Based smack-bang in the middle of the city, the best things to do in Broadbeach encapsulate the very essence of the Gold Coast.

Instagram-famous comfort food. Australia’s longest-running dinner theatre. The only Zara and UNIQLO on the Gold Coast. Broadbeach’s intoxicating hum mightn’t carry the laidback swagger of the southern beaches, but it’s the undisputed beating heart of this glittering city. No longer a bridesmaid to headline-hogging Surfers Paradise, the central Gold Coast superstar towers with a sophisticated blend of fine dining, hipster cafes, world-class shopping, picture-perfect beach time and iconic activities. Here, we let you in on the best things to do in Broadbeach, unlocking the secrets to this relentlessly impressive locale.

1. Sample Instagram’s hottest dishes

Lead the charge via your belly (who can’t relate?) and head straight to the suburb’s cult culinary heroes. Canberra’s favourite family-run fried chicken eatery, Fricken, opened its first store outside the country’s roundabout capital in Broadbeach in May 2025, rolling out its famed burgers and boxes to snap-happy Queenslanders. We can confirm: the chicken tenders are succulent, delicately deep fried to retain their juice and drizzled in never-enough signature sauce. You’d be foolish to overlook the Cauli Nuggs, too, battered to pillowy soft perfection and generously lashed with Sriracha mayo.

In July 2025, Broadbeach will also welcomeBrooki Bakehouse, much to the delight of sweet tooths in search of a Gold Coast sugar fix. Brisbane-based owner Brooke Bellamy will paint the town signature pink inside Pacific Fair Shopping Centre (more on that retail heaven below) where her chunky cookies and brownies will attract the lengthy queues they’re renowned for.

2. Be awed by the country’s longest-running dinner theatre

Surfers Paradise isn’t the only after-dark hot spot on the Gold Coast. Dracula’s, located on the western side of the highway, was first established in Melbourne and its 1985 northern outpost has grown into one of the city’s star attractions, delivering horror-themed cabaret alongside a three-course meal. Tuck into a honey ricotta, tomato and feta tart before picking your poison from the main course menu (think medallion of beef, BBQ chicken or maple salmon) and a salted caramel mousse “coffin", filled with caramel and liquor-infused mousse, for dessert. As for what’s on stage, an all-new production titled Lucid celebrates Dracula’s 40^th year on the Gold Coast and features live musical performances, comedy acts, aerial acrobatics and spooky, all-too-realistic blacklight puppetry. A night out like no other, guaranteed.

3. Indulge in Australia’s best pizza

It’s official. May 2025’s Food & Hospitality Week, staged in Melbourne, crowned Broadbeach chef Emanuele Malara, who spearheads Ciccio’s Pizza and Gelato on Surf Parade just across from Fricken, Pizza Chef of the Year. Additionally, the Sicilian-born legend took out the award for Best Classic Pizza, cementing your Broadbeach itinerary pit-stop. He dazzled judges with a creative take on the Marinara, fermenting dough at room temperature and throwing in super-sugary datterino tomatoes, pecorino cheese and black pepper. You’ll be faced with a choice of more than 40 pizzas that each strive to recreate authentic Italian flavours.

4. Shop ‘til you drop at multiple retail standouts

Fancy treating yourself? Browse iconic global brands (hello, Zara and UNIQLO) and leading Australian retailers at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, across the road from Dracula’s. Partially sprawled across a water-featured open-air mecca of lounge chairs (husbands are regularly sighted snoozing upon them) and grassy mounds, perfect for entertaining kids as your partner ducks into the ground-level MECCA, Seed Heritage, BOSS, Country Road and more, the centre is home to more than 400 stores and Event Cinemas.

The Oasis is a much smaller-scale option located closer to the sand and surf, with its own Woolworths, barbers, nail salons, pharmacies and the like. But venture out to its al fresco dining area as delightful eateries including Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar and cult brunch favourite Bagel O’s second Broadbeach location, provide epic mid-spree fuel.

5. Picnic at the undiscovered Cascade Gardens

Looking for a quiet family-friendly picnic or BBQ? Head to Cascade Gardens where not only are there beautiful views over the Nerang River, but a serene rainforest walk speckled with Aboriginal culture. Crowds haven’t quite cottoned onto how jam-packed this chilled-out spot is, as The Queensland Korean War Memorial is also found, plus a sensory garden next to a sandy playground. Let your little ones hop between a musical gong and a flying fox before snatching treats from your spread as you kick back in an underrated corner of the Gold Coast.

