When it comes to hosting a successful event, we at Onstage Entertainment have learnt that venue choice can make all the difference. Over the years, we’ve helped plan and entertain at countless events across the Gold Coast, giving us insights into which venues truly stand out. Whether you’re in search of something small and intimate, keen on keeping costs down, celebrating a birthday in style, embracing the great outdoors, or looking for a rooftop with a view, we’ve got you covered for Gold Coast function venues.

Below are some of our top venue picks drawn from our own experiences providing entertainment throughout Queensland’s beautiful Gold Coast region.

Sky-High Celebrations: 4 Rooftop Function Venues to Impress

1) The Island Rooftop (Surfers Paradise)

• Why We Love It: This tropical open-air rooftop has a lively holiday vibe. We’ve done DJ sets and live bands here, and the skyline views never fail to wow the crowd.
• Key Details:
  • Capacity: 200+ for exclusive use.
  • Theme: Palm trees, fairy lights, buzzing bar scene.
  • Costs: Minimum spend required for large groups (often from $5,000 upwards).

Our Tip: Because it’s mostly open-air, factor in the Gold Coast weather. We’ve had clients add a small marquee cover during the wetter months—it’s best to keep guests happy and dry!

2) Nineteen at The Star (Broadbeach)

• Why We Love It: Classy and glamorous, it’s on the 19th floor of The Star Gold Coast. We’ve organised sophisticated cocktail soirees with roving performers here, complementing the five-star setting beautifully.
• Key Details:
  • Space: Restaurant, lounge bar, rooftop pool terrace, all with sweeping views.
  • Packages: Premium cocktails, canapés, or set-menu dining from around $100+ per person.
  • Crowd: Upscale, perfect for black-tie birthdays or corporate celebrations.

Our Tip: Dress codes typically apply (smart attire), so make sure guests are aware to avoid any surprises at the door. A live saxophonist or violinist is a great fit for that chic rooftop lounge vibe.

3) The Collective Rooftop (Palm Beach)

• Why We Love It: It’s friendly, laid-back, and versatile—ideal if you fancy multiple cuisines in one spot. Our clients love booking a DJ or acoustic band to accompany the amazing range of food.
• Key Details:
  • Capacity: Around 80 seated or 120 standing.
  • Food: Five different kitchens, from pizza to Mexican street food.
  • Atmosphere: Relaxed, palm-fringed décor with gorgeous hinterland sunset views.

Our Tip: We’ve noticed that a lively DJ set around sunset is particularly popular, creating an upbeat atmosphere as day transitions into night.

4) Justin’s Rooftop at Justin Lane (Burleigh Heads)

• Why We Love It: Burleigh Heads is one of our favourite coastal spots, and Justin’s Rooftop is perfect for laid-back parties with ocean views. We’ve often placed a soloist or duo here for Sunday sessions, and it’s a fantastic vibe.
• Key Details:
  • Capacity: 50–100 guests.
  • Signature: Wood-fired pizzas, craft cocktails, live DJ sets on weekends.
  • Style: Beach-chic décor with lots of greenery.

Our Tip: Because the rooftop is open-air, check the weather—there is a small indoor section adjacent, but the deck is best enjoyed on a clear day or night.

Small But Mighty: 3 Fantastic Venues for Intimate Events

1) Little Truffle Dining Room & Bar (Mermaid Beach)

• Why We Love It: Little Truffle is an elegant, award-winning restaurant with private rooms ideal for intimate gatherings. We’ve provided live acoustic sets here, and our clients consistently rave about the upmarket ambience.
• Key Details:
  • Private Rooms: The Cellar Room (up to 20 guests) and the Indigo Room (up to 16).
  • Dining: Refined set menus (from roughly $110 per person).
  • Extras: Sumptuous décor, an impressive wine list, and attentive service.

Our Tip: Soft, live background music or a roaming entertainer brilliantly enhances the sophisticated dining atmosphere.

2) Dune Café (Palm Beach)

• Why We Love It: This spot overlooks Currumbin Lagoon and is relaxed and scenic. We’ve organised small family-friendly gatherings here, often booking a face painter or children’s entertainer, which works a treat given the adjacent playground.
• Key Details:
  • Best For: Casual events of around 30–50 guests on the deck or indoor area.
  • Food: Seasonal menus and café favourites; can cater for special requests.
  • Perks: Picturesque water views, ample parking, easy beach access.

Our Tip: If you’re planning a daytime function, acoustic musicians pair nicely with the laid-back waterfront vibe.

