13 of the best art galleries on the Gold Coast

hero media
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

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

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

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

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

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

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

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.

Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set Australian Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Lara Picone
Working for many of Australia’s top publications, Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing, editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years. Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine, before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine. Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite, her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online. She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller. Now as a freelancer, Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team, as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine, Escape and The Weekend Australian. As ever, her appetite is the first thing she packs.
View profile and articles
hero media

Wine, dine and vintage gems: 8 things you didn’t know about Toowoomba

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
    There’s more to Australia’s Garden City than meets the eye.

    With Victorian-era and traditional Queenslander buildings, an abundance of manicured gardens and the famous Carnival of Flowers painting the streets in vibrant colours each spring, Toowoomba is one of the most charming regional cities in Queensland Country.

    While its beauty alone is reason enough to visit, there are lesser-known sides to Toowoomba that locals love most, from its burgeoning culinary scene to its artistic flair. Located just a 90-minute drive from Brisbane (or a direct flight from Sydney), it’s all too easy to discover on a long weekend away.

    1. There’s an awesome local arts scene

    tour group walking in front of toowoomba street art
    Find incredible works of art around Toowoomba’s streets. (Credit: Nathan McNeil)

    Australia’s second largest inland city is a flourishing arts and culture hub waiting to be discovered. Over 100 vibrant street art murals and graffiti works decorate the city, and they’re best viewed along Bank Lane and Searles Walk.

    Regional Queensland’s oldest public art gallery can also be found in Toowoomba – it’s home to 20th-century Australian works created by Queensland artists and those connected to the Toowoomba region.

    2. It has world-class farm-to-table dining

    rosalie house aerial toowoomba secrets
    Stop into Rosalie House to wine and dine.

    As a regional city, Toowoomba has direct access to incredibly fresh produce that’s shaping its culinary scene. At sunset, head to the verandah at Rosalie House Cellar Door Restaurant for a grazing-style dining experience and to discover Queensland’s underrated wine scene. Indulge in dishes such as Warilba lamb rump and roasted pumpkin with ginger-roasted potatoes and lime yoghurt, paired with their delicious cool-climate wines.

    For a more relaxed affair, sweet tooths should make a beeline for award-winning The Baker’s Duck. Be sure to try their cult favourite strawberry cheesecake danish; you’ll learn why 35,000 of these treats are sold annually.

    3. Small bars are doing big work

    table spread at Uno Más small bar in toowoomba secrets
    Pop into small bars like Uno Más.

    Toowoomba doesn’t disappoint with fantastic pubs, but discerning drinkers can take happy hour to the next level at one of the city’s impressive small bars. Savour Spanish-style bites paired with a thoughtful line-up of wines at the newly opened Uno Más Tapas & Wine Bar. On Thursdays, head to Cork & Lever to tap your feet to live music over creative cocktails made with their all-Australian gin collection. And enjoy elevated toasties and premium drops at the cosy Press’d Coffee & Wine. Or try newly opened The Book Pour.

    4. There’s no shortage of fabulous stays

    Bunnyconnellen
    Chill out in beautiful surrounds at Bunnyconnellen. (Credit: Salt Media)

    Whether you prefer the buzz of the city centre or retreating to the hinterland, there are stylish stays aplenty to settle into in this idyllic corner of the world. Apartment-style living can be found at Quest Toowoomba; partly housed in a heritage church building in the city, it’s a comfortable and convenient base. And at The Arbour Boutique Apartments, spacious rooms are injected with old-world charm.

    In the hinterland, enjoy bucolic bliss at the boutique Bunnyconnellen, where an 1880s farmhouse and self-contained cottage are backdropped by rolling hills. And at the secluded Ravensbourne Escape, one-bedroom studios, two-bedroom chalets and three-bedroom holiday homes overlook Ravensbourne National Park and the Brisbane and Lockyer Valleys.

    5. It’s a nature-lovers paradise

    extinct volcanic peak Table Top Mountain
    Tackle Table Top Mountain. (Credit: Ariana Potamianakis)

    Toowoomba is hugged by national parks, making it a haven for nature lovers. On its doorstep you’ll find the extinct volcanic peak Table Top Mountain, where keen hikers can tackle the challenging two-kilometre return trail which rewards them with 360° views of the Lockyer Valley and surrounds.

    For a more gentle experience, Ravensbourne National Park offers peaceful walking trails within lush rainforest. It’s a top spot for bird watching as there are over 110 bird species that call the area home, including the paradise riflebird. Crows Nest National Park is home to platypus and koalas, and its refreshing natural swimming spots, like Kauyoo Pool, are a great place to beat the heat.

    6. Wellness enthusiasts are well looked after

    Toowoomba’s cool and calm energy lends itself to a wellness-focused getaway. Slated to open in August 2026, soak in the serenity at Vikasati Toowoomba, a bathhouse oasis with outdoor hot and cold magnesium pools, ice baths and Finnish saunas. Rest and recharge at City Cave Toowoomba, which offers float therapy, infrared sauna and massage services, or visit Kalm Springs for LED therapy, cryotherapy and float therapy.

    7. It’s preserved its 19th-century charm

    inside Queensland Museum Cobb + Co
    Learn all about the history of Cobb+Co.

    History buffs can step back in time at Toowoomba’s fascinating cultural and historical museums.

    Explore 50,000 years of Darling Downs and Toowoomba history at the Queensland Museum Cobb+Co; it’s known for its impressive National Carriage Collection of 47 restored horse-drawn vehicles, which were put to use for Queensland’s urban expansion. Visitors can also try their hand at blacksmithing or leadlighting in heritage workshops, refuelling with traditional scones at the onsite cafe.

    Train enthusiasts can celebrate the golden era of rail travel on a heritage steam locomotive thanks to the volunteer-driven, community-led organisation DownsSteam Toowoomba. Vintage train rides range from a two-hour journey between Toowoomba Station and DownsSteam Railway Museum to an overnight adventure from Toowoomba to the Southern Downs and Granite Belt

    8. There are vintage gems waiting to be found

    Whether it’s to pick up a unique piece for your home or a one-of-a-kind accessory for a loved one, you’re guaranteed to find something special in one of Toowoomba’s antique and vintage stores. Range Antiques sells everything from furniture, rugs and lamps to fine porcelain, jewellery and art, while Toowoomba Antiques & Collectables is a treasure trove of Art Deco, farmhouse, retro and mid-century modern pieces.

    Start planning your weekender of a lifetime in Queensland Country region at queenslandcountrytourism.com.au.