Back in April, we went on a trip to visit the best of Queensland for two weeks. We started our adventure in Brisbane, and moved on to Sunshine Coast, before spending the second week in Gold Coast.

And at Gold Coast, we put up at what we would like to think of as a dream home – a fully-equipped 2-bedroom apartment at Peppers Broadbeach with a million dollar and unobstructed view of Broadbeach; everything that we envisioned for our future home.

Every morning, we’d wake up to an unbelievable view, we’d bum around in the room because it really felt so cosy like home, we’d work on our emails while watching the waves slice the ocean gracefully; every night, we’d light vanilla candles and fill the room with a sweet aroma, we’d snuggle under the sheets and watch HongKong dramas, and we’d sip white wine in bed.

When we were hungry, we would head down to our neighbourhood – The Oracle – to grab lunch and coffee. It is one happening area, with a whole belt of reputable restaurants and coffee shops; how awesome life was with Max Brenner just at the foot of our building, and Social Eating House just across the road.

When we were bored, we would drive out for some sun, and to hang out at Surfers Paradise. There were a couple of rainy days, but it didn’t dampen our spirits at all.

It is little wonder Peppers Broadbeach is dubbed as the best home away from home. If you are still unsure, it is essentially a serviced residence which many people who work in Gold Coast call home; and it is a hotel that visitors love too.

Either way, they make great abode and we assure you this is THE place to stay when at Gold Coast. The rates are surprisingly reasonable too, and there are various room configurations to fit every family size.

The next time you take a holiday to Queensland, you might want to check this list and learn more about the highlights of our trip! It may help with your itinerary and planning, and of course, stay at Peppers Broadbeach.

Peppers Broadbeach Gold Coast
21 Elizabeth Ave
Broadbeach, Gold Coast
Tel: +61 7 5635 1000
Note: This was an invited media stay.

Social Eating House + Bar is arguably our favourite dinner spot in Gold Coast. It has this lively vibe that makes the place feel so happening, yet in an extremely unpretentious manner. Stepping in to this modern restaurant is an experience on its own – be prepared to queue up and wait for a while, but the exuberant staff will make you feel at home and you can groove to the music while keeping warm at the fireplace.

Social Eating House is all about communal dining and, well, socialising. Take some time to study the menu. The contemporary offering of small and large plates will leave you bewildered and so spoilt for choice.

Take a seat at the kitchen counter so that you can watch the chefs in action. It makes a lot of difference to the dining experience, and it will be like no other. You will be presented a regular menu, but look out for the blackboard for daily specials; there will always be interesting dishes to try apart from the usual ones you’d get.

We can’t recall the name of this appetiser we had, and we do not believe it is as simple as wagyu with pork crackling, truffle and pecorino cheese. At AUD$7 per serving, this totally jolted our taste buds and we knew we were in for an amazing night.

On the Small Plates section, the Spiced Soft Shell Crab (AUD$19) is a must-try. It comes with a green mango side salad, complete with peanuts, fried shallot and chilli caramel. If you are a fan of asparagus like we are, then the Steamed Asparagus (AUD$17) has to be part of your dinner too. As simple as it may sound, it comes with a fried hen’s egg, truffle oil, goat cheese and manchego beignets – that’s a pretty complex veggie dish, huh?

And for some Large Plates to share, you definitely have to go for the Free Range Organic Chicken (AUD$30 for half, AUD$55 for whole). Chargrilled  with lemon, garlic, fresh herbs and soaked in natural roasting juices, this is comfort food at its best. Healthy, easy on the palates, and it is also the chef’s favourite. Want something gamey? The Boneless Lamb (AUD$70) is one popular sharing dish too.

They’ve also got pretty complex deconstructed desserts, and they are all at AUD$16 each. We love the Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter Marquise; decadent stack of sweet that comes complete with banana ice-cream. Mamma mia!

Social Eating House + Bar
Shop 137-138
3 Oracle Boulevard Broadbeach QLD 4218
Tel: +61 (07) 5504 5210
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm

Enchanting. That’s how we would like to think of Elk Espresso – a cafe in Broadbeach, Gold Coast. It is not the fairytale kind of enchanting; it is a cafe with a rustic outlook, and a lazy kind of sexiness.

Honest Australian fare, aromatic brews, good music and a laid back vibe. The cafe has a really tasteful interior and furnishing. Wooden furnitures and chairs in shades of green, blue and white; and we are really digging those pipes on the wall and the abundance of plants everywhere.

Elk Espresso lived up to its hype indeed. It is little wonder so many locals recommended this cafe to us, and now, we are strongly urging all of you who are in or going to Gold Coast to drop by Elk Espresso too. Fall in love with this Australian cafe, you guys!

To start off with a drink, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. It will bewilder you for a while surely, but if you just want a good cuppa, yes, go for that latte (A$3.60). Want something a little crazier? The Lindt Hot Chocolate (A$5.50) was simply divine! You have to drink it while it is hot, when it is first served to you, because that is when the chocolate bits are still semi-solid and you can actually bite into them while sipping the milky goodness.

Alright, salads are not the most exciting meals to have. But the Pea and Silverbeet Croquette Salad (A$18) drove us crazy! The croquette may be fried and not the healthiest, but we can forgive that as long as it is not overly greasy! Accompanied with steamed beet, pickled radicchio, avocado, Persian feta, smoked trout and a watercress salad, this dish was among the best we’ve had among all the Aussie cafes we had been to by far.

Then, there is a pretty mean Southern Style Fried Chicken Burger (A$17) that’s stuffed with coleslaw, double smoked bacon, chipotle mayo and a side of fries. The fried chicken alone wasn’t astounding but the combination is so damn awesome. It made us so happy.

This lunch at Elk Espresso was so wonderful, and we can only say that if we were living in Gold Coast, it would be our favourite cafe to frequent.

Elk Espresso
16 Chelsea Avenue
Broadbeach QLD 4218, Australia
Tel: +61 7 5592 2888
Daily: 6am – 4pm

Over the past few years, the dining scenes in Gold Coast and Brisbane have grown tremendously. Many vibrant Australian cafés with a bohemian twist and an increasing number of authentic Asian restaurants are winning the hearts of both locals and tourists alike. Here are 7 restaurants to visit in Queensland.

Au Cirque

Au Cirque is a two-level wooden café serving nutritious Australian cuisine. Voted as one of the best brunch spots in Brisbane, this cozy place is extremely popular amongst Australians. Scrumptious breakfasts are served till 3pm; best dishes include corn fritters and breakfast chow down. Genovese coffee is served here, which explains the frequent influx of caffeine addicts.

3/618 Brunswick Street, New Farm
Queensland, Australia 4005
Tel: (07) 3254 0479

Charis Seafood

Gold Coast’s biggest seafood outlet Charis Seafood is committed in delivering customers the freshest supplies from Australia and New Zealand. There are 40 over different kinds of gourmet species, from Atlantic Salmons to Tasmanian Scallops. Takeaway hot food is available upon request. One can enjoy the quality food in the outdoors benches and tables at Harley Park along Gold Coast Broadwaters. Keep your eye on your food or lose them to the swooping birds.

371 Marine Parade
Harley Park, Labrador
Gold Coast, Queensland 4215
Tel: (07) 5527 1100

Davies Park Market

Davies Park Market, also known as West End Markets, is not a restaurant, but it is truly a taste of Brisbane. Held every Saturday from 6am to 2pm, one can expect aplenty of local fresh produce, make shift food stalls, coffee vans, one of a kind jewellery and handmade clothing. Freshly brewed coffee, made-to-order crepes, juicy German bratwursts and crunchy roasted nuts are just some of Davies Park Market’s food highlights.

Montague Road, West End
Brisbane, Queensland 4101
Tel: (07) 3844 2440

Elk Espresso

This Australian café serves premium coffee and contemporary Australian food. Popular dishes include potato hash served with avocado & bacon. Young trendy surfers can be spotted chilling here in their sunglasses and board shorts. The menu changes with the season, keeping its customers revisiting for exciting changes/additions.

16 Chelsea Avenue, Broadbeach
Gold Coast, Queensland 4218
Tel: (07) 5592 2888

Obaltan Korean BBQ

Obaltan Korean Barbeque is famous for its DIY charcoal grill. Fresh off from the steaming wire mesh, the pieces of cooked meat with a tinge of smoky flavour (something that cannot be achieved via electric grill) are tantalising even from afar. A giant retractable fan is rooted from the ceiling to keep the smoke at bay. This authentic Korean barbeque restaurant is very popular and reservations are strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.

91 Elizabeth Street, CBD
Brisbane, Queensland 4000
Tel: (07) 3211 1469

Sono Japanese Restaurant

Sono Japanese is an exquisite fine dining Japanese restaurant with remarkable awards to its name. It was crowned the Best Asian Restaurant in 2010 and was featured in several prestigious publications, including The Australian, Style Magazine, Vogue and more. Its Teppanyaki bar is a highlight, where chefs prepare food right in front of guests whilst performing impressive culinary “stunts”. Seafood fans will be in a treat as Sono’s succulent scallops amazingly melt in one’s mouth. Do note that bookings must be made prior to one’s visit.

39 Hercules Street, Portside Wharf
Level, 1 Building 7, Hamilton
Brisbane, Queensland 4007
Tel: (07) 3268 6655

Vue Lounge

Vue Lounge is a lovely chameleon; it is a modern Australian café that serves all day breakfast till 2.30pm and it evolves into an Italian restaurant from 3pm onwards. And that is not the end. Vue is also a Burger Bar & Bistro every Tuesday to Saturday from 5pm till late! It is impossible not to love Vue Lounge for supplying Brisbane-based foodies with aromatic coffees, delicious breakfast, tasty Italian fares and takeaway brilliant burgers throughout the day.

83 Merthyr Road, New Far
Brisbane, Queensland 4005
Tel: (07) 3358 6511

About the writer
Hui Jun Ng was previously a marketing executive and freelance photographer in the food industry. Her work has been published on Epicure, Lifestyle Asia and Meld Magazine etc. She is currently on a break and traveling around the world. Follow her travel adventures on Instagram or The Keepers Map where she shares useful curated travel itineraries.

Like what I’ve mentioned in my earlier post, Things to do in Gold Coast, there is more to Gold Coast than just theme parks and surfing – you can also find good food in the city.

If you are planning a trip there soon, here are five places to eat in Gold Coast.

Bazaar Interactive Marketplace

Bazaar Restaurant at the stunning QT Hotel is easily one of the best buffets I’ve had. And this is no small praise. The restaurant re-creates a traditional marketplace with a twenty-first century twist. The food was fresh and prepared to a good standard, and the chefs were on hand to explain about the different dishes.

QT Gold Coast
7 Staghorn Ave
Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

Samurais Paradise

For a reasonable and pocket-friendly meal, go to Samurais Paradise, is a little hole-in-the-wall eatery that specialises in yakitori.

Monte Carlo Arcade
Ground Level, Shop 3, 36-38 Orchid Ave
Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
Tel: (07) 5511 8745

Kurrawa Surf Club

There’s no way you can leave Gold Coast without visiting one of the surf lifesaving clubs. Locals go there for affordable food and drinks. Think burgers, fish & chips with lots of beer.

Beachside Old Burleigh Road
Broadbeach QLD 4218, Australia
Tel: (07) 5527 5660

Yamasakura

I asked the locals to recommend me the best Japanese restaurant in Gold Coast. The answer? Yamasakura. Excellent Japanese food at acceptable prices.

60/3131 Surfers Paradise Blvd
Level 2 Centre Arcade
Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
Tel: (07) 5592 2799

Black Coffee Lyrics

And lastly, Black Coffee Lyrics, located just Yamasakura, is an “insider” spot for coffee and good food. It has a kick-ass vibe – artsy, cosy and very very cool. In short, the sort of underground cafe for those “in the know” to hang out.

This is probably one of the best kept secrets in town. I had one of my best meals this year at Black Lyrics Cafe, so I am going to just say this once: this is a must-visit place if you are in Gold Coast.

60/3131 Surfers Paradise Blvd
Level 2 Centre Arcade
Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
Tel: (07) 0218 9437

For more recommendations, please read my post on Things to do in Gold Coast

Besides the gorgeous beaches, Gold Coast has a lot to offer. From taking a day trip to the beautiful Hinterland, chasing after whales and dolphins on a cruise, to going on the hot air balloon – there are plenty to do in Gold Coast.

If you are planning a trip there soon, read on to find out some recommendations – things to see, do, and eat – when you are at Gold Coast.

Gold Coast, famous for fun!

Good Restaurants in Gold Coast

Gold Coast is known for many things, but having good restaurants was never one of them. However, that has changed in recent years as you can find fine dining restaurants such as Salt Grill at Hilton and Seaduction at Sea Temple. Apart from that, I also had one of my best meals of the year at Black Coffee Lyrics, an uber-chic cafe/bar in the heart of Surfers Paradise. There are lots of good food in Gold Coast, but I will leave that for another day.

Hinterland Day Tour

When we were there, we joined a Hinterland day tour by Southern Cross 4WD Tours (Tel: 07 5574 5041). While you can easily drive yourself, I’d suggest joining a day tour as it is a hassle-free to explore the huge area with the help of those who know it best. Our guide, Royd, was witty and knowledgeable and we had a great time. From visiting the nature parks; to learning how to throw a boomerang; having a simple, but great lunch at a beautiful camping site; appreciating wine at a local wine-maker; and spotting wallabies by the roadside – we did so many things within a day.

Theme Parks

Gold Coast, famous for fun, famous for theme parks. Dreamworld, Seaworld, Wet ‘n’ Wild, and Warner Bros Movie World are attractions that you must not miss in Gold Coast.

Hot air balloon

With a breathtaking view, Gold Coast is the perfect place to go on a hot air balloon. If you have always wanted to experience it, make su

re you sign up for a hot air balloon trip when you are there. Trust me, it’s totally worth your while to wake up at 4am to catch the sunrise and beautiful scenery.

Whale watching

The whale watching season is typically from May to Oct, so if you ever find yourself visiting Gold Coast during this period, be sure to have a taste of this exciting adventure.

Whale watching is an activity which depends on luck. If you are fortunate, the whales will swim near to the boat and you can capture some nice photos. During our trip, we only managed to spot a few whales from far.

Surfing and beaches.

Gold Coast, one of the most popular holiday destinations in Australia, is surfers’ paradise. The reason why many people visit Gold Coast over and over again is because it has one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Enough said. Scoot has a promotion to fly from Singapore to Gold Coast for only S$400+. Book your tickets and have a great time!

Full Disclosure & Fine Print: I travelled to Gold Coast as a guest of Scoot Airlines and Tourism Queensland. No monetary benefits were received, only air tickets and hotel accommodations were sponsored.