14 New Spots to Stay, Play & Dine in 2025

When it comes to the Gold Coast, some things are a given - sunshine for days, beaches that seem to stretch forever, and good vibes aplenty. But one thing that keeps this coastal Queensland city extra exciting? Its ability to constantly level up. From the beach to the hinterland, fresh new spots are always popping up, serving world-class dining, next-level cocktails, and dreamy stays you won’t soon forget. So, if you’re on the hunt for the best new places to eat, sip, and stay on the Gold Coast, you’re in the right place. Take note! 

New Gold Coast Restaurants

Cowboys

Fans of Yellowstone will want to boot scoot their way directly to Cowboys, the Gold Coast’s new western themed bar. Cowboys, which was first made popular in Queenstown, has crossed the ditch and taken up residence on the banks of the Nerang River in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Every inch of the space (which can accommodate up to 500 people), is inspired by America’s deep south. There’s a chandelier made of antlers, custom pool tables, shuffleboard tables, darts and the centrepiece - a mechanical bull imported from the US. 

Order one of their famous beergaritas (tequila, triple sec, lime and beer) and make your way out to the expansive deck. You’ll want to arrive here hungry because the portions are huge. Case in point, their Well Hung Cowboy Kebab, Hogback Nachos and sticky ribs with BBQ maple glaze. Pro tip: pair your cowboy boots with elasticated pants and enjoy. 
Location: 58 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Norte and Sueno

If you’re a fan of Gold Coast institution Rick Shores, then you’ll want to get familiar with their newest offering Norte and Sueno. Nestled within the stunning Oxley precinct in Nobby Beach, you’ll find not one, but two achingly cool venues, both inspired by Latin American flavours and colour. On the first floor, Norte is a moodily lit stunner serving dishes that look like works of art. It’s perfect for a date night, special occasions and long dinners. Upstairs, Sueno is the kind of space you’ll want to linger in. With sweeping views out to the beach, terracotta-hued booths, plus loads of indoor and outdoor seating. On the menu you’ll find a selection of drool-worthy share plates (the bug tacos are a must order), making this spot a go-to destination for a cheeky sip and snack. (Image credit: Mathilde Bouby Photography)
Location: 2217 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

JuJu

If you’re craving a European escape but couldn’t quite afford the air fare, JuJu is the ultimate spot to while away a balmy Gold Coast afternoon with friends. Spread across two levels, this sprawling 400-seat venue in Nobby Beach manages to feel both spacious and cosy. 

On the ground level you’ll find a relaxed, fine-dining restaurant, where modern Australian dishes (the braised black onyx beef cheek is a must order) are enjoyed in chic terracotta booths. When you’ve finished your feast, your time at JuJu is only just beginning. Ascend the stairs to the rooftop bar where the party begins. With a retractable roof, plenty of seating, a tequila cart, large bar and live music, a good time here is guaranteed. 
Location: 2235 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Lulu

Seaside sips and sun-bathed long lunches are on the agenda at Surfers Paradise new edition, Lulu. Perched above bustling Orchid Ave, the playful space merges laidback Gold Coast cool with retro Miami Vice. 

There are modern furnishings, neon lights and a DJ booth to ensure the beats are flowing. Another thing that’s flowing? The Lulu Frosé Wall that pours six rotating flavours. Even better, you can personalise your cocktail with unlimited lollies from the candy bar. But it’s not just about the drinks at Lulu, the seasonal menu celebrates the venue’s sandy location with a focus on tasty seafood dishes like chargrilled Queensland prawns, fish tacos and swordfish skewers. Sunday is fun day at Lulu when you can indulge in a two-hour bottomless brunch - including cocktails - for $79 per person.
Location: 4 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Cadillac Supper Club

Despite its unassuming exterior, this Palm Beach newbie is sure to become a favourite. Step inside and you’ll be transported to the buzzing back streets of Brooklyn, with black and white chequerboard flooring, wood panelled walls and retro light fixtures - it’s effortlessly cool and the kind of place you’ll want to return to. 

