Grinning from ear to ear, Margot Robbie could be relaxing with her A-list buddies in California or the south of France.
But the Hollywood starlet is actually enjoying breakfast at one of Queensland’s best brunch spots, the Bam Bam Bakehouse, in Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast.
With glorious weather, great surf beaches and stunning views it is easy why Margot loves returning to her home town.
Famous Gold Coast resident Margot Robbie is often spotted back in her home town. She posted this picture from the Bam Bam Bakehouse to Instagram
Sylvia Jeffreys (pictured) is also a fan of the bakery which serves delicious brunch options as well as mouth-watering cakes
Once known for sun, sea, surf and debauchery, Australia’s premier holiday city is now pulling in a much classier crowd.
Tourists are flocking here in droves to enjoy great food, pioneering spa treatments, craft beer and boutique gin distilleries.
After spending a few weeks working in Coolangatta a few years ago, I was well familiar with the breathtaking scenery and laid-back lifestyle.
So when we were invited to explore the Gold Coast like a celebrity, I couldn’t be more excited.
Customers queue out of the door to form a long queue at the bakery, which sells mouth-watering salted caramel eclairs, crème brulee croissants and miniature blueberry cheesecakes.
We based ourselves at the Sofitel in Broadbeach, a stunning high-rise with spectacular ocean views and the perfect location to get out and about.
If you don’t surf already I would recommend a lesson at Currumbin Alley, which offers great views of Gold Coast coupled with manageable waves perfect for those with less experience.
Tracey Chilcott runs Currumbin Alley Surf School with her son and offers a wide range of lessons ranging from a sunrise surf ($40) to group lessons (from $35) to a private lesson costing $100 for 90 minutes.
The Bathhouse is an excellent place for some rest and relaxation. There is also a magnesium pool and sun deck for those hoping to top up their tans
After working up an appetite we drive to the highly acclaimed Bam Bam Bakehouse, beloved by Margot and locals alike.
The sub-tropical climate in Gold Coast makes it comfortable to sit outside year-round but kind-hearted staff have added heaters and blankets for whimps like me.
At the back of the restaurant, customers form a long queue at the bakery, which sells mouth-watering treats like salted caramel eclairs, crème brulee croissants and miniature blueberry cheesecakes.
But most people here on a Saturday morning have come for the brunch menu, which includes ‘Posh Shrooms’(roasted field mushrooms with herb butter, sautéed greens, sourdough, truffled celeriac and cannellini bean puree, friend egg and pecorino) and Kiss My Hass (avo, roasted capsicum and walnut mahammara, orange vinaigrette, candied sumac pecans, goats feta and baby herbs on sourdough).
Next stop on our trip is The Bathhouse in Burleigh Heads, a modern rejuvenation space offers a soak session for just $40.
Although it is difficult to imagine being stressed in a place where the sun shines constantly and there is minimal traffic, The Bathouse is an excellent place for some rest and relaxation. There is also a magnesium pool and sun deck for those hoping to top up their tans.
Husk Distillers, Australia’s only agricole rum distillery, is located on 150 acres of farmland nestled between the sea to the east and the Gondwana Rainforest
For dinner, we are booked into The Tropic at the Burleigh Pavilion.
If you are looking to combine great food with great views, you can’t get better than this waterfront venue.
With a menu loaded with excellent seafood and meat dishes it is difficult to choose, however the wagyu rump with grilled cos, gremolata, and gran Padano is exceptional.
The next day we take a scenic drive inland to Australia’s only agricole rum distillery.
Husk Distillers is located on 150 acres of farmland nestled between the sea to the east and the Gondwana Rainforest.
We are booked on to a tour with a group of high-spirited women who seem to be about 10 drinks ahead of us, quite impressive seeing as we arrived at just after 11am.
Agricole means the rum is made from sugar cane. The alcohol is then matured in old whiskey barrels from America which make for a unique flavour.
They also make Ink gin here, so called because it is blue – naturally coloured with botanicals.
Gold Coast and the surrounding areas have some of the best beaches in Australia
After a tour you could kick back with a cheese board with a gin paring or sip a cocktail on the front lawn?
For me, a trip to the Gold Coast for me wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Coolangatta – which boasts some of the best beaches in Australia (in my humble opinion).
If you are in need of a cool beer with a view head to Rainbow Bay Surf Lifesaving Club.
As the sun goes down over the majestic high rises it’s easy to see why the Gold Coast is now an A-list holiday destination.