfers Paradise accommodation – a glistening tower set right on the beach.

Enjoy beachfront views from your balcony at The Langham Gold Coast. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Catering to couples, corporate travellers, cashed-up international tourists and families looking to splurge, the rooms are slick and contemporary, featuring toiletries from the luxury French brand Diptyque and every creature comfort you’re hoping for; electronic curtains, smart room mood lighting, marble bathrooms, endless views of the Pacific Ocean, immaculate bedding, and more.

T’Ang Court, the Hong Kong chain’s Michelin-star Cantonese restaurant, presents its debut Australian posting within the hotel, plus there are more relaxed eateries including Palm Court where the chain’s famed high tea is served overlooking a sparkling lagoon-style pool. A health club, a second pool featuring a swim-up bar, and an acclaimed day spa can also be found on-site.

Cool off in The Langham’s picture-perfect pool. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

2. The Island Gold Coast

Price: $$

In the mood for some fun? The city’s biggest open-air rooftop bar, plus 98 cheerful rooms and suites, can be found at The Island Gold Coast.

Offering relaxed lodgings for couples and families that are beautifully appointed with warm timber finishes and coastal-inspired furnishings, this Surfers Paradise accommodation is instantly comfortable, providing a top-notch base camp for serious revelling or exploration.

The room comes with modern amenities.

That awesome rooftop space is brought to life via a fun-filled program of ‘Grazy Day’ lunching on Saturday and Sunday, including two hours of bottomless boozing, live music on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and wood oven pizzas on the go until midnight every night.

There’s also Goldie’s, the hotel’s bar and bistro, dishing up pub classics and an a la carte breakfast menu. A pool and spa, pool deck bar and lounge, collection of kids’ activities and a gaming lounge also await.

Enjoy a charcuterie platter while sipping cocktails.

3. Beach House

Price: $$$

Ditch the hotel life for a private, supremely cosy stay at a gorgeous Airbnb located right on the fringe of Surfers’ skyscraper scramble. The Beach House is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse within a block of four, and it’s touched down straight out of your Instagram dreams.

Beach House offers chic and cosy accommodation.

The Surfers Paradise accommodation is situated 80 metres from the beach and it’s dog-friendly, making a stay extra special for small families or two couples. Timber floorboards and carpeted bedrooms, a minimal palette of white, gold, and various shades of terracotta, and a courtyard strung with festoon lights bring a gentle calm to the home, while an outdoor shower, barbecue, boogie boards, a beach cabana and garden games will have you living your ultimate beach life in no time. Shops and eateries are all within walking distance.

Relax on the couch with a book in hand.

4. JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

Price: $$$$

A family-friendly resort to rival all family-friendly resorts, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa is fitted out with everything your tribe will need on a visit to the Gold Coast – so much so, that you’ll struggle to leave its grounds each day. The Surfers Paradise accommodation offers luxe rooms and facilities, all while keeping even the littlest of kids totally content through a range of entertainment.

JW Marriott Gold Coast features a saltwater lagoon pool. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The rooms themselves are wonderful, clean, and spacious with marble fittings and views across the ocean, and the amenities are world-class. A saltwater lagoon pool is best explored with some snorkel gear or a sea scooter, all hireable from the on-site sports kiosk, plus there’s a waterslide and multiple spas.

Several dining spaces can also be found including Citrique Restaurant, where a lavish buffet breakfast is served, and Misono, where beautifully prepared Japanese cuisine is enjoyed in style. There’s also bike hire, a fitness centre, and a tennis court to keep boredom at bay.

There are plenty of spaces to sit and rest after a day of exploring. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

5. Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise

Price: $$$

Knockout ocean views from every corner of Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise’s glossy, contemporary beachfront apartments provide enviable Surfers Paradise accommodation right on the suburb’s famed esplanade. The hotel, built within a 77-level skyscraper, offers one, two and three-bedroom stays suitable for families of all shapes and sizes.

Large kitchens and laundry facilities feature throughout, as do luxurious spa baths, balconies and living areas to help dial up the high life even more. Dip your toes in the hotel’s outdoor pool, perfectly situated to provide even more of those legendary vistas, and there’s a spa and sauna, gym, and steam room to keep you pampered. Hyde Paradiso is also located on-site, offering a menu that pays tribute to the rich Mediterranean lifestyle so expect tapas packed with flavour and too-easy-to-devour cocktails.

Soak in ocean views from your room.

6. Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences

Price: $$$

Yet another standout skyrise offering unbelievably gorgeous waterfront views across the Pacific Ocean, or hinterland glimpses if you’re on the other side of the tower, Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences is a great pick for travelling families, corporates, and couples. The Surfers Paradise accommodation features rooms across levels three to 15, ranging from studio-style Guest Rooms and larger Deluxe Rooms to Executive Rooms and King Rooms or Suites.

Enjoy beachfront dining straight from your room at Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

The glitzier picks provide access to an exclusive Executive Lounge, offering complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, evening sundowners and canapes. Inside the rooms, expect minimal frills and elegant finishes as the spaces allow those natural wonders to provide the ultimate decor. Four swimming pools can also be found on level two, which is known as The Deck and plays home to a spa and bar serving light snacks plus signature cocktails. Two other dining areas are located on-site, plus there’s 24/7 room service and a fitness centre to burn off all your indulgences.

Lounge by the poolside with a cocktail in hand. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

7. Jewel residence

Price: $$$$$

Dying for a peek at those non-hotel floors in The Langham? Thank your lucky stars because a three-bedroom Jewel residence, one of the exquisite residential apartments managed by the hotel, is sticking out like a glistening thumb.

Indulge in a much-needed staycation at the Jewel residence.

The interiors alone are gasp-worthy, with European-designed furniture and artworks offering an elegant yet edgy feel to the breathtaking fit-out, and then there’s the giant tub in the bathroom, positioned against a glass wall so you can keep your eyes glued to those million-dollar views, and a dining space which runs right up against glass panes allowing sunshine to flood limitlessly.

Soak in the giant tub.

The Surfers Paradise accommodation also provides access to the Jewel’s facilities including two swimming pools, a gym, and a cinema, plus there’s a concierge to run you through all the details including how to work the state-of-the-art marble kitchen. An incredible space for groups or older families (bringing babies wouldn’t be smart given the ritzy decorative pieces and materials), you’re also moments away from the stellar dining options available at The Langham Hotel.

Experience refined elegance at the Jewel.

8. qtQT

Price: $$$$

Another newer build to get excited about is qtQT, a collection of six tiny house-inspired cabins found on the rooftop of QT Gold Coast. The personality-packed stays measure in at just under 16-square-metres each, offering enough room for a king-size bed fitted with soft sheets from Burleigh Heads brand I Love Linen, plus board games, a minibar, cute bathrobes, candles, a tablet-to-order room service from, and further spoils.

Live your cabin dream at qtQT.

Stepping outside into a communal space – a great spot for a gourmet picnic which the team can provide – there’s also a fire pit plus free weekend yoga and Pilates classes to get amongst, and you’ll also have access to the wider hotel’s impressive facilities. A romantic pick for couples looking to switch off, or singles in the mood to meet someone new, this Surfers Paradise accommodation oozes the hotel brand’s signature cool.

Chill out in a rooftop hammock.

9. QT Gold Coast

Price: $$$

While the chain’s cosy cabins are very sweet, families and couples on the hunt for round-the-clock action best investigate a stay at the OG; the QT Gold Coast, offering 293 rooms and one helluva hotel pool. The Surfers Paradise accommodation spills over with loud prints and pops of vibrant colour, whirling up unmistakably upbeat holiday vibes from the moment you step foot inside the foyer.

Laze around the stunning pool at QT Gold Coast. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

The rooms are luxe without losing character, filled with Missoni bathrobes and Kevin Murphy toiletries, and it’s much the same at The Spring, the hotel’s famous pool space with cabanas offering bottle service to mirror those inside Cavill Avenue’s finest nightclubs.

This glamorous hotel is popping with vibrant colours. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

When stomachs growl, it’s time to explore one of the hotel’s lively eateries including Stingray, a haven for South American and Californian flair and flavours, plus Yamagen, cooking up authentic Japanese. Furthermore, the hotel is dog-friendly, so your furry bestie won’t miss out on any of the festivities.

Be mesmerised by its chic interior. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

10. Wyndham Hotel Surfers Paradise

Price: $$

Offering comfortable self-contained apartments in the heart of the action, Wyndham Hotel Surfers Paradise is split into one and two-bedroom lodgings.

Have a rejuvenating weekend at Wyndham Surfers Paradise Spa.

The Surfers Paradise accommodation is a reliable, centrally located choice for families, and you’ll find it’s often booked up well before a school holiday period strikes. The rooms are simple and clean, but you’ll find everything you need to keep your clan happy.

Balconies, coffee-making facilities, full kitchens, lounge areas, TVs, and laundry facilities are all on hand, plus there’s a recreation deck fitted with barbecues and its own TV, and a heated pool, spa, gym, and a casual eatery dishing up lovely meals, strong caffeine, and alcoholic drinks. Plus, it’s tourist central on your doorstep, so expect an abundance of cafes, bars, and shops all within a stone’s throw.

The two-bedroom unit can fit couples.

11. Casa Albero via Roma Waterfront

Price: $$$$$

Book a holiday you’ll never forget at one of the country’s most theatrical homestays. The Casa Albero via Roma Waterfront mansion is an Airbnb in Surfers Paradise that has to be seen to be believed. The six-bedroom, seven-bathroom estate, which comfortably sleeps up to 12 guests, feels as though it’s been torn right off a vintage 007 film set, all grand terracotta stone mashed together with Asian-inspired interiors and set against a sparkling river.

It’s impossible to pinpoint one architectural style, and it’s even known to many locals as ‘The Flintstones’ house, but that’s where the fun lies. Animal fur rugs, bamboo vines and chunky wooden furnishings bring the drama, while an incredible lagoon pool begs to be frolicked in. It’s stately yet a little silly, providing the perfect space for grownup get-togethers, and Surfers Paradise’s central buzz is only a few minutes’ walk away.

Stay only a few minutes’ walk away from Surfers Paradise’s central buzz.

12. Beachcomber Resort

Price: $$

Affordable self-contained apartments and studios within a short stroll to the best of the suburb can be found at Beachcomber Resort, a much-loved, long-serving local within the Surfers Paradise accommodation scene. Featuring open-plan, one or two-bedroom spaces, the block is just 80 metres from the sand and a skip and a jump from Cavill Avenue’s non-stop party scene.

A mix of renovated rooms and simpler options are fitted with TVs, kitchens, balconies, washing machines, bathtubs, and free wi-fi, plus there’s an indoor and outdoor pool, heated outdoor spa, gym, games room, tennis court and barbecue area with a spacious lawn.

For more insider tips, check out our ultimate travel guide to the Gold Coast.