6. Cool off at Kurrawa Beach

What’s a trip to a beach town without experiencing its bread and butter? You won’t have trouble finding a spot on the sand at Kurrawa Beach, a patrolled stretch of golden sand that’s ideal for swimming and lazing. If you fancy a cold one, Kurrawa Surf Club is right there, featuring a downstairs cafe for takeaway and easy snacks while the upstairs bistro tempts via a mammoth beach-fronting deck, completed in 2024, that offers pub-style dining and multi-million dollar views.

7. Browse a quality arts and crafts market

Searching for the perfect souvenir to take home? The Gold Coast Art and Craft Sunday Market is found right by the sand in Broadbeach, staged on the first and third Sunday of every month. Held in Pratten Park opposite The Oasis, there are more than 150 vendors to explore, spanning local fashion, jewellery, homewares, produce and hot food. If you can’t get enough of market life, check out our comprehensive rundown of the hottest Gold Coast markets to hit up while you’re in town.

8. Dine at seriously epic restaurants

While the food scene is pretty great up and down the Glitter Strip, Broadbeach boasts acclaimed big guns. This includes Kiyomi at The Star Gold Coast, renowned for its ocean-fresh sashimi and sushi plus further Japanese-inspired delicacies, Kost Bar and Grill, applauded for fire-roasted local cuts and catches and now its weekend breakfast offering, Kost Corner, launched in May 2025, and Social Eating House + Bar, nailing tapas plates alongside international wines, beer and spirits. If you’re a sucker for newness, check out Cora in The Beach Hotel, which opened in November 2024. Dishing up lavish Mediterranean-inspired dishes, the vibe is refined yet homely and the fit out is all-class, mixing timbers, golds and greenery.

9. Live your best hotel life overlooking the surf

Broadbeach accommodation is sophisticated, globally renowned and conveniently positioned within walking distance to the beach, so it ticks all the boxes. Go full luxe at The Star’s various offerings including Dorsett Gold Coast and its glamorous Isoletto Pool Club, The Star Grand and its opulent suites and penthouses, and The Darling, which technically crosses the border into Surfers Paradise but can’t be ignored thanks to its boutique approach to unadulterated luxury. Across the highway, you’ll also find Peppers Broadbeach’s five-star rooms and Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, which embraces French flair throughout.

10. Find accessibility friendly fun for kids

While it’s a huge hit with all kids, the All Abilities Playground located in Pratten Park is an absolute must-experience for children with access needs because the activities are endless. From a harnessed flying fox and pedal-powered monorail to a huge multi-slide hill and accessible swings, the Broadbeach hot spot is the perfect spot to help them run off their sillies all while that unmistakable ocean breeze firmly connects you to your beachfront locale.

11. Line your stomach with world-famous pastries

Again, the Gold Coast dessert scene excels, but one of its most famed players is located just outside Broadbeach, a short walk along the highway. Sitting in the neighbouring Mermaid Beach, Bam Bam Bakehouse is a cafe of dreams offering all-day brunch, sweet treats, and house-baked bread so good that Margot Robbie (a proud Queenslander) even chose to do an artisan baking course here for her hen’s party. Overwhelmed by the options? Look to the almond croissants, twice-baked and oozing with ridiculously delicious custard, or the cinnamon cruffin topped with cream cheese icing. A word of warning: if you’re headed there on a weekend, expect to queue for a table as breakfast and brunch attract heavy crowds, even if it’s raining (arguably better pastry weather, if you ask these crowds).

12. Explore the Gold Coast’s canals aboard a crazy boat

Gliding conspicuously throughout the Gold Coast’s canals (the perfect vantage point into luxe, million-dollar mansion spotting) are Amore Tours’ limited-edition Fiat 500 vessels, taking visitors on a scenic tour of the waterways. Departing from Pacific Fair, the turquoise green and ruby red designs are reason enough to check these guys out, skimming like miniature cars across the surface. The team own two of just 500 vessels found on the planet so expect to rub shoulders with boaties and car enthusiasts alike.

Originally written by Jemma Fletcher with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams

Discover the best things to do in the Gold Coast