Mostly known as the destination for the quintessential beach holiday with a side of theme parks and a night out on the well-known glitter strip that is Cavill Ave. You’d be forgiven for thinking that’s all the Gold Coast has to offer.
But talk to a local, and they’ll chew your ear off with a long list of must-visit places in their own suburb. I live in Mermaid Beach, a small GC ‘burb with laid-back bohemian surfer chic vibes, and worlds away from the crowded tourist heart that is Surfers Paradise.
There’s quite a few hidden gems around here so I’m going to take you on a Sunday out and about in my backyard visiting a few of my favourite places.
I am appropriately attired for the fast warming weather in this summery number by Lois Hazel – a piece from her latest collection ‘Fold.’ Lois makes her designs using sustainable deadstock fabrics sourced in Melbourne, and every piece is ethically made in Brunswick. My beautiful dress is 100% silk, and like every other Lois Hazel piece I own, fits beautifully, is flattering on my curves and I’m wearing it to death. I’ve paired with this Everlane Knit, Ancient Greek Sandals, and Wicker Wings straw bag.
First up breakfast at Marie Anita’s Organic Bakery
Marie Anita’s is truly a local gem, you walk inside and drool at the entire menu is organic, locally sourced, gluten and refined-sugar free. Coeliacs rejoice, there is no chance of contamination here, you can eat everything on the menu safely. The all-day menu offers everything from pancakes to breaky wraps and the favourite avocado on your choice of gluten-free sourdough and side if pickled veg.
The menu is not strictly vegan, you can add on eggs or bacon to most dishes, but you will find the majority of the food is vegan-friendly. They also offer a variety of nut and plant milk for your coffee. My pick, the almond milk mocha. Make sure you grab a loaf of sourdough for at home avo on toast and a few of the vegan sausage rolls, they’re better than the real thing.
Next stop The Borrowed Nursery
No visit to Mermaid Beach is complete without dropping into the plant nirvana that is The Borrowed Nursery. The plant store has become a bit famous thanks in part to its pink roller door out front, which has become a fave for Instagram backdrops.
The boutique nursery is bursting with indoor plants of all kinds alongside a curated collection of ceramics, pots, and baskets. I grabbed another beauty to add to my ever-growing collection of houseplants because plants are good for your wellbeing. The range of plants is also available to hire, and the nursery can be booked for functions and events. They also offer workshops if you’re looking for a fun crafty evening out.
*If you do stop by to take a pic for the gram, make sure you tag the nursery. Owner Lauren has put a lot of work into creating this beautiful Insta-worthy space, and it’s only polite to give her credit.
Last I drop into the Clean Beauty Market
I needed a new mineral powder, and founder Erin matched me up with this Lily Lolo foundation. The green beauty emporium is chock full of natural and organic beauty brands, you can lose half a day playing with all the makeup and skincare.
Erin opened Clean Beauty Market almost two years ago when she wanted to offer a place comparable to a Mecca or Sephora that had world-leading clean beauty brands in an environment where it was thoroughly enjoyable to shop. They’ve since expanded into offering event makeup in-store and mobile wedding makeup. There’s an in-house Clean Beauty Spa offering blissful facials, redeemable on their range of products. As well as regular public events, including their birthday party next month.
