BroadbeachHoliday Destination

Broadbeach is a suburb conveniently located between Surfers Paradise and Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast.

The popular tourist suburb of Broadbeach perfectly balances its relaxed atmosphere with sophisticated and glam accommodation and a vibrant dining scene. From the soulful tunes of live music resonating during major events like Blues on Broadbeach and Groundwater Country Music Festival to the tantalising aromas of food festivals and the vibrant energy of weekly markets, there's something for everyone.

There's an endless array of activities in Broadbeach. Why not soak up the sun on the beautiful beaches with white sand and tanned tourists, immerse yourself in culture, or revel in the vibrant energy that defines this captivating coastal paradise? You are never short on things to do in Broadbeach!

Things to do in Broadbeach

Kurrawa Beach & Park

All Abilities playground

Kurrawa Park boasts the Gold Coast's first All Abilities Playground, a haven for kids of all ages and abilities. This inclusive playground, located just south of the Kurrawa Lifesaving Club, ensures hours of entertainment and exploration for everyone. Divided into three distinct zones – Sandcastle, Sea, and Hill – it's a hub of sensory, motor, and educational play. From water jets aiding in sandcastle construction to a giant accessible sandcastle fort, this playground sparks imagination and creativity.

The All Abilities Playground is entirely fenced and offers shaded areas, picnic facilities, and accessible bathrooms. Special attention has been given to ensure inclusion, with community art projects created by local students and artists enhancing the park's unique charm.

Location:155 Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach

New Year's Fireworks in Broadbeach

Kurrawa Park is also the place to be for your New Year's Eve celebration! Experience a breathtaking fireworks display that illuminates the night sky in a symphony of colours. Families can revel in not one but two dazzling fireworks shows, catering to both early evening fun at 8 pm and the midnight countdown. 

Gather with loved ones on the foreshore, bring along a picnic dinner, and lay out a cozy rug for a family-friendly celebration against the backdrop of these captivating fireworks.

View our list of places on the Gold Coast where you can watch the fireworks on New Years Eve 2023.

The Cascade Gardens 

The sensory garden offers a haven of fragrant blooms, soothing sounds, and interactive elements. A musical gong, thoughtfully designed pathways, and productive gardens invite visitors to engage with their senses, promoting relaxation and mindfulness. This enchanting space adds a unique dimension to Cascade Gardens, making it an ideal destination for multigenerational gatherings where individuals of all ages can find enjoyment and connection.

Children will also have a great time at the Cascade Gardens' expansive playground. A thrilling flying fox, a sturdy rope bridge, a challenging rock-climbing wall, and a charming carousel provide endless opportunities for imaginative play. To ensure inclusivity, a liberty swing is also available, allowing all children, regardless of their abilities, to join in the fun.

Kokoda Memorial Walk

For those seeking a deeper connection with history, the Kokoda Memorial Walk stands as a poignant reminder of the bravery of Australian soldiers who fought along the Kokoda Track during World War II. This pathway, extending from Rotary Park to the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, commemorates their sacrifices and guides visitors through immersive scenery.

Location: 2690 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach

Accommodation in Broadbeach

These Aparthotels in Broadbeach provide a comfortable mix of apartment-style living with hotel conveniences. They come equipped with kitchens, laundry facilities, and cozy sitting areas, while also offering amenities typically found in hotels such as a service desk, pools, and well-equipped gyms. This setup caters to guests seeking both comfort and practicality during their stay.

Popular Attractions and shows

And after the sun goes down and the kids are in bed the fun goes on. Walk across the road to The Star Gold Coast casino. There are 8 restaurants, 5 bars and 24-hour gaming at over 70 tables and 1600 machines. Acclaimed performers from all over the world take the stage at The Star so make sure you take a look at the lineup before you arrive so that you can buy your concert tickets early.

Dracula's is one of the Gold Coast's longest-running and most successful attractions, having been entertaining both locals and visitors alike for over 30 years with its unique nights of burlesque-style entertainment, horrific displays of comedy and dining the likes of which is unmatched in the region!  Book your tickets here. 

Shopping

The Oasis shopping centre operates at a slower pace than Pacific Fair, but you'll still be able to find everything to make your stay in Broadbeach comfortable. There are fashion, homewares, accessories, and jewellery stores alongside doctors, hairdressers and dentists. There are also all the services you need like Australia Post, ATMs, florists, liquor stores and Woolworths.

There's boutique shopping and services like hairdressers located at smaller centres like The Oracle Boulevard, Niecon Plaza and along the Broadbeach Mall.

Broacbeach markets

Don't miss the beachfront Art and Craft markets -  a colourful affair with over 150 friendly store owners selling wonderful gifts, souvenirs, local art, jewellery, crafts and lots more. Shop some local  produce or handcrafted pieces  and then hit the waves for a swim and a surf. The markets have been running for 20 years and are always a hit with visitors looking to snap up something a little bit different.

Dining

Social Eating House is a fine dining restaurant that takes you on a journey over three floors. It starts at the basement where you can enjoy an intimate three-course dinner for 8 overlooking the kitchen, to the best share plates going around on the ground floor and upstairs to the award-winning, The Blind Pig, where you can enjoy a sophisticated cocktail.

There are also plenty of family favourites like the Kurrawa Surf Club  which has a fantastic bistro that offers stunning views overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The club has an extensive menu celebrating cuisines from around the world and old faves like chicken parmi and linguini marinara. Gemelli Italian is also a great choice when you've got a big group or some kids with their wood-fired pizzas (or chocolate pizza for dessert) and if you're after a Greek feast, The Lamb Shop is a top choice for both souvlaki and seafood items.

Events

Calling Broadbeach home are the two of the Gold Coast's biggest venues, the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre and The Star Gold Coast (formerly Jupiters Casino) with panoramic views of the suburb. These two drawcards ensure the suburb stays one of the busiest in South East Queensland. It also helps that Broady (as it's known to locals) has become a foodie and events destination.

Transcending the barriers of age, gender and culture, the Blues on Broadbeach festival is a free, non-ticketed event that takes over Broadbeach every year. Spanning four huge days in May, it has become one of Australia's most iconic Blues festivals, attracting fans and artists from around the world and putting Broadbeach on the events scene map. It is also the largest free music festival in Australia. 

The Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre is one of Gold Coast's largest music venues and hosts a range of events like conventions, trade shows, exhibitions and concerts. 

The Centre is synonymous with entertainment on the Gold Coast, attracting a diverse mix of entertainers and events including big acts such as Powderfinger, Pink, Mariah Carey, numerous sporting events including the netball and basketball in the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, as well as an extensive list of corporate and industry conferences. Catch the Supernova Pop Culture Convention, World Travel Expo, the Lifeline Bookfest, and plenty more conventions and expos to cater to all tastes.

Nightlife

The Star Casino

Broadbeach offers clubbers a more grown-up vibe than what you find in Surfers Paradise. Many of the clubs and bars here offer bottle service, private tables and full VIP packages. You'll want to make sure you're on the guest list at late-night clubs like Atrium and Platinum. On the other end of the spectrum, if you're after a quiet night out, the Broadbeach Tavern is the perfect place for catching up with friends over a drink or some delicious breakfast items the next morning! 

A new-ish addition to the Broadbeach drinking scene is The Loose Moose Tap & Grill House. The team prides itself on sourcing the best beers and whiskeys that customers can enjoy alongside North American fare like burgers, ribs and wings. 

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