Best Gold Coast Art Gallery | Australian Traveller

Take in the Gold Coast’s lively art scene at these carefully curated galleries.

The Gold Coast may be best loved for its covetable beaches, lush rainforests, and its sun-soaked, light-hearted energy, but all that beauty and bounce translates into inspiration for a region rich with artful talent. From curators and collaborators to sculptors and ceramicists, the creative scene is as vibrant as it is vast and there are plenty of places to experience what it has to offer. To get you ready for some visual feasting, here’s our list of the best art galleries on the Gold Coast.

1. HOTA

HOTA Gold Coast — HOTA is a destination where art, entertainment, culture and lifestyle meet. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Best for: A full day of creative exploration

Attracting the art appreciator with its brightly-hued facade that looks like a giant mosaic HOTA (Home of the Arts), is, with little argument, the top creative destination on the Gold Coast.

Embracing a range of art forms, from the visual and digital to cinematic and comedic, this space celebrates all mediums of expression. Come for an exhibition, stay for a movie, and enjoy dinner and a drink at the superb and loftily located onsite Palate Restaurant and The Exhibitionist Bar.

Apart from browsing galleries, you can busy yourself in the kids’ area, on the adventure trail and swimming in the Evandale Lake. There’s also an outdoor stage for night-time performances and a picturesque 130-metre bridge that leads to Chevron Island.

Opening hours: 10am–4pm every day

Address: 135 Bundall Road, Surfer’s Paradise

2. 19 Karen

a woman arranging art and paintings at 19 Karen, Gold Coast — Unearth contemporary art at 19 Karen. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Best for: Contemporary contemplations

Tucked behind the Gold Coast Highway in humming little Miami, 19 Karen is a treasure waiting to be unearthed by dilettantes of contemporary art. The large space opens up a world of fine art pieces that stir emotion and provoke thoughts.

Wander through these colourful studies of culture, community and humanity and enjoy absorbing everything from pop art to expressionism, surrealism and abstract styles.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Thursday 9am-4pm; Friday and Saturday 9am-2pm; by appointment Sunday and Monday.

Address: 19 Karen Ave, Mermaid Beach

3. Maverick Hair and Art Studio

a look inside Maverick Hair and Art Studio, Gold Coast — Maverick Hair and Art Studio is an award-winning hair salon and contemporary art space.

Best for: Artful cuts

Merging the perhaps unlikely disciplines of hairdressing and visual arts, Maverick Hair and Art Studio sits above the street in a lofty and bright space where local art decorates the walls.

Here, you can take in the works while waiting for your toner to set and your hair to be washed. Collaborating with artists, the studio selects collaborations based on originality and inclusion, so you’ll always find something uplifting to absorb.

Opening hours: Tuesday and Friday 8.30-5pm; Wednesday 8.30am-8pm; Thursday 8.30am-9pm

Address: First floor 1/17 Griffith St, Coolangatta

4. Dust Temple and SOFA Gallery

Best for: Coffee and a creative chat

A beacon of artful energy in an industrial setting, Dust Temple is a cafe and bar, art space and performance venue. You’ll find a rotating roster of exciting events, including a vintage clothing market, exhibitions, poetry, live music and charity events, such as Empty Bowls, which raises awareness for world hunger. Sit in the sun-drenched courtyard and enjoy breakfast or lunch alongside a serve of art appreciation.

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 6am-2pm; weekends 6.30am-2pm

Address: 54 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters

5. Capanart Gallery

the exterior of Capanart Gallery, Gold Coast — Peruse and purchase Indigenous art at Capanart Gallery. (Image: Susan Capan)

Best for: Landscape loveliness

Artist and gallery director Susan Capan opened Capanart Gallery in the beautiful Mount Tamborine in 2009. As well as featuring her own works, Susan curates a collection of Australian art available to peruse and purchase, including Aboriginal art from central Australia. Any art enthusiast on a day trip out to the mountain should build a little time in their itinerary to drop in on Susan.

Opening hours: Friday to Tuesday 11am-4pm

Address: 2/110 Long Rd, Tamborine Mountain

6. Dave Groom Studio

one of the paintings of Dave Groom displayed at his studio — See Dave Groom’s paintings up close. (Image: Dave Groom)

Best for: An artful excursion

Add Dave Groom ’s studio to your list if you’re meandering through Mount Tamborine for the day. While you’ll need to make an appointment to view Dave’s contemporary landscapes inspired by his surrounds on the edge of Lamington National Park, if you’re a fan of his detailed, almost mythical style, you’ll want to call ahead to see his paintings in person.