3) Caffeine Kings (Miami)

• Why We Love It: By day, it’s a funky café; by night, it becomes a private bar perfect for a more urban, edgy function. We’ve hosted DJ nights and small dance parties here—our clients adore the underground atmosphere.
• Key Details:
  • Capacity: Up to 60 guests.
  • Costs: No hire fee; typically a minimum spend (~$1,300) on food and drinks.
  • Highlights: Cool graffiti-clad walls, a fully staffed bar, and a decent sound system.

Our Tip: Caffeine Kings’ laid-back staff encourage creativity—so feel free to bring in a DJ, a themed night, or even stand-up comedy. We’ve found these work brilliantly in the space.

Stretch Your Budget: 4 Cheap Function Venues That Deliver

1) Kirra Hill Community & Cultural Centre (Coolangatta)

• Why We Love It: Community centres are often overlooked gems. We’ve seen clients transform the Great Hall for all sorts of events—engagement parties, fundraisers, you name it.
• Key Details:
  • Spaces: Multiple rooms, from small meeting areas to a hall for up to 100.
  • Hire Fees: Very affordable hourly rates are offered by the local council.
  • Amenities: Kitchen facilities, AV equipment, ample parking.

Our Tip: Since it’s a ‘blank canvas’ style hall, we recommend going all out on décor. Our event stylists often bring in uplighting, and we provide stage setups for bands or DJs without any issues.

2) Rattlesnake Motel – Upstairs (Coolangatta)

• Why We Love It: If you’re after a party vibe on a budget, this is a cracking choice. We’ve run 18th and 21st birthdays here with our DJs, and the atmosphere is always buzzing.
• Key Details:
  • Costs: ~ $295 hire + $500 minimum bar spend (very reasonable).
  • Venue Style: Nightclub feel with a private bar, dance floor, lighting, and DJ booth.
  • Capacity: Up to 100 guests.

Our Tip: Because it’s set up for night-time fun, it’s mostly suited to adult celebrations. We often see our photo booth packages do really well in this high-energy environment.

3) Alltime Social (Mermaid Beach)

• Why We Love It: A cosy boutique bar with no hire fee and a fairly modest minimum spend. We’ve found it perfect for engagement parties or Christmas get-togethers wanting a laid-back but private setting.
• Key Details:
  • Capacity: 20–70 guests.
  • Minimum Spend: Around $2,000 on food and drinks.
  • Setup: Indoor-outdoor space with a fully private bar.

Our Tip: We’ve noticed smaller acoustic duos or a chilled-out DJ with a simple lighting setup works best in this more intimate area.

4) The Hellenic Function Centre (Bundall)

• Why We Love It: Large, versatile, and surprisingly inexpensive for its size, making it a solid choice for big events on a tighter budget. We’ve seen everything from corporate galas to milestone birthdays, and the sense of community is brilliant.
• Key Details:
  • Capacity: 400 seated or 800 cocktail.
  • Rates: Lower than hotel ballrooms; external caterers are often allowed.
  • Features: Stage, dance floor, bar area, ample parking.

Our Tip: If you want to bring in multiple entertainment acts—perhaps cultural performances, large bands, or dance troupes—this venue has the space to accommodate them easily.

Party On: Our Top 4 Birthday Function Venues

1) Topgolf Gold Coast (Oxenford)

• Why We Love It: Topgolf events are always unforgettable! We’ve organised roving entertainers and brand ambassadors here, which pair nicely with the high-tech driving range games.
• Key Details:
  • Capacity: From small groups of 6 to large parties of 200+.
  • Packages: Typically around $60–$80 per person for gameplay and catering.
  • Entertainment: Giant screens, dedicated hosts, plus plenty of golfing fun.

Our Tip: We’ve found it’s a hit for corporate birthdays (yes, they exist!), stag/hen parties, and families who love a bit of competitive spirit.

2) Holey Moley Golf Club (Surfers Paradise)

• Why We Love It: It’s quirky, colourful, and suitable for both kids and adults. We’ve arranged magicians and balloon artists for children’s parties and adult groups; it’s all about cocktails and mini-golf challenges.
• Key Details:
  • Attractions: 18 themed mini-golf holes, plus a bar area.
  • Packages: Start at around $14 per person (golf only), with food and drink add-ons available.
  • Atmosphere: Pop-culture themes, vibrant music, lots of laughs!

