Sweet escapes: The 13 best desserts on the Gold Coast

Find the cherry on top of your Queensland adventure with our list of the best desserts on the Gold Coast.

They say you can’t buy happiness — but you can buy dessert, and that’s kind of the same thing. The Gold Coast wholeheartedly agrees, boasting a vast landscape of goodies that cater to the sweetest of tooths. From a boozy hot chocolate and TikTok-famous Dubai chocolate to crispy bubble waffles and skillet-filled hot cookies, creativity runs rife in delectable shapes and forms. Here, our hand-sampled pick of the best desserts on the Gold Coast to sweeten every new adventure.

1. Dipcro Pastry

croissants at Dipcro Pastry, Gold Coast dessert — Dipcro Pastry is renowned for its dippable cup-like croissants.

Bringing TikTok’s hottest sugar trend to its already spectacular patisserie range, Dipcro Pastry knows how to create a stir. Renowned for its dippable cup-like croissants, filling three-day aged pastry with the likes of liquid Biscoff and vanilla custard, the Gold Coast dessert haven now offers a Pistachio Dubai Chocolate Tart, crafting pure excellence out of social media’s favourite crunchy, nutty chocolate. Australian Traveller devoured the new May 2025 menu item which also incorporates chocolate ganache, homemade pistachio butter and crispy kataifi pastry. Gazing into the glass-walled bakery in Dipcro’s Chevron Island location, we’re in awe of how the team manage to keep their hands off all the irresistible gooey ingredients that surround them. If you can’t grab one of the few tables inside, there are another four or so on the street, while the Main Beach location is larger if you’re prepared to drive another 10 minutes’ north.

Address: 55 Thomas Dr, Chevron Island and 27 Tedder Ave, Main Beach

2. 5B2F Ciabatta

Southport welcomed 5B2F Ciabatta in December 2024, a little sister to the suburb’s long-adored 5B2F Bakehouse that seriously stepped up the northern Gold Coast’s desserts scene. Run by an ex-Hyatt chef from South Korea, Moonsun Yoo, the shop presents its delicately crafted sweets in a display cabinet that dazzles every time you visit. Posh pastries, almost too pretty to eat, include the popular ‘Earl Grey’ double-baked marble sponge slice, danishes topped with seasonal fruits, a ‘Paris Brest’ with choux pastry, cream and hazelnuts, and the signature Mont Blanc, which layers honey sponge, chocolate and mascarpone cream.

Address: 29 Davenport St, Southport

3. Ze Pickle

oreogazm dessert at Ze Pickle, Gold Coast — Deep-fried Oreos in doughnut batter with ice cream and liquid Nutella at Ze Pickle.

A Burleigh Heads institution better known for its burgers, Ze Pickle is renowned locally for its sweet chasers. The home of deep-fried dessert innovation, these guys roll out the ‘Oreogazm’, topping deep-fried Oreos in doughnut batter with ice cream and Nutella, plus the ‘Darrell Lee’s Dead’, a baked chocolate chip brownie in a skillet with Dulce de Leche sauce. The main event, however, has got to be the cheeky #WhoTheF***WasMaxBrenner, another skillet filled with a caramel M&Ms and choc-chip cookie and drizzled with marshmallow “gravy". Grab a table outside on the street corner to ensure you score the drooling-onlooker reaction every creation deserves.

Address: 1/37 Connor St, Burleigh Heads

4. Waffle & Bean Dessert Bar

Golden waffle bites topped with crushed Oreo, Kinder Bueno, toasted marshmallow, biscuits, custard, coconut, whipped cream and mixed berries – it’s just the tip of the iceberg at Waffle & Bean Dessert Bar . On paper, the Burleigh Heads nirvana (the team have since opened a second store down south) serves as a speciality dessert bar, but in reality, the decadence of this place is hard to put into words. Alongside their dreamy Belgian-born line-up (a bacon waffle sandwich, perhaps?), there’s freshly baked cookie pies, Mars and Snickers slices, Dubai chocolate brownies (there it is again) and over-the-top milkshakes including ‘I Want Candy’, mixing bubble-gum syrup, milk and ice cream before bringing on the chaos with whipped cream, coloured popcorn and sprinkles. It hits the spot, we promise.

Address: 6/1837 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads and 11/118 Griffith St, Coolangatta

5. Bam Bam Bakehouse

a strawberry tart at Bam Bam Bakehouse, Gold Coast — You can’t go wrong with special strawberry tarts at Bam Bam Bakehouse. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

No ‘best desserts on the Gold Coast’ list can overlook the fabulous Bam Bam Bakehouse , a cult sweet spot that pulls relentless crowds in Mermaid Beach. While the focus sits firmly on refined pastry techniques (but also serving a breakfast menu that dances the line between nasi goreng and karaage chicken-stuffed croissants), Bam Bam is the Gold Coast equivalent of your favourite Parisian boulangerie. Pop in for one of their famed twice-baked almond croissants but don’t be surprised if you’re heading out with a dulce de leche twice-baked version or a Nutella cruffin with almond frangipane, too. What you can be certain of, however, is getting there early because the heavy hitters tend to sell out within just a few hours.

