What's New on the Gold Coast in 2026: Restaurants, Attractions & Accommodation

There's always something new to discover on the Gold Coast. This is a city that's constantly evolving, with fresh restaurants, buzzing bars, beautiful new places to stay and exciting attractions popping up all the time. Whether it's a beachfront dining spot serving up your next favourite meal, a boutique hotel redefining a weekend getaway or a new experience that gives you another reason to visit, the Gold Coast continues to reinvent itself while maintaining the laid-back lifestyle it's famous for.

If you're planning a trip or simply looking for an excuse to get out and explore, you've come to the right place. We've rounded up the latest openings across the Gold Coast for 2026, so you can be among the first to check out the city's newest places to eat, drink, stay and play.

New Gold Coast Restaurants & Bars

SHŌTŌ 

The team behind Etsu Izakaya, one of the Gold Coast’s most esteemed Japanese restaurants, has opened an exciting new venue in Burleigh Heads. SHŌTŌ specialisesin hand rolls, yakitori and share-style dishes as well as a few signature Etsu favourites, and a considered cocktail list inspired by Japanese cities. The dark, moody interior with low lighting and leather booth seats sets the scene for a sophisticated and intimate dining experience.
Location: 5/1730 Gold Coast Hwy, Gold Coast (right next door to Rosella’s)

La Stradina

From the brainchild behind one of Gold Coast’s most beloved cliff-top cafes, Black Dingo, and Cooly Breeze Rooftop, comes a vibey new European kitchen & vinyl bar in the heart of the southern Gold Coast. La Stradina brings together Mediterranean flavours with a laid-back local touch, designed for easy dining, late-night conversations, and everything in between.
This hidden gem feels plucked from the streets of Florence and is practically oozing warmth, personality and all the finishings of an authentic European dining experience. By night, the atmosphere comes alive with curated vinyl DJ sets and signature Open Mic Vinyl Nights.
Location: 16 Griffith St, Coolangatta

Fig 'n' Fox 

The Fig’n’Fox is a sprawling English pub set on the corner of Elkhorn and Orchid Ave, serving hearty English fare alongside a lively entertainment offering. The ground floor is packed with the signature warmth you’d expect from a classic English pub – moody lighting, timber awnings, Speckled Hen on tap and a Sunday Roast every week from 12pm.

Tucked downstairs you’ll find Timmy’s Tea Room – don’t let the name fool you! It’s actually a vibey dive bar packed with character. Expect dart boards, pool tables and a live music roster that will keep the whole group entertained long into the  night.
Location: 2 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

House of Halsa

House of Hälsa is the new health hub gracing Mermaid Beach with worldly wellness dishes, cold foam coffees, and nourishing smoothies. The name comes from the Swedish word “Hälsa,” meaning health, translating to House of Health. With stylish terracotta-hued interiors and a sunken conversation pit, it’s the perfect pitstop for socialising, sipping and snacking. Try the viral super food smoothie concocted in collaboration with local popstar and swimmer, Cody Simpson. 
Location: 1/2453 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Alcotraz

Welcome to the bar behind bars - Alcotraz is an unique cocktail experience where guests become inmates inside a high security prison. On arrival you are processed, handed your prison jumpsuit and shown to your cell. Then you become part of the story! Expect immersive theatre, live actors, interactive missions you must complete without getting busted and expertly crafted cocktails as you navigate a storyline inspired by iconic prison dramas.  Alcotraz will open June 26, but online bookings are open now.
Location: 29 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise

Kaktus Bar 

Northern Gold Coast’s night life has levelled up with the arrival of Kaktus Bar at Southport Sharks. This vibrant venue showcases Mexico’s rich culinary traditions and embodies the communal, celebratory culture where every meal becomes a fiesta.  The covered alfresco terrace is bright and inviting, styled with pops of bold colour, a Mexican themed mural and a collection of cacti. The menu features a mix of fresh, flavoursome dishes made for grazing and good times - think tacos (all $6 on Thursday nights), tostadas and Mexican street food with flair. At the bar, sip on agave-based cocktails, a range of margaritas and cocktails that look as good as they taste. 
Location: Southport Sharks, corner of Olsen and Musgrave Ave