Opening hours: By appointment

Address: 671 Binna Burra Rd, Beechmont

7. Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Indigenous people on a Jellurgal Walkabout Tour — Immerse yourself in the Aboriginal culture of the Burleigh area. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Best for: Inspiring Indigenous works

Get along to Jellurgal for a deep and enthralling dive into the Aboriginal culture of the Burleigh area. Owned and operated by the local Indigenous community, visitors can experience culture on a walkabout tour and by appreciating the art on display in the onsite gallery.

Depicting Dreamtime stories and flora and flora native to the region, you’ll find a unique piece to commemorate your time on the Gold Coast.

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-4pm; Sundays 9am-1pm

Address: 1711 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

8. Royal Queensland Art Society Gold Coast

the exterior of Royal Queensland Art Society Gold Coast — RQAS provides a space for local emerging artists to show their works.

Best for: Local inspiration

The volunteer-run RQAS is a space for local, emerging artists to show their works through a monthly schedule of themed and non-themed exhibitions. Get along for a browse and a cuppa at the cafe, and if you spot something you simply can’t leave hanging, you can purchase the work to take home. Should you feel the pull to pick up a brush, join one of the many classes, such as live drawing, expressive painting and watercolour.

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 9am-2.30pm; Weekends 8am-4pm

Address: 25 Broadbeach Boulevard, Broadbeach

9. Gallery One

paintings on the walls at Gallery One, Gold Coast — See the works of established and upcoming artists. (Image: Gallery One Team)

Best for: Australian curations

Head to Gallery One for a bright distillation of oceanside Aussie-style with a rotating exhibition calendar that heroes some of the country’s best established and upcoming artists. You’ll also encounter a handful of international artists scattered in the mix, too.

Wander in on any given month to muse over a collection from Ken Done, a themed exhibit of water scenes, Australian landscapes or deeply intricate works from Indigenous artist Goompi Ugerabah.

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm; Sundays 10.30am-4pm

Address: Shop 16.02 The Brickworks, 107 Ferry Rd, Southport

10. David Hart Gallery Marina Mirage

a look inside the David Hart Gallery Marina Mirage — David Hart Gallery showcases the works of Pro Hart’s son.

Best for: Fans of the Harts

The son of world-renowned artist Pro Hart, David Hart is, himself, a highly acclaimed artist both in Australia and internationally. With a dad like Pro, it’s little wonder David has been painting since he was 16 with his artworks finding their way into prominent private and corporate collections across the globe.

If you’re a devotee of the Harts, find your way to David’s gallery at Marina Mirage to ponder his latest works as well as pieces by his late father.

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm; by appointment on Sundays

Address: Ground floor, Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

11. The Hive

a look inside The Hive art gallery, Gold Coast — The Hive showcases a local artist collection.

Best for: Workshops and kids’ art classes

A collection of local artists grace the walls at The Hive , which you can make an appointment to appreciate. But perhaps the best way to enjoy this creative hub is by slipping on a smock and joining a workshop. Try your hand at fresco painting, life or still-life drawing, or send the kids along to get artsy in the holidays.

Opening hours: By appointment

Address: Suite 3, 5 Coghill Drive, Currumbin

12. Dalozzo Art Gallery

the Dalozzo Art Gallery in Gold Coast — Dalozzo Art is the Gold Coast’s longest-running commercial gallery.

Best for: All styles and budgets

A family affair, Dalozzo Art is the Gold Coast’s longest-running commercial gallery. A trio of talent is on display here by husband and wife team, Lucette and Louis Dalozzo, and their daughter, Judith. You’ll find everything from original works to prints and reproductions at the family’s Marina Mirage gallery. Covering themes spanning landscapes to figures, still life and seascapes, there’s a lot to explore.

Opening hours: Every day 10am-4pm

Address: Ground floor, shop 43 Marina Mirage, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

13. Mint Art House

a blurry image of a woman walking into an exhibit at Mint Art House, Gold Coast — Admire works by local artists across a range of mediums. (Image: Vasana)

Best for: Emerging talent

A collaborative space shared by 12 upcoming local artists across a range of mediums, including sculpting, murals, painting and ceramics, Mint Art House is overflowing with exuberance and talent, which you can check out during regular exhibitions.

Mint also hosts a range of artful events, such as open mic poetry and life drawing classes.

Opening hours: Varies

Address: Shed 5/87 West Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Heads

Discover the other best things to do on the Gold Coast.

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.

13 of the best art galleries on the Gold Coast