But it’s not just the art deco interior of the Cadillac Supper Club that will make you a fan, it’s the drool-worthy dishes coming out of the kitchen. Created by the same masterminds behind Coolangatta’s Bar Evelyn, chow down on generous plates of fusilli alla vodka, devour fluffy bug rolls and smash the Cadillac burger made with a beef brisket and short rib patty, American cheddar cheese, pickles and a special sauce. Pair with dirty martini and settle in for a good time. 
Location: 27/1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Roji Cat

Inspired by the magic of Tokyo’s vibrant alleyways, Roji Cat is set to become your new favourite watering hole. Slinging brews, small bites and karaoke from their Miami base, the neon-soaked venue will make you feel like you’ve travelled straight to Japan with lanterns strung from the ceiling and anime art covering the walls. 

Put simply, Roji Cat is an epicentre of fun with electronic dart boards and a private karaoke room (don’t worry it’s soundproof). But the real star of the show is the beer - there’s 12 house-made brews on tap that change regularly so multiple visits here are encouraged. 

Not a beer-drinker? Try one of their freshly shaken Japanese cocktails like the uber refreshing Umeshu Iced Tea. An equal amount of love and thought has been poured into the food menu, a curated list of street eats like melt-in-your-mouth teriyaki salmon skewers cooked to perfection on a robata grill and towering kimchi burgers. 
Location: 47 Lemana Lane, Miami

Tommy’s Taco Bar

You’ll find a taste of Mexico tucked away in Currumbin at this vibrant taqueria. Formerly Italian joint Little Tommys, Tommy's Taco Bar has swapped pizza and pasta for tacos and spicy margaritas and the transformation is utterly delicious. 

Located just steps from Currumbin Creek, this casual spot is perfect for a post surf snack, family feed or a cocktail-infused lunch with friends. Snag a table out front and tuck into ceviche tostada, crispy potatoes smothered in jalapeno mayo, and chilli con carne nachos. 

Just be sure to save room for the star of the show - their moreish tacos with flavour-packed fillings like KFC chicken, tempura fish, and slow-cooked short ribs. On the drinks menu there’s a concise but tasty list of margaritas (the coconut is a winner), Mexican beers and mezcal cocktails to work your way through.
Location: 140 Duringan Street, Currumbin

Burly

Burleigh Heads-based artisanal gin distillery, Burly, has made moves south, recently swinging open the doors to their Currumbin watering hole. Spread over two beautifully designed floors and inspired by their iconic gin bottles, a chic palette of mocha, grapefruit and olive unfurls, with cosy lounges, intimate booths and bar seating all inviting you to get comfy and settle in for a sesh. 

Taking centre stage on the menu are cocktails infused with Burly’s delicious trio of gins - cucumber, berry and citrus - like the Sunset Negroni made with citrus gin, Davidson plum, rosé vermouth and orange. Not sure where to take your tastebuds first? Have a chat with the bar staff and they’ll be only too happy to shake you up something special. If you’re not into gin, there’s also beer, wine and espresso martinis to slurp. Hungry? A short seasonal food menu designed to complement the drinks will take you on a culinary adventure with new specials dropping weekly. 
Location: 3/60 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters

Madame V

Dine in decadence at Madame V, an opulent offering from the talented chef Daniel Ridgeway of Mermaid Beach’s hatted restaurant, Little Truffle. Steeped in luxury, the Palm Beach eatery oozes sophistication with emerald curtains, gold accents, velvet booths and chandeliers. 