Rowdy Ranch Steakhouse

The country crowd have a new hang out spot in Surfers Paradise that’s all about cowboy boots, cold beers, big steaks and bullrides. Rowdy Ranch is a fun, high-energy steakhouse-meets-honky-tonk built for good times - it’s basically Nashville on the Gold Coast! Styled like a Western saloon with lots of wood panelling and Americana vibes, there’s mechanical bull-riding pen and line dancing on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Yeeha! The menu features flame-grilled steaks, pub classics and the bar is slinging cold beer, bourbon and all the beverages you could desire. Come early with family, catch dinner with mates, or stay late and kick your heels up when things shift into party mode.
Location: 3/15 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise

Hicksville

The team behind Fire Baby, Southport’s multi-story pizzeria and open-flame kitchen, has unveiled Hicksville - a versatile hospitality venue that caters to all, with four concepts under one roof. Hicksville has been devised as an all-day neighbourhood destination, welcoming everyone from morning coffee regulars to late night whisky lovers. Each venue has been inspired by the passion of American smokehouse culture.

The first stage of the multi-venue precinct is now open, with Hicksy’s Café serving up specialty coffees and beverages, baked goods, and fresh sandwiches. Hicksville Smokehouse & Backyard Bar is set to open early June, followed by Hicksy’s Gelato and Hicksville Whisky Bar in coming months.  (Image: Mathilde Bouby Photography)
Location: 11 Hicks St, Southport

New Attractions

Prison Island

Prison Island puts a fresh spin on the escape room concept, challenging teams to conquer up to 40 themed cells packed with puzzles, physical tests and tactical missions. With 90 minutes on the clock and a live scoring system tracking your progress, it's a fast-paced adventure that's equal parts brains and brawn. Prison Island opens on July 17, but you can book now on their website.
Location: 29 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise

TRICKD

TRICKD is a reality-distorting immersive sensory attractuion in the heart of Surfers Paradise that’s landed just in time for school holidays. Once you step inside, you won’t believe your eyes (or sense of balance!) as perception becomes warped by mirrors, digital effects and impossible geometry. Discover rooms that tilt the sense of scale and gravity, and enjoy a maze of interconnected spaces where the laws of physics feel negotiable. Featuring cutting-edge technology in a multi-million-dollar fit-out spanning 667 square metres, TRICKD is a next-generation addition to the Coast's entertainment mix. The experience takes 45 - 90 minutes and ticket prices start from $27. 
Location: 1 - 4 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise

New Gold Coast Accommodation

Esprit Holidays

A new range of luxury holiday apartments has just opened in Rainbow Bay, one of the southern Gold Coast’s most coveted holiday enclaves. Esprit Holidays is perched above Rainbow Bay’s pristine shoreline, offering 32 premium 2 and 3-bedroom holiday apartments. Guests can enjoy access to a collection of world-class facilities designed for relaxation, fitness, and entertainment including a rooftop infinity pool and outdoor terrace overlooking the famed coastline, and a wellness centre complete with infrared sauna, ice plunges and a premium gym.

On the ground floor, Esprit will be home to Mamma G’s, a new venue from the awarding-winning Gambaro Group (the team behind Pipi’s restaurant), bringing a dose of classic Italian deli culture to the surfing village.
Location: 227 Boundary St, Coolangatta

Quest Southport

Quest Southport's brand new spacious apartments have everything you need for an effortless stay -  thoughtfully designed, well-equipped rooms, a roof top pool, fully equipped gym and onsite parking. Perfectly positioned in the heart of Southport within walking distance of Broadwater Parklands and Australia Fair,  it’s the perfect spot for those wanting to explore northern Gold Coast. You’ll have easy access to the G:link tram as well as shopping, dining, waterfront walks and major business and health precincts. Quest Southport is now open for bookings from June 29.
Location: 29 Lather St, Southport