04 Jun 2026
New luxury wellness accommodation, a boutique backpackers and the city's first 'bar-behind-bars' - here's what's new on the Gold Coast in June.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
A new sister venue for Gold Coast's favourite Japanese restaurant
The team behind Etsu Izakaya, one of the Gold Coast's most esteemed Japanese restaurants, has brought something new to Burleigh Heads. SHŌTŌ offers an intimate dining experience set in the heart of Burleigh, specialising in hand rolls and yakitori. SHŌTŌ Executive Chef Leo Militao is the mastermind behind the menu which has been heavily inspired by his own travels of Japan. Expect small cuts cooked over charcoal – from teriyaki chicken to miso-glazed toothfish and A5 wagyu sourced directly from Japan – as well as a few signature Etsu favourites, and a considered cocktail list inspired by Japanese cities.
Four venues, one roof: Hicksville brings smokehouse culture to Southport
The team behind Fire Baby, Southport's multi-story pizzeria and open-flame kitchen, has unveiled Hicksville – a bold new all-day hospitality venue combining four concepts under one roof. Hicksville has been devised as an all-day neighbourhood destination, welcoming everyone from morning coffee regulars to late night whisky lovers. Each venue has been inspired by the passion of American smokehouse culture.
The first stage of the multi-venue precinct is now open, with Hicksy's Café serving up specialty coffees and beverages, baked goods, and fresh sandwiches. Hicksville Smokehouse & Backyard Bar is set to open 4 June, followed by Hicksy's Gelato and Hicksville Whisky Bar in coming months.
Hicksy's Café is open Monday – Friday from 6:30am – 2:00pm.
Two-level English pub with a twist opens in Surfers Paradise
The hotly anticipated new venue from local hospitality heavyweights, Artesian Hospitality, has officially opened its doors. The Fig'n'Fox is a sprawling English pub set on the corner of Elkhorn and Orchid Ave, serving hearty English fare alongside a lively entertainment offering. The ground floor is packed with the signature warmth you'd expect from a classic English pub – moody lighting, timber awnings, Speckled Hen on tap and, of course, a Sunday Roast every week from 12pm.
Tucked downstairs you'll find Timmy's Tea Room – a vibey dive bar packed with character. Expect dart boards, pool tables and a live music roster that will keep the whole group entertained long into the night.
Fig'n'Fox is open 7 days 11:00am – late.
ACCOMMODATION
Rainbow Bay welcomes its first luxury holiday apartments
A new range of luxury holiday apartments has just opened in Rainbow Bay, one of the southern Gold Coast's most coveted holiday enclaves. Esprit Holidays is perched above Rainbow Bay's pristine shoreline, offering 32 premium 2- and 3-bedroom holiday apartments. Guests can enjoy access to a collection of world-class facilities designed for relaxation, fitness, and entertainment including a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the famed coastline, and a wellness centre complete with infrared sauna, ice plunges and a premium gym.
On the ground floor, Esprit will be home to Mamma G's, a new venue from the awarding-winning Gambaro Group (the team behind Pipi's restaurant), bringing a dose of classic Italian deli culture to the surfing village. Mamma G's Deli is set to open next month and will offer gourmet sandwiches, grab-and-go bites, coffee, and a curated selection of pantry staples to-go.
A new boutique backpacker resort and hotel is headed to Budds Beach
One of Australia's most premium hostel brands is coming to the Gold Coast. Bounce Surfers Paradise is set to transform the former Budds Surfers site at Budds Beach into a stunning, peach-toned collection of dormitories and queen studios.
In addition to the 440 bed accommodations, Bounce Surfers Paradise will be home to a Bounce Fit gym, rooftop beach club with cascade pool, rooftop restaurant, ground floor 'Buddies Café', and conference facilities. Bounce will offer daily health & wellness activities, afternoon pool sessions and sunset DJ sets. Opening is slated for mid-2026.
EXPERIENCES
Gold Coast's first bar-behind-bars and prison break experience is coming
Prison Island puts a fresh spin on the escape room concept, challenging teams to conquer up to 40 themed cells packed with puzzles, physical tests and tactical missions. With 90 minutes on the clock and a live scoring system tracking your progress, it's a fast-paced adventure that's equal parts brains and brawn.
For those who prefer their thrills served with a cocktail, Alcotraz transforms guests into inmates inside a high-security prison where a secret underground bar is operating behind the warden's back. Expect prison uniforms, live actors, interactive missions and expertly crafted cocktails as you navigate a storyline inspired by iconic prison dramas.
Alcotraz will open 26 June, with Prison Island set to open 17 July. Bookings for both experiences are now open via the website.
Imagery and media releases can be found HERE.
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