The post 12 of the best hotels in Surfers Paradise appeared first on Australian Traveller.

Epic exploration and action-packed theme parks are hard to resist, but sometimes, laying low is just what the doctor ordered. Boasting finessed eateries, secluded swimming spots and fun parks within the comfort of their own lodgings, Gold Coast resorts offer visitors one-stop, battery-recharging shops in the most spectacular of surroundings.

1. JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

Price: $$$$
Where: Surfers Paradise

The invitation to bask in the high life extends all the way down to ankle biters at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, where kids are spoiled just as much as grownups. As one of the most lavish Gold Coast resorts for families who love all the bells and whistles, it’s a ritzy tropical haven featuring a stand-out, white sand-frilled saltwater lagoon filled with tropical fish and waterfalls.

The chic resort exudes tropical charm. (Image: TEQ)

A waterslide and sports kiosk providing water toys and snorkels will help satisfy children even further, while sumptuous bars, restaurants and dining options including the elegant, award-winning Citrique restaurant and hearty poolside meals care of The Pool Pavilion should keep parents smiling.

The property has a lagoon pool and a fun waterslide. (Image: TEQ)

Its rooms provide marble bathrooms, sweeping views of the ocean and super soft bedding, plus you’re in the thick of Surfers’ heavily populated skyrise scene so you’re close to plenty of external dining and entertainment options. You’re also within walking distance of a small beach and parklands – not that you’ll ever need to leave.

Enjoy a mix of coastal and city views from your room. (Image: TEQ)

2. Marriott Vacation Club at Surfers Paradise

Price: $$$$
Where: Surfers Paradise

Struggling to secure a room at the glamorous JW? Look into the Marriott Vacation Club at Surfers Paradise, a slightly more relaxed resort located right next door to the JW Marriott that allows access to JW’s lagoon pool and outdoor spoils.

You’re also welcome to dine at the same stellar restaurants and bars that JW guests enjoy, only this property offers rooms fitted with kitchenettes, making it even more comfortable for families planning extended breaks.

The styling is a little more casual, too – more prints and pop colour, less marble and monochrome. Dining tables overlooking those brilliant ocean views also feature in many of the rooms, in addition to separate baths and showers, washers and dryers and sofa beds. Plus, when you are tired of sorting your own meals, 24-hour room service is a phone call away.

3. Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort

Price: $$$$
Where: Sanctuary Cove, northern Gold Coast

Right up the top of the Gold Coast, the Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort offers a calm, luxurious escape that’s only a 15-minute drive away from the Coomera and Oxenford mecca of theme parks including Movie World, Sea World and Dreamworld.

Slip into the beach-like lagoon pool. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

It’s the stuff of holiday dreams: a private, one-acre lagoon saltwater pool laced with white sand and a string of sun lounges, a second 15-metre lap pool, golf buggies, an incredible country club featuring a day spa, five tennis courts, personal training, a gym and fitness classes, not one but multiple golf courses, a kids’ club, and the Marine Village, home to shops, eateries and bars.

The restaurant has an elegant and intricate dining interior. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

The resort itself has several dining experiences of its own including The Fireplace restaurant which dishes up wood-fired showstoppers and its signature high tea on weekends.

Bask in luxury and elegance during your stay. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

The rooms and larger suites are classically styled and supremely comfortable. Featuring balconies, stocked minibars and plush beds, they’re a heavenly space to retire to after a day spent living your best life. Catering to families and lovebirds, this Gold Coast resort is always impressive.

The bedroom suite comes with a sea-view balcony. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

4. Paradise Resort Gold Coast

Price: $$
Where: Surfers Paradise

Put the kids front row and centre with a stay at Paradise Resort Gold Coast, a fantasy-filled escape for children of all ages. The activities are almost overwhelming as the team behind this Gold Coast resort goes to extreme lengths to keep little ones squealing with glee, and adults eternally grateful for the break.

Take a dip in the pool to freshen up at Paradise Resort Gold Coast.

At the centre of the property, two water parks are on hand for optimal splash time, and there’s also a lagoon pool and heated spa on site. And the good times keep rolling with an overstocked kids’ club program (pyjama party, anyone?), pamper parlour offering candy-coloured braids and jazzed-up nails, jungle gym, dunk tank, rock climbing, laser tag and so much more.

Chill on the comfy loungers in the game area.

For the grownups, there are poolside cabanas and the Poolside Cafe and Bar, electronic barbecue facilities and, at the time of publishing, a new parents’ retreat including an adults’ only pool and bar, was being built. The rooms are simple but comfortable, with the majority splashed with bright tones and bunkbeds just for kids.

Drink a cocktail in hand by the poolside.

5. Sea World Resort

Price: $$
Where: Main Beach

Be first in line when Sea World opens its doors of a morning thanks to a stay at Sea World Resort, the ridiculously convenient Gold Coast resort for families ticking theme parks off their holiday to-do lists.

Wake up to the sound of undulating waves from your Executive Suite. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

A range of studio-style rooms range from basic to executive, many fitted with private balconies or patios and each featuring clean, comfortable spaces – but who’s staying in their room when rollercoasters, hot dogs and fascinating creatures await?

The Deluxe Spa Suite is equipped with well-appointed amenities. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)Sea World access, which is offered to guests via its own exclusive entrance, is obviously this resort’s most popular perk, but there’s also the accommodation’s own collection of kid-friendly attractions including a regular meet-and-greet session with Nickelodeon characters, plus a nightly light show, water park and kids’ zone. A day spa and gym are also on-site where you can steal some me-time, and dining options include six eateries, on top of in-room dining from 11am until 11pm.

Enter Seaworld from your own exclusive entrance. (Image: TEQ)

6. Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast

Price: $$$$
Where: Main Beach

Further down the road from Sea World Resort lies the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast, one of the most exquisite Gold Coast resorts on offer, where five-star service and postcard-perfect surroundings come on tap. The Mirage Beach fronting location, and access, feels super exclusive, all while a shimmering resort pool fitted with a swim-up bar is begging for you to dip your toes in once you feel like retreating.

Enjoy direct pool access from your hotel room.

Catering to both families and couples, a collection of beautifully appointed rooms and two or three-bedroom villas feature magical views out to the ocean or across the property’s manicured gardens, coastal chic furnishings, marble bathrooms and mini refrigerators while the larger options come with their own full kitchens, open plan lounge rooms and dining areas. Five dining areas cater to guests’ every culinary desire, including that glorious Oasis Pool Bar serving up a stream of classic holiday cocktails you’ll struggle to cut off.

Savour freshly cooked seafood for lunch.

7. Royal Palm Resort

Price: $$
Where: Palm Beach

Live like a true local on the southern end of the Gold Coast, a playground for nature lovers and the picturesque home to some of the city’s most sensational cafes, restaurants, and bars. Royal Palm Resort is situated in Palm Beach and just a short walk from Pavilions Palm Beach, featuring Coles and numerous eateries, and the Palm Beach Parklands where Currumbin Beach flows into a sandy playground fitted with a fabulous, climbable pirate ship.

One of the few Gold Coast resorts down this end of the coast, it’s a laid-back lifestyle at the Royal Palm, where a 33-metre lagoon pool is decorated with sun lounges, a waterfall, and a waterslide, plus there’s a heated spa, steam room, tennis court, putting green, gym, barbecue area and kids’ games room on-site.

This place is undoubtedly geared towards the outdoors, but when families do return to their rooms, they can expect to find self-contained spaces fitted with homely, beachy décor and modern kitchens and bathrooms.

Cool off at the palm-fringed pool. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

8. Mercure Gold Coast Resort

Price: $$$
Where: Carrara

Just a 15-minute drive from the mayhem of Surfers Paradise, Mercure Gold Coast Resort can be found smack bang between two sprawling golf courses, setting the scene for a getaway guaranteed to chill you out. It’s very serene in this neck of the woods, and the subdued vibes are heightened thanks to two outdoor pools, two tennis courts, a sauna, gym, outdoor spa, and the Future Therapy Spa, the resort’s day spa.

The entrance hall already gives off a vibe of elegance and sophistication. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

If you’re not a golf nut teeing off every day, book in for one of your standard treatments before gliding into a meal at one of the on-site eateries including The Green, split into a casual bar offering beverages and light snacks, and a more formal dining area serving up modern Australian dishes.

Putter around on the golf course all day. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

A whopping 292 rooms are on offer, catering for couples, corporate travellers, families, and everyone in between, that provide either a golf course or pool vistas and are fitted with cushy beds, small refrigerators, tea and coffee-making facilities, and clean bathrooms.

Beat the Gold Coast heat with a dip in the pool. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

9. Q1 Resort & Spa

Price: $$-$$$
Where: Surfers Paradise

Gaze lazy afternoons away with unrivalled views across the region from the country’s tallest tower. The incredible Q1 Resort & Spa, located in the thick of bustling tourist central, rises 78 floors above ground level, boasting the title of the world’s tallest residential resort structure.

And the wow factors keep on coming. One, two, three and four-bedroom apartments capture the utterly extraordinary perspectives, plus each space features the slickest of interiors. Glass-enclosed balconies, fully equipped gourmet kitchens stacked with all the pots and pans your family could possibly need, spa baths, laundries, and spacious bedrooms provide the ultimate comfort.

Expect uninterrupted views of stunning coastal scenery. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

When you can peel yourself away from your lodging, there are two enormous lagoon swimming pools, steam rooms and saunas (notice the intended plural there?), an indoor heated lap pool, theatre room, barbecue facilities and a gym to get stuck into.

There’s also a teppanyaki restaurant on the ground floor, Osaka Kaiten Sushi restaurant, the SkyPoint Bistro & Bar, plus Longboards Eatery & Bar, whipping up poolside burgers and more delicious Aussie classics. Stephanies Wellness Spa, is also worth your time, featuring eight soothing treatment rooms in which to totally unwind.

Swing by the pool to cool off. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

10. Turtle Beach Resort

Price: $$$
Where: Mermaid Beach

Yet another fun-filled Gold Coast resort going above and beyond to cater for holiday-starved families, Turtle Beach Resort is a great choice for visitors who want to stay close to the around-the-clock action of Surfers Paradise while indulging the little ones.

Kids will be well entertained with the resort waterslide. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Just a five-minute drive from Surfers, this place is crammed with activities for kids, like its own amazing water park fitted with four water slides and an additional two toddler-friendly slides, the Club Turtle kids’ club, putt-putt golf, a cinema playing up to four movies per day, a basketball court and so much more.

Got some kid-free time up your sleeve? Escape the madness at the adult-only pool, or the Deck Restaurant & Bar, which also organises takeaway so you can enjoy a quiet feed in your room, eight barbecue areas, a gym and four hot tubs. One, two or three-bedroom self-contained apartments are available, featuring kitchens with dishwashers, lounge areas, balconies or private courtyards.

