Beaches, Shopping, & Dining: Things to do in Broadbeach 2021

Once the overshadowed sibling of spectacular Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach has blossomed into a hub of Gold Coast culture with a generous sprinkling of amazing restaurants and shopping and the trademark golden sand beaches with thundering sapphire surf.

‘Broadie’ to the locals, is framed by beautiful green foreshore picnic and barbeque areas, a perfect escape from the sun when spending a day on the beach. There is also the huge Pratten Park where you will find kids laughing and playing on the extensive and creative playgrounds, people reading in the shade or enjoying a snack on a picnic blanket, and cyclists sharing the walkway with mothers and their strollers. Part of what gives Broadbeach its sophisticated charm is the way the architecture highlights and compliments the areas natural landscape.

Car hire is optional on your trip to Broadbeach, as the region has everything you need during even a long holiday. Between the beaches, shopping centres (yes - plural!), markets, dining scene, casino, entertainment centre and attractions, you can enjoy everything without leaving the suburb.

If the desire to duck over to Surfers Paradise occurs, Broadie is well connected with the rest of the Gold Coast by the light rail stopping in two locations throughout Broadbeach and hugging the coastline before heading inland. 



Pacific Fair Shopping Centre - Discover Queensland


Broadbeach Shopping


For the ultimate in Gold Coast shopping, and one of the largest shopping centres in Australia, the multi-million dollar renovated Pacific Fair is at your service. High end shoppers will enjoy one of the countries largest collections of luxury brands including Givenchy, Hermes, Tiffany and Co, Bulgari, Coach, Hugo Boss, Bally, Christian Louboutin, Harrods, Rolex, Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Max Mara and more.
  
The centre is also home to hundreds of specialty stores such as Mecca Maxima, Lorna Jane, Adidas, Aesop, Ally, City Beach, Cotton On, Country Road, Culture Kings, Nike, Kathmandu, Just Jeans, House, Glassons, Gazman and more.

Department stores haven't been left out, with the Gold Coast’s largest Myer, H&M, David Jones, Zara, Knart, Big W and JBHiFi to name a few. 

Pacific Fair is a unique experience with that allows you to enjoy retail therapy your own way. The center features both indoor and outdoor settings, a sophisticated ambience tied together with a waterfall and stream, plenty of seating including hanging egg chairs, an enormous dining area dedicated to restaurants and casual dining and a grand stair case. 

Everyday shopping is available simply by strolling down Broadbeach mall where the strip is mostly lined with restaurants, but you will also find a peppering of of boutiques.

Along Broadbeach Mall you will find Oasis Shopping Centre and Niecon Plaza. Oasis has undergone a recent facelift and is home to woolies and a post office as well as over 100 specialty stores including fashion alcoves to yoga studios and gyms to chemists. It is also within walking distance of most Broadbeach accommodation, and therefore is perfect for last minute purchases such as selecting a necklace or belt to pull your outfit together before dinner!

Broadbeach Markets 

Times: 8am - 2pm
Location: Kurrawa Park (opposite Oasis Shopping Centre)
Parking: Metered parking available on Old Burleigh Road or in Oasis Shopping Centre

If your trip to Broadbeach coincides with either the first or third Sunday of the month, you have hit the local shopping jackpot. The Broadbeach Art and Craft Markets boast locally made crafts, fresh produce, and trinkets galore spread across more than 150 stalls.

Hideaway Kitchen | Broadbeach

Broadbeach Restaurants

The selection of delectable Broadbeach restaurants peppering the streets are enough to impress the harshest foodie critics. The selection at the above Pacific Fair is quite impressive; you'll also find plenty more spread across the region.

Iyara Thai and Social Eating House both rank in the top #3 restaurants in Broadbeach with excellent reviews (corroborated by our Discover Queensland team!). 

Hank Dining and Bar has long been a popular Broadbeach restaurant and there is little wonder why with their extensive share plate menu offering tapas with a twist, a selection of unusual, yet delightful wine, and friendly staff.

Koi has had a recent facelift at the end of 2020, reopening with a new menu and look, while Mamasun's Asian fusion and excellent cocktail menu is sure to impress. 

Sage Restaurant has been dubbed the Best Family Restaurant, by ‘I Love Food Awards’ and boasts a hearty menu with family friendly ambience.