Address: 2519 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

6. Gemelli Broadbeach

tiramisu at Gemelli Broadbeach, Gold Coast dessert — Treat yourself to a tried-and-true tiramisu at Gemelli Broadbeach.

Gemelli brings Little Italy to the Gold Coast – giving you the chance to taste local, truly Italian specialties across various Glitter Strip locations. Our favourite outpost is the original, the Broadbeach eatery, which still nails its famed Nutella Bomba to this day. A deep-fried Sicilian calzone, the standout Gold Coast dessert features a crispy outer layer with a soft inner filling that oozes Nutella goodness and vanilla gelato before quickly melting in your mouth. Bellissimo.

Address: 2/2685 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach

7. Janus Deli

the doughnut variants at Janus Deli, Gold Coast dessert — Get swept up in doughnut goodness. (Image: Supplied)

For those who consider the art of doughnuts a competitive sport, you’re probably familiar with Janus Deli . The doughy connoisseurs offer staple creations, like plain cinnamon and vanilla-glazed, but it’s way more fun leaning into their innovative concoctions including the apple fritter, crème brulee, Dubai chocolate and Biscoff varieties. All this and some pretty amazing branded merch spanning t-shirts, tumblers, caps and more.

Address: Shop 14/458 Olsen Ave, Molendinar

8. The Paddock Bakery

desserts at Paddock Bakery, Gold Coast — Stop by the much-adored Paddock Bakery for sweet treats. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

We defy anybody to visit The Paddock Bakery and leave without a sweet treat in tow. Yes, it’s a killer brunch spot, easily one of the best cafes on the Gold Coast, but their sweet treats are pure soul food, sliding smiles upon dials with just one glance at the crammed glass cabinet by the registers. The sourdough doughnuts are a popular pick, available in salted caramel and pretzel cookie crumb, Biscoff cheesecake and other mouth-watering varieties, but don’t neglect the strawberry and Lindt white chocolate muffin or strawberry glazed tart or gooey chunky cookies or itty-bitty carrot cakes or… well, we could go on. Expect to line up around the corner of the building no matter when you arrive but the wait is always worth it.

Address: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Burleigh Heads

9. Little Sweet Cafe

With unicorns on the wall and traditional Hong Kong crispy bubble waffles on the menu, it’s hard to say no to a sugar fix from Little Sweet Cafe . You’ll also find pastry puffs with vanilla custard, souffle pancakes, as well as many flavours of bingsu (a Korean shaved-ice dessert) including tropical, super brownie, matcha, and green tea. And to quench your thirst? Pearl teas and matcha lattes should do the trick.

Address: 10/2 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

10. Franquette

Raspberry & Pistachio Danish at Franquette, Gold Coast dessert — The irresistible Raspberry & Pistachio Danish at Franquette.

A bustling bakery found along Tamborine Mountain’s charming Gallery Walk, Franquette whips up standout sourdough and baguettes — but the stars of the show are its sweets. Paying homage to traditional French patisseries, edible art includes raspberry and pistachio danishes, croissant loaves, tiramisu, lemon curd cruffins and delicious associates. Additionally, there’s plenty of table space across two storefronts that sprawl onto the pavement with further seating, and the staff are warm and chatty, happy to share their favourites if you’re struggling to select.

Address: 155/157 Long Rd, Tamborine Mountain

11. The Gelato Shop

gelato cups at The Gelato Shop, Gold Coast dessert — Save room for gelato. (Image: The Gelato Shop)

Aptly voted as the Gold Coast’s favourite gelato, The Gelato Shop in Broadbeach makes its hero dessert in-store daily, using the finest Italian and Australian ingredients. Scoop your favourite flavour (Kinder Surprise, Baileys Irish Cream and Ferrero Rocher are never bad ideas) into a cup or cone, or go all out with a Rocky Road sundae topped with whipped cream, melted chocolate, marshmallows and nuts.

Address: Shop 8 Aria Building, Cnr Surf Parade & Albert Ave, Broadbeach

12. Quince

Prefer savoury to sweet? We hear you. Quince is an exceptional place to raid, located in the trendy Cornerstone Stores and appearing as a boutique wine shop at first glance. Step inside the tiny shopfront to discover its creamy charms, including incredible cave-aged cheddar from the United Kingdom, housed securely inside a temperature-controlled fromagerie. The team is armed with expert wine pairing advice, ensuring guests leave plenty prepped for a dessert hit sans refined sugar.

Address: Shop 5/570 Gold Coast Hwy, Tugun

Originally written by Natasha Gamra with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams

Discover the best things to do on the Gold Coast

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

Start planning your Queensland adventure at all.com.