Your Gold Coast Nightlife Guide: Where the Party Never Ends
Often feted for its sandy beaches and numerous surfing spots, the Gold Coast is easily every beach bum's paradise.
While its pristine waters and unspoiled nature are typically best explored during the day, its wide range of nightlife enclaves takes the spotlight when evening rolls over.
From nightclubs to cocktail bars, there's always a place for every night owl in this coastal city.
Here are some of the must-visit places to drink and party all night long on the Gold Coast:
Retro's Surfers Paradise
Are you looking to hang out somewhere that'll teleport you back to the past in an instant? Drumroll, please - Retro's Cocktail Lounge is the place to be.
One of the best bars on the Gold Coast, come here for the iconic fish bowl cocktails that are perfect for sharing with a partner, old-school disco mirror balls, and playlist throwbacks that'll give partygoers just the right amount of nostalgia.
Opening hours: Weds & Thurs: 9pm to 3am, Fri: 7:30pm to 3am, Sat: 8pm to 3am. Closed on Sun, Mon, & Tues
Address: 3/15 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia (map)
IceBar Surfers
Get ready your jackets (trust us, you'll need them) because IceBar Surfers is the coolest bar in the Gold Coast, literally speaking.
Like its sub-zero counterpart in Melbourne, IceBar is a venue made completely of ice.
You'll find the bar located at Cavill Lane, a two-minute walk away from Cavill Hotel.
This fun spot is where you can sip on ice-cold drinks in ultra-frosty -10°C temperatures any time of the year, a godsend especially when the temperatures outside are sweltering.
Opening hours: Open daily, 11am to 11pm
Address: 3113 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia (map)
NAAmi
A somewhat hidden speakeasy at the centre of Burleigh Heads, NAAmi instantly transports you to the busy backstreets of Hanoi, Vietnam.
Apart from its freshly prepped Bahn mi being the ultimate crowd-pleaser, its bespoke menu is worthy of your attention.
Not only do the exotic cocktails taste divine, but they surprisingly appease all the other senses – from aroma to aesthetics to textures.
Opening hours: Fri & Sat: 6pm to 12am. Closed for the rest of the week.
Address: 47 James St, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220, Australia (map)
Surfers Paradise Beer Garden
Priding itself as the heart and soul of the Surfers Paradise community, the Surfers Paradise Beer Garden is a multi-floor establishment with something for everyone.
Local and imported draught beers - you got it. Live sports with over 16 HD TVs - you're covered. Delicious pub grub - you bet.
No wonder the Garden is one of the most popular bars not just in the Surfers Paradise neighbourhood, but in the entire city as well.
Opening hours: Open daily, 10am to 5pm
Address: Cnr Cavill &, Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia (map)
Vinnies Dive Bar
Watching a gig by local bands is an epic way to get to know a city.
And what is your best bet for doing so on the Gold Coast? Vinnies Dive Bar in Southport, no doubt.
What this small pub lacks in size, it makes up for in atmosphere and vibe.
This unpretentious venue certainly lives up to its name thanks to its worn-in furniture, walls plastered with rock posters, relatively cheap drinks, and live music.
Opening hours: Tues to Fri: Open from 4pm onwards, Sat: Open from 12pm onwards. Closed on Sun
Address: 44A Nerang St, Southport QLD 4215, Australia (map)
Gold Coast's NightClub Scene
Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub
The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub is like a spectacular circus of Gold Coast nightlife, where the ordinary is not invited. It's a spot where cabaret, music, and fine dining come together to create an evening that's truly out of this world.
But hold on tight, because The Pink Flamingo doesn't just put on a show; it's a non-stop, high-energy party featuring burlesque and comedy that'll have you in stitches, gasping in awe, and clapping like there's no tomorrow.
Timings: Thurs: 6pm to 9:30pm, Fri: 6pm to 12am, Sat: 11:30am to 12am. Closed from Sun to Weds
Address: Corner of 88 Surf Parade &, Victoria Ave, Broadbeach QLD 4218, Australia (map)
Lost Kingdom Nightclub
Get ready to unleash your inner Tarzan and Jane because it's time to get wild at the Lost Kingdom Nightclub, the only place in Australia with jungle clubbing vibes.
