A Day Out at HOTA

If you’re looking for the perfect blend of art, culture and laid-back Gold Coast vibes, a day at HOTA (Home of the Arts) ticks every box. Arrive in style with the Lexus NX - a sleek, city-ready SUV designed for comfort, connectivity and effortless driving.

Whether you’re planning a solo wander, a date day or something a little different to do with friends, here’s how we suggest you spend your day at HOTA. 

Ease into your morning with a coffee and something delicious from HOTA Café. Think fresh pastries, light bites and barista-made coffee. 

Next, step inside the iconic HOTA Gallery and explore the ever-changing exhibition lineup - each one offering a completely different lens on art, culture and storytelling.

Current exhibitions include: 

The White Rabbit Collection of Chinese Contemporary Art (Until Sun 11 Oct, 2026)
A bold showcase of contemporary Chinese artists, featuring striking installations and mixed media works that explore identity, politics and modern life.

A Bigger View (Until 31 May, 2026)
A contemporary take on landscape art, this exhibition reimagines scale and perspective, inviting you to see the environment in a more expansive way.

Inside Pompeii: Origins of a European Way of Life (Until 31 May, 2026)
An immersive photographic exhibition capturing the ancient city of Pompeii in remarkable detail, offering a rare glimpse into everyday Roman life before the eruption.

Beneath the Surface (Until 5 July, 2026)
A reflective collection of works that explore hidden layers and deeper meanings, encouraging viewers to look beyond what’s immediately visible.

When it’s time to refuel, head to The Exhibitionist Bar for a relaxed lunch. Expect fresh, seasonal flavours and a menu designed for long, leisurely dining.

Afterwards, make your way up to the HOTA Viewing Platform, where panoramic views stretch across the Gold Coast skyline, waterways and hinterland - arguably one of the best vantage points in the city.

Before you leave, take a final wander through the HOTA Shop. Filled with curated homewares, art-inspired gifts and unique finds, it’s the perfect place to pick up something special to remember your day.

From coffee to culture and everything in between, a day at HOTA is the ultimate Gold Coast reset - and with the Lexus NX, the experience doesn’t start at the gallery, it starts the moment you get behind the wheel.

Lexus of Southport is a valued partner of Must Do Gold Coast.com

Image credits: 

Image 3: Kung Wen-Yi 鞏文宜, RX78-2 2015, ceramic. White Rabbit Collection, Sydney. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Judith Neilson