U:L Recommends

Born from a passion for crafting unforgettable experiences through stunning floral artistry, Studio Ohara has quickly established itself as one of the Gold Coast’s premier florists. 

Janine Edwards has landed in the heart of Mermaid Beach, bringing premium denim and sought-after fashion labels to The Oxley precinct.

Nestled in Mudgeeraba lies the Gold Coast’s newest luxury weddings and events venue, Kwila Lodge. The spectacular venue is situated on a lush 5.5 acre property, the site of the former Eco Studio Fellini, and houses one of the Gold Coast’s original dwellings from 1923.

FINEPRINTCO Art Bar is an upmarket art gallery-meets-cocktail bar that seamlessly blends the creativity of handcrafted cocktails with fine art. The elegant establishment is located within Brickworks Ferry Road and is the brainchild of the owners of St Barts and Gallery One, Jasmine Smith and Leanne Pearce. So yes, they know what they’re doing.

Nestled on a peaceful acreage property amongst the greenery of Byron Bay, The Hinterland Studio offers a minimalist workspace designed to let your creativity flourish. The elegant and sleek space can be hired for photoshoots, events, work projects, meetings and more, and the vibe is nothing short of blissful.

Who doesn’t love a good paint and sip session? It’s hard to go wrong when you’ve got that magic combo of good company, wine, art and killer tunes.

Is there such a thing as too many plants? Obviously not. Enter, Greenfolk. 

If being confirmed at home this year suddenly sparked a newfound desire to spruce up your pad, we’ve got just the place to make all your interior design dreams come true.

Adjoining the iconic Cafe DBar, dramatically perched atop Point Danger, is where you’ll find the Gold Coast’s dreamy new boutique, Arche. A delicate revamp of the classic old 1925 Queenslander cottage has transformed the previous gallery into a luxurious lifestyle and design space. 

A homegrown success story, Homebodii is one of Australia’s favourite bridal and loungewear labels. Sold in David Jones, Nordstrom, The Iconic, Anthropologie and Revolve Clothing and making its New York Fashion Week debut in 2016, Homebodii is bringing the brand back to where it all started, opening its first permanent retail store at Pacific Fair. 

St Barts—a brand that’s synonymous with flawless interior style and design—has revealed its third store and new headquarters: a two-storey homewares, furniture and fine art showroom in the Burleigh industrial estate, with an adjoining cafe by the team from Next Door Espresso.

Ever wandered around The Village Markets on a sunny Sunday and pondered where all these remarkable local creatives have been hiding? Sure, for a fortunate few, talent runs in their blood but, for the rest of us, there’s still hope thanks to The Craft Parlour. Learning a crafty new skill is not only soothing and invigorating, but you’ll learn tricks that’ll have you adding an extra personal touch to your home, wardrobe, or becoming the queen bee of DIY gift giving.

Nestled in our favourite fashion hub of James Street, lies Emte, a boutique that will ensure you empty your wallet after just one visit to the change room. Sleek and minimalist, this little gem offers a curated selection of Aussie fashion and accessory labels, like Byron’s F + H Jewellery and Quay Sunglasses as well as dreamy pieces from Finders Keepers, Steele and C/MEO Collective. 

Heartfill is the passion project of local teacher-turned-sustainable living queen Corinne Russel, who believes in filling your heart, not filling the land. And this is the ethos she’s embodied through Heartfill, a one-stop-shop for flowers, clothing, art, craft, homewares, and vintage pieces.

The Sweet Fine Artist Studio has opened up shop in the ever-growing creative hub of Mermaid Beach. Located just around the corner from The Borrowed Nursery and Morena Espresso, this awesome new studio is the brainchild of artist Maree Quinn who has over 20 years of experience, creating, selling and teaching art. And now she wants to share her passion with people like us. 

Say hello to Substance, an achingly cool boutique stocked with lust-worthy pieces. 

The Coast is positively packed with talented creatives and Norton & Norton is one of our faves. Jo Norton’s passion comes from the fact her work will be held, used and will stay in people’s homes for what she hopes is a long time. Her pieces can be found in popular restaurants all over the Coast. Her palate of neutral tones makes for some seriously lust-worthy pieces, all hand made in her Currumbin studio. One of our fave parts? Her adorable dog Doug who’s often hanging around the studio. 

