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Gold Coast NightlifeAnd Entertainment Venues

If you're after nightlife then the Gold Coast won't disappoint! The lights shine brighter at night and the cocktails flow until the early hours of the morning here.

The Gold Coast boasts a wide array of nightlife venues, including renowned bars, pubs, and clubs scattered throughout Surfers Paradise. Indulge in the culinary delights and sophisticated atmosphere of Broadbeach's restaurants and wine bars, or explore the southern dining and drinking precincts along Gold Coast Highway in Burleigh, Nobbys, Mermaid Beach, Palm Beach and Coolangatta. The Star Gold Coast casino attracts with its excitement, complemented by numerous local taverns, live music venues, popular events and surf clubs lining the foreshore. Or, you can visit one of the many night and weekend markets serving up food and drinks from all around the world.  

Miss Money Pennies, Broadbeach
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Siblings in Kirra

Check out our Directory of Gold Coast Pubs and Local Taverns

Peruse the pages below to discover local gems, ideal for socialising, dancing, trying your luck, indulging in delicious cuisine, and more. While the nightlife hubs are close to the beach, it's essential to note that some venues uphold dress codes. Before heading out, we recommend a quick wardrobe change from your boardies and thongs to ensure a fantastic time and seamless entry into the pulsating nightlife scene.

Many of the Gold Coast breweries have been winning both Australian and international awards for their beers and if you visit them you’ll see why; Queenslanders love beer! To these local brewers what they do is not just a job, it’s their lifestyle. Drop in for a delicious tasting and hear them talk with passion about the brewing process, what beers go with which dishes and what their favourite brews are at the moment - you won't regret it! 

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With magnificent beaches, a fantastic climate, a huge range of accommodation and a strong business infrastructure the Gold Coast is a helluva place to hold an event. That's why there's so much happening in this town. Whether you like car races, golfing tournaments, tennis, musicals or surfing, there's guaranteed to be something on the calendar to suit you. Read our  brief guide to some of the major events held on the Coast each year.

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Once upon a time the Gold Coast was home to one market place and that was the Carrara Markets. While they're still a favourite, now there are dozens of markets that line the coast. Some follow the rules that one man's trash is another man's treasure and others nurture the local arts, crafts and fashion scene. Get out into the sunshine (or moonlight, depending on which markets you choose to visit) and check out one of these markets!

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Situated in Broadbeach, The Star has been a Gold Coast icon for entertainment for over 25 years and is the Coast's only casino. With regular stage shows in the recently refurbished multi-million dollar theatre, live music and entertainment throughout the various bars and clubs, award winning restaurants and bars, boutique shopping and of course, more gaming tables and machines than any other venue on the Coast.

Location: 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach 

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The award-winning facilities of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) makes the Gold Coast the perfect place to mix business and pleasure. The GCCEC specialises in all events from small meetings to corporate conferences, banquets, exhibitions, concerts and sporting and special events. Synonymous with entertainment on the Gold Coast, the Centre continues to attract a diverse mix of entertainers and events.

Location: 2690 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach

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The Home Of The Arts (formerly Arts Centre Gold Coast) is the Gold Coast's premier cultural facility, bringing visual and performing arts to the residents of South East QLD. The complex houses the Arts Theatre, Gallery, two Cinemas and the Arts Cafe as well as several stunning function rooms, a chapel and two small performance spaces where depending on the night of the week you'll find live jazz or a stand-up comedy club.

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Most suburbs have their own RSL or Leagues club of some sort, so you'll never be far from the action. Surf Clubs are also found in great abundance throughout the coast and usually all offer a great seafood platter and an even better view as they overlook the beach. Not only is your local RSL club a great place to meet your friends, go out for dinner and see some live music, but by going there you’re contributing to the local community.

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There is a good local live music scene on the Gold Coast, with a plethora of bands, roots artists, hip hop and funk and soul. Most taverns and hotels offer live music after dark and the quality can range from exceptional to unbearable, depending on your point of view. If you really want to see some good live music your best bet would be to pick up the local street press from a music or record store and see what's happening. You won't be disappointed!

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As a clubber's paradise, the Gold Coast offers plenty of clubs and bars offering beautiful views with a nice coldie. The Coast is home to a handful of large nightclubs with good reputations for hosting regular touring DJs, dozens of boutique clubs catering for a diverse range of musical tastes and more than enough establishments that provide holidaymakers and locals with a place to dance to the latest top 40 tunes and have a fabulous time.

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What's better than stopping at the pub for a drink, a catch up with mates or a hearty pub meal? The pub scene on the Gold Coast has taken off with a number of gastro pubs opening up across the Gold Coast. There are also plenty of old favourites to choose from which have a good range of beer on tap, decent counter meals at decent prices, sport playing in the background and more pokie machines than you can throw a two dollar coin at. 

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As you'd expect with any tourist town, the Gold Coast has a restaurant on every corner - except that unlike a lot of other tourist towns, most Gold Coast restaurants are really quite good. If you're after a cheap meal by the ocean pretty much all of the surf clubs (found in every oceanside suburb of the Coast) have a bistro where no matter what you choose. Read our guide to where to go for a meal on the Gold Coast.

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The Gold Coast is home to some excellent live music venues and has hosted talented acts from all over the world. From epic stadium shows presenting international artists, massive day-long music festivals showcasing dozens of bands and performers to more intimate venues supporting local and national acts, you'll be sure to find a great gig to whet your musical appetite. 

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Images courtesy Tourism & Events Queensland, Tourism Australia, Destination Gold Coast & Getty Images

Things to do and seeOn the Gold Coast in Queensland

Theme Parks

Combo passes & packages

Free things to do

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Cruises

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