Surfer's Paradise from Burleigh Heads by Rex Boggs via Flickr Creative Commons

Queensland is a great place for its varied dining options. Steak is the primary dish in the city of Brisbane, but seafood is also a popular choice along coastal cities like Townsville, Cairns, and the Gold Coast. With a huge array of international diasporas found in Queensland conurbations, it is not surprising that plenty of Asian and European restaurants have become part of the restaurant scene. The local beer is called XXXX, pronounced ‘fourex’. Nightclubs are in abundance stay open until dawn in the capital. The Gold Coast and other coastal cities also have plenty of places to let loose as Australians are known to love going out.

Bars and Pubbing in Queensland

Brisbane is home to a range of great nightlife, with various styles and atmospheres, from riverfront pubs to electric dance establishments. The Port Office Hotel (38 Edward Street, Brisbane City) is one of the most renowned spots in the city. Also on Edward Street, the Down Under Bar (308 Edward Street, Brisbane City) is a great place to hob nob with locals. The Regatta Hotel (Coronation Drive, Toowong, Brisbane) stays very busy on the weekends, so expect a crowd. The restrooms are particularly interesting, as they boast one-way-mirrors.

Surfers Paradise is a fantastic place to enjoy a night out, as it is the central entertainment spot on the Gold Coast. Most of the clubs are located along Orchid Avenue, a short walk off the well-known Cavill Avenue Mall. Cocktails and Dreams (1/3 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise) is a large dance club with multiple levels. Another all night dance spot is Shooters Superclub (Level 1 Mark Building, Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise). Melbas (46 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise) is the most dynamic and safest club on the Gold Coast strip. Most dance establishments close around 3:00 a.m..

Cairns’ nightlife is not as lively as Brisbane or Surfers Paradise, but they do have a few options to grab a drink. For a relaxing and social vibe, the best place to get a cocktail is Rattle ‘N Hum (67 The Esplanade, Cairns). The Rhino Bar (Cnr Lake and Spencer Street, Cairns) becomes quite busy between Thursday and Saturday nights and for handcrafted beers and a high-end atmosphere, Blue Sky Brewery Bar (34-42 Lake Street, Cairns) is the place to visit.

Dining and Cuisine in Queensland

Brisbane is certainly not short on fine dining. For a traditional Australian grill, no place in Queensland beats the one of a kind atmosphere at The Breakfast Creek Hotel (2 Kingsford Smith Drive, Newstead). Cha Cha Char (1 Pier Avenue, Brisbane City, Brisbane) is one of the most illustrious restaurants, serving the most expensive and delectable steaks. The absolute top restaurant, however, is often given to Restaurant Two (Cnr Edward and George Street), operated by the famous David Pugh.

The Gold Coast is notoriously famous for its seafood, but recent years have seen the development of its international culinary scene. Peter’s Fish Market (120 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, Gold Coast) is a great place to enjoy fresh catches, perfect for lovers of fish and chips. A popular Middle Eastern restaurant is Medexotic (35/23 Ferney Avenue, Surfers Paradise). And if you want a taste of home or rock and roll life, the ambiance of the Hard Rock Café (Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise) can’t be beat.

On the Sunshine Coast, visitors should head to Noosa for extravagant, beachfront dining. Jasper (42 Hastings Street, Noosa) is a small restaurant that offers great seafood dishes. However, the best fish and steak spot has to be Maisie’s (247 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville). For breakfast lovers, Café Le Monde (52 Hastings Street, Noosa) is the place to go before 10:00 a.m..

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