It’s all about casual comfort and home conveniences here. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

11. RACV Royal Pines Resort

Price: $$$$
Where: Benowa

An avid golfer, or more of a massage fan? Soak up the best of both worlds at the RACV Royal Pines Resort, located a few minutes’ drive from Surfers Paradise. This Gold Coast resort has long satisfied families hunting down chill time, offering plush stays complete with all the in-room spoils you could ask for, plus a range of activities for all ages and tastes.

Pamper yourself at One Spa. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

Studio-style rooms, plus one and two-bedroom stays cater for couples and families, and they’re fitted out with balconies, minibars, tea and coffee-making facilities. The larger rooms feature marble bathrooms and generous living areas.

The balcony overlooks towering pine trees in the area. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

There’s a 27-hole golf course ready to be played, plus eight bars and dining spaces, a waterpark, multiple tennis courts, a health club, a playground, and One Spa, the resort’s sensational day spa offering water views and an extensive range of treatments for both singles and couples.

The resort has an expansive golf course to keep you entertained. (Image: Destination Gold Coast)

12. The Langham, Gold Coast

Price: $$$$ – $$$$$
Where: Surfer’s Paradise

With a Surfer’s Paradise beachfront location and a glistening pool to die for, The Langham, Gold Coast is the perfect place to set up for a seaside getaway.

When you finally leave the sunshine, you’ll find lavish and wheelchair-friendly decors, spacious, modern and comfortable rooms and suites and an incredible view of the ocean.

Enjoy incredible views of the ocean. (Image: TEQ)

A little further away from the centre of Surfer’s Paradise, it’s better for guests hoping to remain close enough to the action while being perfectly content to relax at the hotel. With onsite dining – fine-dining Cantonese at T’ang Court, modern Australian at Akoya, sophisticated afternoon tea at Palm Court, casual beach-side dining at 26 & Sunny, or enjoy a drink at the lobby or pool bars – there’s really no need to leave, after all.

Relax by the pool until it’s time to head to one of the onsite restaurants and bars. (Image: TEQ)

Want to experience glamping on the Gold Coast? Check out our list of the best Gold Coast glamping stays.

The post 12 of the best Gold Coast resorts appeared first on Australian Traveller.

Milestone celebrations. After-work debriefs. Sun-drenched Sunday sessions. Like seagulls to hot chips, our magnetism to pubs is unbudgeable. Whether you’re in the mood for freshly poured pints overlooking the water, golden-crumbed schnittys as big as your head, catching the weekend’s sporting triumphs on super-jumbo screens or just a good quality catch-up that won’t break the bank, our favourite Brisbane pubs are just the ticket.

Here, we shine a light on the city’s gems.

1. Regatta Hotel

A Brisbane must-visit, the Regatta Hotel is a titan among the city’s pub scene, located in the scenic riverside suburb of Toowong. Entertaining locals and visitors alike since 1874, the Brisbane pub is unmissable as its white lace-iron verandas transport you to a bygone era.

The Regatta Hotel is a titan among the city’s pub scene.

Inside, take your pick from The Main Bar, The Courtyard, The Boatshed fine dining restaurant, The Walrus Club den, The Whiskey Bar, the River Road Cafe (serving your morning fix from 6:30am) and yet another space, Merle’s Bar. Wherever you choose, the vibes are unbeatable.

Make a pit stop at Regatta Hotel.

Address: 543 Coronation Drive, Toowong

2. Story Bridge Hotel

Another Brisbane icon, set right beneath the heritage-listed Story Bridge, is the Story Bridge Hotel. Hydrating patrons since its doors first opened in 1886, the Brisbane pub features a bunch of bars and an always kicking vibe, particularly in the greenery-splashed Bridge Garden where singles mingle and big-screen TVs air whatever sports are on. Sunday sessions are popular with live music staged between 2pm and 6pm, while Friday and Saturday nights bring some of the best local DJs out to spin their stuff. Thursday is Curry Night where house-made cook-ups provide the ultimate stomach lining.

Address: 200 Main Street, Kangaroo Point

3. The Lord Alfred Hotel

Got tickets to a game at Suncorp Stadium? Dropping into The Lord Alfred Hotel for a pre-game tipple (or few) is a prerequisite. Grab a schooner of your favourite brew and elbow your way through to secure a spot on the upstairs balcony.

The Lord Alfred Hotel dates back to the 1860s.

It’s great for people watching as Caxton Street down below is always action-packed. Its historical bones date back to the 1860s, making it a character-filled space (no matter where you nab a table) to indulge in $15 weekly lunch specials and, if you’re visiting mid-week, Schnitzel Mondays where everyone’s favourite pub grub goes for just $18 a plate.

This iconic Brisbane pub has desserts galore.

Address: 68 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane

4. The Normanby Hotel

Featuring one of the most fun-fuelled beer gardens in the city, The Normanby Hotel is a vibrant spot that’s always humming. Set up shop within the mammoth al fresco space or choose from its Public Bar (where all the live sporting streams), Dining Room or multiple balconies. No matter where you’re perched, this most-loved pub is a guaranteed good time. Weekly entertainment includes Wednesday trivia nights and live music from Friday to Sunday.

Address: 1 Musgrave Road, Red Hill

5. Sandgate Post Office Hotel

A bayside beauty, the Sandgate Post Office Hotel nods to its rich origins as an actual post office built in 1887.

The casual pub is housed within a former post office.

Paying tribute to its heritage, the Brisbane hot spot is consistently slick throughout its multiple alcoves, dining spaces and balconies. The kitchen nails it too, delivering both a casual bar menu and a fancier dining room menu.

On the laidback end, all your favourite pub classics (roasts, steaks, grilled meats and more) show face while the dining room is home to seafood and global-inspired fare.

Inside, you’ll find a fancy dining room.

Address: 1 Bowser Parade, Sandgate

6. Jubilee Hotel

Looking for something more sleek than sentimental? At the Jubilee Hotel in the inner city, you’ll score the best of both worlds. Built in 1887, it’s a heritage-listed haunt with an incredible history but recent years have seen it transformed into a contemporary mecca for classy (and sometimes not-so-classy) revelry.

The hotel has been transformed into a contemporary mecca.

Two levels, decked out with polished timber floors and one of the most dazzling gold bar tops this Australian Traveller writer has ever locked eyes with, house big group gatherings and intimate date nights as a stream of crafty cocktails, top-shelf booze and beautifully executed pub grab keeps the party going into the late hours.

Savour signature pub dishes on offer.

Address: 470 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley

7. The Plough Inn

No visit to South Bank is complete without a cheeky wine or pint inside The Plough Inn.

Enjoy a cold one at The Plough Inn.

The sprawling Brisbane pub spills over with infectious good vibes, encompassing a main two-level bar with an ornate balcony that overlooks the strip, a covered two-story entertainment space and further seating in the beer garden.

Nab a table in the beer garden. (Image: Vethaak Media)

No matter which day you visit, there’s always something special going on including Monday Rib Day which dishes up a full rack for $25 and live music over the weekend.

Score a classic pub meal at The Plough Inn.

Address: 29 Stanley Plaza, South Bank

8. The Rose & Crown

A grand Brisbane pub that blends its Queensland bones with English-inspired wining and dining, The Rose & Crown in South Bank is worth a pint or few. The 19th-century building, complete with lace-iron balconies, French doors, original fixtures and ornate finishes, is built with multiple areas to cosy into. Whether you’re somewhere inside, lost in a homely nook, or perched within an al fresco space, you can take your pick from a smorgasbord of beers, wines and spirits plus traditional English meals (yep, a scotch egg, a steak and Guinness pie and a ploughman’s lunch are all there). Head over on Sunday to score a Sunday roast with Yorkshire Pudding, too.

Address: 271 Grey Street, South Brisbane

9. Breakfast Creek Hotel

Blinded by a neon-lit XXXX sign? You’ve stumbled across the Breakfast Creek Hotel in Albion, located in the north-eastern suburbs of the city.

The pub is housed within a heritage building.

It’s renowned for its live footy match screenings which draw huge crowds, propelling this Brisbane pub’s ambience to soaring heights.

Pair your oysters with refreshing cocktails.

There’s a very charming Spanish-inspired beer garden, six individual bars in total and a dining menu with some of the best pub steaks in town. Make sure you also check out its selection of rum, one of the largest collections in the southern hemisphere.

Pull up a chair in the charming Spanish-inspired beer garden.

Address: 2 Kingsford Smith Drive, Albion

10. Koala Tavern

Beloved by locals, Koala Tavern is a laid-back Brisbane pub with one especially wonderful, family-friendly beer garden. Complete with a playground (every pub parent’s dream come true), the space is dressed in faux grass so kids can run around with greater ease.

Koala Tavern serves up generous plates.

Regular events include Trivia Thursday and live music on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. And, arguably most importantly, is the meals are abundantly served and always finessed.

Indulge in the triple chocolate brownie with caramel swirl.

Address: 36-40 Moreton Bar Road, Capalaba

11. The Glen Hotel

Get amongst the Brisbane ‘burbs with a family-friendly session at The Glen Hotel in Eight Mile Plains. An incredible outdoor play area fitted with a life-size model tractor, cubby holes and other fabulous time-suckers, will keep little ones happy while the beer garden’s very convenient vantage point helps you keep watch.

Step into the lush beer garden.

The food is always generously portioned and there’s even a cafe menu that offers a range of desserts, gelato and coffee. Everyone is endlessly sorted at this great Brisbane pub. 

The menu offers a range of pub meals, desserts, gelato and coffee.

Address: Corner Logan Road and Gaskell Street, Eight Mile Plains

12. Frogs Hollow Saloon

If you’re keen to escape scorching conditions outside, Frogs Hollow Saloon in Brisbane’s CBD is a stellar dimly lit choice. A hipster hang adored by the city’s in-the-know hospitality scene, it’s moody yet relaxed, offering an ideal sanctuary where mixology excels.

Enjoy a dram at this moody haunt. (Image: Mitch Lowe)

A little bit country (don’t miss the whiskey range) and a whole lot of fun, it’s a late-night gem to mix with the coolest of kids.

The whisky den resides in a century-old warehouse. (Image: Mitch Lowe)

Address: 26 Charlotte Street, Brisbane

13. QA Hotel

It mightn’t look like much from the outside but the QA Hotel, also known as the Queens Arms Hotel, is a historical Brisbane pub with plenty to fall for. Built in 1884, it’s in fact one of the oldest surviving pubs in the area.

Cosy up in one of he booths.

It’s been spruced up multiple times since its arrival, and the current iteration is a warm and contemporary space with touches of exposed brick and timber in various shades of chocolate.

Grab a hearty burger.

Fill your belly with an extensive menu of pizzas, pastas, burgers, grilled meats, salads and starters and keep spirits high with, well, spirits, shaken and stirred to pastel-hued perfection.

