White Rhino Surfers Paradise: First look at Circle on Cavill venue’s expansion plans

The new owners of Surfers Paradise nightspot White Rhino want to nearly double it in size to create an all-in-one super venue, according to a development application. FULL DETAILS

Sox Hospitality founder Simon Morris (Left) and Jason Makris, CEO of Makris Group Picture: Glenn Hampson.

The new owners of Surfers Paradise nightspot White Rhino want to nearly double it in size to create an all-in-one super venue.

Sox Hospitality have lodged plans with the Gold Coast City Council to take over the former Circle of Cavill tenancy of Hurricanes Bar and Grill and merge it with the existing nightspot, which opened in 2018.

According to the plans the new enlarged venue, totalling 11,140 sqm, will become “three distinct but interrelated businesses” in one.

Artist impression of the revamped White Rhino bar in Surfers Paradise. Picture: Supplied

They will include:

* The existing White Rhino will be expanded to become a restaurant, bar and sports bar.

* Circle Lane Espresso, described in the documents as a “cafe-style espresso bar”.

* Goo-E Dessert Bart, a “dessert-focused eatery”.

“The development will function as one cohesive site, with unified operational and management structures,” a planning document on the venue reads.

“The proposed integrated venue is intended to enhance the site’s activation and contribution to the local entertainment and hospitality precinct.”

The size of the proposed new venue. Picture: Supplied

Artist impression of the proposed cafe. Picture: Supplied

Sox Hospitality, headed by Simon Morris, declined to comment on the project.

In its application to the council, Sox have proposed operating the venues at different times of day.

The espresso bar would open at 6.10am, seven days a week, while the dessert bar would operate from 11am, with both closing at 10pm.

The White Rhino’s opening hours would be 10am-1am.

Sox Hospitality bought White Rhino in late 2024 from nightclub giant Artesian, which opened the venue in 2018.

Artist impression of the proposed sports bar. Picture: Supplied

It was Artesian’s first dining venue and boasted a 700 sqm floorspace dominated by two giant rhino statues.

It is the latest move by Sox, which also owns Broadbeach’s Meccah Bah at the Oracle, which is undergoing a multimillion-dollar revamp.

Mr Morris told the Bulletin in February about his philosophy behind creating restaurants.

“These venues will (offer) new and exciting options for both locals and visitors,” he said at the time.

“We’re creating not just restaurants, but destinations – places that will bring people together for memorable experiences, whether it’s a casual night out or a special occasion.

“Our mission is to enrich the Gold Coast’s dining landscape with venues that have their own unique character.

“This project is not just about venues, it’s about creating memorable experiences for everyone.”

Originally published as White Rhino Surfers Paradise: First look at Circle on Cavill venue’s expansion plans