Photo: Andy Rennie / CC BY-SA 2.0
Star Avenue is a glittering stretch of Pacific Highway that serves as the neon-lit heart of the Gold Coast's nightlife and entertainment scene. Lined with towering casinos, luxury hotels, and high-end bars, this boulevard buzzes with energy from dusk till dawn. While it's famous for its flashing lights and glamorous crowds, Star Avenue also offers unexpected pockets of calm—think rooftop cocktail bars with sweeping ocean views and hidden laneway eateries serving world-class cuisine. Whether you're here to try your luck at the tables, catch a live show, or simply stroll under the stars, this strip delivers a quintessential Gold Coast experience.
Highlights & What to See
- The Star Gold Coast – A sprawling casino complex with gaming tables, poker machines, and a theatre hosting international acts. Even if you don't gamble, the slick architecture and buzzing atrium are worth a wander.
- Dining & Bars – From the glamorous Nineteen at The Star (with its terrace overlooking the skyline) to casual Asian-fusion spots like Kiyomi, the avenue is a foodie playground. Don't miss the hidden speakeasy-style bars tucked away in side streets.
- Nightlife Strip – After dark, the avenue transforms into a parade of revellers moving between nightclubs, karaoke bars, and live-music venues. The energy is infectious, even for a quiet observer.
- Broadbeach Park – A surprising green oasis just off the strip, perfect for a daytime picnic or a breather from the neon buzz. The park often hosts free community events and markets.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors experience Star Avenue as an evening outing—plan for at least 3–4 hours to enjoy dinner, a show, and a drink or two. If you're keen on exploring the casino and its surrounding dining scene, you could easily fill a full afternoon into the night. For a more relaxed pace, combine a late lunch with a sunset cocktail and a leisurely walk through the nearby Broadbeach precinct. The area is compact and walkable, so you can cover the highlights without rushing.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Broadbeach – Just a 10-minute walk away, this sophisticated beachside suburb offers upscale shopping at Pacific Fair, alfresco dining along Victoria Avenue, and the calm sands of Kurrawa Beach.
- Surfers Paradise – A 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk north, this iconic strip is the Gold Coast's original tourist hub, with its own beach, high-rise skyline, and bustling Cavill Avenue.
- Burleigh Heads – Head 10 minutes south for a more laid-back vibe: national park walks, a patrolled surf beach, and a thriving café scene around James Street.
- Mermaid Beach – A quieter coastal suburb with a retro charm, great for a morning swim or a coffee at one of its hidden beachside cafés, just 5 minutes south.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Broadbeach — No machine-readable author provided. Donaldytong assumed (based on copyright claims). / Public domain
- Surfers Paradise — chillmimi / CC BY 2.0
- Burleigh Heads — Herry Lawford / CC BY 2.0
- Mermaid Beach — Chris Olszewski / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Pacific Fair Shopping Centre — AMP Capital Shopping Centres / CC BY 4.0
- Kurrawa Beach — cheetah100 from Auckland, New Zealand / CC BY 2.0