For a gluten-free friendly menu in a romantic setting, Verve Restaurant Café & bar offer an amazing menu at reasonable prices. While Rocksalt Modern Dining offers contemporary and upmarket presentation with a relaxed atmosphere and cuisine focused on locally caught seafood.

Room81 in the Sofitel Broadbeach offers a degustation menu is thoroughly popular and highly recommended, read more about dining in this hotel in our French Elegance meets the Iconic Gold Coast article.

View from the Kurrawa Surf Club


A local gem, The Kurrawa Surf Club is uniquely located in the heart of Broadbeach on absolute waterfront of one of the most spectacular beaches in the world, setting it apart from the crowd. In the right season a decadent lunch or dinner at the surf club can often come with a side of whale watching!

A newly renovating Cardamom Pod is an absolute delight with views across the gorgeous park, mouth-watering vegetarian and vegan cuisine, and a selection of to-die-for desserts, ‘The Pod’ has earned its spot at #7 on Trip Advisor. The restaurant is uniquely popular among those looking for cruelty free options as well as people simply looking for brilliantly fresh and tasty cuisine.

Amongst these restaurants there are a host of alfresco options and cafés as well as convenient take away nooks that could put 5 star establishments to shame. No matter where your Broadbeach accommodation is located, you could drown in foodie heaven.

Broadbeach Convention and Exhibition Centre


Catch a Show

The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre located centrally is either a tram stop or short walk away from all things Broadbeach. It is also the premier centre for all concerts, theatre performances, trade shows, sporting events, conferences and conventions to hit the Gold Coast, everything from Cirque Du Soleil to Supa Nova is hosted here. 

Just next door, The Star Casino is also host to an array of more intimate shows often paired with dinner and a nice glass of wine.

Draculas and Flamingoes both call Broadbeach home offering an incredible night out with themed entertainment. 

Broadbeach Coastline

Broadbeach Beaches


Stretching over 80 kilometres, the Gold Coast coastline offers pristine golden sand beaches, clear blue waters, crashing waves perfect for surfing, and the famous Aussie lifeguards in red and yellow patrolling the water. Visitors travel across the globe to enjoy this experience and they are not disappointed.

Broadbeach is one of the more popular areas of the Gold Coast, with Kurrawa Beach known as one of the safest beaches hosting many surf lifesaving events. The expansive beaches leave plenty of room for people to soak up the sun and relax, throw a volley ball around, play a game of beach cricket, or indulge in one of the coast’s most popular activities – surfing.

Child meets Batman at Movie World

Gold Coast Theme Parks


On the Gold Coast fun comes naturally with Australia’s most popular assortment of family-friendly theme parks. Australia’s largest theme park Dreamworld is overflowing with rides and attractions to suit toddlers through to adults, attached at the hip is Whitewater World – a mecca of water fun.

Movie World somehow manages to contain its superheroes who roam the grounds mingled with the guests enjoying the fantasy realm complete with adventure rides and movie attractions. While the original water park Wet ‘n’ Wild offers a day of water adventure and fun. These theme parks are a short drive from Broadbeach, and transfers are easily organised through accommodation providers.

Dolphin with Family at Sea World Resort


Due to Sea World Resort’s need for proximity to the ocean, it is closer to Broadbeach than the other theme parks and bestows upon guests an intimate animal experience no other resort can offer, along with water and adventure ride fun.

Gold Coast theme parks are inherent in the culture and no trip to Broadbeach would be complete without a visit to Australia’s best theme parks.

The Star Casino


The Star Gold Coast 


For your hit of flashing lights and razzle dazzle take a trip to The Star Casino, where you can put everything on black, enjoy a pina colada, enjoy a swanky dinner, and dance the night away. This vibrant hub of glamour and style offers over 70 game tables and 1 300 gaming machines all on a single level 24 hours a day.

Queensland’s first casino also offers intimate shows with dinner and promises an entertaining night out.

Broadbeach has graduated into an established Gold Coast icon, known as a stylish destination dotted with restaurants, beaches, and shopping that has somehow held onto its relaxed atmosphere. No matter how in demand Broadbeach becomes, it will always be known fondly as ‘Broadie’. Call us on 1300 788 553 if you're convinced you need Broadbeach accommodation for your next getaway!

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