Local gems
Nobby’s Beach Should Be On Your Radar
For tourists planning a trip to GC, the first places that usually spring to mind are Broadbeach and Burleigh.
Fair enough — they’re both iconic, buzzing with restaurants, bars, and beachfront shopping. But if you want the same coastal charm without the fast pace and crowds, there’s a little neighbourhood that locals have been quietly keeping to themselves: Nobby’s Beach.
Tucked between Mermaid and Miami, Nobby’s is laid back, delicious, and effortlessly cool.
It’s the kind of neighbourhood where your day naturally unfolds — sunrise Pilates on the sand, a wander through boutique fashion stores, rooftop margaritas at golden hour, wood fired pizza or rum cocktails tucked away in a moody little bar after dark.
It’s the perfect spot for a spontaneous weekend escape, and even better when you linger a few nights to soak up the full rhythm of the place.
Morning Rituals
Ease into the day like a local.
The Pilates Pad: A boutique studio blending strength, flow and good vibes.
Run or walk the shoreline: Wide golden sands perfect for a sunrise stroll (keep an eye out for whales Aug- Oct).
Hire a bike & ride the coast: Nobby’s sits right on the beachfront pathway that stretches for kilometres. Grab a Lime bike and cruise north to Broadbeach and Surfers, or south to Burleigh and beyond. It’s one of the breeziest ways to explore the Coast.
Coffee at The Holliday: Spot on brews & easy to go simple and delicious food + the hum of locals catching up.
Brunch & Boutiques
Nobby’s does shopping with a slower, more coastal pace.
BSKT Café: A health meets hearty GC institution, they offer the best protein pancakes, smoothies and sublime coffee.
Janine Edwards: Designer edge and a beautifully styled store to match. They stock brands like Maison hotel, Free People & Frame & definitely worth a visit in store.
About a Girl Gold Coast: Easy to wear pieces inspired by the relaxed Goldie lifestyle.
OXLEY: Part of the new development, you can find your local grocery needs with a coffee and pastry treat.
Somm Wine Store: Boutique bottles from small batch winemakers, perfect to grab and go for sundowners.
🎨 Art & Inspiration
Nobby’s isn’t just about good food and shopping, it’s also home to some of the Coast’s coolest creative spaces.
Karen 19 Gallery: A contemporary gallery showcasing boundary pushing works from local and international artists. Wander through, get inspired, and maybe even find a piece that speaks to you.
Sweet Fine Studio: A playful, pastel toned art and design studio that doubles as an exhibition and creative hub. Their art classes like clay and sip are a local fave.
🎨 SURFACE Festival
Every year the Gold Coast’s creative scene spills out onto the streets for SURFACE Festival, transforming building walls, laneways, and hidden corners into an open air gallery. The festival runs across Miami and neighbouring precincts (Nobbys) with dates usually falling in late July to early August.
What makes SURFACE so special are the self guided art walks:
Laneway Walk – wander tucked away alleys bursting with large scale murals, graffiti art, and bold installations.
Industrial Walk – explore Miami’s creative precinct where warehouses become canvases and the streets double as outdoor studios.
Hillcrest Walk – a winding trail past street art, sculptures, and curated walls that showcase emerging and established local talent.
By day you’ll find artists at work, live mural painting, and interactive workshops.
By night, expect projections, pop up performances, and the community buzzing around Miami Marketta and local bars.
SURFACE isn’t just an art festival, it’s the Gold Coast’s chance to celebrate culture in its rawest form, with every street corner telling a story.
Long Lunches & Rooftop Lounging
Sueno Rooftop: Think panoramic ocean views, fresh bites and cocktails on repeat. Bougie, but still beachy and relaxed.
Mexicali: Colourful interiors, rooftop margaritas and tacos, Mexicali is casual, fun, and a locals’ favourite day to night spot.
Family Friendly Classic
Nobby’s Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC)
You can’t go past the local surf club for a classic, family friendly Gold Coast experience. With unbeatable ocean views, cold beers, relaxed dining, and plenty of space for the kids, Nobby’s SLSC is one of those spots where everyone feels at home. It’s the kind of place you’ll find locals gathering after the beach, families settling in for an easy dinner, and visitors quickly realising this is the way to do the Gold Coast like a local.
After Dark Dining
Broadbeach nightlife is glitzy and Burleigh’s is bustling, but in Nobby’s, dinner and drinks are more intimate.
Norte: Latin American flavours with a modern Australian twist in moody, stylish surrounds, make sure you try their ceviche.
Cambus Wallace: A nautical inspired rum bar where locals linger over cocktails and hearty shared plates. Live music every Wed-Sunday from 5pm.
Miami Marketta – the ultimate GC night market with street eats from around the world, fairy lit courtyards, and live music until late.
Late Night Eats
Francie’s Pizza: Legendary wood fired pizza, best enjoyed street side.
Baby Mama Asian: From the team who bought as cult fave Mamasan in Broadbeach, Modern Asian bites, zingy cocktails and a vibey crowd that keeps the night alive.
Why Nobby’s?
If you love the buzz of Broadbeach or the foodie vibes of Burleigh but want something a little less crowded, Nobby’s Beach is the sweet spot. It’s got the coastal energy, the boutique dining scene, and the salty air lifestyle — but with a slower, more local feel.
📌 Bookmark this guide for your next Gold Coast holiday — and experience the Coast like a true insider.