Tucked away in an industrial corner of Currumbin this beautiful old warehouse aims to be a home to creative souls all over the Coast. Boasting a lust-worthy interior the Dust Temple is a community space that caters to just about everyone. Grab a friend and head to the popular café at the front of the building, serving up great coffee and even better pastries, then peruse the latest exhibition in the art gallery boasting local and international artists. Come night time the space is transformed to anything from a jazz club to a slam poetry competition and everything in between. Creativity has no limits here. 

Located in the heart of this surf-frenzied suburb and its restaurants and cafes, About A Girl is the perfect way to end an afternoon on the beach, by strolling through this friendly and relaxed fashion boutique. With a twist of chilled-out surfer-style pieces from brands like Mink Pink, One Teaspoon, All About Eve and Jorge—this fashion boutique is perfect for a girl who knows how to rock her swagger, without needing to show it all off. It’s the Gold Coast interpretation of the French’s 'effortlessly chic'; casual and unique style wear that suits you to a T.

Calling on all modern, free-spirited brides—this adorable store is for you. Located in an uber cool tin house in Burleigh, inside the studio is a boho dream with warm wood, touches of lush greenery and ornate furnishings. In short—a stylish gal’s paradise. But the real star here is of course, the breathtaking dresses. The gang at Grace Loves Lace specialise in effortless, luxurious and timeless wedding gowns. Handmade from the finest European laces and silks, their beautiful creations are for the modern bride, the vintage lover, the rule breaker and everyone in between. The biggest issue you’ll have here, is narrowing your choice down to just one.

Step inside this moody, monochromatic store and you’ll be sure to find something unique and classic. A crisp white shirt from Viktoria+Woods or perhaps the softest Italian leather bag from Dylan Kain; these brands and many more sit in harmony within Moelleux’s slick designer walls. They stock something for the ladies AND something for the fellas, including a big range of Aussie designers which always brings a smile to our dial. Just be prepared to clean out your wallet and your savings and your entire bank account—ok you get the point—when you stop by because this shop is so damn lust-worthy. 

Ladies, brace yourself for an ovary explosion the second you step foot inside Halo & Horns Company. This totally adorbs childrenswear boutique, located in The Strand at Coolangatta, is stocked with the cutest clothes, just perfect for the special mini-me in your life. 

An adorable addition to the Cornerstone Stores precinct is Little Loves Studio. Little Loves brings together local and national kidswear brands including Children of the Tribe, Sweet Child of Mine, Kaisea Swim, Two Tykes, Pop Ya Tot, Our Folk and the Scared Bundle bassinets of your mummy dreams. They can help you out with a sweet selection of nursery finds for all those upcoming baby showers too. 

You know those sunflower field photos that are blowing up all over Insta? Yep, those sun-worshipping beauties are from this place! Farm & Co. is harvesting a variety of crops, and you’re invited to peruse their sunny fields, pick yourself a new yellow friend for $2 and say howdy to some happy chickens. Best enjoyed with a Blackboard coffee in hand (catch the mobile coffee Land Rover most weekends), spend all day filling your camera roll before stopping into their cosy shop stocked with a range of fresh produce, barn-made soups and the friendliest farmers you’ll ever meet. Open seven days, this 30-year-young avocado farm has transformed into something much bigger—a place for Kingscliff locals and visitors to enjoy fresh produce without harmful chemicals, every day of the week.

If you’re the kind of person who won’t add anything to a space without some serious thought, or who puts in hours of contemplation for that perfect birthday gift, Kind Curations is your store. Minimalist yet perfectly pieced together, Tugun local Kasey is bringing a bunch of new-to-the-Coast brands together under one roof. Such as LA’s Garrett Leight eyewear, Stone Cold Fox and the only Australian stockist of Christy Dawn womenswear. You’ll also lust over footwear by Woven Palm, ceramics by locals Jo Norton, Hunchmark and Sunny Coaster Kim Wallace, or glass wear and candles by Maison Balzac. Yep, we’re already coveting wayyy too much for our bank balance.

