The ultimate game-day guide to the best sports bar on the Gold Coast
If you’re on the Gold Coast during game time, you’re not just looking for a big screen. You want to feel the excitement. You want a place where the crowd’s cheer shakes the walls, the smell of hot wings fills the air, and you feel part of something other than just the match.
You’ll find everything from lively sports bars with screens in every corner to relaxed pubs where the bartender knows your drink before you even sit down. Some places focus on family-friendly comfort, while others thrive on the high-energy chaos of a finals night.
This guide offers the best of both worlds: where to go, what to eat, and tips that make game day on the Coast unforgettable.
Family-friendly sports bar
Crafty’s Sports Bar
– Media credit: craftys_au
Website: https://www.craftys.com.au/
Address: 147/189 Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters
Contact: +61 7 5528 9974
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday and Sunday, 11AM – 10PM
- Friday to Saturday, 11AM – 12AM
Best times: Weekends from late afternoon for a relaxed crowd
Finished a shopping spree at Harbor Town and looking for a place to relax with good food and a drink? Crafty’s is the spot for you.
It has a fun, laid-back atmosphere with plenty of room for families, so you don’t have to stress about the kids getting restless. The real standout for adults is the margarita list, which features 22 different flavors, ranging from the familiar to surprising.
You can enjoy a proper meal, share some snacks, or just unwind with a drink while the kids dive into their own menu. It’s a casual place where you can hang out without feeling rushed.
Pro tip:
Let the kids pick what they want from the menu while you try out a few margarita flavors.
The Sporting Globe x 4 Pines
– Media credit: sportingglobe
Website: https://www.sportingglobe.com.au/
Address: Cnr Cavill Avenue &, Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Contact: +61 7 3520 4299
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, 11AM – 10PM
- Thursday, 11AM – 11PM
- Friday to Sunday, 11AM – 12AM
Best times: Day games, especially Sundays
If you want to watch your team without fighting for a good view, this place nails it. The booths have their own TV and remote, so you can flick straight to your game and not sit through someone else’s.
During the day, it’s easygoing and family-friendly, with lots of kid favorites on the menu plus the pub grub you’re really here for.
Sundays are especially good for day games—grab a booth, order a few plates to share, and just settle in. It’s the kind of spot where you can stay for hours without realizing how much time has passed.
Pro tip:
Book a booth with a private screen so you get to call the shots—literally.
Hope Island Tavern
– Media credit: hopeislandtavern
Website: https://hopeislandtavern.com.au/
Address: 87-97 Broadwater Ave, Hope Island
Contact: +61 7 3558 3308
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 10AM – 4AM
Best times: Saturday Lunch
This is one of those easy, no-fuss spots where the whole family can settle in. The beer garden has plenty of space to spread out, so you can relax with a drink while the kids have fun.
The menu features classic pub food like burgers, schnitzels, and fish and chips, and the portions are generous.
What really makes it great for families is the games like pool and air hockey, which keep the kids entertained and give you some breathing room. It’s the kind of place that works well for a quick bite or a long, lazy lunch.
Pro tip:
Hand the kids a pool cue or some air hockey pucks between quarters. You might actually get to finish your drink while it’s still cold.
Ashmore Tavern
– Media credit: ashmoretavern
Website: https://ashmoretavern.com.au/
Address: 161 Cotlew St, Ashmore
Contact: +61 7 5597 6866
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday, 10AM – 3:30AM
- Thursday to Saturday, 10AM – 5AM
Best times: Friday nights for a lively vibe
Fresh off a renovation, Ashmore Tavern feels bright and welcoming. It’s a great choice for a relaxed family sports night.
The large balcony is the highlight, offering plenty of seating, an airy atmosphere, and a perfect spot to watch the game on screen while enjoying the sunset. Inside, it’s comfortable without feeling crowded, featuring a mix of booths and tables so you can settle in however you prefer.
The menu includes all the pub classics, from steaks to share plates, with enough variety to please everyone.
It gets lively on Friday nights but isn’t so loud that you have to shout over your meal, making it ideal for sports fans and casual gatherings.
Pro tip:
Go for the balcony to get the best view of the screens and the sunset.
