Playzone GC: First look at adults play centre in Surfers Paradise in former Barvarian Haus venue

An adult entertainment centre in the heart of Surfers Paradise has been greenlit, with the fit-out already underway in a building once home to a famous Gold Coast restaurant. SEE THE PICTURES

Plans for an adult entertainment centre in the heart of Surfers Paradise have been greenlit, with the fit-out already underway.

Playzone GC is earmarked for the former home of long-time Surfers Paradise eatery the Bavarian Haus on Cavill Ave.

The new attraction will feature arcade cabinets, karaoke, a ball pit, dunk tank, pool table, pickleball court, an inflatable sumo suit arena and a mechanical bull.

Its owners and partners include Darren Sutton, whose career began working under Billy Cross more than two decades ago, former AFL player, Brownlow medallist and Collingwood premiership player Dane Swan, Steven Hiles and Tom Macfarlane Berry.

The new Playzone GC which is being created in the former Barvarian Haus site in Surfers Paradise

AFL Legend Brendan Fevola has also been named as the venue’s ambassador.

Mr Sutton said bookings would open on March 29, a month ahead of its grand opening in late April.

“We are so pumped,” he said. “We are looking to create a super-fun activities and party palace.

“It is custom-made for bucks and hens parties, birthdays, sporting clubs and sportsmans nights, corporate and team-building as well as end-of-season trips.”

Mr Sutton said the centre would be spread across three levels, with a range of features aimed to attract groups.

“There will be three action-packed levels of featuring a 360-degree pickleball court, a huge fluoro ball pit and volleyball arena, an old-school fete-style dunk tank, Las Vegas hotel-themed VIP rooms, a karaoke room and a dual-action arcade game and photo booth,” he said.

“There will also be an entire level themed around the Hollywood blockbuster movie Coyote Ugly, which will include a mechanical bucking bull and rodeo-zone showgirl water-themed performances.”

The new Playzone GC which is being created in the former Barvarian Haus site in Surfers Paradise

The project marks a dramatic shift from the site’s previous tenant, the Bavarian Haus.

The beloved German-themed restaurant opened in 1975 and was closed in May 2023 after nearly 50 years in business.

Plans were lodged for Playzone GC in October 2024 and were approved by the Gold Coast City Council earlier in February.

Documents lodged with the council as part of the planning process detailed the project’s features.

“The proposed function facility is a purpose-built adult play area tailored specifically for groups,” the plans said.

“As mentioned, the venue will only cater for groups and will have a purpose-built booking system that will control the overall numbers within the premises.

“The proposal does not support walk-ins at this venue - this is a mechanism that will control and regulate patron numbers and ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.” 

Originally published as Playzone GC: First look at adults play centre in Surfers Paradise in former Barvarian Haus venue