Tucked quietly away at the northern end of the Gold Coast, Hope Island is an upmarket enclave that is home to some of the city’s best waterfront addresses, golf courses and upmarket resorts.
The precinct has really come of age in recent years with the installation of place making infrastructure and the construction of local dining and shopping facilities. And there’s even more to come with the Hope Island Town Center currently in the planning stages.
The region is fast emerging as a foodies’ delight, with the water front dining options of Sanctuary Cove alongside a range of best kept secrets and tucked-away local favorites at both Hope Island and the nearby Paradise Point.
Hope Island
Easily accessed by boat, Hope Island Shopping Center is your local shopping complex anchored by the Coles Supermarket and featuring numerous specialty stores and first-class waterfront restaurants and cafes.
Dining options span the entire spectrum -from burgers at Joe’s Burger Bar and tender juicy steak at New York New York, to the authentic Asian eats at the House of Siam Thai. For a well-roasted cup of coffee, nip into Hope Island Deli before doing your grocery shopping or heading out on the boat from the Hope Island Marina.
For a hearty pub meal, live music and the picturesque waterfront views head to The Boardwalk Tavern. Or alternatively meet friends at the nearby Hope Island Tavern for some affordable pub grub. Finish your night at Tiffany’s Cafe & Cocktail’s Chandelier Bar for a night cap before heading home to bed.
Sanctuary Cove
If you are feeling a little grown up, head over to the Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove for a romantic dinner for two. The Fireplace is recognized as one of the best Gold Coast hotel restaurants for fine dining and is reminiscent of a traditional private dining room. Its a la carte menu evolves with the seasons and features locally sourced produce.
Jonez on Food also offers exceptional dining on the Gold Coast with service to match, using only the finest seasonal ingredients and classical French techniques to create a contemporary Australian menu.
For Italian, book into Ioesco, or for a fancy serving of fish and chips you’ve got the infamous George’s Paragon Seafood Restaurant. If you prefer Chinese over Thai, why not treat yourself to the Peking duck at Dragon Cove.
Paradise Point
One of the most northern points of the Gold Coast waterways, Paradise Point boasts a cafe and restaurant lined boulevard that is frequented by nearby residents of Ephraim and Sovereign Islands and the surround suburbs.
Locals will often be seen making their way through the tapas menu at Monsoon or divulging a large bowl of spaghetti at the Italian restaurant, Mano’s. Providing a memorable back drop to any occasion is one of the regions stand out dining venues, Artichoke Restaurant Ephraim Island.
The farmer’s markets also come to town every Saturday in the neighbouring suburb of Helensvale. This is the perfect place to shop for local produce and have an early morning coffee before starting your day.
Retail Therapy
Retail therapy is a must living at Hope Island. Simply drop into the shops at Hope Island Shopping Center or wander the quaint streets of Sanctuary Cove’s The Marina Village to fulfil your retail fix.
Make at day of it by heading to the factory outlet stores of Harbor Town or to the nearby shopping hub of West field Helensvale. If some serious therapy is required, why not jump into the boat and head to Jupiter’s Hotel & Casino at Broad beach for lunch followed by a spot of shopping at the newly redeveloped Pacific Fair.
Shopping opportunities in Hope Island are also set to expand with the 18,700sqm Hope Island Town Center to be built on land next to the Hope Island Tavern. It will feature two supermarkets, a small department store, offices, food outlets and other retail services. The town center will also provide a major boost to the developments already underway at Hope Island and will become the region’s CBD.