GOLDEN REVIVAL

Back in the swinging sixties and seventies, the Gold Coast was Australia’s answer to paradise. Surf beaches stretched for miles, theme parks promised a day of escape for the kids, and the twinkling lights of caravan parks were a comforting beacon in the night. For most Australians, the Gold Coast was a rite of passage—a quintessential Australian summer. Today, it lives in the lap of luxury.

The Gold Coast skyline, a jagged line of skyscrapers like teeth on a key, stretches before me as I bite into a Rick Shores’ Moreton Bay Bug roll slathered in spicy mayo. The waiter had told me it’s a classic, a must-try for anyone visiting. He was right. I couldn’t think of a more fitting introduction to the new Gold Coast. Then, a rain shower forced a faint rainbow to appear as I left the restaurant, driving back into the city.

The Gold Coast has recently transformed from a sleepy coastal town into a sophisticated destination boasting luxury hotels, gourmet dining, and championship golf courses. Yet, its laid-back charm endures, offering the family a perfect blend of luxury and relaxation.  

INTO THE MOUNTAINS
Forget the stereotype of the Gold Coast as a mere beach playground. A short drive inland reveals a lush, mountainous region with surprises. Here, passionate winemakers craft award-winning drops that rival those of Australia’s more renowned wine regions. 

The best way to experience the region is to leave the decision-making and drive to a local Kiff and Culture guide on a private tour of Tamborine Mountain. Discover the lesser-known Granite Belt wine region, known for its Chambourcin and Verdelho grapes. Taste everything from Sauvignon Blanc to Shiraz and the emerging orange wines. There are also a few distilleries and breweries emerging, which you can experience at one of the many stops along the way, including a walk through one of the most famous rainforests in Australia. 

THE CITY’S JEWELS 
Perched between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, The Langham Gold Coast is a dazzling newcomer to the skyline and a destination in itself. If it’s the preferred escape for the likes of Harry Styles, then you know it’s a destination worth exploring.

Surrender to an ocean-view suite, where waking up to the world-famous Gold Coast coastline is a daily treat. Each suite is a haven of comfort and style, boasting plush bedding, marble bathrooms, and all the modern conveniences you could desire. Then, when it’s time to unwind, dip into the hotel’s lagoon-style pool, complete with a swim-up bar, or enjoy a treatment at Chuan Spa inspired by traditional Chinese medicine.  

If there’s one meal to have in the hotel, it’s undoubtedly at T’ang Court, a three-Michelin-star Cantonese restaurant that has made the journey from Hong Kong to the Gold Coast. The menu is a masterclass in Cantonese cuisine, highlighting the freshest seafood and classic dishes. For the ultimate indulgence, the Chef’s Degustation menu is a generous taste of the restaurant’s culinary artistry.

A NEW ERA IN DINING
Rick Shores set a new standard of dining on the Gold Coast when it opened in 2016, making it the perfect place to start any dining adventure. Soak in the beachfront views at sunset and the laid-back atmosphere, a staple of any restaurant here. The Pan-Asian menu is award-winning, with inspired classics like the Moreton Bay bug roll, lobster, and prawn jade harrow with truffle and smoked honey.

Back in the city, Palette Restaurant is hidden inside HOTA (Home of the Arts), a center for art, entertainment, and culture. This high-end eatery takes a unique approach, crafting a tasting menu that evolves with each new exhibition. Chef Dayan Hartill Law draws inspiration from the artwork on display, creating dishes that are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the palate. With a strong emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients, many sourced from the chef’s garden, Palette is a gastronomic adventure that deserves a spot on every Gold Coast food lover’s list.

Nearby in Broadbeach, KŌST Bar & Grill offers a taste of coastal living with Mediterranean influences. The menu relies on a central wood-fired charcoal grill, where fresh seafood, local meats, and even vegetables are kissed by fire. The menu punches with flavor, with the likes of blackened hispi cabbage smothered in pistachio cream and zesty lemon. KŌSTis a prime example of how the Gold Coast is rapidly gaining international recognition as a culinary destination.

For more information on Queensland and the Gold Coast, visit queensland.com