Once upon a time the outshined sister of magnificent Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach has bloomed into the core of Gold Coast culture with renowned art galleries, amazing restaurants, great shopping, and of course, the trademark white sand beaches with rolling sapphire surf. 

Affectionately known as ‘Broadie’ to the locals, the area is well known as a hub of excellent dining from alfresco to 5 star to café, excellent shopping, and a chic beach culture, however there this more to this well-manicured area that meets the eye. 

The beaches are framed by gorgeous foreshore picnic and barbeque areas which are a great escape from the summer sun. A large park also compliments the foreshore where you will find children playing and laughing, people enjoying a good book in the shade, and mothers chatting while pushing their prams down the pathway they shared with cyclists. An inherent part of Broadbeach’s charisma is the way the architecture and landscaping accentuates the natural beauty of the area rather than attempting to overshadow it.

During your trip to Broadbeach you will be able to appreciate this natural wonder either with or without a vehicle as there is a plethora of parking along the beachfront and in the shopping centres as well as close to restaurants. There is also an excellent public transport system with trams making two stops in the Broadbeach area, as well as plenty of bus routes and taxis for those wanting a direct trip. With so much to eat, see, and do, Hightide can guarantee, you will definitely be out and about during your Broadbeach holiday.

Shopping

On the first and third Sunday of the month the Broadbeach Art and Craft Markets come out in all their glory of fresh produce, arts and crafts and some amazing trinkets. These locally sourced and made treasures are spread over 150 stalls all of which are manned by friendly locals. 

For a taste of everyday shopping simply stroll down Broadbeach mall to gaze at local art, boutiques filled with couture and homewares, jewellery stores, outlets and more. 

In your time on the mall be sure to pop into Oasis Shopping Centre, with over 100 specialty stores from health and fitness providers to fashion outlets to cafés and restaurants, it is a prime destination for retail therapy in a cosmopolitan setting. Shopping along the Mall is also very convenient as it is within walking distance from most Broadbeach accommodation making it the perfect place to stop for last minute items. 

To absolutely immerse yourself in a shopping extravaganza, point yourself in the direction of the fairy-tale-like castle that famously stands in the silhouette of the Broadbeach skyline. Once you have crossed the bridge over the moat you have arrived at Pacific Fair. One of Australia’s largest shopping centres located in the heart of Broadbeach, Pacific Fair has over 300 specialty stores including the Gold Coast’s largest Myer, a newly refurbished northeast mall area as part of a $670 million revamp, and a unique indoor / outdoor setting. 

The centre accommodates all shopping needs from a wardrobe overhaul to finding the perfect holiday bikini to selecting the perfect present or even just a grocery run! The centre is also home to the local cinema, so you can drop by for movie and popcorn and stay for a bite to eat and slip in some window shopping.  

Dining

The enticing restaurants, gourmet delis, boutique brasseries, and cute cafés that are dotted along the streets of Broadbeach have the power (and smell) to transform even the most definitive person into an indecisive, blubbering mess. 

Voted #1 restaurant in Broadbeach on Trip Advisor, Hank Dining and Bar is vastly popular for their unique take on share plate dining. Known for serving tapas with a twist, a variety of unusual cellar door selections, and a friendly atmosphere, once you experience Hank, you will understand the hype. 

For a hearty family setting look no further than Sage Restaurant, this establishment has been voted Best Family Restaurant of 2014 by the ‘I Love Food Awards’ and boasts a robust menu with a charismatic ambience. 

Get a taste of romance with a side of gluten-free friendly menu at Verve Restaurant Café and Bar who offer diverse cuisine at reasonable prices. Rocksalt Modern Dining balance classy and upmarket presentation with a relaxed atmosphere supported by fresh locally sourced cuisine and an amazing degustation menu. 

The Kurrawa Surf Club offers both local charm with world class views in abundance. Sitting on absolute waterfront of one of the most stunning beaches in the world (one of Australia’s top 24 as rated by Trip Advisor) in the correct season some meals can be served with a side of complimentary whale watching. 

For a fresh outlook on food head to the Cardamom Pod, this newly renovated and relocated restaurant offers mouth-watering vegetarian and vegan cuisine, a large range of decadent desserts and a lovely setting on Broadbeach park. Having earned their spot at #7 on Trip Advisor, ‘The Pod’ is popular among those in search of cruelty free dining as well as those just interested in heapings of delicious food. 

These restaurants are simply some of the highlights of the Broadbeach dining scene, there are a plethora of alfresco options, cafés, and gorgeous take away corners that could put 5 star establishments to absolute shame! Broadbeach is foodie heaven no matter where your accommodation is located. 

Catch a Show 

The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (http://www.gccec.com.au/) is located centrally in Broadbeach and is also close to tram stops and is even walking distance from some accommodation. Making it the perfect place to catch a concert, theatre show, sporting event, trade show, convention, or conference. All major events and performances from Supa Nova to Cirque Du Soleil are hosted at the GCCE. 

Meanwhile, just next door at Jupiters Casino more intimate, yet equally as entertaining, shows are hosted frequently and are usually paired with dinner and a drink! 

Beaches

The Gold Coast coastline sprawls itself over 80 kilometres boasting picturesque white sand beaches, sapphire blue waves crashing over each other, and the iconic red and yellow donned lifeguards watching over the beachgoers ensuring their safety. Travellers come from every corner of the globe to experience Gold Coast beaches and are not disappointed. 

Being one of the more popular Gold Coast beaches, Broadbeach is frequented by many locals and visitors alike. Kurrawa Beach is well known as one of the safest beaches in Broadbeach and hosts many Surf Life Saving events. 

The spacious beaches leave plenty of room for people to soak up the sun, go for a surf, as well as indulge in beach sports such as volley ball and cricket. There is always a piece of beach just waiting for you to enjoy at Broadbeach.

Theme Parks

Fun comes naturally on the Gold Coast with Australia’s most popular family friendly theme parks. The country’s largest theme park, Dreamworld, is packed to the brim with action packed attractions and rides, while sister park White Water World offers relief from the Queensland sun with world class water park fun. Movie World brings your favourite characters to life as they wander the park among the guests who are enjoying the fantasy world and its amazing movie attractions, realistic shows, and adventure rides. 

The original water park Wet ‘n’ Wild promises visitors a day of thrilling rides and action packed fun on some of the tallest and fastest water slides in Australia. 

For a different type of water fun, Sea World Resort offers intimate animal encounters, water shows with dolphins and sharks as well as an array of awesome rides. Due to the resorts need for proximity to the water, Sea World is located on the Broadwater in Main Beach. All theme parks are a short drive from Broadbeach with transfers readily available every day of the week – and no trip to the Gold Coast would be complete without a theme park adventure! 

Jupiters Hotel and Casino 

Get your dosage of razzle dazzle, flashing lights, and glamour at Jupiters Casino where you can put everything on red, enjoy a great meal, and chat over a long island iced tea then dance the night away. 

The first casino in Queensland offers over 70 game tables and 1 300 game machines conveniently located on a single level buzzing with an electric atmosphere. 

Broadbeach has long established itself as a Gold Coast icon famed for eclectic yet sophisticated dining and an extravagant shopping scene, but has also maintained its natural beauty in the form of stunning foreshore areas and world class beaches. Broadbeach is a destination for everyone, and no matter how in demand it becomes, it will always be ‘Broadie’.