EXPLORE GOLD COAST

Making the trip for Crafted Festival? Smart move.

Whether you're turning Crafted into a long weekend with your mates or squeezing every drop out of your Gold Coast stay, we've rounded up our favourite places to eat, drink, stay and explore while you're here.

From beachside brunches and brewery hopping to rooftop cocktails, rainforest adventures and post-festival recovery sessions, here's how to make the most of your time on the Goldy.

THINGS TO DO

A woman in a red swimsuit and a wide-brimmed hat walking along the sandy shore of a clear blue lake, shaded by trees, with a bridge and mountains in the background.

Person with a cap and sleeveless shirt standing in lush green jungle looking at a tall waterfall cascading down rock cliffs in the background.

GETAWAY WITH YOUR MATES?

The Gold Coast is built for group trips. Whether you're travelling with your beer-loving crew, celebrating a birthday, planning a hens or bucks weekend, or simply escaping for a few days, there's no shortage of ways to fill your itinerary.

Whether it’s checking out some of the best waterfalls and swimming holes, or 25 things to do for under $25 - we’ve got you covered.

RECOVERY DAY?

Slow things down with a visit to The Gold Coast’s Most Luxurious Bathhouses.

GOT AN EXTRA DAY?

Explore Mount Tamborine's wineries, breweries, rainforest walks and spectacular lookouts. It's the perfect contrast to a big day at Crafted.

WHERE TO DRINK

Group of people walking past the exterior of Grandpa Jack's craft distillery, which offers tasting room, liquor store, gin, vodka, liqueurs, whiskey, tours, cocktails, gifts, and gin making.

Group of four friends sitting at a wooden table with various beers, chatting and enjoying drinks in a lively brewery or bar with decorated walls and other patrons in the background.

Let's be honest, this is probably why you're here.

The Gold Coast's craft beer scene is one of the best in Australia and there's no better time to explore it than after Crafted.

BREWERY HOP AROUND THE GOLD COAST

Burleigh Brewing
Black Hops Brewing
Balter Brewing
Precinct Brewing Co
Roji Cat
Padre Brewing Co
Madocke Beer Brewing Company
Hound & Stag Brewing Co

Each offers its own unique vibe, fresh local brews and plenty of reasons to stay for "just one more".

PREFER SPIRITS

Head to Granddad Jack's Craft Distillery in Miami for a distillery tour or tasting experience with the Gold Coast's original craft distillers.

MORE OF A WINE PERSON

If beer isn't your thing (or you simply like to mix things up), head to Carafe Wine and experience one of the Gold Coast's most unique cellar door experiences. Sample wines straight from the barrel, settle in with a signature charcuterie board or woodfired pizza, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon with friends.

WANT SOMEONE ELSE TO DRIVE?

Book a day out with Hop On Brewery Tours and discover some of the Gold Coast's best breweries with a local guide, tasting your way through the region while someone else takes care of the transport

WHAT TO EAT

Group of people dining outdoors on a balcony overlooking the ocean with a city skyline in the distance, enjoying drinks and food

Seafood and chicken dishes on a wooden table with empty plates and utensils.

A big day at Crafted deserves an equally big feed. Whether you're fuelling up before the festival, chasing the ultimate recovery brunch the next morning, or looking for a long lunch with the crew, the Gold Coast's food scene delivers.

BRUNCH LIKE A LOCAL

Staying in Broadbeach? You're spoiled for choice. From beachside cafes and specialty coffee to bottomless brunches and post-festival recovery feeds, check out Experience Gold Coast's guide to the Best Brunch Spots in Broadbeach.

WATERFRONT FEASTS

Nothing cures a sore head quite like ocean views and a great meal. Discover Experience Gold Coast's picks for 9 Great Restaurants With A View Of The Water and enjoy some of the city's most scenic dining experiences.

BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH

Not quite ready for the weekend to end? Round up the crew and explore Experience Gold Coast's guide to the Best Bottomless Brunches on the Gold Coast for flowing drinks, share plates and Sunday session vibes.

DISCOVER LOCAL FAVOURITES

From hidden laneway gems and rooftop dining to fresh seafood, burgers, bakeries and everything in between, browse Experience Gold Coast's Eat & Drink Guide for hundreds of local recommendations.

STILL HUNGRY?

If one meal turns into five (we don't judge), dive into Experience Gold Coast's full collection of Food & Drink Articles for local guides, new openings, foodie hotspots and plenty of inspiration for your stay.

Because after 10 years of Crafted, we've learned one thing: great beer deserves great food.