With its tiki-themed Treasure Chest drinks, an interior that's more tropical rainforest than nightclub, and some of the best dance music around, this nightlife spot is one of the best clubs on the Gold Coast to party the night away.
Opening hours: Fri to Sun: 9pm to 3am. Closed for the rest of the week.
Address: The Mark, 15 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia (map)
Asylum Nightclub
When it comes to Gold Coast nightlife, it doesn't get swankier than the Asylum Nightclub - think electric clinical decor that looks good, and a clientele that looks even better.
From hosting private parties at luxe VIP booth seating to a wide selection of cocktails that'll fuel your party crew until the sun rises.
One thing's for sure: this nightclub is a popular spot among locals to dance the night away and get in a serious party mood.
Opening hours: Fri: 9pm to 3am, Sat: 9:30pm to 3am. Closed for the rest of the week.
Address: 15 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia (map)
Elsewhere Bar
Located right in the middle of Surfers Paradise is a true icon - Elsewhere Bar.
Since its humble beginnings in 2003, with its two well-trodden flights of stairs, it has blossomed into a cultural institution hosting local and international acts like hard rock band Wolfmother and psytrance duo Infected Mushroom.
No matter your preferences in music, an unforgettable night is always guaranteed here.
Opening hours: Thurs to Sun: 9pm to 3:30am. Closed for the rest of the week.
Address: 23 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia (map)
Beyond Bars & Clubs: Other Cool Things to Do at Night in Gold Coast
Party with the Undead over Dinner
Spent too many nights partying? Why not try something different with a themed dinner experience? Sink your fangs into a three-course meal with cocktails at Dracula's Cabaret Gold Coast.
Party with ghouls and immerse yourself in the show 'Muertos'! Be entertained by a talented cast as they pay tribute to the Carnaval de la Carnage and the Mexican Day of the Dead.
Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner Show
Nightlife isn't all about partying. Eating well is a fabulous way to spend your evenings as well. And it doesn't get better than experiencing a taste of the Australian Outback.
Venture into the heart of Australia and learn the tale of two struggling Aussie farmers, Reg and Marge.
Enjoy a three-course meal, featuring woodfire-roasted vegetables and your choice of a juicy eye fillet steak or chicken breast, complemented with beer and wine throughout the night.
Go on a Glow Worm Night Tour
Is nature more your type of nightlife? Head into the Gold Coast hinterland to see one of Australia's largest glow worm colonies at Natural Bridge Cave.
This 3-hour tour offers the chance to spot native nocturnal wildlife at Springbrook Plateau and gaze up at billions of twinkling stars in the night sky.
Wrapping Up: Gold Coast's Nightlife Scene
Discovering the nightlife of the Gold Coast offers an array of experiences, from retro lounges to jungle-themed clubs and spectacular cabaret shows.
Whether you're sipping cocktails or dancing the night away, the city ensures an unforgettable evening for every taste. So, grab your friends, explore the vibrant venues, and let the party never end on the Gold Coast!
Commonly Asked Questions
Does Gold Coast have nightlife?
The Gold Coast's nightlife is a vibrant tapestry of entertainment, offering something for everyone. From the lively clubs of Surfers Paradise to the chic lounges of Main Beach, the cultural events scattered throughout this coastal city truly come alive after sunset
Are there age restrictions for entry to nightclubs on the Gold Coast?
Yes, most nightclubs have age restrictions, typically 18 and above.
What time do Gold Coast nightclubs typically close?
Closing times vary, but many clubs close around 3 to 4am.
Are there any LGBTQ+ friendly nightclubs in Gold Coast?
While the Gold Coast doesn't have LGBTQ+ specific nightclubs, you can enjoy an LGBTQ+ friendly nightlife experience at The Pink Flamingo with Fabulous, a camp cabaret held every Thursday night.
Where to go at night in Gold Coast?
For nightlife in Gold Coast, check out clubs like Lost Kingdom Nightclub for jungle vibes, Asylum Nightclub for swanky decor, and Hollywood Showgirls for a unique dance experience. These spots are perfect for a night of dancing and fun.