Commonwealth Games 2018 Gold Coast: Where to party with the top athletes

THE Gold Coast is famed for its nightlife and we have the hotspots where you can party with teams and supporters from competing Commonwealth Games nations.

Jessie Moore (left) and Makenna Adams, bar staff at House of Brews in Surfers Paradise, with their special Games concoction which is a mix of Strawberry Daiquiri and Pina Colada served on a medal dais. The bar is the official home of Canada during the Games.

THE Gold Coast is famed for its nightlife and ATG has the hotspots where you can party with teams and supporters from competing Commonwealth Games nations.

Plenty of countries have joined forces with Glitter Strip bars – but we’re sure you’ll only see athletes AFTER their event has finished. (Except maybe for some basketballers, and a large percentage of the lawn bowlers).

Outside of television coverage, the venues they’ve nominated as their chief place to blow of steam are the most likely hubs for star spotting.

First look images: The Star Gold Cost's new Sports Bar

The Australians have pride of place at The Star in Broadbeach (look out for their schedule) while the New Zealanders have gone all swanky on it too and teamed with QT Gold Coast’s hip Stingray Bar.

Stingay manager Jared Thibault reveals the Kiwis will feel right at home with a rocking home-grown music line up most nights.

It was kicked off with an opening ceremony after-party last night by Kiwi Danny Faifai from the famed Koi Boys.

Other Kiwi acts include soulful Gold Coast-based songstress Yasmina Despot on tomorrow and R&B vocalist Taisha Tari on Saturday.

The following weekend Stingray also have Kiwi musicians includine Shanice and Jade Louise, next Friday and Saturday respectively.

Stingray Bar at the QT will be home to New Zealand. Picture: Richard Gosling

Stringray has a later last drinks time of 1am too, as per the State Government’s temporary Games-related relaxation of every venue’s licence by an hour.

House of Brews co-owner Sacha Kanaghines said he sealed the deal with Team Canada to be their base over a few bourbons waaaay back when an earlier scouting party hit town.

The Surfers Paradise craft beer bar, known for elaborate cocktails and a hearty bbq inspired menu, has gone all out as expected.

Jessie Moore (left) and Makenna Adams, bar staff at House of Brews.

A cocktail, which appears to resemble the Canadian flag, contains strawberry daiquiri and pina colada. It is served on a medal podium with one hanging off it.

The venue is planning special events for Team Canada on Sunday night and next Wednesday so look out for those.

It also has extended trading until 3am from the 12th to the 16th.

Sprint star Usain Bolt was infamous for giving the Jamaican’s a reputation for enjoying a good time out socially but is rumoured not to be arriving on the Gold Coast until later in the Games. It might be a good thing for the team-mates who are competing.

Helm Bar at Surfers Paradise will be home to Jamaica. Picture: Mike Batterham

Word from an ATG source close to Team Jamaica - which includes rock star sprinters Johan Blake and Elaine Thomson - is they’ll have Helm bar on the Surfers Paradise riverfront rocking. It will be known as Jamaica Commonwealth Manor during the Games the team has already had a local fixer scouting ska bands for the venue which will feature live music, and Jamaican styled food and drinks.

And word is the Jamaican broadcast media have digs in Main Beach so Tedder Avenue might become more colourful this fortnight too.

BAR BASES

Canada – House of Brews

Jamaica – Helm Bar

Australia – The Star Broadbeach

Wales – Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club

England – Southport Bowls Club

NZ - Stingray