Address: 64 James Street, New Farm

14. The Pineapple Hotel

Lovingly dubbed ‘The Piney,’ Kangaroo Point’s Pineapple Hotel is a rowdy Brisbane institute that’s always entertaining. Family-owned and family-friendly, the hot spot is the place to visit if you’re on your way to The Gabba stadium as it’s less than a ten-minute walk from the venue. Other drawcards include live music on Saturday night, live screenings of every footy match imaginable and Trivia Tuesday.

Address: 706 Main Street, Kangaroo Point

15. The Transcontinental Hotel

Right across the road from Roma Street Station, The Transcontinental Hotel is an outstanding place for after work drinks.

Pop by The Transcontinental Hotel for an after work drink.

The heritage-listed beauty, built in 1888, features multiple bars in addition to a beer garden and dining hall, and each space is roomy enough to house your gathering without feeling as though you’re on top of other groups.

Indulge in the peri peri chicken burger.

Expect beautifully executed classics including chicken parmie, steaks and burgers, on the menu, as well as internationally inspired small plates.

Even the small plates are beautifully executed.

Address: 482 George Street, Brisbane

Now discover the best restaurants in Brisbane to try now.

The post 15 of the best Brisbane pubs to kick back in appeared first on Australian Traveller.

There’s a reason why the children’s novel, The Secret Garden, remains enchanting more than a century beyond its release. To glimpse an unspoiled world, cloaked in flourishing plant life and elusive wildlife that evidently tend to themselves, evokes a timeless curiosity in what lies beneath.

In pursuit of these natural havens during every Aussie adventure, we’ve rounded up our top picks for you to hunt down yourself. From spectacular seasonal blooms to unexpected surprises, the country’s best secret gardens connect you to nature in extraordinary style.

1. Wendy’s Secret Garden, NSW

A totally immersive art gallery, Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden on Sydney’s north shore is practically spiritual. One of Australia’s best “hidden” gems, the garden is the scrupulous handwork of Wendy Whiteley, wife of late artist Brett Whiteley, and it flows with every imaginable shade of green.

Dotted through the space, which is set on a steep hill that rolls down to Sydney Harbour, are sculptures and many other endearing artefacts. Once you reach the garden’s centre, you’ll also find chairs and benches to be perched upon as you soak up the wonderment. Bird baths, cherubs, an ancient wheelbarrow and a metal fountain from the late Margaret Olley, another iconic Sydney artist, await amid a manicured mass of palms, shrubs and trees.

Wendy’s Secret Garden flows with every imaginable shade of green. (Image: Destination NSW)

Best time to visit: Spring opens the spines of the garden’s Doryanthese excelsa, a Sydney native, to flower.
Price: Free.
Address: Lavender Street, Lavender Bay

2. Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, Vic

The Dandenong Ranges, right next to Victoria’s Yarra Valley, is renowned for its outdoor hijinks and stellar dining, but have you explored its secret garden? The Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens is a historical site, once the actual garden of the three-storey Burnham Beeches mansion, and walking paths direct you through the tranquillity.

Be soothed by the garden’s lake as you explore an old boathouse and picnic areas. Vivid colour displays bounce off a mecca of ferns, orchids, mountain ash trees and other glorious flora and fauna.

The Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens is a historical site.

Best time to visit: During autumn when leaves change colour.
Price: Free.
Address: Sherbrooke Road, Sherbrooke

3. Bonsai House, Qld

Nestled within the ever-popular Brisbane Botanic Gardens lies a secret garden often overlooked. Bonsai House is exactly what it sounds like, a space dedicated to the ancient Japanese art of growing miniature trees in pots, and inside you’ll be floored by the delicate little creations on show.

One of the country’s largest collections of bonsai displays, this secret garden shines a light on the species that thrive in a subtropical climate, spanning figs, azaleas and other varieties, with some living and breathing for more than 80 years.

Bonsai House is nestled within the Brisbane Botanic Gardens.

Best time to visit: All year round.
Price: Free.
Address: Within the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, 152 Mount Coot-Tha Road, Mount Coot-tha

4. Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul, SA

It’s not so secret these days but the Limestone Coast’s remarkable garden within a sinkhole is certainly a surprise to uncover. The Umpherston Sinkhole, a giant hole in the ground that’s overgrown with greenery, is breathtaking, complete with swaying vines, leafy walls and flowers planted in topsoil across the sinkhole’s base.

To pretty it all up further, seats and a barbecue area are down there too, making it one of the most unusual spots to connect to nature in all of South Australia.

Umpherston Sinkhole is one of the most photographed locations in Mount Gambier. (Image: Jaxon Foale)

Best time to visit: All year round.
Price: Free.
Address: Jubilee Highway E, Mount Gambier

5. Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden, Tas

Bask in the beauty of vividly hued rhododendron blooms, which turn various shades of the rainbow, at Tasmania’s Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden. More than 24,000 plants have been planted across 11 hectares in the city of Burnie in northwest Tassie, with the prettiest sights set against a beautiful pond.

You might even spot an echidna or platypus around the place as native critters are known to frequent the stunning secret garden. A cafe is also on-site to help rehydrate eager explorers.

Tasmania’s Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden has more than 24,000 plants. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Best time to visit: Mid-September to mid-November.
Price: $15 per adult.
Address: 55 Breffny Road, Romaine

6. Cactus Country, Vic

Swap leafy greenery for prickly succulents at Cactus Country in regional Victoria, right near the Victoria-New South Wales border. Australia’s largest cactus farm, fittingly plonked in the middle of nowhere and clocking in at 0.8 hectares in size, is home to more than 1000 cacti varieties.

Eight trails take you through the entire lot while an elevated lookout offers the ultimate Instagram backdrop.

Cactus Country, Australia’s largest cactus farm, is fittingly plonked in the middle of nowhere.

Best time to visit: All year round.
Price: $22.50 per person.
Address: 4986 Murray Valley Highway, Strathmerton

7. Holberry House Sculpture Walk, WA

You may have visited Western Australia’s historic Holberry House, located in Nannup, but its glorious lower gardens, scattered with sculptures, are often overlooked. Crafted by local communities, the series of artworks often incorporate natural materials and look striking against the beautifully maintained space.

Pull up a garden chair and take your time as the calming surroundings put you at one with this picturesque corner of town.

Take your time exploring the Holberry House Sculpture Walk. (Image: Frances Andrijich)

Best time to visit: All year round.
Price: $4 per person.
Address: 14 Grange Road, Nannup

8. Moonta Bay Secret Garden, SA

You won’t believe what you step into when you find the Secret Garden in South Australia’s Moonta Bay. Wander down the Kemp Place walkway to enter a breathtaking lookout over the foreshore as manicured shrubs, vivid blooms and soft, fluffy lawn create an ethereal scene.

Make like savvy locals do and pack a picnic as there are several shaded spots to take advantage of and the garden is protected from coastal wind.

Have a picnic at Moonta Bay Secret Garden.

Best time to visit: All year round.
Price: Free.
Address: Kemp Place, Moonta Bay, Yorke Peninsula

9. Lisgar Gardens, NSW

Journey to suburban Sydney – West Hornsby to be precise – to discover the beautiful Lisgar Gardens, home to almost 100 varieties of the striking camellia. While their scent is intoxicating, there are also three picture-perfect waterfalls to marvel at as you explore 2.6 hectares of secret gardens.

Native ferns and trees also gather in the peaceful space, while several fishponds, a gazebo, spacious lawns, picnic tables and a rainforest walk are also ready to be discovered.

Lisgar Gardens is home to almost 100 varieties of the striking camellia. (Image: Captured by Kirri)

Best time to visit: The camellias flourish in full colour between April and September.
Price: Free.
Address: Lisgar Road, Hornsby

10. Featherston Gardens, ACT

Once part of the Canberra Institute of Technology School of Horticulture, Featherston Gardens in Canberra is a tranquil space maintained by volunteers along Weston Creek.

Eucalypt woodlands, a storybook-esque pond, native plants, gazebos and shelters can be found throughout the 3.5-hectare sanctuary. A series of paths lead you through the highlights, however simply strolling through any section will spark a heightened sense of glee.

Best time to visit: Autumn, as tree leaves change through miraculous colour.
Price: Free.
Address: Heysen Street, Weston

The post 10 secret gardens in Australia you need to see in full bloom appeared first on Australian Traveller.

Quirky decor, legendary cocktails and an air of exclusivity the bigger hitters couldn’t possibly replicate. The hidden bars of Sydney offer sexy sanctuaries, and half the fun comes in trying to spot them. Playing home to a truly local crowd of after-dark revellers, our favourite secret spots are worth your efforts. Presenting your access-all-areas ticket to every one of them.

1. Cantina OK!

Price: $$$

Best for: Mezcal and experimental cocktail lovers

Mezcal is the word at this tiny haunt housed in a small garage in a Sydney laneway. Cantina OK! claims to make the best margaritas in Sydney—a huge call for a city known for its love of spicy margs— and we can’t argue with it.

While there’s only space for ~20 patrons, the vibes and flavours are big.

If you know nothing about the spirit, you’ll walk away with a plethora of knowledge and a newfound appreciation for agave after a night here. While there’s only space for ~20 patrons, the vibes and flavours are big. The team go on Mexican sojourns to source the finest mezcal for tastings and concocting seriously inventive and playfully presented cocktails like the Hanoi Highball!—a beautiful mixture of mezcal, ginseng, rhubarb, and hot mint.

This tiny bar specialises in rare spirits. (Image: Dexter Kim)

Address: Council Pl, Sydney NSW

2. Love, Tilly Devine

Price: $$$

Best for: Date nights and oenophiles.

Named after the infamous organised crime boss, Tilly Devine, this Darlinghurst wine bar is aptly located down what appears to be a shady laneway. But the vibes within this inner-city haunt couldn’t be further from that.

Cosy and welcoming, this charming two-level space is a favourite amongst locals who appreciate sophisticated wine and snacks. The ever-changing European-inspired menu offers tasty snacks such as French onion dip with salted cucumber and Olasagasti with anchovy, sourdough, and oxheart tomato, which can be perfectly paired with any of the 300 wines on offer.

Come for a relaxed post-work tipple, a charming date night, or follow their socials to find out when their next takeover is where they partner with a food or wine company to create a unique experience for the night.

This cosy spot is perfect for date nights or an after-work vino.

Address: 91 Crown Ln, Darlinghurst

3. Disco Pantera

Price: $$$

Best for: Date nights and nostalgia seekers.

The 70s trend isn’t going anywhere with recently-opened Disco Pantera adding a dose of cool to the CBD’s bar scene. Scottish-born brothers Ross and Gordon Purnell took cues from 1970s New York, injecting disco flair into both the design choices and menu of this laneway bar.