An evolution on the typical shopping centre food court experience, The Kitchens is a jaw-dropping foodie precinct within Robina Town Centre. Shop ‘til you drop then be spoilt for choice with 20-plus foodie retailers, purveyors, artisans, interactive cooking workshops, open kitchens and pop-up market stalls, plus rotating musos and buskers. Take your pick from teppanyaki at Saiko, vegan eats from Elixiba, Asian street eats from Roti & Buns and Muso Ramen, plus oh so much more. Did we mention there’s even an espresso martini bar?! 

Fitness mavens, if you’re lurking around the southern end and NEED a new something-something for your activewear collection, this one is for you! Walk through the doors at Prae Store in the beautiful Cornerstone Stores precinct, and you’ll be whisked into a calming boutique lined with hand-selected active wear pieces from P.E. Nation, First Base and Nimble. Together with a range of teas, incense and natural skin care ranges; Prae Store stocks make up by Inika, serums and creams by Cedar + Stone and Edible Beauty, plus more. Not forgetting a wellness-focussed collection of fine jewellery and stones from By Charlotte and Violet Grey, respected for their therapeutic characteristics, and you’re practically gliding into an I-want-to-buy-everything dream. 

If you prefer your fruit n veg without copious amounts of sprays and toxins, then you should make your way to Queensland’s only truly organic grower’s market, selling only the best quality produce. Did you know that organic fruit, vegetables and meat have 40 to 90% more antioxidants than commercially-grown food? Us neither, but that coupled with completely affordable prices is a good enough reason to visit Miami’s Organic Farmers Market. Some weekends you’ll find community stalls promoting environmental awareness and natural health practices. So, if you want to get a little more educated on our planet and our produce, pop down and spin a yarn with one of the stallholders. Held every Sunday morning at Miami State High School between 6am and 11:30am.

Strategically located at the entrance to Currumbin’s fertile valley—meaning a shorter distance from source to market—this boutique farmers market is certain to become your mid-week ritual. Held every Thursday morning, at the Currumbin Community Markets you can fill your basket with organic fruits and vege, meats, jams and baked goods, then stay for the breezy live music, picnic blanket hangs and activities for the little tots. 

Indulge in some retail therapy at The Commons Casuarina boutique, Nikkou. The handiwork of uber stylish local lass Tiffany Cooper, Nikkou celebrates femininity through quality designer fashion, accessories and homewares. Perfect for the mindful, modern woman and her equally fashionable babe. Between white walls with blush pink accents, get your shop on and you’ll be divvying up your wardrobe space among Australian favourites and local up-and-comers who you really oughta know. Expect Zulu & Zephyr swimwear and winter knits, Brie Leon accessories, Velvet Canyon sunnies and luxe Estilo Emporio jumpsuits, to name a few. Love locally crafted ceramics, linen homewares or organic baby threads and toys? Scoot into this dreamy boutique and you’ll struggle to come out empty handed.

If you’re on the hunt for one of the best cafes in Southport and capital city quality coffee, the friendly team at Simple Coffee House is at your service. Located on the CBD’s main drag, this simple yet bustling cafe sells sweet and savoury treats and a small grocery line to kickstart your day. But you’re here for the smooth Toby’s Estate caffeinated brews, served every which way, and the regular line up of loyal locals ensures you’re in the right place. 

It’s true, cheese lovers, the southern Gold Coast has just gained its very own European-style cellar and fromagarie—with a freakin’ walk-in cheese room. Hurrah! Quince is the super sweet edible offering in boutique retail precinct Cornerstone Stores. Grab an African woven basket and fill it with boozy delights from a selection of both European-sourced and organic, biodynamic Australian wines (including the hard-to-get range from Delinquente), Husk Distillery Ink Gin and rums, and Strange Love tonics. Or, plan your gourmet picnic or dinner party with deli pastas (hello, Per Tutti!)), sauces, mustards, oils, olives and cured meats. But it’s the walk-in fromagarie that’s making us weak in the knees. Imported from France, Italy and Spain you can pick up the creamy Cremeux de Bourgogne and the Crottin D’Antan which pairs perfectly with a Savvy B. Or wait ‘til they cut into the 36-kilogram wheel of Gran Moravia Italian Parmesan… Or just buy one of everything, we won’t judge. 

