Gold Coast Bars for Dancing

Let’s set the scene. You’ve been counting down the days to your Gold Coast getaway with all your mates for what feels like forever. Now that the trip has finally come, you’ve spent your first day soaking up all the sun at the beach and now you’re ready to head out for a night on the town – with plenty of moves to be shown off on the dance floor. 

There’s just something oh-so-special about cutting shapes in the early hours of the morning with your closest buddies. Whether you’re getting low to Beyonce or grooving to some electronic beats, there are fewer moments that bring more fun. Luckily, on the Gold Coast, you’re absolutely spoiled for choice in that department. 

As the unofficial party capital of Australia, there are more places to head for a dance than you’ll possibly be able to try. That’s why we’ve done the hardyards for you. After shaking what our Mumma’s gave us on more nights than we can count, we’ve picked out the very best Gold Coast bars for dancing. 

These venues don’t just offer up a dance floor, but they take things to the next level. You can expect pumping tunes, impressive drinks, epic vibes and an all-round good time. What’s not to love about that? So before you head on out for a night on the Gold Coast, read on to discover some of the best Gold Coast bars for dancing. We must warn you now, these venues will make you want to stay out all night long and may only see you arriving back home as the sun starts to rise for the next day. 

Top Gold Coast Bars for Dancing 

The Island Rooftop 

Set in the heart of Surfers Paradise and overlooking the CBD, you’ll find the ultra-cool and effortlessly chic The Island Rooftop Bar. It commands the roof on-top of the chic boutique hotel that goes by The Island and oozes that same vintage Californian style at the accommodation. Think: festoon lights, big open spaces, plenty of timber and an electric energy. 

This incredible ambience creates the perfect backdrop for the stellar line-up of DJs and Bands that grace this venue week in and week out. As well as up and coming locals, you can also catch plenty of bigger names as the tour along the East Coast or around Australia. With the sound of waves crashing in the distance and foot-tapping beats filling the air, you can easily lose hours on the dance floor strutting your stuff and showing off what your Mumma gave you. When you can do all of that with an epic cocktail in hand, you know you’re onto something good. 

Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Nineteen at the Star

For a glam night out, Nineteen certainly delivers. Found on the 19th floor of the luxury suite hotel The Darling at the recently refurbished The Star Gold Coast, this luxe rooftop lounge bar boasts sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the Gold Coast skyline and beyond. It’s also fitted out with an infinity pool that twinkles under the city lights and provides the perfect setting for all your Instagram shots. 

When you’re heading to Nineteen, you’ll want to find an outfit that balances comfort with style, because you’re going to be burning up steam on the dancefloor. Arrive after dark, order yourself a margarita and make your way into the crowd. From DJs to live gigs, you’ll find different tunes pumping through the speakers every single week. It’s a place that welcomes everyone from newly graduated high schoolers to your Mum and her girlfriends. But no matter who you are or why you’re out, you’re guaranteed an absolutely incredible time. 

Where: Level 19, The Darling at The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Nightjar

Hidden away in the Justin Lane alleyway at Burleigh Heads is Nightjar – an unpretentious dive bar that offers more than you’d expect. Founded by the same team behind Bine Craft Beer Bar, Hideaway Kitchen and Soho in Broadbeach, this casual, industrial-style nightspot at live music five nights a week. Unlike many of the clubs in nearby areas, you’re unlikely to find electronic tunes or deep house music here. Instead, you can cut shapes to some remakes of golden oldies and sing along to all your favourites. 

As well as serving up all the beats, you’ll also be impressed by the killer range of cocktails and craft beer up for grabs. With so many to choose from, you can order a new variation every round and still not run out of options. While there’s no kitchen out the back, the team lets you order from Burleigh’s Red Hot Cod, Tom Ugly and Wahoos right around the corner to satisfy all those late night cravings and keep you full enough to keep dancing all night long. If you start the night with any of the Sailor Jerry rum-inspired cocktails, you’ll know the night will be one to remember. 

Where: Justin Lane, 1731 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads