Gold Coast Bar Guide 2026: Cocktail Bars, Speakeasies and Rooftop Spots You Need to Visit

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Gold Coast Bar Guide 2026: Cocktail Bars, Speakeasies and Rooftop Spots You Need to Visit

The Gold Coast drinking scene has evolved into one of Australia's most dynamic, offering everything from award-winning cocktail bars and hidden speakeasies to breezy rooftop terraces. Whether you're after craft spirits, natural wines or a casual beachside beer, the Coast delivers in spades. Here's our curated selection of must-visit drinking destinations across the region.

Creative Cocktail Bars

The Exhibitionist – Surfers Paradise

Perched on level five of the HOTA Gallery, this arts-inspired rooftop bar changes its cocktail menu to match whichever major exhibition is showing downstairs. Expect inventive drinks paired with gourmet pizzas and share plates, plus panoramic views across Surfers Paradise. The standard of mixology remains consistently high regardless of the rotating theme.

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Malibu Racquet Club – Burleigh Heads

A mid-century styled cocktail bar with a playful tennis theme, Malibu Racquet Club sits right on the Gold Coast Highway. The minimalist interior photographs beautifully, while the drink menu ranges from classic cocktails to the signature Mac Enroe. Tasting plates, wine and craft beer round out the offering.

Terronia – Burleigh Heads

Tucked down a James Street laneway, Terronia channels an Italian piazza complete with a fountain centrepiece. Founder Mycol is an Australian Bartending Champion, and many drinks are adapted from competition-level creations. Every detail is considered — house-made syrups, seasonal ingredients, hand-cut clear ice and custom glassware.

Rosella's – Burleigh Heads

Celebrating all things Australiana, Rosella's pours natural Australian wines alongside cocktails named after national icons like Blinky Bill and the Matildas. Local craft beers flow on tap and nostalgic bar snacks include damper and chicken-salt chips. The vibe is unmistakably, unapologetically Australian.

Cambus Wallace – Nobby Beach

Named after a ship that sank off the coast in 1894, this nautical-themed rum and whisky bar is a local institution. The moody, low-lit interior sets the scene for expertly mixed cocktails and an extensive spirits list, with live acoustic music adding to the intimate atmosphere.

Soho Bar – Broadbeach

Find the red phone box and step into this London East End-inspired speakeasy. Banksy-style street art covers every wall while an encyclopaedic drinks menu showcases fine spirits and creative cocktails. There's no kitchen, but you're welcome to BYO food from surrounding Broadbeach eateries.

Hidden Speakeasies and Secret Bars

Lockwood Bar – Burleigh Heads

This sophisticated hideaway on Justin Lane keeps its entrance deliberately discreet — you'll need to text a number on arrival to gain entry. Beyond the velvet curtain lies an exceptional whisky collection and a stacked cocktail menu served by knowledgeable bartenders. Open Monday-Thursday from 7pm, Friday-Saturday from 5pm.

Veladora – Broadbeach

The Star Gold Coast hides this candle-lit Mexican-inspired speakeasy behind a red palm tree near Harvest restaurant. The cocktail menu features inventive creations like the Midnight in Cancun, paired with unconventional bar snacks. Open Friday and Saturday from 7pm.

Roosevelt Lounge – Broadbeach

Step into the roaring 1920s at this gilded, Chesterfield-lined establishment tucked between The Loose Moose and Sofitel Broadbeach. The classic martini is the star here, enjoyed in a setting of old-world glamour. Open Friday and Saturday from 5pm.

Nightjar – Burleigh Heads

Burleigh's rock 'n' roll dive bar delivers live music, cold drinks and a buzzing crowd every night of the week. Look for the roller doors and neon sign down Justin Lane. Open Tuesday-Thursday from 6pm, Friday-Sunday from 7pm.

Suga – Palm Beach

A plantation-style rum bar on the Gold Coast Highway, Suga combines a curated cocktail list with live entertainment every night. The Alligator Wine — a blend of Triple Sec, Licor 43 and orange zest — is a standout. Open Thursday-Sunday from 6pm until late.

Boutique Wine Bars and Gin Destinations

Destino Wine Bar – Sanctuary Cove

Whitewashed walls and natural textures evoke sun-drenched Greek Islands at this Hope Island gem. International wines and artisanal cocktails pair with share plates, charcuterie and cheese boards for leisurely afternoon sessions.

The Gin Parlour – Miami Marketta

Over 105 gins line the backlit wall of this creative precinct bar. A sculptural ceiling, polished concrete and vintage touches create an eclectic setting for gin flights, cocktails, craft beer and wine.

Paloma Wine Bar – Burleigh Heads

Voted Wine Bar of the Year by Gourmet Traveller, this understated James Street venue is sibling to acclaimed Restaurant Labart. The wine list encourages adventurous choices, while freshly shaken cocktails and gourmet small plates complete the experience.

Burly Bar – Currumbin

The cellar door for Burly's award-winning artisan gins, this intimate Currumbin space pairs guided tasting flights with coastal-inspired tapas. A refined yet relaxed setting showcasing spirits distilled nearby in Burleigh Heads.

Sueño – Mermaid Beach

Terracotta booths and sweeping ocean views define this Nobby Beach stunner within the Oxley precinct. The bug tacos are a must-order alongside the carefully crafted cocktail list.

Rooftop Bars with a View

Justin Lane Rooftop – Burleigh Heads

Ocean views, wood-fired pizza and expertly mixed cocktails make this Burleigh rooftop a perennial favourite. The relaxed setup and feel-good vibes suit long afternoons that stretch into starry evenings.

The Island Rooftop – Surfers Paradise

The Gold Coast's largest open-air rooftop bar delivers cocktails, live entertainment and sweeping CBD views. DJs spin tropical house to funk grooves Thursday through Sunday — dancing shoes recommended.

Skyline Rooftop Bar – Surfers Paradise

Head upstairs from Waxy's Irish Pub to this twinkling fairy-lit courtyard. Sunset sessions with city skyline views, live music and pool tables create a lively yet laid-back atmosphere.

Lulu – Surfers Paradise

Perched above Orchid Avenue, this playful rooftop merges Gold Coast cool with retro Miami Vice vibes. Sunday sessions feature a two-hour bottomless brunch with cocktails included — the perfect weekend ritual.