The Island Rooftop

The Island Rooftop is the open-air bar on top of The Island Gold Coast, the renovated boutique hotel on Surfers Paradise Boulevard. Set in the heart of Surfers Paradise, it looks out over the towers of the city centre and across to Surfers Paradise Beach, and it is known above all for its classic cocktails. The official Gold Coast tourism organisation describes it as the largest open-air rooftop bar on the coast, with entertainment from Thursday to Sunday that leans towards tropical house and funk. With Cavill Avenue, the centre of the district's nightlife, close by, it works well as the first stop of a night out.

The venue promises cocktails, food and entertainment. Menus are published on the hotel's website, so you can check the current drinks and food before you go. On Saturdays there are two set-piece options: a Rooftop Graze Lunch, which pairs a grazing menu with a two-hour all-inclusive drinks package, and a Bottomless Brunch with its own menu. The bar also runs themed nights and events, so look at the website to see what is on during your stay.

Opening hours are concentrated towards the weekend. The rooftop opens from 4pm on Thursdays and from 11am on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, staying open until late on each of those days. It is not listed as trading earlier in the week, so plan a Monday to Wednesday drink elsewhere in Surfers Paradise.

The rooftop suits couples, groups of friends and anyone celebrating, and its booking options are designed with groups and celebrations in mind. Reservations can be made through the online booking system for up to 20 guests. A standard reservation is for two hours, while an extended four-hour booking requires an upfront payment that is fully redeemable on food and drink. Larger groups can secure an exclusive area with a prepaid amount by contacting the venue.

The hotel publishes a separate entry policy, which is worth reading before a night out. If you are staying at The Island, the rooftop is simply a lift ride away, and guests of the Bunk Surfers Paradise hostel next door are offered deals at the hotel's bars. Goldie's, the hotel's restaurant with indoor and alfresco seating, makes a convenient place for dinner before or after drinks.