The menu is equally impressive, think: tuna tataki with ponzu and crispy garlic, sticky pork ribs with black vinegar caramel, steamed snapper with dashi broth and pillow-like dumplings stuffed with juicy wagyu beef and roast duck. If you’re the indecisive type, opt for the banquet filled with Madame V’s signature dishes, or go all out on Yum Cha Sundays where you can devour lobster bao, pork potstickers and crystal prawn dumplings. 
Location: 6-8 Palm Beach Avenue, Palm Beach

New Gold Coast Accommodation

The Tamborine

Hit pause with a serene escape to this new hinterland haven. Encased by the lush subtropical rainforest that encases Tamborine Mountain, this 23-room boutique hotel looks like something straight out of a fairytale. You’ll feel your shoulders drop inch by inch the moment you arrive at The Tamborine, with every corner of the hacienda-inspired space thoughtfully restored and decked out in luxurious touches like plush king beds, and private balconies with sweeping mountain vistas. Zen out in the heated mineral pool and spa, nourish your bod in their wellbeing space and tuck into cocktails and local produce at the bar.
Location: 99 Alpine Terrace, Tamborine Mountain, 4272

TRYP Southport

The Gold Coast just scored a new 4.5 star hotel and it’s a modern stunner. TRYP by Wyndham Southport Gold Coast marks the hotel chain's first-ever outpost in Queensland and only the second in Australia. There are 225 self-contained one, two and three-bedroom spaces to slumber in. They all come with a fully equipped kitchen, king size bed and floor to ceiling windows too. Despite its stellar central location, you’d be forgiven for not wanting to leave these well-appointed digs. 

The hotel is brimming with modern amenities that will take your holiday to the next level. There’s a 25-metre infinity pool on the rooftop with views out to the city and seaway, a sleek gym, and a huge sauna and steam room to rejuvenate in. Once you’re sufficiently relaxed, grab a cocktail from the bar, and make your way to Amore, the hotel’s onsite restaurant serving dishes that will take your tastebuds straight to Italy. 
Location: 59 Meron Street, Southport

Pat’s Farm at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

Unplug and tune into nature at this brand new off-the-grid escape, Pat's Farm. Once a dairy farm, the talented team O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat have created the ultimate eco escape, with just six two-person chalets onsite. Set against the undulating greenery-cloaked hills of World Heritage Lamington National Park, this special spot is barefoot luxury at its finest. 

Each chalet boasts cosy king beds, an indoor fireplace, plus kitchens decked out in Smeg appliances and an espresso machine. Outside you can spend your day soaking in the private heated plunge pool, warming yourself by the fire pit or stargazing in the hammock. You can order a paddock-to-plate food box filled with everything you need for a tasty breakfast, lunch and dinner. There’s even room service via a QR code because off-the-grid doesn’t have to mean roughing it. In fact, the only hard part about staying here will be checking out. 
Location: 3582 Lamington National Park Road, Canungra

New Theme Park Precincts on the Gold Coast

Rivertown Precinct at Dreamworld

Head to Dreamworld for a whole new level immersive adventures in the new Rivertown precinct - part of the park’s of a multimillion dollar upgrade - where little people will have a lot of fun. Thrill-seekers will be making a bee-line for Jungle Rush - a family-friendly rollercoaster that delivers surprises at every turn. For a more relaxing ride, get behind the wheel of an old school car for  Murrissippi Motors- a scenic journey through Rivertown’s lush landscape, weaving around relics of the past, including an iconic RAAF Caribou A4- 179 aircraft.
Once you’ve world up an appetite, stop in at Jane’s Rivertown Restaurant and fuel up for a delicious jungle-themed, interactive dining experience that kids will adore. 

The Wizard of Oz Precinct at Warner Bros Movie World

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to the immersive and beautiful new Wizard of Oz precinct where some of the most colourful and vibrant scenes from the nostalgic 1939 film are brought to life. Stroll through the enchanting scenery, meet iconic characters or ride the two unique family-friendly rollercoasters (suitable for ages 3 and up).

The Kansas Twister will have you in a spin - there are two roller coasters that race along duel tracks. Race your family and friends for double the fun! The venture through the Haunted Forest before embarking on a thrilling ride on Flight of the Wicked Witch. The suspended coaster reaches speeds of 67km an hour as your soar around the track.

With so many new restaurants and bars to try out, new places to stay and rollercoasters to ride, put the Gold Coast on your hitlist for your next holiday!