Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Gold Coast, Queensland © Destination Gold Coast
A Halal-friendly guide to Brisbane and the Gold Coast
Halal-friendly adventures await in the sun-drenched cities of Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
By Amy Fraser
Muslim-friendly things to do
Story Bridge Adventure Climb, Brisbane, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland
QAGOMA, Brisbane, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland
Dreamworld, Gold Coast, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland
Curtis Falls, Scenic Rim, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland
Tangalooma Wrecks, Moreton Island, Queensland © Tourism Australia
Built around the snaking Brisbane River, activities in Queensland’s capital are often centred around this signature landmark. Start your adventure with a visit to South Bank, located on the banks of the river. You’ll find alfresco restaurants, live entertainment and picturesque parklands. On a summer’s day, there’s nowhere better to cool off than at the South Bank’s man-made Streets Beach, complete with a spectacular city skyline view. For an art and culture fix, explore the Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) and Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA).
Widen your horizons (quite literally), on a picnic experience with a difference. Rent an electric GoBoat to cruise past the city’s most celebrated monuments. If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, climb to the summit of the Story Bridge for a panoramic view you’ll not soon forget.
If you have time, you shouldn't miss Brisbane's collection of easily accessible islands. Take the ferry to Moreton Island, a magnet for adventurers with its epic sand dunes, snorkelling and wildlife experiences. Every evening, a pod of dolphins swims up to the white-sand shores and are hand-fed by rangers.
Dubbed ‘Queensland’s sunshine capital,’ the Gold Coast is a hotbed for family fun, relaxation and ocean activities. Its golden coastline is the city’s main drawcard. With over 70km (44mi) of beaches to choose from, you’ll have no problem finding a spot to unwind on the sand, enjoy a swim or try your hand at water sports like paddleboarding and parasailing.
Away from the ocean, the exhilaration continues at the city’s collection of world-class theme parks. Meet your favourite superheroes at Warner Bros. Movie World and tackle the thrill rides at Australia’s largest theme park, Dreamworld.
A one-hour drive from Brisbane and the Gold Coast lies the World Heritage-listed Scenic Rim. Spend a day uncovering cascading waterfalls, spectacular lookouts and charming mountain villages.
Shopping in Brisbane and the Gold Coast
Queen Street Mall, Brisbane, Queensland © Visit Brisbane
James Street, Brisbane, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland
James Street, Brisbane, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland
Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Gold Coast, Queensland © Destination Gold Coast
The Village Markets, Gold Coast, Queensland © Destination Gold Coast
Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Gold Coast, Queensland © Destination Gold Coast
Brisbane’s premier shopping precinct is the vibrant and pedestrianised Queen Street Mall district. Here, you can fix your retail cravings at a variety of modern shopping centres and iconic 1900s arcades.
In the stylish Fortitude Valley, James Street and the Emporium are teeming with local designers and high-end fashion stores. Shop for antiques and collectables in the suburbs of Woolloongabba, or head to Paddington for homewares, books and designer fashions. For unique art, fashion and accessories, head to the Fortitude Valley Markets, which are held every weekend.
For a full day of shopping, make a beeline to the biggest shopping centre in Queensland. Located on the outskirts of Brisbane, Westfield Carindale is a mecca for shopping and provides multi-faith prayer rooms on request.
On the Gold Coast, you can shop to your heart’s content at Pacific Fair in Broadbeach, which has a prayer room as well as 300 stores, cafés and restaurants. In Biggera Waters, land big-brand bargains at Harbour Town, Australia’s largest outlet shopping centre with over 220 clearance stores.
After soaking in the sunshine at Burleigh Beach, venture to the laid-back, leafy James Street to shop an eclectic mix of Australian boutiques, art galleries and independent homeware stores. If you’re visiting on the first and third Sundays of the month, check out the award-winning Village Markets.
For a unique shopping experience under the stars, visit The Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets (held on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights). As well as a relaxed, Bohemian atmosphere, you’ll discover fashion, jewellery, artworks, beauty products and homewares.
Halal-friendly restaurants in Brisbane and the Gold Coast
Shiraz Authentic Persian Restaurant, Surfers Paradise, Queensland © Shiraz Authentic Persian Restaurant
Eat Street Northshore, Brisbane, Queensland © Tourism Australia
Eat Street Northshore, Brisbane, Queensland © VisitBrisbane
Shiraz Authentic Persian Restaurant, Surfers Paradise, Queensland © Destination Gold Coast
Shiraz Authentic Persian Restaurant, Surfers Paradise, Queensland © Destination Gold Coast
Queensland is well known for its seafood and fresh fruit, and you’ll find these champion ingredients on many Halal-certified menus across the capital. From bustling market vendors to beloved establishments, Halal menus are plentiful in Brisbane.
The Gold Coast’s flourishing Muslim community has introduced flavoursome Halal fare to the Gold Coast, with plenty of options to indulge in traditional flavours, Halal-friendly meats and speciality seafood. You’ll find the city’s largest collection of Halal-certified eateries in Surfers Paradise.
Mosques in Brisbane and the Gold Coast
There are many mosques and prayer rooms within Brisbane. Both Brisbane Airport and Gold Coast Airport offer a multi-faith prayer room, perfect for Muslim travellers.
The most popular and historic mosque in Brisbane is the beautiful Holland Park Mosque. Built in 1908, it’s the oldest mosque on the East Coast of Australia and the first of its kind in Queensland. Nearby is Kuraby Mosque, proudly home to over 40 nationalities within its congregation.
On the Gold Coast, many of the 10,000-plus Muslims that live in the city attend Jum’ah prayer at the Islamic Society of Gold Coast or the Gold Coast Southport Masjid.
