Not so long ago the Gold Coast was famous for fun, theme parks and family holidays, but the 'Goldie' is all grown up, emerging as Australia's new fashion capital.
With the Gold Coast gearing up for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, domestic and international travellers are in for a treat with upmarket eateries, fine dining restaurants, craft breweries and premium shopping brands opening their doors on the GC.
The city is fast becoming a fashion hub thanks to the $670 million renovations at Pacific Fair. Here you'll find high-end international brands such as Christian Louboutin, Chanel, Prada & Givenchy mixing it with popular chain stores such as H&M, Zara and Sephora. You'll also find Australian designers such as Aje, Sass & Bide and Manning Cartel flexing their fashion muscles.
It's easy to spend a whole day at Pacific Fair with plenty of dining options to relax and refuel such as Aquitaine, Bin 232 and Comuna Contina. The focal point of the redevelopment is 'The Resort' an open air retail precinct filled with palm trees, water features, cabanas, flamingos – a true sanctuary, there's never been a more relaxing spot for blokes to sit and wait. Ideal for travellers, our tip is to stop by the Visitor Lounge and pick up the latest offers and refresh, as the lounge offers showers, free wifi and luggage minding for guests before flying home.
Not to be outdone, Robina Town Centre has just unveiled a $160 million urban marketplance called The Kitchens. It's a smorgasbord of fresh-food retailers, cafes and fine dining restaurants including George Colombaris' Greek street food eatery Jimmy Grants, Betty's Burgers and Trent Scarr's Honeyeater Kitchen.
For something more unique, browse the Brickworks, a boutique shopping precinct featuring a carefully curated collection of fashion, homewares and art alongside gourmet food at the Ferry Road Market.
For those who love the thrill of a bargain, Harbour Town is undergoing a $20 million expansion opening an additional 25 stores in recent months. Keen shoppers will find great savings on brands such as Tigerlily, Universal Store, Coach, Oroton and Lindt. There's even a free shuttle bus departing Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach at set times from Tuesday-Saturday.
If you're looking for a village atmosphere and spot of boutique shopping Burleigh Heads' James Street is a must. We've written about what to see & do in Burleigh here. After a caffeine hit at Canteen Coffee, browse A Little Birdie Told Me for labels such as Stevie May, Acler and Faithful the Brand. Over at the Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade, lovers of bohemian luxe can pick up cult Byron Bay brand Spell, Free People and The Wild Unknown at The Freedom State.
On the first and third Saturdays of the month check out The Village Market (TVM) in Burleigh Heads, with over 100 stalls showcasing fashion, artisan jewellery, art and collectibles. Proving the Gold Coast has a creative heart in addition to a laid back surf culture.
As Australia's new shopping mecca, the Gold Coast is a great choice for a girls' getaway and a paradise found for the fashionista in us all.
Have you been shopping on the Gold Coast lately? Where's your favourite store?
Browse our Gold Coast Accommodation including new Surfers Paradise hotel Rhapsody Resort or Burleigh Heads favourite Bujerum Apartments.
