Coomera, Oxenford, Helensvale and Sanctuary Cove
On the northern end of the Gold Coast, Coomera Indoor Sports Centre will play host to the artistic and rhythmic gymnastics and netball, and boxing, squash and table tennis will take place at nearby Oxenford Studios. Coomera and Oxenford have a handful of dining options, plus Sanctuary Cove is just a short drive away. We suggest:
- NightQuarter Festival, Helensvale
- Ioesco, Sanctuary Cove
- Ginger Indian Gourmet, Oxenford
- Black Sheep Bistro, Oxenford
- The Galley, Coomera
Southport, Nerang and Labrador
If you’re planning to hit up events at Southport Broadwater Parklands (triathlon and marathon), Optus Aquatic Centre (swimming and diving), Gold Coast Hockey Centre, the Nerang Mountain Bike Trails, or immerse yourself in a wave of culture at the Festival 2018 events, then you’ll need to keep well-nourished and hydrated. Here are a few top spots:
- Mr PP’s Deli & Rooftop, Southport
- Zero 81, Chirn Park
- SoPo Dining Room, Southport
- Cadence Cafe, Nerang
- Daark Espresso, Chirn Park
Robina and Carrara
Carrara and Robina will be a hive of activity with Carrara Stadium (athletics), the neighbouring Carrara Sports and Leisure Centre (badminton, weightlifting, gymnastics, para powerlifting and wrestling) and the Robina Stadium (rugby sevens) playing host to a score of events. Robina Town Centre is just a stone’s throw away, but for those not entirely familiar with where to eat, drink or snack, here are a few delicious options:
- Malt House, Robina
- Cocotte Dining, Robina
- Cabukee, Carrara
- Suki, Robina
- Bunnath Kitchen, Robina
Surfers Paradise
If you’re planning to fill up your cultural cup with the massive Festival 2018 events program, then there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself in Surfers Paradise at the Main Stage rubbing shoulders with the likes of The Cat Empire, Meg Mac and Hot Dub Time Machine (to name a few). While there’s no shortage of dining spots in Surfers Paradise, you can indulge at the likes of:
Broadbeach
With the netball and basketball running at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, the lawn bowls at the Broadbeach Bowls Club, and all of the Festival 2018 magic at the Roundabout Stage or the Queensland Music Stage, Broadbeach will be one of the major hot spots for GC2018. If you’re chasing a bite by day or night, try these spots:
Currumbin and Tugun
The precinct of Currumbin will provide a seaside stage for the athletics race-walk event as well as the start and finish of the road cycling events. If you’re looking to catch some of the action, then have a pre- or post-event fuel up at one of these stellar establishments:
- Stable Coffee and Kitchen, Currumbin
- Sticky Rice, Tugun
- Backbone Bar, Tugun
- Iron & Resin Garage, Currumbin
- House of Hubert, Tugun
Coolangatta
In case you hadn’t noticed, there’s a giant stadium perched on the Coolangatta beachfront, which will be bringing all of the beach volleyball action to life. If you’re venturing south, you won’t be disappointed – pack the swimmers to go for a pre-event ocean dip and fill your belly at one of these top-notch spots:
Still looking to get your hot little hands on some tickets? Jump over here for a list of GC2018 events that still have tickets available.