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Best Cafes by the Water

Gold Coast

Updated: Dec 30, 2025

The Gold Coast is spoilt for choice when it comes to top notch cafes, and plenty of them are located on the water or a short stroll from it. And summer is the perfect time to try out some of the Gold Coast's best cafes where you can sip, snack and swim. Keep reading for our list of 10 of the best:

Bumbles Café

Quirky venue on Budds Beach offering modern Australian eats with bright decor

Custard Canteen

Custard Canteen on iconic Tallebudgera Creek is all about simple food and magnificent coffee done well

Cafe Twelve91

One of the Gold Coast's best kept secrets is this a funky al fresco beachfront cafe nestled underneath the Pacific SLSC

Beach 'n Bean Cafe

A hidden gem of a beachfront cafe, attached to Greenmount Surf Club and with stunning beach views

Bumbles Café

Quirky venue on Budds Beach offering modern Australian eats with bright decor

Dune Cafe

There’s no better place to enjoy the parklands than this laidback cafe with its breathtaking view of Currumbin Lagoon

Board Short Barista

Popular hole-in-the-wall café in the park on the beach, nestled into the southside of the Coolangatta Surf Life Saving Club

Piccolo Espresso

Piccolo Espresso is Miami's home for delicious Merlo coffee, tasty treats and fresh made juices

The Salt Mill

A hole-in-the-wall coffee shop that serves great coffee, fresh juices and tasty breakfast and lunch options.

Bskt Cafe

Tucked away next to the patrolled beachfront at Nobbys Beach, this absolute Gold Coast gem is perpetually packed to the rafters

Tarte Beach House

Tarte Beach House, nestled on the banks of Currumbin Creek, offers a dual dining experience destined to captivate your senses

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GreazeFest is back for 3 huge days of music, cars and kulture!

Jul 31 - Aug 2

Tweed Equestrian Queensland International Three Day Event

Experience three days of world-class equestrian sport

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WINTER FAMILY HOLIDAY

BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park

This Winter, create magical family memories with a stay packed full of adventure, including daily breakfast, six fun-filled kids' activities and easy access to the region's biggest theme parks

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WEEKEND AWAY

The Westin Brisbane

Treat yourself to a getaway at this unique and refreshing urban retreat with a focus on wellbeing, relaxation and effortless luxury, located in the heart of Brisbane's CBD

The Westin Brisbane

A stunning tribute to Barbra Streisand

WIN a 2-Night Stay over New Year's at BIG4 Gold Coast valued at $1300

Enter here

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