The lively space features vintage lighting and deadstock tiles. (Image: Disco Pantera)

Sit down at one of the vibrant blue leather seats and sip on imaginative cocktails such as the Alpine Sazerac with VSOP pine mastica Orris root and anise, and the Chimichurri Margarita with Casamigoes, mezcal, herbs and citrus. Meanwhile, the DJ spins groovy tunes to set the vibe.

The highlight tipple is the ‘Pantera Creaming Soda’; a funky take on milk punch with a hint of essential oil that evokes the scent of disco-era colognes.

The Yuzu Ramos with Tanqueray, sake yuzu-cello. (Image: Disco Pantera)

When you’re ready to move on, the party kicks on downstairs at sibling venue Tigra. This vibrant wine bar takes inspiration from the laneways of Barcelona and Tokyo, so expect world-class Catalan-meets-Japanese bites and drinks.

4. Eau de Vie

Price: $$$$

Best for: Inventive cocktails

Nestled in the basement of a heritage 1930s Georgian revival building, Eau de Vie is a jazz-infused speakeasy that will transport you to 1920s America. Translating to “water of life”, this drinking den’s menu pays homage to some of the characters you may have come across during the Prohibition era such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Dorothy Parker.

Cocktails are creative and beautifully presented. One standout is the Birth of Venus, a Botticelli-inspired creation with Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru Gin, citrus liqueur, Suze, white peach sorbet, bubbly, and white balsamic pearls.

This jazz-infused speakeasy transports you to 1920s America.

Address: Enter Via Wynyard Lane, 285 George St

5. Employees Only, Sydney’s CBD

Price: $$$

Best for: Cutting loose at after-work drinks.

From the owners of the legendary New York bar of the same name, the attention to detail at Employees Only is incredible. From top-notch staff and ultra-swish interior design to the fabulous drinks, snacks and dinner menu, it’s all outstanding. There are even lockers to recharge your devices. To find its entrance, look for the red neon ‘Psychic’ sign and head down the opulent black and golden staircase to the tarot card reader before turning right.

Settle in among the cool crowd, get pampered by the staff, visit the resident psychic and jump up for spontaneous boogies when burlesque dancers hit the bar top. The cocktails are all excellent including a traditional Manhattan and sweet tooths can’t go past the Amelia – Wyborowa vodka and St. Germain elderflower liqueur shaken with fresh lemon and puréed blackberries.

Drink up at Employees Only after a long day at work.

Address: 9A Barrack Street, Sydney

6. Mjølner, Redfern

Price: $$$

Best for: A get-together with friends.

Push through the hefty wooden door and head down a darkened staircase. From Norwegian-born Sven Almenning and The Speakeasy Group behind some of the country’s chicest small bars, this Viking-inspired bar is like a decadent, secret cave. Mjølner references the hammer of Thor, the Norse god of thunder, and the decorations include replica Viking swords and weapons. If you look carefully, a skeletal hand of a victim may even pop out of a corner.

Candles, wooden seating and brick walls merge classy contemporary with a Nordic niche. And while there’s a restaurant, the speakeasy bar entirely satisfies alone with over 400 whiskies and bar snacks including a delicious cured salmon and an intense roast bone marrow. Ask one of the bartenders to mix you up a Battle Axe V3 with woodchip-infused Dewars scotch, maple and shiraz reduction and bitters.

Address: 267 Cleveland Street, Redfern

7. Bobbies, Double Bay

Price: $$$$

Best for: Date night drinks before dinner or a post-lunch tipple.

Cocktail bar and intimate music venue, Bobbie’s is bringing life to Double Bay. Opened by renowned chef and restauranteur Neil Perry, the haunt pays homage to Australian hall-of-fame disc jockey, Bob Rogers and a life lived during the golden era of Rock n Roll.

Head downstairs at Gaden House and indulge in a menu that celebrates martinis, alongside a selection of riffs on classics and aperitivi.

Sip on sophisticated cocktails. (Image: Petrina Tinslay)

Address: 28 Bay St, Double Bay

8. Stich Bar

Price: $$

Best for: Inventive cocktail catchups with pals.

A classy cocktail bar meets a classic American diner at this hidden bar in Sydney, just up from a seamstress shopfront. Head past the sewing machines and downstairs to find it. There are tables, booths with old newspaper clippings as wallpaper, candles and also a private room. Stitch Bar is good to either get cosy in one of the many darkened corners or banter with locals and staff at the bar. Try their delicious Maple & Ash, a smoky and sweet blend that comes with a side of pork crackling.

Address: 61 York Street, Sydney

9. Door Knock

Price: $$

Best for: Crafty takes on classic cocktails.

It’s cosy and cute without being in any way claustrophobic, rather like being in a chic holiday house of a friend’s complete with a fireplace, rugs, couches and lamps. Door Knock‘s mojitos are dang tasty and there’s also a good selection of natural wines.

Walk down the stairs at number 70 and along the long, dark corridor. At the end, you’ll find a door. Knock three times on the brass pineapple…

Address: B2, 70 Pitt Street, Sydney.

10. The Doss House

Price: $$$

Best for: Whiskey lovers stinging for the good stuff.

At this sexy old-world whisky and cocktail bar from Irish ex-pats Colm O’Neill and Eoin Daniels, suits and tourists coolly collide. But first, you’ve got to find it. There’s a sign out the front of The Doss House but it looks like it’s for a clothing boutique. Trust us and walk through the building and out the back then turn right and head down the outdoor stairs.

Once you’re there, you’ll see leather couches, candles, old books to browse and a Chinese opium room (sans opium) inspired by the history of the 1844 building. On the weekends, there’s even live music. Once thirst sets in, it’s hard to go past the house speciality. Whiskey even gets its own menu, grouped by regions of origin and also arriving in the shape of beautiful whiskey flights.

The Doss House offers whiskey with a way of stirring your senses. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 77/79 George Street, The Rocks

11. The Swinging Cat

Price: $$

Best for: Great tunes and great get-togethers.

Inspired by New Orleans’ French Quarter, The Swinging Cat is decked out with wooden floors, low couches, cushions and some greenery. To find it isn’t easy though. At ankle height, the windows go either unnoticed or seem to reveal a tiny venue not worth investigating but head towards the Subway fast food joint and turn left down the stairs.

Blues music provides a killer backing for inspired conversations with dates or friends. All it misses for total transportation is a live Dixieland or blues band. Don’t miss The Royale for a hit of sweetness. Vodka, white chocolate liquor, passionfruit, vanilla, egg white and lemon.

Grab a drink with your mates at The Swinging Cat.

Address: 44 King Street, Sydney

12. Old Mate’s Place

Price: $$$

Best for: A first date.

Take the lift to the fourth floor at 199 Clarence Street, smile at the security guy and say ‘old mate’ to him. He’ll appreciate the effort and it will get you through the front doors of Old Mate’s Place. Inside, you’ll spy a large room with dramatically high ceilings, old books and memorabilia, hanging plants, chandeliers and candles.

More often than not, it’s going to be in full swing. If you’re early, head up to the small rooftop to grab a table to enjoy the city skyline. On a quieter hour of the night, get cosy on a couch and browse the bookshelf. The cocktail list is ever-evolving however a rum and coconut is never a bad idea.

See the city from the rooftop, or get cosy inside Old Mate’s.

Address: Level 4/199 Clarence Street, Sydney

13. The Cumberland, Manly

Price: $$

Best for: An exceptional change of scenery on the other side of the Harbour Bridge.

Don’t you love the hidden bars of Sydney that really make you work for them? The Cumberland is one of them. Shielded by a fridge door inside a gorgeous duck egg blue painted bodega-style deli, this place is the northern beaches’ best covert watering hole by far.

Head downstairs to the underground drinking den. (Image: The Cumberland)

Walk down the stairs and step inside an incredible fit-out of rich timbers, antique furnishings and touches of marble. There are more than 250 whiskeys to select from, great beers and wines, excellent Champagnes and delicious classic and contemporary cocktails. Explore the ‘Foraged & Found’ portion of the cocktail list for ingredients sourced directly from Manly and its surrounds.

Choose from a wide range of cocktails at The Cumberland.

Address: 17-19 Central Avenue, Manly

14. Earl’s Juke Joint, Newtown

Price: $$

Best for: Party vibes and superb thirst-quenchers.

Talk about good vibes. When we visit Earl’s Juke Joint late on a Friday night, the tables are full and there’s barely any space to stand, even away from the bar. It’s pumping and exactly what a night out in the inner west should look like. Step inside the ‘Betta Meats’ butcher on King Street and brace yourself for expertly shaken concoctions, beers and ciders everyone should be drinking and solid wines. But it’s all about those cocktails and the Bam Bam is a goodie. Blending rum, Brazilian banana liqueur, the deeply complex Amaro Montenegro Liqueur, citrus, coconut-banana foam and other wizardry, it’s dead-set a holiday in your mouth.

Head to Earl’s Juke Joint early to make sure you will get a seat. (Image: Christopher Pearce)

Address: 407 King Street, Newtown

15. Papa Gedes Bar

Price: $$

Best for: An after-work drink before you run for the train.

If the pirate’s life is for you, head straight to Papa Gedes Bar, a cocktail bar specialising in rum and inspired by its namesake voodoo spirit of lust and laughter. What more could you want from a night on the tiles? Find the rocky stoned laneway and look for a candlelit darkened room.

Inside, cocktails are worth exploring in detail if only to marvel at their labels (Sloe News Day is particularly clever). Rest assured, they taste plenty good, too. Food-wise, there are cheap and cheerful spreads and snacks including a traditional ploughman’s platter and spicy pork crackling.

Spice up your night with some rum at Papa Gede’s Bar. (Image: Destination NSW0

Address: 348 Kent Street, Sydney

16. Alice, The Rocks

Price: $$$

Best for: Pre-dinner or post-dinner drinks somewhere fancy.

With the slickest of street cred in its corner, Alice, from the team behind Rockpool Bar & Grill and Spice Temple, is a sophisticated hidden bar in Sydney, unlike the rest. Enter through the unmarked gates of the former bond stores on the cobblestoned bit of Argyle Street and head down the dramatic stairs.

Sit back on the velvety couch at Alice, The Rocks. (Image: TFPhoto)

Velvet booths and other plush fabrics, marble and gold accents, rich timber beams and its own VIP area ooze old Hollywood glamour. However, the drinks are fresh and the food is from the guys working with those aforementioned restaurants so expect seriously spectacular spoils. An Alice Spritz, shaking aromatised wine, prosecco and blackberry shrub together, leads a stellar list of boozy creations while Japanese-inspired snacks and pizzas roll out of the kitchen.

Relax with a drink in hand. (Image: TFPhoto)

Address: 16 Argyle Street, The Rocks

Now discover the best restaurants in Sydney.

Originally written by Kristie Lau-Adams with updates by Rachael Thompson.

The post 16 hidden bars in Sydney you need to discover appeared first on Australian Traveller.