Cornerstone Stores is a labour of love for a family of long-time locals, who’ve held onto this Gold Coast Highway-side block for the last four years while they planned their build. Among the gorge stores there's Stable Coffee & Kitchen; a new yoga, Pilates and meditation centre by The Body Method; Quince Fromagerie (with a freakin’ walk-in cheese room); organic hairdresser Zanzi Hair; indoor plants by The Borrowed Nursery, Essence of Beauty; Little Loves babyswear; plus curated lifestyle boutiques Kind Curations and Prae Store. 

Beauty gurus, raise your contouring brushes, this cruelty-free, non-toxic beauty bar in Nobby Beach is seriously worth a look-see. Y’know how some planet-friendly makeup can look kinda like the innards of an old avocado stuffed into a sad brown bag and slapped with a hand-written label? Well, this is totally not that place. 

Going to the local nursery may just become your next weekend ritual. Why, we hear you say? Because who doesn’t love a lush indoor plant? In fact, they’re actually really good for your health because, science. Indoor plants have been proven to help purify the air in your home, calm the mind and even increase productivity. 

Stumped on what to do for your next catchup with pals, or have an upcoming special occasion that needs celebrating? Then look no further than Brush & Barrel, the super cute paint and sip concept that guarantees a good time, every time! 

A weekly must-do on any Palm Beach or Currumbin dwellers’ weekend social calendar, the Palm Beach Farmers Markets is one of the best markets on the Gold Coast. Located close to the beach and with up to 80 stallholders offering their wares, one of our first stops is always Mio’s Buckwheat Crepes—you will never get to this stall without a winding queue due to the nutritional punch these colourful crepes of goodness offer.

Gather Store is the eclectic boutique that dreams are made of, and the friendly neighbour to Dust Temple in Currumbin. Stocking fine home wares, ceramics, organic skin care and enough exotic plants to fill an entire rainforest, you’ve gotta get to Gather. Macramé wall hangings, handcrafted furniture and intricate wood works will have budding decorators in serious décor heaven. Gather is the perfect place to open your wallet for one-of-a-kind gifts or treat yourself splurges.

A family owned and operated furniture and accessories store, with a team of designers who have a passion for bespoke pieces reminiscent of a seaside setting, The Beach Furniture is a store that should be high on your must-visit list. Light, bright, and airy, these nautical and coastal-themed showrooms will prove there can be many shades of white. With locations in both Burleigh and Bundall, bring a piece of the beach into your abode and you will always feeling at ease.

If you obsess over those boho chic outfits you see on Freepeople’s Instagram, and you wish that overseas shipping didn’t break your wallet, the great news is you can find those hippie bohemian looks in the fabulous Palm Beach fashion boutique, White Bohemian. Founded by free spirited local lass Sharon, this gem is the embodiment of new age hippy fashion; stocking renowned Byron Bay labels such as Arnhem Clothing, Spell Designs and Amilita, while also supporting up-and-coming local brands. So, get your best Kate Bosworth face ready; it’s time to be a beach-y bohemian. 

The sassiest new addition to Mermaid Beach’s highway strip has got to be Lovechild. Just a few shops up from Board Culture Espresso, this boutique beauty will have you weak at the knees. Stocking a range of ethically-sourced apparel, you’ll find only the finest cruelty-free, vegan fashion and beauty products at Lovechild. Slip on some vegan leather boots (yes, that’s a thing!) or a cruelty-free silk tank and walk out completely on trend, while also doing your bit for the planet. Lovechild also hosts a twice monthly vegan market in the neighbouring laneway, overflowing with plant-loving foodie stalls, live DJ and all of the warm and fuzzy feels. 

It’s a Friday or Saturday night and you’ve got no desire to cook dinner. But you’ve only got $20 in the kitty, so heading to your fave sit-down restaurant is a total stretch. So, what’s a hungry, not-keen-to-cook person to do? Two words—Miami Marketta. This long-established gem is held every Friday and Saturday night (and on a smaller scale on Wednesdays) and pulls together some of the best ethnic food stalls from across the Coast. Pair it with an electric vibe, revolving roster of toe-tapping bands and DJs, multiple cocktail bars, a dessert hall, fashion stalls and a buzzing family-friendly crowd, and you’ve got one of the best markets on the Gold Coast.

Life on two wheels goes together like beards and anchor tattoos. Heck, here at The Urban List we’re even part-time bikie chicks ourselves! Currumbin’s Iron & Resin is a bike shop cum coffee stop, but don’t be intimated by the sweet rumbling of Harleys, Cafe Racers and classic moto rebuilds that ebb and flow from the on-street parking. Roll in for a frothy Will & Co. brew and brekkie burgers the size of your head; Sunday mornings are buzzing with live music and are your best bet if you’re looking to pop your Iron & Resin cherry.

Handcrafted wooden skateboards, floppy felt hats, babes on push bikes—who needs Bondi when you’ve got The Village Markets? Since 2008, “TVM” has been silencing the skeptics of the Gold Coast’s blossoming talent pool with their artfully selected round up of boutique fashion and lifestyle stalls. Trading on the first and third Sunday of every month at Burleigh Heads State School from 8.30am until 1pm, their famous “positive Sunday vibes” are always a winner. Pack a picnic blanket; marvel at emerging designers, creatives, and collectors; listen to live music; and eat delicious food. What more could your weekend possibly call for?

The first thing you will think upon entering this space is “when can I move in?” No, but seriously all of your homeware dreams have come true with Trader Trove. Products sourced from all around the globe including Moroccan cushions and blankets, Afghan rugs, rattan furniture from Indonesia, fair trade African baskets, Turkish ceramics and pieces like vintage Hawaiian floor lamps, is evidence of a true love affair with interior design. Avalon, the owner, wanted to introduce a creative space where the community can get together with the likes of yoga classes and workshops on offer to forge conscious connections with like-minded souls. Heaven, we tell ya!

A little off the beaten track, you might think that you’ve taken a wrong turn.  Owner and head roaster, Alex Winter is a former United Nations worker who assisted on fair trade coffee programs in Indonesia some time back. Sourcing his beans with a very ethical approach, you can be assured your coffee is not only damn smooth (he roasts his own beans on site), but is also putting money back in everyone’s pockets along the supply chain.

Simone and Grayson Kira are a talented duo who are driven by a desire for thoughtful, timeless and sustainable design. Their workshop and retail space is situated in Miami and showcases true craftsmanship through their signature style pieces. These are all stocked alongside homewares from local designers who all happen to be friends of theirs. No biggie. At Kira & Kira you can seriously kit out your home with everything from vases, jewellery and cushions, to homemade wooden serving boards, tile wall hangings and larger crafted pieces all with clean lines, beautiful finishes and designed to suit almost all interiors.

Every beach city needs a few epic bikini boutiques so we don’t all end up in the same Triangl bikini and side eyeing each other at the beach. Burleigh boutique, Bikini & Me on James Street is the perfect place to head if you’re into edgy swimwear choices from internationally renowned brands like Tigerlily, Bassike, Seafolly and Zimmerman. That said, it should be renamed “Bikini & More” because Bikini & Me also offers casual apparel, lifestyle wear and gorgeous accessories that will spice up your beach style.

Our go-to when cruising around down south is super chill Cafe DBar, on the headland at Point Danger. This sweet cafe-slash-restaurant earns bonus points for having one of the most spectacular locations on the entire length of the Gold Coast. Perched above the legendary waves of Duranbah and Snapper—it oozes surfy charm and the first-level dining room is the perfect posi to treat your visiting granny or aunt to brunch. Just don't leave without a cheeky visit to the gorgeous gifts and homewares boutique at the rear. 

A 'The Village Markets' success story and now with a new beautiful shopfront on Burleigh’s iconic James Street, Maison & Maison is a store that takes you around the world and back again. Filled with imported furnishings such as handmade Moroccan wedding blankets and cushions, leather pouffes, traditional Turkish rugs, tribal shell necklaces, Bali styled Buffalo skulls and Vietnamese baskets, it’s a cultural feast to say the least. Upon entering, prepare to be overwhelmed with an earthy yet modern look and feel; enough to make a bohemian’s bank balance become non-existent, yet her dreams come true.