Our Tip: If you want a private function, consider booking a large portion of the course or the entire venue for bigger celebrations—just be mindful that it gets busy on weekends.

3) Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq (Surfers Paradise)

• Why We Love It: Arcade games, dodgems, bowling—there’s never a dull moment here. We’ve seen children’s parties thrive with face painters whilst adult parties light up the lanes after dark.
• Key Details:
  • Activities: Vintage arcade machines, VR games, ten-pin bowling, dodgems.
  • Birthday Packages: Usually around $30+ per person, including game credits.
  • Full Bar: Cocktails, mocktails, and diner-style eats.

Our Tip: Because there’s so much to do, our interactive MCs can host fun competitions—top scorer on the arcade games, bowling challenges, etc.—it always goes down a storm.

4) Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant (Broadbeach)

• Why We Love It: This iconic dinner-and-show experience offers something truly different. We’ve sent numerous party groups here, and they all rave about the spooky, high-energy performance.
• Key Details:
  • Packages: From around $145 per person (A-Reserve seating with a three-course dinner).
  • Show: Horror-themed cabaret, comedy, live music, burlesque.
  • Audience: Best for adult birthdays—risqué humour is part of the fun!

Our Tip: This one sells out quickly, so do book in advance. A roving photographer or our party host can also capture your group’s reactions if you fancy turning it into a memorable experience reel.

Enjoy the Sunshine: 4 Fully Outdoor Function Venues

1) Gold Coast Farm House (Numinbah Valley)

• Why We Love It: If you’re a fan of rustic, open-air celebrations, this 60-acre property is a dream. We’ve provided live country bands here, and dancing under the stars has been magical.
• Key Details:
  • Location: 30 minutes from Surfers Paradise, surrounded by Hinterland views.
  • Facilities: Mostly raw land with a renovated Queenslander homestead, so you’ll need to organise marquees or structures.
  • Capacity: Flexible; can accommodate larger crowds.

Our Tip: A good contingency plan for weather is a must—summer storms roll through quickly, so a marquee or stretch tent can save the day.

2) Evergreen Garden Venue (Parkwood)

• Why We Love It: A truly enchanting setting of manicured lawns and vibrant foliage. We’ve booked acoustic sets in these gardens, and the natural backdrop always sets the vibe for the occasion.
• Key Details:
  • Type: Private garden estate, fully outdoors.
  • Capacity: Up to about 90 guests.
  • Look & Feel: Lush, whimsical environment—perfect for romantic or boho-themed events.

Our Tip: Because it’s entirely outdoors, think about hiring lighting to transform the garden at dusk. Festoon lights or fairy lights in the trees look fabulous in pictures.

3) Glenrock Farm (Carrara)

• Why We Love It: A quiet hideaway that feels surprisingly rural, considering it’s only minutes from the city. We’ve done large marquee weddings here with a live band and even fireworks.
• Key Details:
  • Setting: Rolling fields, open paddocks, homestead grounds.
  • Capacity: Up to 130 guests (or more, depending on your setup).
  • Style: Rustic, flexible, completely open-air.

Our Tip: We often recommend a generator or ensuring the power supply is sorted for your entertainment and lighting, as outdoor venues can sometimes have limited power access.

4) Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens (Benowa)

• Why We Love It: This public park setting is budget-friendly and visually stunning. We’ve assisted with small concerts, wedding ceremonies, and community events here.
• Key Details:
  • Permits: Booking through the council is required for formal functions (around $320 for a ceremony).
  • Areas: Multiple spots like the Wedding Lawn or Reflection Pond.
  • Amenities: Toilets are on-site; there is limited power, so plan for that if using amplified sound.

Our Tip: We love bringing in acoustic performers or string quartets—it’s a gorgeous place for live music. Just remember that you’ll be sharing the park with the public unless you hire a dedicated zone.

Final Thoughts

We hope this roundup helps you discover the perfect Gold Coast venue for your next function. We know from experience how a great setting can make or break an event, whether it’s an intimate dinner with close friends, a big outdoor bash under the stars, or a vibrant rooftop party soaking in city views.

Remember, if you’re looking to bring the atmosphere with live music, DJs, roving entertainers, or unique acts, we at Onstage Entertainment are here to help. We’ve worked with countless Gold Coast venues, and we know precisely how to tailor entertainment to suit each space.

Here’s to hosting memorable gatherings that will have everyone talking for weeks to come! If you have any questions or want to chat about entertainment options, feel free to contact us at Onstage Entertainment. We’d love to make your next event truly shine!