While most head to populated beaches to cool off when the weather warms up, we have a few under-the-radar alternatives for those seeking something a little more secluded when they bash ‘swimming near me’ into their phone of a sun-soaked morning. Whether you’re a local or planning on visiting the Harbour City, here you’ll find the best swimming spots in Sydney – but make sure to keep them to yourself!

1. North Curl Curl Rockpool, North Curl Curl

A hidden gem of the Northern Beaches and one of the most secluded swimming spots in Sydney, this 25m rockpool is an idyllic spot for a splash.

There’s a rock formation in the middle of the pool, so it’s not recommended for lap swimmers—though it is possible—but it’s a great location for fish spotting and cooling off on warm summer days.

You can access the pool via the beach during low tide, and via the coastal walk during high tide.

(Image: Destination NSW)

2. Wylie’s Baths, South Coogee

You may be familiar with the popular pool that flanks the Surf Life Saving Club on the South side of Coogee Beach. You might also be familiar with the McIver’s Ladies Baths – a women’s-only ocean refuge hidden in the cove a little further up.

But Wylie’s Baths is a little more discreet. It’s one of Sydney’s oldest and most beautiful tidal pools but it’s overlooked by many Coogee-goers for sandier pastures. We can’t imagine why. The blue and orange panelling just screams coastal vintage – as do the crowds of retirees found bathing here at all times of the week.

Wylie’s Baths showcase the most breathtaking tidal pools in Sydney. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Dawn Fraser Baths, Balmain

Inner Westies have grown up swimming down at ‘Dawny’ longer than any other pools in the city. The Dawn Fraser Baths in Balmain were built in the 1880s, making it the oldest pool and swimming club in the country.

Open during the spring and summer months, its most recent facelift was unveiled in 2021 and weekend crowds are still thicker than ever, cementing it as one of the best swimming spots in Sydney.

Paying homage to champion swimmer Dawn Fraser, the glorious tidal saltwater pool is located at the base of Elkington Park, offering netted harbour dips, a small beach perfect for little ones, a kiosk and plenty of unshaded restored decking to sloth upon.

Cool off at Dawn Fraser Baths. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Greenwich Baths, Greenwich

You’ll smell the hot chips laced with chicken salt before you even reach this secret swimming spot in Sydney’s North Shore, which rolls out a string of true-blue kiosk classics as city views twinkle in the distance.

Greenwich Baths consists of a small patch of sand complete with kids’ toys and netted swimming during the warmer months if you can secure some space, or one of the VIP sun loungers.

You’ll need to get right to the tip of Greenwich Point to find the place. There’s a bit of street parking but if the sun’s cranking ditch the car and hop on a train to Wollstonecraft Station.

Have a refreshing dip in the Greenwich Baths. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Kutti Beach, Vaucluse

You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d been given the wrong directions to Kutti Beach in Vaucluse as literal coastal holes in the wall are pretty hard to come by. Nestled at the end of Wharf Road, Kutti is accessible by a narrow set of stairs between a beach box and a white picket fence.

Most people who come to this hidden harbor oasis, hands down one of the best swimming spots in Sydney, are locals, many of whom have houses backing onto the sand. It’s also a popular dog beach for the area, so don’t be surprised if you see one paddling next to you while you’re taking a dip.

6. Great Mackerel Beach, Northern Beaches

While a little harder to get to than many of its listicle counterparts, Great Mackerel Beach more than rewards those who make the journey.

Go kayaking on Mackerel Beach, Pittwater. (Image: Andrew Gregory; Destination NSW)

To access this truly secluded paradise, one must make the journey to the far more populated Palm Beach. Once there, book a ferry or water taxi to this very best swimming spot in Sydney.

After a glacial ten minutes by boat, you’ll find a place with no roads, no cars, patchy internet access, extensive bush walks, impossibly beautiful waters and just 40 permanent residents. All this, just 43 kilometres from the city.

Bask in tranquility with the rolling waves on Mackerel Beach, Pittwater. (Image: Andrew Gregory; Destination NSW)

7. Maccallum Pool, Cremorne Point

Take your phone to the pool with you when you’re taking a dip — the views at this unbelievable swimming spot are pure world-class and you’ll want to capture them.

Bathe yourself in Maccallum Seawater Pool, Cremorne Point. (Image: Destination NSW)

Located on the western end of Cremorne Point, Maccallum Pool is perched right on Sydney Harbour and you can spy the Harbour Bridge and Opera House from every angle. Better still, there’s 33 metres of water to be swum plus it’s open all year round which means it doubles as a million-dollar picnic spot no matter the season.

Witness the sun rising over Sydney Harbour at Maccallum Seawater Pool, Cremorne Point. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Resolute Beach, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

The Resolute Track, located in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a sight to behold. Not only will it take you to two major Indigenous sites and incredible Aboriginal rock art, but it also leads to the secluded Resolute Beach – a small stretch of sand flanked by bushland, calm water and practically nobody else.

Soak in the emerald-green waters of Resolute Beach, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

A swim in the emerald green water will grant panoramic views of Barrenjoey Headland and Pittwater. For an even more exclusive experience, check out the neighbouring West Head Beach.

Enjoy some alone time at Resolute Beach, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

9. Jellybean Pool, Glenbrook

Leave your car at the Glenbrook Information Centre and start the short journey downhill to Jellybean Pool , passing lush foliage and sandstone cliffs along the way.  Once you’re well and truly warmed up, you’ll be more than deserving of a dip in the calm waters.

Many veterans bring lilos to help them lounge the day away, too. Alternatively, bring a picnic blanket for one of the sandy patches, or lie back in the shady gumtrees at one of the best swimming spots located just over an hour out of the city.

Lay your picnic blanket on the sand at Jellybean Pool, Glenbrook. (Image: Andrew Fysh)

10. Bents Basin State Conservation Area, Greendale

A popular spot for camping and fishing, Bents Basin State Conservation Area is also an accessible, beautiful swimming option. Housed in a well-established National Park, spend your day lazing on inflatables, paddling to your heart’s content or jumping off a popular four-metre rock face.

While there isn’t much of a beach in the traditional sense, there are certainly spots to sit and lounge. We suggest bringing your own towel or picnic blanket to make a day out of one of the best swimming spots in Sydney, right near Penrith and Camden.

The water flows from Bents Basin into the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

11. Clifton Gardens, Mosman

If you can navigate the windy hills and narrow roads of deep Mosman, you’ll come across beautiful Clifton Gardens, a secluded beach, picnic area and playground in Sydney’s North Shore. A netted portion of Sydney Harbour provides calm and scenic swimming conditions, making it a huge hit with parents and toddlers.

There’s also a jetty where older kids love to launch off from and there’s a section that allows for dogs to frolic off-leash so make sure you arrive early – it’s a local favourite.

Go frolicking on the beach at Clifton Gardens, Mosman. (Image: Wilford Peloquin)

12. Prince Alfred Pool, Surry Hills

While Brisbane has its own inner-city cool-down zone, Streets Beach, Sydney proper boasts the equally idyllic Prince Alfred Park Pool. Housed next to Central station within Prince Alfred Park, the 50-metre lap pool is designed to match its surroundings so well that if you’re passing from the road, you may never spot it.

This iconic facility also offers beaming overhead sun, a toddler splash pad and a large, shaded area. On weekends, it comes alive with swimmers and unwinders from all demographics, happily sharing this urban oasis cleverly sheltered from the outside world.

Swim to your heart’s content in the 50-metre lap pool of Prince Alfred, Surry Hills.

13. Clarence Dam, Clarence

A truly secluded spot, you won’t find much about Clarence Dam unless it comes from the mouth of a local. A popular climbing area, the dam is good for a lazy inflatable float, low-key swim or adrenaline-filled cliff jump.

While not exclusively adults-only, the jagged cliff edges and lack of patrol don’t make for the safest of kid-friendly conditions. To get there, drive up through Clarence and turn right over crossing the bridge over the railway and past the turn off to the Clarence Colliery.

14. Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay

Scoot up New South Head Road towards Rose Bay from Double Bay and you’ll spy a gorgeous old sandstone building, the Woollahra Municipal Council. But the real delight lies beyond its steep staircase down towards the shore.

Murray Rose Pool is a great place to unwind. (Image: Destination NSW)

Murray Rose Pool, formerly Redleaf Pool, is a tidal enclosure popular amongst the city’s most beautiful people. As million-dollar yachts bobble against the city skyline, tranquil swimming conditions attract young families, serious sunbakers and chilled locals, making the whole experience beyond glamorous. There’s a great kiosk as you climb your way back up the stairs to reward the thirsty work you’ll put in getting there.

Feel the soft sand beneath your toes at Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay. (Image: Destination NSW)

15. Collins Flat Beach, Manly

Manly is world renowned for many of its nirvana-like swimming havens. Surprisingly, however, Collins Flat Beach isn’t one of them. With scenic harbour views and a location nestled between beautiful North Head and Little Manly Cove, you’ll wonder why you’ve never heard of this paradise before.

There are only two car spots for parking, which makes it a bit of gamble for far-flung visitors. For those on foot, you can start your walk from Manly Beach, walking around North Head, past the equally beautiful Shelly Beach.

Collins Flat Beach is hidden away from Sydney Harbour with a beautiful waterfall. (Image: Goran Has)

16. Store Beach, Manly

If Collins Flat isn’t secluded enough for your liking, this neighbouring beach may be up your alley. Store Beach is only accessible by water, meaning you’ll need to find a kayak or boat if you want to get there. The former can be hired in Manly’s tourist-heavy town centre.

Pack lunch, water and plenty of sunscreen before making the journey. You’ll feel like you’re on your own desert island here at one of the best swimming spots in Sydney.

Store Beach is a paradise on its own. (Image: Destination NSW)

17. Bungan Beach, Newport

While Bungan Beach doesn’t lack anything in scale (it’s 600-metres in length) it does lack in visitors. This might have something to do with how hard it is to get to. There’s a long, steep hill standing between you and the water, fronted by rock platforms between Bungan and Mona Vale heads.

It’s accessible via walking down the steep private driveway (at Myola Road) to the clubhouse. Due to the lack of parking, the beach is rarely crowded. Bungan is mostly populated by surfers with waves averaging about 1.5 meters high.

Admire scenic views of Mona Vale Beach across Basin Beach and Bungan Beach. (Image: Adam Krowitz)

Keep reading our epic list of things to do in Sydney for more inspiration.

The post The 17 best secret swimming spots in Sydney appeared first on Australian Traveller.

At the liveliest spots to bottomless brunch in Brisbane, creative cocktails come on tap, as do far-too-drinkable wines plus flavour-crammed food for good measure. And if that’s not enticing enough, most of them are treated to ultra-scenic vistas and epic live music. Gather your friends and leave the car at home – our list of unmissable venues demands total commitment.

