Day 2: Miami
Morning
Freshly shucked oysters for breakfast? If there’s anywhere in Australia to indulge thus, it’s on the Gold Coast. Pull up a chair in the courtyard of the Miami Fish Market for a dozen or two briny molluscs, perhaps followed by a round of raw tuna and salmon from the sashimi bar.
When you’re done savouring the fresh seafood here, wander to Piccolo Espresso on Miami Beach. Have your caffeine hit followed by a leisurely stroll along the sand. Now that you have the endorphins flowing, it’s time for lunch…
Afternoon
A meal at Greenhouse Canteen makes you feel good from the inside out. Its vegan menu is packed with healthy and flavourful dishes like Cajun jackfruit tacos, mushroom cheeseburgers and raw pesto pasta made with zucchini noodles.
Just to the north, Nobby’s Beach Surf Club is about as close to the water as you can get. This sun-kissed space is popular throughout the day, drawing a steady crowd for the stellar views and perfectly-chilled drinks – try the Beetroot Sour, made by Lost Palms Brewing Co, which has a base just around the corner.
For a change of scene, visit Granddad Jacks, the Gold Coast’s first distillery based just a few steps from the beach. You can sign up to make your own gin. Or, talk to the bartender about creating a bespoke cocktail based on the award-winning spirits made here.
Evening
Open from 5 pm every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, Miami Marketta is a creative hub for art, music, design and – most importantly – food. Fairy lights dance between stalls selling LoKoa handmade leather bags and jewels from Sea + Stone. Then there’s the street-food line up, where you can sample bites as diverse as hotdogs and Hungarian cuisine, Turkish gozleme and Texan smoked meats, all served to a backdrop of poetry slams and live music.
Be sure to drop in on the Gin Parlour & Infusion Bar for a nightcap – there are 100-plus gins to choose from.
