Here on the Gold Coast, winter is more of a passing thought than an actual season. Sure, we all love to complain when the mercury drops below 18 degrees and bring out the puffer jacket on the first day of June, but we never experience a real winter. That is, until now. Winter lovers, rejoice—there’s about to be snow on the Gold Coast.
This month, the mega lifestyle and entertainment precinct, Cali Beach Club in Surfers Paradise is transforming into one of Australia's biggest winter activations. As winter settles in, we’re saying goodbye to the sun-soaked pools of Cali Beach Club and hello to the snow-capped cabins of The Rooftop Lodge.
On Saturday 3 June, The Rooftop Lodge will open its frosty doors to the public, unveiling the $350,000 new-look revamp that has completely converted the 5000 square metre landmark rooftop venue into an après ski-style winter oasis. And when we say completely converted, we mean it. The Rooftop Lodge is pulling out all the stops, with winter-inspired luxury resonating in every aspect of this world-class venue and it's added plenty of fresh additions, seriously levelling up the space from last year.
Paying homage to all things frosty, this luxurious entertainment precinct boasts a state-of-the-art ice-skating rink, open fire pits, ice-hockey machines, market food stalls, an expansive forest of 60 snow-topped trees and even faux snow falling. Snow on the Gold Coast is finally a reality.
The Rooftop Lodge will star a purpose-built ice-skating rink, so you can work off all the mulled wine you’ll be drinking. Venture inside the alpine forest and you’ll find an array of market stalls slinging all of your favourite winter-themed goodies. Warm up with The Rooftop Lodge’s warming winter menu, which will include gourmet charcuterie boards, fondues and marshmallows (obvs) for fireside roasting. Their impressive cocktail menu is also getting an alpine makeover and you can expect belly-warming drinks like shot skis—themed shots that have to be drunk off a snow ski in sync with your friends.
Blending the vibrant energy of the Gold Coast with the stylish sophistication of the Swiss Alps, Cali's famous cabanas have been converted into luxury alpine lodges with wintery facades, firepits, fully-functioning hot tubs and cosy furnishings that will transport you straight to the Swiss ski village—VIP style, of course. If you’re really leaning into the ‘VIPs on the slopes’ vibe, upgrade your alpine lodge experience to include your own bar staff, bottle service and premium winter cuisine. 
For those with a fancy flair, The Rooftop Lodge has partnered with Veuve Clicquot for ‘Clicquot in the Snow’—an exclusive igloo experience for you and up to six friends with a plethora of Veuve-themed perks for just $350.
Artesian Hospitality are the good folks bringing this mega entertainment takeover to life and Artesian Managing Partner, Matthew Keegan sums it up perfectly: “Following the success of last year's Winter Lordge, we knew it was important to think bolder and go bigger, providing an experienced-based activation unliked anywhere else in South-East Queensland; and hence why we've built a marketplace, sourced a purpose-built ice-skating rink and interactive games.”
Of course, The Rooftop Lodge will continue to boast its sizzling (or should we say freezing?) resident artist-line-up, encompassing some of the biggest DJs on the international and national circuit. Sipping a mulled wine in a hot tub while listening to show-stopping beats sounds like our winter plans, sorted.
The Rooftop Lodge will swing open its doors just in time for you to dance in the snow and celebrate winter in the right way (that’s in a hot tub with a cocktail in hand, of course). The venue will open on Friday 3 June, and it will be open to the public until the end of August; every Friday to Sunday, from 11am until late.
THE DETAILS
What: The Rooftop Lodge
Where: 19A Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: Opens Friday 3 June until Sunday 27 August
Open every Friday to Sunday, from 11am to late
For more information, click here.
Image Credit: The Rooftop Lodge