1. Buns and Bubbles at Yoko Dining

Best for: classy vibes on the water

Mimosa slushie, anyone? Start Saturday right with a table at this Howard Smith Wharves hot spot, where their Buns and Bubbles session will keep the good times rolling from brunch to lunch. Drown round after round of the canary yellow cocktail (and equally delicious jugs of lychee nigori and yuzu spritz) as a banquet of Japanese classics lights up your plate.

Savour a banquet of Japanese classics with bubbles at Yoko Dining. (Image: Trent Van Der Jagt)

Think miso-glazed eggplant, ginger and soy chicken Katsu, tuna and buckwheat soba noodles and, of course, the restaurant’s pillowy steamed buns. The scene is stylish, set against the Brisbane River, so pair your most glamorous shades with a frock that rocks and prepare to kick back in style. Prices start from $85 per person for prosecco, beer and wine and you’ll need to fork out an extra $45 per person for the cocktail upgrade.

Enjoy the Buns and Bubbles session on the deck. (Image: Nikki To)

Brunch hours: Saturdays from 11.30am to 3pm and each session runs for one hour and 45 minutes.

Address: Howard Smith Wharves, 2/5 Boundary Street, Brisbane

2. Riverland

Best for: waterfront Greek with live music

Bottomless brunch in Brissie doesn’t get more scenic than this. Riverland’s Sunday menu is rolled out across its spectacular outdoor deck, offering Brisbane River proximity so close you can almost touch it. You’ll enjoy a gin spritz on arrival before a smorgasbord of wines, bubbles, juices and soft drinks take centre stage.

Wash everything down with a flavour-packed Greek-inspired three-course meal, plus, your soundtrack’s sorted as live tunes kick off from 12pm every week. It costs $79 per person.

Bottomless brunch in Brissie doesn’t get more scenic than this.

Brunch hours: Sundays from 12.30pm to 2.30pm and each session runs for two hours.

Address: 167 Eagle Street, Brisbane

3. High Tea Tapas at Iris Rooftop

Best for: epic city views

You may be a high tea aficionado, but rarely does a tower stack up like this. Travel to the top of Fortitude Valley’s boutique Hotel X to find a bottomless brunch in Brisbane unlike any other, complete with Spanish-influenced treats and a 360-degree vantage point.

Take in 360-degree city views at Fortitude Valley’s boutique Hotel X. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

At the High Tea Tapas at Iris Rooftop go for endless wines, sangria, mimosas or palomas or keep things classy with a selection of premium teas. Alternatively, you can tap out of the cocktails and tea altogether and opt for a full bottle of Taittinger.

Food-wise, you’ll savour chorizo pinchos, bruschetta, empanadas, croquettes, patatas bravas, finger sandwiches and churros with dulce de leche. A seat costs $88 per person.

The Spanish-influenced high tea is a real showstopper. (Image: Markus Ravik)

Brunch hours: Sundays from 11.30am to 3.30pm and each session runs for 1.5 hours.

Address: Atop Hotel X, 458 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley

4. Massimo Restaurant & Bar

Best for: authentic homemade pasta

Your carb fix is waiting at Massimo Restaurant & Bar, who stage three days of bottomless brunch decadence along the banks of the Brisbane River each week. Renowned across the city for nailing the authentic flavours of Italian cuisine, this place offers two banquet menus accompanied by unlimited wine, sparkling wine and beer. It’s elegant dining where traditional dishes including prosciutto e melone, cavatelli marinara and pollo al forno (baked chicken and taters) resemble artworks and the drinks are top shelf. Prices start from $99 per person.

Your carb fix is waiting at Massimo Restaurant & Bar. (Image: Markus Ravik)

Brunch hours: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 3pm and each session runs for two hours.

Address: Riverside Centre, 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane

5. MexiCali Bar Y Taqueria

Best for: a myriad of margaritas

Who’s in the mood to party? MexiCali’s Brisbane outpost (their OG Gold Coast venue at Nobby Beach is still kicking along in fine form) invites you to upgrade any meal with their bottomless drinks package, sending a steady stream of killer margaritas, beers, sangria and wines your way as DJ sets and an always electric vibe dial up the fun to full-bore. The menu includes all your favourite Mexican stalwarts including tostadas and tacos, jalapeno poppers, nachos, quesadillas and more.

Brunch hours: Saturdays and Sundays from noon however you can add a bottomless drinks package to any midweek meal too. Each package runs for 1.5 hours.

Address: 142 Oxford Street, Bulimba

6. Rita’s Bar

Best for: terrific tacos

Tucked away in the leafy streets of hipster Teneriffe, part of Brisbane’s riverside precinct is Rita’s Bar, a bottomless brunch in Brisbane that’s always bustling.

The brunch meals at Rita’s Bar are mostly gluten-free and dietary-friendly.

Score an al fresco spot street-side to soak up excellent people-watching while a free-flowing parade of margarita jugs keep you hydrated and all-you-can-eat tacos to ensure you’re up to the task.

You’ll get your pick out of slow-cooked lamb, braised beef, crispy pork belly, grilled halloumi, tempura mushroom and more for $85 per person.

Soak up the streetside atmosphere.

Brunch hours: Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 5pm (last booking at 3pm) and each session runs for two hours and 90 per cent of the food is gluten-free and dietary-friendly.

Address: 36e Vernon Terrace, Teneriffe

7. Brunch with Bite at Cloudland

Best for: drag queen deliciousness

Get your giggle on at Brunch with Bite, a long-loved brunch staged weekly at one of Brissie’s most lively entertainment venues. Hosted by the reliably hysterical Real Housewives of Drag, the session is more chilled than the booze-soaked revelry Cloudland’s better known for – but only just.

Sip on your choice of mimosa jugs, sangria jugs, Bloody Mary jugs, Canadian Club mixers and beer as Italian-inspired delicacies (house-made arancini, rich pasta, sweet treats, etc.) fill your stomach. The best bit? Adults-only performances, games, and belly laughs span the entire session. Entry costs $95 per person.

Expect Brunch with Bite to come served with a hefty serving of entertainment.

Brunch hours: Sundays from 11am to 3pm and the drinks flow freely from 11.15am to 1.15pm.

Address: 641 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

8. Tetto Rooftop Bar

Best for: holiday wanderlust

You’ll be peering down on residential Brissie rather than cobalt blue waves but the sun-drenched vibes of a Mediterranean escape are strong at Tetto Rooftop Bar. Located in the burgeoning suburb of Everton Park, this bottomless brunch hot spot delivers a variety of drinks and tasty share plates as a live DJ and swaying olive trees evoke the Euro dream. Sit back as cocktail and mocktail jugs, beer and wine help you wash down a Mediterranean-inspired menu of chicken sliders, mushroom arancini, halloumi chips and more. It costs $69 per person.

Tetto Rooftop Bar delivers a variety of drinks and tasty share plates.

Brunch hours: Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 2pm and each session runs for two hours.

Address: 1/807 Stafford Road, Everton Park

9. Fridays

Best for: those with a sweet tooth

Brace yourself for a sugar rush at Fridays on the Brisbane River, where irresistible gem-inspired cocktail jugs are delivered by the truckload at the Happy Daze bottomless lunch. It’s a party from every angle with live music, a sprawling deck and beautiful views. It’s $59 per person with a minimum of two people.

It’s a party from every angle at Fridays.

Brunch hours: Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm and each session runs for two hours.

Address: Riverside Centre, 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane

10. Corbett & Claude

Best for: pudgy-based pizza and cocktail jugs

Dive into delicious hand-stretched pizza with a side of icy-cold cocktail goodness at one of Corbett & Claude’s three venues across Brisbane. The weekend sessions are always buzzy in any one of the outposts as jugs filled with Long Island iced tea, peach mule and ping pong martinis, plus wine, beer, bubbles and mocktails get your party started. Meanwhile, you can choose any pizza or pasta from the full menu in addition to the parmesan chips and chicken bites that’ll arrive once you’re seated to help kick things off. It costs $69 per person.

Corbett & Claude’s weekend sessions are always buzzy.

Brunch hours: Saturdays and Sundays from 11.30am to 6pm and each session runs for two hours.

Addresses: Three venues at 807 Stafford Road, Everton Park; R3/2049 Logan Road, Upper Mount Gravatt; and 283 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane.

11. BrewDog Fortitude Valley

Best for: craft beer lovers

More-is-more comfort food and thirst-quenching craft beer are now streaming at BrewDog Fortitude Valley, home to a bottomless brunch in Brisbane that’s unlike your usual.

This bottomless brunch is all about hearty comfort food and craft brews.

A chilled-out spot to catch up with loved ones, the venue puts on a massive spread of wings (either Korean spicy chicken or cauliflower), buffalo chicken tacos, onion rings, grilled corn and two styles of fries alongside dipping sauce.

Of course, it’s all just background noise as the stars of your show, BrewDog’s heavenly Brisbane-brewed beers, are up for grabs limitlessly. It costs $60 per person.

The brewery space is ideal for group get-togethers. (Image: Markus Ravik)

Brunch hours: Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 2.30pm and each session runs for two hours.

Address: 235 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley

12. Southbeach

Best for: bevvies by the sand

Bellinis, Bloody Mary or beer – it’s all on the menu every weekend at Southbeach in South Bank, one of the city’s best-loved entertainment precincts.

Treat yourself to a brunch tower filled with bite-sized snacks at Southbeach.

It’s a lush garden scene overlooking the man-made Streets Beach, throwing ideal views no matter where you sit, and the brunch towers are guaranteed to draw gasps.

Stacked with pastries, yoghurt and muesli parfaits, eggs, sweet treats and more, the showstoppers provide easy bite-sized picking to help fuel all that fun. It costs $65 per person.

Settle into one of the cabanas and soak up the lush garden setting.

Brunch hours: Sundays from 10am to 12pm and each session runs for the full two hours.

Address: 30aa, Stanley Street Plaza, South Brisbane

13. Covent Garden

Best for: gin lovers

It’s not the trendy London locale but Covent Garden is still located in Brisbane’s version of the West End, and this bottomless brunch spot is the place to be if you favour gin of a weekend. Grazing boards scattered with cured meats, cheeses, pickled veggies, dips and bread are handed out over a free-flowing selection of creative cocktail jugs that mix the spirit to perfection. It’ll set you back $49 per person.

This bottomless brunch spot is the place to be if you favour gin of a weekend.

Brunch hours: Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 2.30pm and each session runs for two hours.

Address: 142 Boundary Street, West End

14. Maggie May

Best for: fur parents

A supper club that’s famed for flirty Newstead hangs, Maggie May also does bottomless brunch in Brisbane with ample flair. Plus, it’s dog-friendly. Bring besties of any description for unlimited prosecco, mimosas, bellinis, Limoncello spritz and beers as a menu of granola, dips, mini pies, fries and other seasonal winners keep everyone smiling.

You can also upgrade your drinks menu to get the team shaking up extra-extravagant cocktails. Prices start from $90 per person.