Best bars for night games
Burleigh Town Hotel
– Media credit: burleightownhotel
Website: https://burleightownhotel.com.au/
Address: Tsipura Dr, Burleigh Heads
Contact: +61 7 3558 3302
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 10AM – 4AM
Best times: Major events like the State of Origin
When it comes to watching a big game, this place really delivers. The 11-meter mega screen is massive. You could probably see the score from the car park.
No matter where you sit, you’ve got a great view. It’s a favorite for big events like the State of Origin, where the whole place becomes one lively crowd. With late trading hours, you don’t have to rush off after the game.
You can hang around, get another drink, and keep chatting. The energy on a big night here is incredible, and it’s hard not to get swept up in it.
Pro tip:
Every seat is a good one, so just choose a comfy spot to enjoy until the final whistle.
Coolangatta Hotel
– Media credit: thecoolyhotel
Website: https://www.thecoolyhotel.com.au/
Address: Cnr Warner Street &, Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Contact: +61 7 5589 6888
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 9AM – 2AM
Best times: Summer nights for that beach and sport vibe
If you enjoy sports with an ocean breeze, Coolangatta Hotel is hard to beat. Just steps from the beach, it’s a place where you can spend the afternoon watching the game and transition smoothly into a night of live music.
Big screens keep the sports action in view while the windows let in fresh coastal air and waves. In summer, the atmosphere really comes alive.
Daytime means beachwear, and night time means jerseys. People often move between the sand and the bar.
It’s a favorite place for friends, couples, or anyone looking for a vacation feel without leaving the Gold Coast.
Pro tip:
Grab a table by the windows to keep an eye on both the game and the ocean.
Beachfront sports bars
The Beach Hotel Broadbeach
– Media credit: thebeachhotelbroadbeach
Website: https://moretonhospitality.com.au/venue/beach-hotel-broadbeach/
Address: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Contact: +61 7 5655 0784
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 10AM – 11:30PM
Best times: Early evening
This place embodies the modern, relaxed vibe of the Gold Coast. With TVs lining the walls, you won’t miss any action, no matter where you sit. The menu offers fresh options that are a bit fancier than your typical pub.
You’ll find plenty of share plates, seafood choices, and lighter snacks if you’re just stopping by for a drink. The outdoor seating is the highlight, ideal for watching the sunset before the game starts.
It has a laid-back atmosphere that suits both pre-game drinks with friends and a casual dinner date. Arrive early, claim your spot outside, and soak in the ocean air, tasty food and live sports.
Pro tip:
Get there ahead of the crowd if you want one of those sought-after outdoor tables.
Surfers Paradise Beer Garden
– Media credit: surfersparadisebeergarden
Website: https://www.surfersbeergarden.com.au/
Address: Cnr Cavill &, Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
Contact: +61 7 5570 1322
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 10AM – 5PM
Best times: Late afternoon before it shifts into party mode
Right in the heart of Surfers, this beer garden focuses on relaxed, open-air fun. You get that easy beach-town vibe, cold drinks on tap, and plenty of space to kick back with friends.
The oversized games, like giant Jenga or Connect Four, add a playful twist while you watch the match on the big screens. This spot is great for groups, with shared platters and snacks that make it easy to graze without missing a moment of the action.
Late afternoons feel especially nice, as the sea breeze drifts in before the place shifts into its more energetic party mode at night.
Whether you’re here for the sport or just the atmosphere, it’s hard not to settle in for just one more.
Pro tip:
Go for share platters so you can stay put and enjoy the game.
Best sports bar comparison table
Seasonal events and tips
Book early
Finals season fills up the good spots quickly. Places like The Star Sports Bar, Burleigh Town Hotel, and The Sporting Globe x 4 Pines usually get reserved well before game day. Get in early so you’re not stuck waiting by the bar.
Watch for finals packages
Many venues offer game-day specials. Look for drink bundles, large share platters, and even half-time games or giveaways. Check their social media a couple of weeks in advance so you can grab the good deals.
Arrive an hour before the kick-off
Getting there early means you can find a good seat, maybe even a table to yourself. It also gives you time to grab food, order your first round, and settle in. Bigger groups will especially appreciate the head start.
Check operating hours
Some places open earlier or stay later just for the big games. This is useful if you’re watching something from overseas or if it’s a late night final. A quick check keeps you from arriving too early or too late.
Go family-friendly spots for more space
Want the final excitement without being packed in tightly? Visit places like Hope Island Tavern or Crafty’s, where you can spread out. You still get the atmosphere, but with a little more room to breathe.