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Best Nightlife in Gold Coast (2026)

Gold Coast nightlife ranges from beachfront sundowners to rooftop cocktails and live music pubs. In Surfers Paradise, The Island Rooftop sits above the Island Gold Coast hotel with open-air views over the city centre, and Cavill Avenue nearby is the heart of the district's late-night scene. Further south, Burleigh Pavilion is the place for drinks on the beach deck at Burleigh, Paloma Wine Bar on James Street pours a carefully curated list, and Burleigh Brewing Taphouse serves its own beers from Friday to Sunday.

At Mermaid Beach, Sueño is a rooftop bar specialising in tequila and mezcal above the restaurant Norté, and at the southern end of the coast The Cooly Hotel in Coolangatta has been trading since 1910 and books local and international bands in its Bandroom. Many bars open only from Thursday to Sunday, so check hours before planning a weeknight out. Rooftops and beach venues are at their best from late afternoon, when you can watch the light change over the coast. Use taxis, rideshare or the G:link light rail rather than driving, and read the entry policies of the larger venues before you go.

6 places · Updated November 12, 2026

Our top 3 nightlife in Gold Coast

  1. Sueño Rooftop tequila and mezcal bar, Mermaid BeachRooftop bar above Norté at Mermaid Beach, with ocean-breeze terraces, a tequila and mezcal-heavy drinks list, margaritas, ceviche, tostadas and grilled asados.
  2. Burleigh Pavilion Beachfront bar and dining venue, Burleigh HeadsBeachfront pavilion on Burleigh Beach combining an outdoor beach bar and deck, The PAV for lunch and drinks, The Tropic for sunset and dinner, and a morning kiosk.
  3. The Cooly Hotel Pub and live music venue, CoolangattaCoolangatta pub on Marine Parade, trading since 1910, with an upstairs Bandroom for local and international gigs, a public bar, bistro and beer garden.

Bar

1. Sueño

Rooftop tequila and mezcal bar$$$Mermaid Beach

Rooftop bar above Norté at Mermaid Beach, with ocean-breeze terraces, a tequila and mezcal-heavy drinks list, margaritas, ceviche, tostadas and grilled asados.

View details — Sueño

Bar

2. Burleigh Pavilion

Beachfront bar and dining venue$$Burleigh Heads

Beachfront pavilion on Burleigh Beach combining an outdoor beach bar and deck, The PAV for lunch and drinks, The Tropic for sunset and dinner, and a morning kiosk.

View details — Burleigh Pavilion

Bar

3. The Cooly Hotel

Pub and live music venue$$Coolangatta

Coolangatta pub on Marine Parade, trading since 1910, with an upstairs Bandroom for local and international gigs, a public bar, bistro and beer garden.

View details — The Cooly Hotel

Bar

5. The Island Rooftop

Rooftop cocktail bar$$$Surfers Paradise

Open-air rooftop bar on The Island Gold Coast hotel in central Surfers Paradise, with views over the city and beach, classic cocktails and Saturday lunch and brunch packages.

View details — The Island Rooftop

Bar

6. Paloma Wine Bar

Wine bar$$$Burleigh Heads

Walk-in wine bar on James Street in Burleigh Heads, a sibling of Restaurant Labart, with a curated list of Australian and international wines, cocktails and small plates.

View details — Paloma Wine Bar