Unlimited prosecco is on the menu or take it up a notch and splurge on the cocktail option.

Brunch hours: Saturdays at either 11am or 1pm and both sessions run for two hours each.

Address: 84 Longland Street, Newstead

15. Newstead Social

Best for: laneway vibes

Wander along an unassuming backstreet to find Newstead Social, always a good time and famed for their bottomless weekend brunch. You’ll drown your choice of house drinks as well as passionfruit mimosas if you roll in on a Sunday.

Get ready for a fully loaded brunch menu at Newstead Social.

Drink responsibly thanks to a loaded menu of dips, arancini balls, sliders, ribs, far less-exciting (though delicious) salads and chips. Live music amps up relaxed, last-all-day vibes and a ticket costs $55 per person.

Settle into the relaxed venue on a weekend.

Brunch hours: Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 2pm and each session runs for the full two hours.

Address: 2 Masters Street, Newstead

The post 15 stunning spots for bottomless brunch in Brisbane appeared first on Australian Traveller.

Sydney is renowned for its natural beauty, and locals and visitors alike are spoilt for choice when it comes to the picturesque bush and coastal walks to admire its splendour. From walks that encircle the very best whale-watching vantage points to trails that lead to the city’s most secret swimming spots, action-packed inland paths lie far and wide.

Easy hikes

1. America Bay Walking Track, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

One of Sydney’s ultimate picnic spots lies at the end of the America Bay Walking Track underneath a cascading waterfall surrounded by dense bush. The track follows a sandstone ridge, sitting beneath a canopy of lush gum trees. Look closely and you’ll find watering holes hidden between red rocks that are filled with yabbies and tadpoles.

Getting there: America Bay is in the West Head precinct of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Driving here is the best option, however, the track is also accessible from the waterfront if you’re lucky enough to have access to a boat (or tinnie).

Distance: 1.8 kilometres return

Level: Medium

America Bay Walking Track follows a sandstone ridge, sitting beneath a canopy of lush gum trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. The Sanctuary Loop, North Head Sanctuary, Manly

Gaze out over a sweeping view of Sydney Harbour and the bustling CBD from North Head Sanctuary. Its Sanctuary Loop walk goes past Sydney’s former Army School of Artillery, as well as the Third Quarantine Cemetery which was built in 1881 and offers a prime example of how our quarantine processes evolved over time.

Marvel at The Sanctuary, Q Station North Head Sydney Harbour National Park. (Image: John Yurasek/DPE)

Hanging swamps and banksia scrub make up some of the unique vegetation along the track. Stop and cool off at one of the cute little beaches along the way, and finish with a coffee at Bella Vista Cafe up on the headland.

Admire the scenic landscape at North Head Sydney Harbour National Park. (Image: Katherine Ashley-DPE)

Getting there: A bus to North Head Sanctuary from Manly Wharf runs regularly. There’s also a bike path running all the way from the Wharf to North Head Sanctuary.

Distance: Two-hour loop

Level: Easy

3. Harold Reid Foreshore Track, Castlecrag

Combining the best of the bush with the best of the ocean, the Harold Reid Foreshore Track covers Middle Harbour and much of its staggering beauty. Highlights include the Harold Reid Headland, also referred to as Sugarloaf, a sandstone structure that dramatically looms above sea level for your viewing pleasure. Featuring slippery surfaces and rocky terrain at times, the track is suitable for families but just make sure everyone’s got the right footwear. You’ll spy an array of birdlife including Grey Fantails, Kookaburras and Superb Fairy-wrens, plus views out to Castlecrag’s stunning Innisfallen Castle, mangroves and a picnic area with a gas barbecue.

Getting there: Start your trail at the end of Sugarloaf Crescent in Castlecrag. You can park your car on the street right before hitting the signpost marking the track’s entrance.

Distance: four-kilometre loop

Level: Easy to medium

Moderate hikes

4. Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head Loop, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

A long but easy walk that winds through thick mangroves and bushes overflowing with red bloodwoods and apple gums. Start at the Sphinx Memorial, a striking sandstone monument built in memory of the lives lost during the First World War.

You’ll stop by a river surrounded by thick mangroves. (Image: Natasha Webb/DPE)

End at Bobbin Head where you’ll find an abundance of picnic tables and barbeques. If you haven’t packed a spread, it’s all good. Waterside Bistro is just around the corner within Empire Marina and serves up a mouth-watering selection of burgers, seafood, and hearty salads.

Rest mid-hike to appreciate the scenery. (Image: Natasha Webb/DPE)

Getting there: Sphinx Memorial is another one of those places you’ll need a car to get to, with plenty of parking available at the grounds. Follow Bobbin Head Road from the Pacific Highway at Turramurra.

Distance: 10-kilometre loop

Level: Easy

5. Resolute Beach Circuit Walk, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Discover some of Sydney’s most stunning less-lazed-upon beaches all in one day with the Resolute Beach Circuit Walk. Offering access to Resolute Beach, one of Sydney’s best covert swimming spots, this sometimes-steep trek also covers West Head and Great Mackerel beaches. And once you’re navigated the trail speckled with rich flora and fauna and plonk yourself on Resolute itself, you’ll be treated further to views across Pittwater and Barrenjoey Headland.

Getting there: The Circuit Walk consists of two trails; one starts from the Resolute Picnic Area at the end of West Head Road where you’ll find a car park. The other starts at the West Head Lookout, which is closed and undergoing maintenance until November 2023 but is accessible from the Resolute Picnic Area when it’s back up and running.

Distance: 6-kilometre loop

Level: Medium to hard

Discover some of Sydney’s most stunning less-lazed-upon beaches all in one day with the Resolute Beach Circuit Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Riverside Walking Track, Lane Cove National Park

Pack a picnic lunch and immerse yourself in lush bushlands along the Riverside Walking Track. Featuring multiple picturesque spots to spread out a feast, the peaceful trail runs along the Lane Cove River so exploring will be freckled with water views. Spend the rest of your journey soaking up an incredible roster of birdlife as well as the odd swamp wallaby. And pesky bush turkeys? You’ll find them everywhere, providing plenty to keep littler ones entertained.

Pass through the foggy Riverside Walking Track. (Image: Kevin McGrath/DPE)

Getting there: Reach the trail from either Delhi Road in West Chatswood or Lane Cove Road in Macquarie Park. There’s parking up for grabs along the entire stretch including the Koonjeree Picnic Area towards the southern end of the trail.

Distance: 5 kilometres one-way

Level: Easy to medium

Hard hikes

7. Curra Moors Loop Track, Royal National Park

A longish but flat walk that promises remarkable coastal views and one of the most popular whale spotting sites in Sydney. Scribbly gums huddle at the edge of the Curra Moors Loop Track which opens onto a blossoming heath and ocean-facing sandstone cliffs. During spring, the flora will give your nostrils a delightful sensory experience and you may be lucky enough to spot echidnas roaming amongst the shrubbery.

Getting there: Getting to the Royal National Park from the CBD via public transport can be time-consuming (with no direct links), so driving here is the way to go. Vehicle passes are $12 for the day. Parking can be at a premium here on the weekends so get here early.

Distance: 10-kilometre loop

Level: Medium

8. Benowie Walking Track, Berowra Valley National Park

Pack up and disappear for a few days by hiking the Benowie Walking Track, running between Pennant Hills and Berowra Waters. A mixture of smooth boardwalk and uneven dirt that winds steadily amid rural bushland, it’s the perfect pick if you’re planning to camp along the way.

Make a splash in the cold water cascades at Berowra Creek. (Image: Nick Cubbin/DPE)

Lined with Sydney blue gums and budding black wattles, Benowie is just one part of the Great North Walk, stretching from Sydney to Newcastle. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled – you may stumble across ancient Aboriginal rock carvings or the remnants of an old quarry.

Walk past the boats and houses along Benowie Walking Track. (Image: Nick Cubbin/DPE)

Getting there: Most tracks out of Sydney require a car, however this one’s only one kilometre from either Hornsby or Pennant Hills train station.

Distance: 25 kilometres one-way

Level: Hard

9. Bondi to Manly Walk, Bondi to Manly

Sydney’s longest coastal trail showcases two of the city’s most outstanding locales, blending beautiful bushwalking with exceptional ocean-gazing. The Bondi to Manly Walk will take you anywhere from two to six days, depending on your unique pace. Our advice? Savour the stretch and go slow. You’ll be spoilt with natural rockpools, dramatic sandstone cliffs, secluded swimming spots and beaches, world-famous headlands, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Taronga Zoo and a string of fascinating historical remains and fixtures. Best of all, no part of the walk is overtly strenuous, and it’s clearly signposted from start to finish. The only reason it’s rated hard is due to its colossal length. There’s even an app that offers step-by-step guidance.

Getting there: Start from Bondi Beach and make your way south along the South Head of Sydney’s Eastern suburbs. Buses travel to Bondi Beach from Bondi Junction regularly every day.

Distance: 80 kilometres

Level: Hard

The Bondi to Manly Walk will take you anywhere from two to six days. (Image: Destination NSW)

How to prepare for a Sydney bushwalk

Step 1: Research and plan

Google everything you can about the trail you’re tackling. Get a feel of the route, particularly if it’s a long one, and check the difficulty level even if you’re an experienced bushwalker. Conditions change and sections may be undergoing maintenance so always gather as much information as possible prior to go-time so there are no surprises.

Step 2: Check the weather

It’s a no-brainer but should be reminded. Ensure your walk isn’t rained out or overheated unexpectedly.

Research and plan before you head on a coastal walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Step 3: Piece together the perfect outfit

No matter where your journey takes you, waterproof and windproof clothing is your best bet and layering tops makes it easy to cool down as the day heats up. Plus, opting for long, loose pants will keep insects and grazes at bay. Choose sturdy, protective shoes with soles that grip and don’t forget a hat.

Step 4: Pack like a pro

Here’s the checklist: sunscreen, insect repellent, more than two litres of water per person, nutritious snacks, a torch, a simple first aid kit that includes Band-Aids, antiseptic and small scissors and your mobile phone and/or a map. If you’re camping, you’ll need a tent and sleeping bag at a minimum.

Make sure you’re prepared and pack everything you need. (Image: Destination NSW)

Step 5: Download an app

The NSW National Parks app contains up-to-date information on hundreds of Sydney’s best walks. Plus, you can download your route before you go so even if you’re out of range, your map will remain a click away.

Step 6: Tell a friend

Finally, make sure somebody knows you’re heading out and may be uncontactable due to trekking outside of phone satellite proximity. It may seem extreme, but accidents can happen and it’s better to err on the side of caution if you’re planning an epic adventure.

Make sure somebody knows you’re heading out on a walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Check out our must-read guide to Sydney beaches to visit

The post 9 breathtaking Sydney bush and coastal walks to go on this spring appeared first on Australian Traveller.