Fancy a tipple on the sand? Beach bars could be here to stay

Mediterranean-style beach clubs could become permanent fixtures as Queensland looks to boost its summer tourism offerings in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic Games. HAVE YOUR SAY

Jessica Sims enjoys the beachfront at the Langham on the Gold Coast. Pic: Adam Head

Mediterranean-style beach clubs could become permanent fixtures on Queensland’s famous beaches to offer visitors and locals an “authentic Aussie summer” experience.

Gold Coast City Council has been exploring more permanent beach bars in a bid to widen the city’s summer tourism offerings in the lead up to the 2032 Games.

The opportunity also has caught the attention of one of Queensland’s most luxury beachfront hotels, which has revealed an interest in extending its hospitality services onto the adjoining sand.

This story is part of The Courier-Mail’s annual Future Brisbane series advocating for a focus on the right legacy outcomes from the hosting of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. You can read all of our coverage here.

Mayor Tom Tate has confirmed the previous Kurrawa Beach Club site could return as a venue again as early as summer next year under another three-year trial – with a view to locking in a long-term lease agreement for six months each year.

The State Government is supportive of the beach clubs concept and has met with Gold Coast representatives about them and will work with the Council on the outcome of the trial.

Mayor Tate said he would like to see more beachside venues along the coast after the insights from the trial and further community consultation.

He said the sand along the front of the Jewel residences and The Langham Hotel north of Kurrawa, as well as Narrowneck near Surfers Paradise, could be potential second and third beach club locations.

Aerial of the first Beach Bar at Kurrawa on the Gold Coast.

“I wouldn’t mind having a beach bar just close by to the Jewel development because of the infrastructure of the signature hotel,” Mr Tate said.

“We want to strengthen our foreshore at Narrowneck, because it’s a bit vulnerable.

“But while we’re strengthening that, why don’t we look at putting in some revetment wall that they can handle a beach bar as well?”

The Langham general manager Arpad Romandy said Mediterranean-style beach clubs would be a new “innovative tourism product” that complemented the Gold Coast’s natural beauty and enhanced its appeal as a global destination.

He said the clubs were a great option for under-utilised spaces and would create more jobs.

“The stretch of beach in front of our property offers a unique combination of natural beauty and accessibility,” Mr Romandy said.

“With the right design and thoughtful planning, it could be an ideal location for extending our hospitality services onto the sand.

“This could include everything from casual beachside dining to curated experiences.

“We believe there is great potential for these types of establishments to be embraced by both locals and visitors here on the Gold Coast.”

Cr Tate said some locations had already been ruled out due to a lack of infrastructure – including Kirra Beach, which would not be a “value for money” site.

He said Burleigh Heads already had beachside hospitality offerings, like the Rick Shores restaurant.

He said Queensland beach clubs should take inspiration from European cities like Barcelona – but noted they would actually be more affordable, family friendly and on “nicer beaches”.

As part of its 1992 Games legacy, Barcelona regenerated 40km of coastline to and created new beaches with sand imported from Egypt – making the foreshore accessible again to the local population and tourists.

“The critics are trying to brush it that it’s like Bali, meaning a massage girl coming and people that want to sell fake jewellery and disturb you,” Cr Tate said. “Nothing would be further from the truth. It’s an authentic Aussie summer. It’s another offering that’s a bit rare in Australia.

Jessica Sims with Yuri Ketsuriyong enjoys the beachfront at the front of The Langham on the Gold Coast. Pic: Adam Head

“While you’re sitting there having a beer, you can watch your kids playing cricket on the beach – that’s what I want.”

Asked whether he thought councils on the Sunshine Coast and Noosa should follow his plans, Cr Tate said: “I think they need to come have a beer with me and see what happens.”

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the region had successfully hosted pop-up bar activations at major events such as the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships.

She said more permanent beach club options would be considered.

“We are encouraging businesses who want to pursue those opportunities as we get closer (to 2032),” she said.

An example of a Barcelona beach club.

“The idea of a beach club is something that we would consider, and only, of course, with community consultation, as we look at what we might use that kind of public space for.

“We know that the four top drivers for travellers are things like food and wine experiences, world class aquatic and coast allocations, the safety and security, and then world class nature and wildlife experiences. So we definitely have all of those.”

A City of Gold Coast spokesman said that the Kurrawa Beach Club’s liquor licence and council conditions would determine the trial’s opening hours.

It was anticipated that the venue could close no later than 10pm – except for special occasions like New Year’s Eve.

The Gold Coast City Council has also resolved to run an open market process to determine the operator.